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

The Role of Sympathy in Economics

Adam Smith's Perspective on Sympathy

Adam Smith described sympathy as an automatic reaction that influences our economic behavior. He observed that people tend to reflect the emotions of others, feeling happiness or pain in response to the emotions displayed by those around them. However, Smith noted that sympathy has its limits, as we tend to sympathize more with those closer to us, such as family and friends, than with strangers.

For example, Smith argued that a person would be more distressed by the loss of their own finger than by an earthquake in a distant country, simply because they lack a personal connection to the victims of the earthquake. This limitation of sympathy, according to Smith, influences our... Continue reading "Sympathy in Economics: From Personal Connections to Global Markets" »

Common Words and Phrases

Pannikin: a small pan or cup made of metal and used for eating or drinking.

I dare say: used for saying something is probably true, although you do not know for certain.

Scores of: lots of.

Obsolete: no longer used because something newer has replaced it.

Pedant: someone who gives too much importance to details and formal rules, especially of grammar.

An afterthought: something that you think of and say after you have finished saying something.

Vapid: showing no sign of intelligence.

Eagerness: enthusiasm.

Flittered: appeared for a very short time.

Types of Houses

Detached House

Having no wall in common with another building.

Bungalow

A small house or summer cottage.

Loft

An upper room or storage area beneath a sloping roof; attic.... Continue reading "Vocabulary and Terminology for Everyday Life" »

Understanding how words change form is crucial for mastering English grammar and expanding your vocabulary. This document provides a clear breakdown of common suffixes used to create nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, along with examples of word transformations.

Understanding Noun Forms and Suffixes

Nouns are words that name people, places, things, or ideas. They can often be formed from other parts of speech by adding specific suffixes.

Common Noun Suffixes:

• -al (e.g., approval)
• -ing (e.g., getting, decorating)
• -ion/-tion (e.g., relation, possession, addition)
• -ism (e.g., tourism)
• -ity (e.g., similarity, ability)
• -ment (e.g., government, argument, development)
• -ness (e.g., laziness, darkness, sharpness, weakness)
• -ship (e.g., partnership, relationship)

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 Statements

What is a Statement?

A statement is a declarative sentence capable of being either true or false.

Example: "Broccoli is a good source of vitamin A."

Non-Statements

Non-statements include:

• Questions (open-ended)
• Commands
• Exclamations
• Suggestions

Example: "Is it cold outside?"

Argument Structure: Indicators

Conclusion Indicators

Words that often signal a conclusion:

• Therefore
• Thus
• Consequently
• For this reason
• So

Premise Indicators

Words that often signal a premise:

• Since
• Because
• For
• For that reason
• In that
• As
• Given that

Deductive Argument Forms

Invalid Argument Example 1

This example demonstrates a common logical fallacy:

• Premise 1: All banks are financial institutions.
• Premise 2: Wells Fargo is a financial institution.
• Conclusion: Therefore, Wells Fargo

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" »