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

Unit 4: Transcendentalism and the Poetic Imaginary

Origins of Transcendentalism

While Ralph Waldo Emerson popularized the term, it was Immanuel Kant who originally coined it. Transcendentalism stands as America’s most original 19th-century philosophical, aesthetic, and literary movement, distinct from mere materialism.

Core Philosophy and Individualism

The movement began with Emerson’s lecture series Nature (1836), followed by his essay The American Scholar. Central to this philosophy is Individualism: the belief that each person must develop an original relationship with the universe and their own interpretation of life. These texts also reflect an awareness of Native American perspectives.

Key Tenets

• Self-Reliance and Optimism: Human actions

Meeting Details

• Purpose of meeting: Review of passenger feedback and operational policies
• Date/time: [Insert Date/Time]
• Present: [List attendees in alphabetical order by surname]
• Chairperson: [Insert Name]

Meeting Agenda and Discussion

Key Business Decision-Making Terms

• Consultation

  A discussion where different expert opinions are heard before a decision is made.

• Confrontation

  An argument or open conflict.

• Concession

  Something you agree to accept or do in order to reach an agreement or end an argument.

• Compromise

  An agreement where you get part of what you want.

• Consensus

  General agreement between a group of people.

• Hierarchy

  The power and decision-making structure of an organization.

• Brainstorm

  To generate ideas imaginatively and energetically.

• Put Forward

  To present or propose.

• Options

  Choices or alternatives.

• Backing

  Support or approval.

• Majority

  Most of the people.

• In Favor Of

  Supporting, not against.

• Go For

  To choose.

• Carry Out

  To perform or execute.

Match Verbs to Nouns: Business Phrases

Match the... Continue reading "Mastering Business Communication: Essential Terms & Exercises" »

David Hume's Sentimentalism

The Scottish philosopher David Hume (1711-1776) is one of the most representative philosophers of the philosophical current known as empiricism. Empiricism prioritizes the role of observation and sensitive experimentation against reason in both science and general thought.

Hume's Ethical Theory

From the point of view of ethics, Hume undertook a study of morality that changed the prevailing rationalist perspective in previous philosophies. He focused more on emotions, passions, and feelings as the foundation of the moral life; therefore, we speak of "sentimentalism" in Hume.

Morality as Experience

According to Hume's ethical theory, morality is a kind of experience clearly different from logical-mathematical or merely... Continue reading "David Hume's Sentimentalism: Ethics and Emotions" »

Durkheim's View on Religion's Social Role

Religion provided meaning in life, authority figures, and most importantly for Durkheim, it reinforced the morals and social norms held collectively by all within a society. Far from dismissing religion as mere fantasy, despite its natural origin, Durkheim saw it as a critical part of the social system.

Religion serves several vital social functions:

• Social Control: Guiding behavior and maintaining order.
• Cohesion: Uniting individuals through shared beliefs and practices.
• Purpose: Providing individuals with a sense of meaning and direction.
• Communication and Gathering: Offering a means for individuals to interact and reaffirm social norms.

The Sacred and the Profane: Durkheim's Distinction

Durkheim's second... Continue reading "Durkheim's Sociology of Religion: Sacred, Profane, and Social Cohesion" »

Qualities of a Good Negotiator

Knowledge

Understand the other party's needs and perspectives.

Communication

Clearly state your desired outcome from the start. Pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal communication, including voice and body language. Avoid aggressive behavior.

Confidence and Listening

Project self-confidence and practice active listening to understand the other party's point of view.

Types of Negotiation

Win-Win

Both sides benefit, leading to voluntarily accepted resolutions. Integrative bargaining aims for win-win outcomes through cooperation.

Win-Lose

Only one side perceives the outcome as positive, making voluntary acceptance less likely.

Lose-Lose

All parties end up worse off.

Negotiation Advice

• Strive for win-win outcomes.
• Maintain

Reflections on Dr. Mario Sergio's Insights

In a compelling video, Dr. Mario Sergio discussed the crucial relationship between ethics and coexistence in a society. He highlighted that our generation faces a significant ethical deficit. Dr. Sergio emphasized that ethics is the "aesthetics of our inner selves," cultivated through discipline and a clear understanding of right and wrong. This ethical foundation, he argued, must be established during childhood.

The Importance of Early Ethical Education

Dr. Sergio quoted a popular saying: "The world we leave to our children depends heavily on the children we leave to this world." This underscores the need to instill strong values and ethical principles in our youth. He referenced the letters of the Apostle... Continue reading "Ethics and Social Harmony: Cultivating a Better Future" »

A human action can be considered as a moral action whether it has the following characteristics:

1. It is done by adjusting to a code or a set of moral rules and values. These rules and values designate what should be considered as morally good or bad, advisable or inadvisable, etc. In the next section we will study what the moral values and rules are.
2. This moral code should not be imposed by the society to the people, but each individual must be free to choose it. For example, I must be free to choose whether or not euthanasia is something acceptable from a moral point of view. For this reason, morality is above all an individual matter related to the autonomy of each person.
3. Being free when acting is something extremely important when assessing

John Stuart Mill: A Pioneer of Liberalism

John Stuart Mill, a nineteenth-century philosopher, was a fresh mind who injected new ideas into England and the history of Liberalism and Social Theory. In his seminal work, On Liberty, he assumes a different angle when looking at the structure of our society, ranging from the modern mindset to government rule.

The Sovereignty of the Individual

John Stuart Mill was a champion of individual liberty. He posited that no human being should play master to another. Furthermore, every human being is considered sovereign over his or her own body. An individual is at liberty to do anything with their body, provided it does not interfere with others. This is deemed to provide utility to the individual and society... Continue reading "John Stuart Mill: Individual Liberty and Social Theory" »

Cultural Relativism

A. One common moral theory covered by Gensler is Cultural Relativism. Many people fall back on this position when confronted about ethical dilemmas. Define “good” according to Cultural Relativism (2 pts.). Explain how someone would employ Cultural Relativism in addressing an ethical dilemma by giving a concrete example (3 pts.). Gensler presents several counterarguments against Cultural Relativism, however. Present one of those arguments in detail as you understand it (5 pts.).

Definition of 'Good' (2 pts.)

1. According to Cultural Relativism, “good” is what is socially approved.

Concrete Example (3 pts.)

2. Concrete example = My girlfriend and I want to move in together but my parents are very religious and don’t believe... Continue reading "Cultural Relativism & Subjectivism: Definitions, Examples, Objections" »