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

Health: Advantages and Challenges

Nowadays, health is important for everyone. There are many reasons to take care of it, but it also presents challenges. In this essay, we will have a look at both sides of the argument.

The Benefits of Prioritizing Health

On the one hand, taking care of our bodies keeps us feeling strong and energetic. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep prevent illnesses like heart disease and obesity. Also, mental wellbeing is essential for overall health. Another advantage is that healthy habits contribute to a longer, more fulfilling life. Avoiding substances like alcohol and attending regular check-ups can increase lifespan and improve health.

Health Challenges in the Modern World

On the other hand, not... Continue reading "Health and Remote Work: Advantages & Challenges" »

Understanding Sympathy

1. Earthquake in China vs. Pinky

2. Using imagination to understand someone else’s pain

3. Challenge of 'blind' sympathy

Adam Smith described sympathy as an automatic reaction. Whenever we see people in pain, we cringe. Whenever we see people happy, we cannot help but smile. Through our own faculties and senses, we attempt to imagine what it is like to feel another person’s life with our own. But the sympathy we feel for others is limited by their relative closeness. We tend to sympathize with those closer to us in a single moment than a multitude of people we have never met. Smith uses the example of an earthquake in China against the threat of a severed finger. Although people claim the loss of a finger is nothing to... Continue reading "Understanding Sympathy and Economic Perspectives" »

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,