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

First, a common objection to utilitarianism is that it prioritizes maximizing happiness without considering minority perspectives or moral implications, leading to unfair outcomes. For example, many believe there is no moral obligation to refrain from driving gas-powered cars for leisure. This perceived lack of moral obligation stems from the belief that maximizing happiness for the majority, even if it's for leisure and has detrimental future consequences, is justifiable.

Second, there's a disconnect between the benefits enjoyed by present generations and the costs imposed on future ones. People today often prioritize immediate happiness without considering the long-term environmental costs. A potential solution is to implement measures that... Continue reading "Utilitarianism and Climate Change: A Critical Analysis" »

Essentials of Business and Professional Ethics

1. Ethical Responsibilities of a Business

   • To the general public: Avoiding adverse effects on public health, the environment, and philanthropic efforts.
   • To customers: Ensuring informed choices, the right to be heard, and customer safety.
   • To the workforce: Providing a safe workplace, preventing harassment and discrimination, ensuring equal opportunity, and offering a chance for a quality life.
   • To investors: Practicing good accounting, and providing an accurate portrayal of the firm's financial resources and conditions.

Basis for Ethical Business Organizations

1. Ethical Awareness

   Implementing a code of conduct for all employees and managers.

2. Ethical Reasoning

   Providing ethics education for employees and managers.

The Protestant Reformation

The Protestant Reformation was triggered by Martin Luther's response to the actions of Pope Leo X. The Pope initiated a project in 1517 to rebuild St. Peter's Church, a significant undertaking as tradition holds that Saint Peter is buried beneath it. However, the project faced financial constraints, leading to the sale of indulgences.

This practice, allowing individuals to purportedly shorten their time in purgatory through monetary contributions, deeply troubled Luther. He was particularly disturbed by the notion that salvation could be purchased. Luther felt burdened by the perceived sinfulness of humanity and the idea that wealth could erase sins. Consequently, he composed 95 theses, which were sent to the local... Continue reading "The Protestant Reformation: Origins and Impact" »

Approaches to Determining Ethical Obligation

"It is to the great and fundamental principles of society and civilization—to the common usage universally consented to, and mutually and reciprocally maintained—to the unceasing circulation of interest, which, passing through its million channels, invigorates the whole mass of civilized man—it is to these things, infinitely more than to anything which even the best instituted government can perform, that the safety and prosperity of the individual and of the whole depends."Thomas Paine, The Rights of Man, "Applying Principle to Practice, Chapter One—Of Society and Civilization."

Common Sense Ethical Principles

The following list of prima facie ethical obligations (common sense ethical principles)... Continue reading "Ethical Obligations and Decision-Making" »

Title (Statement or Something Similar)

Paragraph 1: What is it About?

People claim that/ It is claimed that. This is a fascinating idea, but I firmly believe that because of the following reasons.

Paragraph 2: Develop One Side of the Argument

On the one hand, it is true that.

Moreover,

Besides,

For instance, in my case/ when I was young (students personalize to give support to their arguments).

Paragraph 3: Give the Opposing Argument

However, other people are of the belief that.

In addition,

I would like to clarify this with a personal anecdote.

Paragraph 4: Sum Up the Writer's Ideas

In light of the above, I would say that.

Connectors

• Contrast: Although, However, Nevertheless, On the one hand, On the other hand, In contrast to...
• Reason & Cause: Because,

Dear Sir,

INTRODUCCION:

1. I am writing to you because I'm unhappy with (            )

2. I am writing to complain about the quality of the article and seek a replacement.

3. I am writing to you because I would like to express my strong dissatisfaction with the purchase online on the Nike Store website on May 3, 2019.

NUDO:

(EXPLICAR EL PROBLEMA POR EL QUE PONGO LA RECLAMACIÓN), *poner fecha, poner marca, lugar, donde lo compre….

Firstly, the product I was given was not the model I had asked for.

However...

Furthermore.

To make matters worse, I was deeply offended by the behavior of the sales assistant.

He was not only impolite, but also unhelpful.

I have attached a photocopy of my receipt as proof of purchase.

Utilitarianism

Jeremy Bentham is the founder of utilitarianism, or “the ethics of happiness.” When Bentham was a guest on my Almanac page, he outlined his moral science of hedonism. What is hedonism?

"The community is a fictitious body, composed of the individual persons who are considered as constituting as it were its members. The interests of the community then is, what? -- the sum of the interests of the several members who compose it."

- Jeremy Bentham (1748 -- 1832)

• Society is just the sum of individuals in that society.
• For individuals, right actions are those which lead to happiness and avoid pain.
• When it comes to “goods,” more is preferred to less. “Most is best” – this is the idea of maximization.
• Majority rule is the basis

Ancient Philosophy: Plato and Aristotle

Plato

Plato, known for his Theory of Forms, believed in a dualistic reality. He distinguished between the constantly changing world of appearances (shadows) and the permanent realm of Forms, which are only accessible through reason. As a rationalist, he argued that knowledge is innate and discovered through reason, not sensory experience.

Aristotle

Aristotle, Plato's student, emphasized the importance of empirical observation and logic. He developed the syllogism, a system of deductive reasoning, and believed that knowledge is acquired through observation and logical analysis.

Medieval Philosophy: Aquinas

Thomas Aquinas, a prominent figure in medieval philosophy, sought to reconcile faith and reason. He argued... Continue reading "A Philosophical Journey: From Plato to Kant" »

Spanish Enlightenment: Education as the Cornerstone of Progress

Antecedents

Francis Bacon and Empiricism

The basis of Empiricism is that our knowledge comes from experience. It does not come from the principles and dogmas of authorities. Bacon wrote The New Atlantis, a utopia based on the practice of the new science of the House of Salomon.

René Descartes and Rationalism

Born in France, he passed away in Sweden. "I think, therefore I am." The "mind" or "reason" was the main source of truth. Only facts that are clear to the mind are true (rationalism). As a result, the "rational ethic" appeared.

Isaac Newton

He was English. His Universal Law of Gravitation, published in 1687, changed the conception of the Universe. The world can be explained through... Continue reading "Spanish Enlightenment: Education and Societal Transformation Under Charles III" »