Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Philosophy and ethics

Theme 5: Virginia Woolf

A very simple definition of feminism would emphasize that it's about having women’s voices heard, their ideas taken seriously, and having their demands for equality and basic rights incorporated into everyday “democratic” life.

Her Story: A Feminist Perspective

The early history of feminism can be seen in the existence of a cliché word which helps to express this, known as the problem of her story. It may be something of an overused term, but it’s a useful starting point. History needed, needs, and will need to be balanced by her story.

Lana Rakow has distinguished between four feminist approaches to popular culture:

1. The recovery and reappraisal approach
2. The images and representations approach
3. The reception and experience

As the title makes plain, Thomson argues that abortion is not impermissible. More precisely, she argues for the conclusion that abortion is sometimes permissible; she grants that there are scenarios in which obtaining an abortion would be immoral. What is especially novel is the manner in which Thomson constructs her argument. She begins the essay by pointing out that the debate over abortion seems to many people to hinge on whether or not the fetus is a person. Most feel that if we could only determine the answer to that puzzle, the implications for abortion would be clear; namely, that if fetuses are persons then abortions must be impermissible, and that if fetuses are not persons then abortions must be permissible. Thomson, though, thinks

Satire

Satire refers to any writing, in poetry or prose, with the purpose to ridicule, censure (criticize unfavorably), and correct the vices, follies, stupidities, and corruptions of society that threaten good moral order and literary discipline. The best and most representative works are found in those written by Pope and Swift, two masters of satire. Some satire is meant to make us laugh at human foolishness and weaknesses; some satire is meant to make us angry about human vices and crimes. Satire can be aimed at humanity in general, stereotyped groups, or a particular person.

Techniques of Satire

There are some common techniques used in satire:

• Exaggeration: To enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so that it becomes

Ethical Theories and Philosophical Concepts

Absolute: A principle that is universally binding and may never be overridden by another principle.

Abusive Fallacy: A type of informal fallacy in which we attack an opponent’s character rather than addressing his or her conclusion.

Act Utilitarianism: The theory that states “an act is right if and only if it results in as much good as any available alternative.”

Agapeism: An ethical theory based on the principle of love. Sometimes this is based on the New Testament injunctions to love (Matt. 22:37-40, 1 Cor. 13, and 1 John 4:7-8).

Agent: In ethical discourse, the individual who acts with intention, responsibility, and effect.

Agnostic: In a religious context, designates a person who claims not to... Continue reading "Ethical Theories and Philosophical Concepts Explained" »

Animal Farm

Pride and Prejudice

Things to Keep in Mind

The Flawed Lens

• Use of different narrative styles: dialogue vs. epistolary tradition
• Both used for characterization
  • Collins' long-winded speeches are reflected in the long-winded letters, contrasted with Elizabeth and Darcy's quick-witted exchanges
• Letters: Serve as monologues and reveal inner feelings and sentiments
• Dialogue: Character interactions that develop their complexities in different scenarios
• Both serve for plot development
• Morality in Pride and Prejudice
  • Austen feared that economic considerations would overcome morality in human conduct (reflected in Wickham's mercenary personality)
  • A sense of morality is instilled in the readers as they read about the events that occur
  • The message is made more impactful

John Rawls was a 20th Century American philosopher who worked chiefly in the Fields of ethics, political philosophy and philosophy of law. Rawls is Considered by many to be the most important political philosopher of the 20th Century and his landmark book, A Theory of Justice, is praised for having attempted To unite a lot of competing political theories that many had judged Incompatible. Rawls rejected both Marx's Communism and Mill's Utilitarianism to Return to the social contract model of the early Modern period and draw Influence from Locke, Rousseau, Hume and Kant to form his own version of the Theory.

While Locke thought that personal liberty was the most important factor in The social contract and Rousseau thought that social autonomy

Understanding Key Social Principles

The principle of subsidiarity derives from the Christian notion of society. It also determines the State's obligation to take additional, exceptional, complementary, and supportive action in social sectors or functions when society is unable to achieve its goals independently. It aims to promote and assist society. Main characteristics include:

1. It is a principle of reason, not of faith, limiting the natural rights of individuals and social groups.
2. It comprehends both dimensions of social life: the relationship between vertical and horizontal dimensions based on respect for and promotion of social freedom.
3. It is a grave, immutable principle, universal in time and space.
4. It self-adapts to each country and circumstance

Interdependent and Indivisible

All human rights are indivisible, whether they are civil and political rights, such as the right to life, equality before the law and freedom of expression; economic, social and cultural rights, such as the rights to work, social security and education, or collective rights, such as the rights to development and self-determination. They are indivisible, interrelated and interdependent. The improvement of one right facilitates advancement of the others. Likewise, the deprivation of one right adversely affects the others.

Equal and Non-Discriminatory

Non-discrimination is a cross-cutting principle in international human rights law. The principle is present in all the major human rights treaties and provides the central... Continue reading "Core Principles of Human Rights" »