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

Descartes' Arguments for God's Existence

The Argument from Perfection

The idea of God is not innate within us, nor does it come from external experience, because neither we nor the world are perfect. Therefore, this perfect idea must originate from a being that is truly perfect. If we, imperfect beings, possess the idea of perfection, this idea must have come from a being more perfect than ourselves. This being is God.

The Ontological Argument

This argument, primarily associated with Anselm of Canterbury, is also known as the ontological argument. Building on the concept of God as a supremely perfect being, Descartes argues that if we conceive of God as possessing all perfections, then existence must be one of those perfections. Therefore, God,... Continue reading "Descartes' Philosophy: Proving God's Existence and the Nature of Doubt" »

Characteristics of a Citizen

What characterizes a person belonging to a political society:

• Possessing fundamental rights.
• Assuming obligations and responsibilities.
• Maintaining an adequate relationship with the environment.

The citizen is free. Citizenship is understood in a universal way: it involves all its members.

Citizenship and Democracy

The concept of citizenship has developed alongside the fight for democracy. Democracy and Citizenship are closely linked. Democratic societies, whose objective is the general interest, must equip themselves with institutions and citizens who cooperate in achieving good governance.

In all societies, their members must take responsibility and help build a just society. The construction of a state is the responsibility... Continue reading "Understanding Citizenship and Democracy" »

Civic and Moral Ethics: Core Principles

Human Responsibility and Autonomy

Human beings are responsible for their freedom and actions. These are the requisites for the starting point of our civic and secular ethics, where the person is an end in itself and not merely an instrument. Their autonomy has, as moral constituent notes, dignity and liberty. Civic ethics is based on human rights, serving as a starting point for agreement on socially shared values for coexistence.

Kant's Categorical Imperative

To establish a discourse on ethics is to understand what happens to us, and thus we must always keep in mind the second formulation of Kant's categorical imperative: "Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person

Marvin Harris: Philosophical Implications of Technology

For Marvin Harris, technology has not necessarily brought progress for the individual, but it has had a beneficial effect on society. Harris identifies three stages in technological development:

• Hunter-gatherer societies
• Agrarian societies based on domesticated plants and animals
• Industrial societies

Each technological advancement impacts the use of leisure time. A hunter-gatherer needs approximately 3 hours a day to obtain food. During the Neolithic period, a farmer spent about 6 hours a day cultivating cereal or rice. In the 19th century, workers labored between 12 and 14 hours for minimal wages. Thus, technology may lead to a reduction of free time for individuals, but it has a beneficial... Continue reading "Marvin Harris: Technology, Society, and Alienation" »

Aristotle's Conception of Man: Body, Soul, and Rationality

For Aristotle, man is a composite of body and soul. The body is identified with matter and potentiality, while the soul (the life principle) is identified with form and actuality. The union between soul and body is substantial, forming a synolon. The human soul, primarily identified with rational knowledge, also encompasses vegetative and sensitive functions.

Man as a Political Animal and the Polis

Aristotle posits that man develops fully within the city (polis), as it is the environment where he achieves moral development and flourishes. Hence, he famously defines man as a political animal (zoon politikon), emphasizing that morality is intrinsically linked to the political sphere. Man... Continue reading "Aristotle's Political Philosophy: Man, Polis, and Virtue" »

René Descartes' Quest for Certain Knowledge

René Descartes sought certain knowledge, knowledge placed beyond reasonable doubt, guided by the rigorous procedure of mathematics.

The Cartesian Method: Four Rules

Just as in mathematics, Descartes required a guaranteed foundation from which to deduce the rest of the philosophical system. This foundation is reached by following four methodological rules:

1. Rule of Evidence (Clarity and Distinctness): Accept nothing as true unless it is presented to the mind so clearly and distinctly that there is no room for doubt.
2. Rule of Analysis: A complex problem must be divided into its simplest, most manageable parts.
3. Rule of Synthesis: Once broken down and analyzed, the parts must be reassembled systematically,

Descartes' Metaphysics: God and Substance

The question of my own existence leads to the proof of God's existence. An infinite being must be eternal.

Proofs for the Existence of God

There are two primary proofs for the existence of God:

1. The Idea of Infinity

   The idea of infinity itself must be eternal and is therefore an innate idea. Every idea has a cause, which must be more perfect than the idea itself. The cause of the idea of infinity has three possible sources:

   • The Cogito (my own self): This is rejected because I am a fallible being.
   • Nature: This is rejected because our senses can be illogical or deceptive.
   • An external cause: This cause must be infinite, necessary, and is therefore God.

2. The Ontological Argument

   The second proof is the ontological

Rousseau's Political Philosophy

Rousseau's philosophy did not differentiate classes, believing all people shared the same fundamental needs and desires. He argued that when citizens were represented not as they truly are, but as modest and humble subjects, they became easier to control, leading to tyranny. He noted that the advancement of the sciences and arts also played a significant role in shaping societal change.

The State of Nature and Human Freedom

A man in his natural state is a thinker. Rousseau's contractarian view contrasts with thinkers like Locke and Hobbes, who believed societies formed a pact by accepting the rules of socio-political institutions.

In nature, man is simple; his only concern is survival and meeting basic needs, such... Continue reading "Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Man, Nature, and the Social Contract" »

Consciousness and Human Existence

Consciousness is relational. It implies the conscious human being, always open to reality. Reflexive consciousness is at all times self-aware. This awareness recognizes us as finite beings ('our days are numbered') and fosters intimacy. The human way of acting has two dimensions:

• First dimension: Humans are freed from the tyranny of stimuli and can decide their behavior.
• Second dimension: We determine our behavior because we have enjoyed the power of actualizing some of the possibilities we have at our disposal.

Key Factors in Human Evolution

• Standing: Walking upright on two legs implies a system that moves us away from solar radiation and allows for high endurance. Aristotle called it the "instrument of instruments.

Plato's Core Philosophical Concepts

Dialectic: Reaching Truth Through Dialogue

Dialectic is the method to get to the truth through dialogue, as practiced by Socrates and Plato, who was the true master of dialectics. Dialogue allows for the rejection and complement of arguments, thus reaching the truth level by level. This is the true attitude of the philosopher.

The opposite is eristic dialectic, which was very popular in circles of friends who wanted to be right at all costs, aiming to win a thesis whether it was true or false.

Opinion (Doxa): Forms of Knowledge

Opinion, or doxa, is one of the forms of knowledge. It is divided into two main types:

• Conjecture: The idea we have of things when we see their shadows or reflections.
• Beliefs: When we perceive