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

Notion of Freedom

What defines freedom is the power to direct and dominate one's actions, the ability to set a goal and head toward it. It is more about self-control than governing others' actions. In the free act, two higher faculties of the soul come into play: intelligence and will. The will chooses what has previously been known by intelligence. To do so, before deliberately choosing, the mind considers various possibilities, with their different advantages and disadvantages. The decision is the result of that mental consideration of possibilities. I decide when I choose one of the possibilities discussed. It is not the possibility that forces me to take it; rather, I am the one who makes it happen.

To be human is to be free. There is physical... Continue reading "Freedom, Responsibility, and the Common Good" »

Nietzsche's Philosophy: From *Twilight of the Idols* to the *Superman*

The Late Period: *Twilight of the Idols* and Beyond

The text belongs to *Twilight of the Idols* of 1888. The content is more than half a *magnum opus* in which Nietzsche pretended to systematize all his thought, called *The Will to Power*. The content is divided into two books: *The Twilight of the Idols* and *The Antichrist*, along with *The Case of Wagner* and *Ecce Homo*. Nietzsche therein does not develop any new thinking, but rather increases what is already known. In January 1889 in Turin, he falls ill and dies on August 25, 1900. The works mentioned, in conjunction with *Thus Spoke Zarathustra*, *Beyond Good and Evil*, and *On the Genealogy of Morality*, represent his... Continue reading "Nietzsche's Philosophy: From Twilight of the Idols to Superman" »

Instinct

Instinct refers to genetically determined guidelines for stationary behavior that occur in all normal animals of a species.

Myths

Myths are stories repeated consistently, explaining the origin and destiny of the human community in which they are effective, often detailing significant events.

Anthropomorphic

Anthropomorphic describes the belief that everything happening in the world is the result of actions by gods who resemble humans but possess significantly greater power.

Analysis

Analysis involves breaking down a complex whole into its constituent, simpler elements.

Summary

A summary involves synthesizing various simpler elements to form a more complex, cohesive whole.

Radical

A radical approach focuses not on how things work, but on whether... Continue reading "Fundamental Concepts in Philosophy and Science" »

Economic Alienation

Economic alienation is the fundamental form of alienation, from which all others derive. The employee suffers from it in various ways:

• Essence: Meaningful work, which distinguishes humans from animals, is not possible in a capitalist society.
• Activity: Work is forced and repetitive, not felt as fulfilling but as something alien.
• Product: The worker has no power over the product of their labor; it becomes something that enslaves them.
• Relationship with the Capitalist: The worker's relationship with the capitalist, who benefits from their work, is fraught with conflict.

Social and Political Alienation

Economic alienation underlies the division of society into classes and the separation between citizens and the state. The state... Continue reading "Alienation and Will: From Marx to Nietzsche" »

The Evolution of the Spanish Essay: From the 19th Century to Democracy

The delicate political and economic situation that dominated the 19th century led into the 20th with a constant concern for the state of Spain. The proposed regeneration went hand in hand with the country, and in their writings, authors discussed the most pressing problems of the moment and postulated practical solutions. However, it was not only the Regenerationists who were concerned about the crisis of the century. In the essays of the Generation of '98, we also see spiritual concerns and anxiety about the meaning of life, fear of death, or the desire for immortality (Unamuno), political commentary from patriotic intellectuals and anarchists, charged with autobiographical... Continue reading "Spanish Essayists: 19th Century to Democracy" »

Hume: Treatise on Human Nature and Human Understanding

*Treatise on Human Nature* as the "Newton of Moral Science"

Treatise on Human Nature is considered as the "Newton of Moral Science." It intends to apply the Newtonian method to moral issues, i.e., the science of man. It aims to unify all the sciences to examine and understand the extent of the forces of human agency and explain the nature of ideas and arguments. From the empirical standpoint, the most important work is the laws of association of ideas.

*An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding*

In *An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding*, Hume abandons the idea of creating a science of man and leaves the Newtonian method. He focuses on an analysis of human understanding and has a strong... Continue reading "Hume's Philosophy: Understanding Human Knowledge" »

Arguments in Favor

This issue sparks debate. Notably, there's a compelling argument for it. Another point supporting this stance is... Furthermore, one aspect of this issue is... The main advantage is... Another point in favor is...

Arguments Against

On the other hand, there are counterarguments. The primary drawback is... Another point against it is... I am convinced that... It's important to remember that... It's crucial. It's vital. With this in mind, I believe that...

Personal Perspective

In my point of view, I would say that... I strongly believe that...

Conclusion

In conclusion, considering all perspectives, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

The First Truth: Cogito

From that universal doubt appears the first truth and certainty. The first base of Cartesian philosophy is: "I think, therefore I am." The cogito is not an argument, but an intuition.

Try to explain rationally the universe, i.e., to explain in terms of man, according to me. It was therefore necessary to start by defining the man, the self, and defining it so that in him were enough elements to build a world system.

The cogito is an act of the subject because I'm the one who thinks.

The ideas represent an inevitable mediation between the thinker and things.

Three Types of Ideas

• Innate: The understanding that has by nature: thought, God.
• Adventitious: Those who come from outside expertise.
• Artificial: Those coming from our imagination.

Understanding Conflict

• A clash of positions arising among individuals or groups because one party's behavior hinders the attainment of another's objectives.
• Generated between two parties: individuals or groups.
• It is a struggle for position; each party seeks to advance its own stance.

Collective Conflict

• Occurs between a company's workforce (as a whole) and the company itself.
• Typically concerns general discrepancies, such as working conditions or general employee interests.
• The resolution affects all involved parties collectively.
• Resolved by representatives of the parties through negotiation, arbitration, or court proceedings.
• Legal pressure methods are commonly used.

Individual Conflict

• Occurs between an employer/manager and an individual employee.

Plato's Theory of Ideas

Plato's theory of ideas affirms the absolute and independent existence of immaterial entities that are unchanging and universal. These ideas constitute a perfect, eternal, and hierarchical world. At its peak is the idea of the Good, which is both the cause and purpose of all other ideas. Knowledge of this order is available to few – the philosophers – hence Plato's proposal that they should govern.

Plato describes a sensible world modeled by a demiurge who seeks to imitate the world of ideas, though matter prevents it from achieving perfection.

Theory of Knowledge: Reminiscence

Plato's doctrine of knowledge, called reminiscence, posits that humans consist of body and soul. The soul is immortal and belongs to the world... Continue reading "Understanding Plato's Theory of Ideas, Knowledge, and Ethics" »