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

Persuasion

Persuasion: the process of influencing people’s attitudes, beliefs, values, or behaviors

Persuasive Speaking

Persuasive speaking: in a speech

Argument

Argument: articulating a position with the support of logos, ethos, and pathos

Logos

Logos: a means of persuasion in which you construct logical arguments that support your point of view

Ethos

Ethos: a means of persuasion in which you argue that your competence, credibility, and good character should persuade others to accept your point of view

Pathos

Pathos: a means of persuasion in which you appeal to the emotions of others so that they accept your point of view

Reasoning

Reasoning: the mental process of making an argument by drawing inferences from factual information to reach a conclusion

Inductive

Understanding Utilitarianism

The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number

You have probably heard a politician say he or she passed a piece of legislation because it did the greatest good for the greatest number of citizens. Perhaps you have heard someone justify their actions because it was for the greater good.

In this article, we are going to talk about the philosophy behind such actions. The philosophy is known as utilitarianism. Although it is a long word, it is in common usage every day. It is the belief that the sole standard of morality is determined by its usefulness.

A Teleological System

Philosophers refer to it as a “teleological” system. The Greek word “telos” means end or goal. This means that this ethical system determines morality... Continue reading "Understanding Utilitarianism: The Greatest Good for the Greatest Number" »

A Historical and Cultural Perspective of Philosophy II: Renaissance

Classical authors of Greco-Roman culture were explored and studied. During the 17th century, philosophers focused their interest on questions related to our knowledge of reality. During this period, two important branches of philosophy emerged: Rationalism (Descartes' innate ideas res cognition vs res extensa) and Empiricism (Hobbes, Locke, Berkeley, Hume) - our knowledge is originated in the sensorial information. There is no knowledge of any other kind. During the Enlightenment (18th century), philosophy believed that society must be improved. Philosophers argued that this improvement of society would be achieved by educating the population and cultivating free thought (Rousseau,... Continue reading "History and Evolution of Philosophy: From Renaissance to Contemporary Times" »

·A just person is happy, and an unjust one wretched. SOCRATES PLATO’S REPUBLIC

·Crooked wood must await steaming and straightening on the shaping frame, and only then does it become straight. Blunt metal must await honing and grinding, and only then does it become sharp. Now since people’s nature is bad, they must await teachers and proper models, and only then do they become correct in their behavior. XUNXI

·Even those who practice justice do so against their will because they lack the power to do wrong. PLATO’S REPUBLIC

·Every man believes that injustice is much more profitable to himself than justice, and any exponent of this argument will say that he is right. The man who did not wish to do wrong with that opportunity, and did not... Continue reading "Quotes on Justice, Virtue, and Human Nature" »

Models of Explanation

The Scopes Trial: A Clash of Beliefs

The Core Conflict

The play revolves around three central characters: Brady, Drummond, and Rachel. The primary conflict between Drummond and Brady highlights the clash between fundamentalism and modernism. Brady, the prosecuting attorney, champions creationism and fights to prohibit the teaching of Darwin's theory of evolution. Drummond, on the other hand, supports evolutionism. Initially, Brady and Drummond were friends who admired and understood each other. However, their opposing beliefs transform them into adversaries. This conflict evolves throughout the play. While Brady wins the trial, Drummond achieves a moral victory as Cates stands up for his beliefs.

Brady's Transformation

Matthew Harrison Brady,... Continue reading "Clash of Beliefs: Dramatizing the Scopes Trial" »

Ancestor Beliefs and Traditional Costumes

Many people have misconceptions about ancestor beliefs and traditional costumes. Some consider them to be disturbing or forbidden, while others find them to be proper and appropriate. However, it is important to not ignore or refuse to stay behind these customs, as they are a part of our roots and heritage.

Traditional costumes are not just a comeback attempt or a stereotype. They are a creative and well-deserved expression of our cultural identity. They may seem narrow-minded or treacherous to some, but they are actually a typical and widespread phenomenon worldwide.

It is crucial to keep the spirit of our ancestors alive and not let it be overshadowed by alien and modern influences. Just like a spacecraft... Continue reading "The Impact of Ancestor Beliefs on Traditional Costumes" »

Our Committee Emphasizes the Importance of English Language Education

Our committee also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every European student must have at least the B1 level in English by the end of their secondary education.

Bearing in mind that the lack of knowledge of a second language decreases citizens' opportunities of finding a job as well as their ability to communicate with foreigners.

The Committee on Culture and Education draws attention to the European Commission on the beneficial aspects of providing unemployed people the possibility of attending free language classes.

Essential Vocabulary: Key Definitions

Words Starting with E

Effervescent

Giving off bubbles; fizzy; vivacious and enthusiastic.

Words Starting with F

Formal

Done in accordance with rules of convention or etiquette; officially sanctioned or recognized.

Words Starting with H

Hasten

To be quick to do something.

Heart

The central or innermost part of something; to like very much.

Hindrance

A thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone.

Words Starting with M

Motive

A reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious; causing or being the reason for something.

Words Starting with O

Oasis

A fertile spot in a desert where water is found.

Words Starting with P

Proliferate

To increase rapidly in numbers.

Words Starting

Utilitarian ethics bases right and wrong on the greatest happiness principle. This principle states that actions are considered moral when they tend to promote happiness and deter its opposite, and immoral when the opposite occurs. This principle was formulated by Jeremy Bentham. Mill claimed that it is demeaning to reduce the meaning of life to pleasure. Utility is defined as pleasure itself and the absence of pain. Happiness is a sign that we are exercising our higher faculties.

When making a moral judgment on an action, utilitarianism thus takes into account not just the quantity but also the quality of the pleasures resulting from it. A pleasure is of higher quality if people would choose it over a different pleasure even if it is accompanied... Continue reading "Utilitarian Ethics: The Greatest Happiness Principle and Moral Judgments" »