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

Utilitarianism - Mill

• Why intentions/duty/inclination don't really matter (for Utilitarianism):

To utilitarians, intentions don't matter because when looking at a situation you need to strip away the intentions so that you can look at the act alone as good or bad

• Explain why happiness/pleasure is the desired goal of morality in Utilitarianism

Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote overall human happiness

• The relationship between virtue and disinterestedness

Virtue can still be desired but should be desired disinterestedly (so basically not gaining virtue for your own benefit)

Deontology - Kant

• Principle of volition

A principle that governs any rational will

• Why/how consequences aren't the deciding factor for ethical goodness

Deontology... Continue reading "Comparing Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics, and American Indian Ethics" »

The Shift Towards Organic Alternatives

It wasn't until people realized the harmful practices of food corporations that they began seeking alternatives. This realization sparked a paradigm shift in consumer behavior and attitudes toward genetically modified products. These texts explore this issue, which resonates with the vast majority of the public, from different perspectives.

Organic Food Awareness and Accessibility

The first passage suggests that consumers of naturally processed foods are often unaware of what genetically modified products truly entail. However, it's arguably those who purchase organic food who are most aware of the potential harm in conventional options. This awareness stems not only from concerns about chemicals but also... Continue reading "The Rise of Organic Farming: A Response to Harmful Food Production" »

Care Ethics: Held's Theory

Major Features of Care Ethics

• Attending to Particular Others: Focusing on specific individuals we have responsibilities towards, such as maternalism.
• Recognition of Dependence and Interdependence: Acknowledging that humans rely on others throughout their lives, creating moral obligations.
• Value of Emotion: Emphasizing the importance of emotions like sympathy, empathy, and responsiveness in moral decision-making.

Kinds of Emotions Valued and Rejected

• Valued Emotions: Sympathy, empathy, sensitivity, responsiveness.
• Rejected Emotions: Egoistic feelings, favoritism, aggressive impulses.

Care as Practice and Value

• Care as Practice: Guides us in responding to needs and understanding why we should.
• Care as Virtue: Values caring personalities

What is Epistemology?

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies knowledge and how we understand reality. This document delves into the main questions philosophers have asked about human knowledge, focusing on our two primary cognitive faculties: reason and the senses.

Key Areas of Epistemological Inquiry

• Methods proposed to guarantee rigorous and trustworthy acquisition of knowledge.
• The objective of all knowledge: truth. What is truth, and what criteria have been proposed for identifying it?
• Philosophical theories that question whether human knowledge is limited or limitless.

Cognitive Faculties: Reason and the Senses

Reason and the senses are the two main instruments we use to experience reality. Our senses allow us to be aware of our... Continue reading "Epistemology: Understanding Human Knowledge and Reality" »

Malapropism-humorous misuse of A word that sounds similar to the word intended but has a ludicrously different Meaning

Mania-crazed, excessive excitement; Insanity; delusion

Marginal-related to or located at the Margin or border; at the lower limit of quality; insignificant

Materialistic-preoccupied with Material things; greedy for possessions

Mawkish-overly sentimental; maudlin

Meander-to travel along a winding or Indirect route; to ramble or stray from the topic

Medium-the means by which something Is conveyed or accomplished; a substance through which something is transferred Or conveyed; the materials used by an artist

Melancholy-gloomy; depressed and weary

Melee-a brawl; a confused fight or Struggle; a violent free-for-all; tumultuous confusion

Menagerie-

The Origin of Philosophy

• It begins with the recognition of ignorance
• It's a theoretical type of knowledge that aims to transform reality
• It's universal
• It

Gulliver's Travels: A Satirical Exploration of Humanity

3rd Voyage: The Floating Island of Laputa

The King's Unique Policy

Even though the Laputians excel only in music and mathematics, they still desire world domination. This exemplifies human nature, as the King employs a peculiar tactic: if neighboring islands disobey, he hovers Laputa above them, blocking sunlight and rain while dropping stones until they submit.

Lost in Thought

Laputians are so engrossed in their internal world of deep thought that they require constant reminders of their actions. This serves as a metaphor for individuals consumed by their own thoughts, oblivious to the external world, and convinced of their own righteousness.

4th Voyage: The Land of the Houyhnhnms

Reason vs.

In order to achieve happiness

, Aristotle believed it is necessary to live our lives in accordance to reasons and virtues. Intelligence and virtue are these fundamental ideas he believed can help us become the “supreme good”. Furthermore, happiness seems to be more of a pursuit rather than a state of being. Hence, I believe his definition of happiness lies on the dependency of ourselves. If we were to choose a virtuous path, it can give us the best way to live our lives and more importantly, finding our true form of happiness in the process.

Eudaimonia

is the pursuit of true happiness in our lives. For Aristotle, he believed we should obtain good habits; helping others in need in order to bring greatness into our lives. By displaying many... Continue reading "Aristotle's Definition of Happiness and Acts of Kindness in the Story" »

Explain what the Success Theory of self-interest is, as described by Derek Parfit.

A theory of self-interest is a general answer to the question ‘what would be in a person’s interest?’ or ‘what would be best for a person? ’Or what would make a person’s life go for him, as well as possible? The success theory of self-interest is part of the desire-fulfillment theories, which claim that what would make one’s life go best is whatever would best fulfill one’s desires. What makes one’s life’s go better is whatever better fulfills their desires. The success theory restricts the relevant desires to be desires about one’s own life. Only desires that involve me will be relevant in determining whether or not my life is going better... Continue reading "Theories of Self-Interest and Virtue Ethics in Aristotle's Philosophy" »

Plato's Republic: Key Concepts

Virtues for Each Class

Producers

Artisans/producers should master temperance (control of desire) to maintain societal balance. Moderate enjoyment of material wealth prevents overproduction and laziness.

Auxiliaries

Warriors/auxiliaries require fortitude and courage. They must prioritize the city's safety over their own lives and bravely face challenges.

Rulers

Rulers need wisdom and knowledge of the good. They must discern the city's needs and guide citizens towards the common good.

The Role and Censorship of Poetry

Poetry plays a role in education, but Plato believes it should be censored. Its beauty and charm can mask harmful narratives.

The Importance of Music and Gymnastics

Music and gymnastics are crucial for education.... Continue reading "Plato's Republic: Virtues, Censorship, and Education" »