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

Tema IV. El hombre, ser libre

La indeterminación de la libertad

El ser humano posee una tendencia hacia lo infinito, una inclinación ilimitada que trasciende las contradicciones. Este es el factor más decisivo: podemos romper nuestra cadena de necesidades básicas. La vida humana debe calificarse como una satisfacción parcial, por lo que nuestra libertad está intrínsecamente asociada a la responsabilidad.

Los límites: determinación a la felicidad

A pesar de nuestra tendencia a lo eterno, enfrentamos limitaciones. El ser humano aspira a la felicidad, pero nuestras decisiones están condicionadas por la ignorancia; no podemos desear ni realizar aquello que desconocemos, y existen formas de ignorancia que nos deshumanizan.

La autodeterminación

Core Bioethical Principles

Moral Progress and Scientific Advancement

There is no possible scientific progress without moral progress too.

The Unity of the Human Person

Each human being is a biological, spiritual, and moral unity. What truly differentiates persons from other living beings is our capacity to behave morally.

Primacy of Human Life

The Belmont Report outlines general bioethical principles. A key principle is the primacy of present and real human life above any other interest or value. This also implies the respect for human dignity.

Understanding Human Dignity

The origin and foundation of the duty of absolute respect for human life are to be found in the dignity proper to the person, and not simply in the natural inclination to preserve... Continue reading "Bioethical Foundations: Human Life, Dignity, and Legal Status" »

Anthropological Ideas of the Holy Fathers (Platonism) - Until the 13th Century

These ideas persisted until the 13th century due to:

• The idea that the soul is in the body due to a fall (original sin)
• The idea that the soul, in the body, is subjected to superior and inferior tendencies (battle between the flesh and the spirit)
• Immortality of the soul

Saint Thomas Aquinas (Aristotelian Standpoint)

• The soul is the form of the body.
• The soul does not pre-exist the body; it is created by God at the same time it in-forms the body.
• No transmigration.
• Immortal soul.

Descartes (Plato's Standpoint - Efficient Causality)

Descartes' views aligned with Plato's because:

• He rejects the concept of substantial forms.
• He considers the soul to be a thinking and self-sufficient

Question 1: Greatness of the Soul

Aristotle's Perspective

Aristotle defines greatness of the soul as moral perfection, encompassing virtues like courage, temperance, wisdom, generosity, strength, and justice. He believes that a virtuous person, incapable of pride, would sacrifice their assets for honor. Achieving greatness of the soul, for Aristotle, is the ultimate path to happiness.

Conflicting Views: Augustine and Hobbes

St. Augustine disagrees, arguing that Aristotle's view promotes self-glory rather than adherence to God's word. Augustine emphasizes the cardinal virtues but stresses the importance of praising God for salvation. Hobbes also diverges from Aristotle, asserting that happiness is not an end in itself but a means to another... Continue reading "Aristotle vs. Aquinas & Hobbes: Views on Virtue, Happiness, and the Soul" »

Ethics as a Whole: A Moral Reasoning: Formula

Moral principle + Action = Moral value. Applying a moral principle to an action we are able to come up with moral evolution Issues. There can be 3 problems with moral reasoning: 1. Consistency 2. Lack of facts 3. Sources of moral principles. Moral principle= Killing innocent people is evil. Action= Billy killed an innocent person. Value= Billy is an evil person. Objective — Universal— Always time. Subjective — Particular—Time-Space. Moral Relativism General Characteristic — The belief that moral principles are values created by each culture's customs and conventions. No objective moral values. Moral relativism can lack consistency as it can be based on your opinion and change with every... Continue reading "Understanding Moral Reasoning and Ethical Principles" »

Notes on the Tao of Pooh

"Pooh just is." He doesn’t think too much, worry, or plan.

The How of Pooh?

"The Vinegar Tasters": Confucians see the world as an imperfect place in need of being ordered by human beings. Buddhists see the world as a place full of suffering that should be rejected. Taoists see the world as a naturally harmonious place that should be embraced and enjoyed for what it is.

From the Taoist perspective, Confucian thinking is flawed because natural laws should be accepted and obeyed; attempts to impose an outside, artificial order only create conflict and discomfort. Being in harmony with natural laws leads to happy serenity.

The Tao of Who?

Those who think too intellectually or try too hard (too self-consciously), like Rabbit,... Continue reading "Tao of Pooh: Taoist Lessons in Simple Living and Harmony" »

Quiz 2: Metaphysics and Theology

1. Which thinker argued that our decision to believe in God is a matter of rational wager? Blaise Pascal
2. Which theologian attempted to reconcile Realism and Nominalism through Conceptualism? Pierre Abelard
3. Which philosopher developed the allegory of the cave? Plato
4. Who developed the argument from degrees of qualities? St. Thomas Aquinas
5. The arguments for the existence of God belong to which part of philosophy? Metaphysics
6. The Cosmological Argument was inspired by which ancient Greek philosopher? Aristotle
7. Which argument relies on a priori reasoning? Ontological Argument
8. Which opposition affects the status of universal concepts? Realism vs. Nominalism
9. Who is the author of the Cosmological Argument? St. Thomas Aquinas
10. Who

The Age of Reason and Intellectual Trends

The Enlightenment is a term used to describe the trends in thought and letters in Europe and the American colonies during the 18th century, prior to the French Revolution. The phrase was employed by writers of the period who were convinced they were emerging from centuries of darkness and ignorance into an Age of Reason.

Core Principles of Enlightenment Thought

During the Enlightenment, people believed that through reason, progress would be possible in several key areas:

• Knowledge and scientific understanding
• Technical achievements
• Moral and social values

There was a concerted attempt to supplant the aristocracy and established churches in social and political life, as these institutions were often viewed... Continue reading "The Age of Reason: Enlightenment and Political Change" »

Thomas Hobbes (17th Century)

In the opinion of many scholars, Thomas Hobbes stands as one of the first great political philosophers of modern times. His cultural antecedents were the Reformation and the Renaissance, movements which, despite their differences, shared a common thread: a yearning to return to origins. The Reformation challenged established religious traditions, while the Renaissance extolled the virtues of classical philosophy. However, these movements also engendered discord, particularly concerning religious authority, leading to widespread conflict. It was an era marked by ambiguity and the absence of clear authority.

Born amidst the tumult of civil war, Hobbes's philosophical outlook was profoundly shaped by this experience.... Continue reading "Thomas Hobbes and the Social Contract" »