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

Core Ethical Frameworks

This paper examines three primary schools of ethics derived from Aristotle’s Aristotelian Ethics, followed by a critical analysis of potential objections to strengthen my perspective.

The Three Schools of Ethics

• Consequentialism: Asserts that the moral rightness or wrongness of an action depends entirely on its consequences. The Utilitarian perspective defines this through "happiness," characterized as pleasure in the absence of pain.
• Deontology: Focuses on moral rightness determined by conformity to universal rules and principles.
• Virtue Ethics: The most prominent approach, which posits that virtue is primary, rather than focusing solely on what is considered "good" or "right."

Aristotle’s Criteria for Virtue

Aristotle... Continue reading "Aristotelian Ethics: Virtue, Deontology, and Consequentialism" »

Natural Law, Rights and Justice in Legal Theory

Key Concepts and Definitions

Natural right

A kind of action belonging to a broader moral order (natural law); it can be discovered in the nature of human realities. It is a whole bundle of institutions that allow basic justice in societies and among people.

Iusnaturalism

What is natural for humans is common to all (universal), and those elements that are not essential change according to the different conditions in which they develop (positive right).

Positive right

Law arranged by the human will.

Positivism

A philosophical current that denies the validity of speculative metaphysics. It precedes the juridical trend of legal positivism and exclusively admits as real what is empirical, countable, and

Malapropism-humorous misuse of A word that sounds similar to the word intended but has a ludicrously different Meaning

Mania-crazed, excessive excitement; Insanity; delusion

Marginal-related to or located at the Margin or border; at the lower limit of quality; insignificant

Materialistic-preoccupied with Material things; greedy for possessions

Mawkish-overly sentimental; maudlin

Meander-to travel along a winding or Indirect route; to ramble or stray from the topic

Medium-the means by which something Is conveyed or accomplished; a substance through which something is transferred Or conveyed; the materials used by an artist

Melancholy-gloomy; depressed and weary

Melee-a brawl; a confused fight or Struggle; a violent free-for-all; tumultuous confusion

Menagerie-

Essential Vocabulary List

• Ebb: To diminish.
• Ecclesiastical: Having to do with the church.
• Eclipse: To block the light of.
• Ecosystem: A community of organisms.
• Edict: An official decree.
• Edifice: A big, imposing building.
• Effectual: Effective.
• Efficacy: Effectiveness.
• Effigy: A likeness of a person.
• Elation: A feeling of great joy.
• Electorate: The voters.
• Elegy: A mournful poem or music.
• Elite: The best selected group.
• Elocution: The art of public speaking.
• Emaciate: To make extremely thin through starvation or illness.
• Emanate: To come forth.
• Emancipate: To liberate.
• Embargo: A government suspending foreign trade.
• Embellish: To adorn.
• Embody: To personify.
• Embroil: To involve in conflict.
• Embryonic: Undeveloped.
• Emissary: A messenger sent to represent another.
• Empathy:

The Origin of Philosophy

• It begins with the recognition of ignorance
• It's a theoretical type of knowledge that aims to transform reality
• It's universal
• It

Six Core Aspects of Religiosity

There are six features of religion: authority, ritual, explanations, traditions, grace, and mystery.

• Authority: Leaving divine authority aside and approaching the matter in human terms only, authority is a central pillar.
• Ritual: A second normal feature of religion is ritual—the practices we perform for our faith.
• Explanation: The third aspect is explanation, which answers the profound questions in our minds.
• Tradition: Fourth is tradition, which helps us pass information and religious practices to future generations.
• Grace: A fifth typical feature of religion is grace—a belief often difficult to sustain in the face of harsh facts.
• Mystery: Finally, religion traffics in mystery. Not everything is fully explained;

Gulliver's Travels: A Satirical Exploration of Humanity

3rd Voyage: The Floating Island of Laputa

The King's Unique Policy

Even though the Laputians excel only in music and mathematics, they still desire world domination. This exemplifies human nature, as the King employs a peculiar tactic: if neighboring islands disobey, he hovers Laputa above them, blocking sunlight and rain while dropping stones until they submit.

Lost in Thought

Laputians are so engrossed in their internal world of deep thought that they require constant reminders of their actions. This serves as a metaphor for individuals consumed by their own thoughts, oblivious to the external world, and convinced of their own righteousness.

4th Voyage: The Land of the Houyhnhnms

Reason vs.

In order to achieve happiness

, Aristotle believed it is necessary to live our lives in accordance to reasons and virtues. Intelligence and virtue are these fundamental ideas he believed can help us become the “supreme good”. Furthermore, happiness seems to be more of a pursuit rather than a state of being. Hence, I believe his definition of happiness lies on the dependency of ourselves. If we were to choose a virtuous path, it can give us the best way to live our lives and more importantly, finding our true form of happiness in the process.

Eudaimonia

is the pursuit of true happiness in our lives. For Aristotle, he believed we should obtain good habits; helping others in need in order to bring greatness into our lives. By displaying many... Continue reading "Aristotle's Definition of Happiness and Acts of Kindness in the Story" »

Unit 0: Relationships and Dating

Phrasal Verbs

• Let down: decepcionar
• Chat up: intentar ligar
• Ask out: invitar a salir
• Get over: olvidar
• Go out: salir
• Split up: romper

Other Vocabulary

• Verb: Date (salir con)
• Nouns: Date (cita), Match (pareja), Guy (tío)
• Adjectives: Cute (rico), Kind (amable), Reliable (de fiar), Sporty (deportista)

Time Expressions and Sequencing

First, then, next, afterwards, the next day, when, while, finally.

Unit 1: Daily Life and Housing

Key Vocabulary

• Verbs: Anxious (eager), Prove (demonstrate), Succeeded (achieved something), Boil (heat water to 100°C), Respect (have a good opinion of), Surround (rodear)
• Nouns: Celebrity (a well-known person), Commuter (someone who travels to a city every day to work), Desert (desierto), Flat (piso)

Explain what the Success Theory of self-interest is, as described by Derek Parfit.

A theory of self-interest is a general answer to the question ‘what would be in a person’s interest?’ or ‘what would be best for a person? ’Or what would make a person’s life go for him, as well as possible? The success theory of self-interest is part of the desire-fulfillment theories, which claim that what would make one’s life go best is whatever would best fulfill one’s desires. What makes one’s life’s go better is whatever better fulfills their desires. The success theory restricts the relevant desires to be desires about one’s own life. Only desires that involve me will be relevant in determining whether or not my life is going better... Continue reading "Theories of Self-Interest and Virtue Ethics in Aristotle's Philosophy" »