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

Philosophical Foundations and Scientific Methodology

Plato's Dual Reality: Forms and the Sensible World

In his view of the world, Plato distinguishes reality into two realms: the sensible world and the world of Ideas (Forms). The world of Forms represents the authentic reality, existing eternally, unchanging, and immaterial. In contrast, the sensible world consists of multiple, changing, and material objects.

The sensible realities are merely copies or imitations of the Forms. The Forms serve as the true standard for knowledge, virtue, and the possibility of achieving genuine understanding.

Scientific Knowledge and Methodological Divisions

Scientific knowledge aims for objectivity and is intrinsically linked to technological development. As Descartes... Continue reading "Philosophical Foundations: Plato, Science, and Epistemology" »

Historical Context of the British Enlightenment

In the British Isles, a strong opposition existed between Puritans and Anglicans (who supported royal power). This period witnessed two significant revolutions:

• The English Revolution (1640-1660): King Charles I was executed, and Oliver Cromwell, a Puritan leader, established a dictatorship. Puritans sought a return to Christian roots by removing Catholic influence.
• The Glorious Revolution (1688): This bloodless revolution brought William III and Mary II of Orange to the throne, instituting a parliamentary monarchy.

Following the 1688 Revolution, England, and subsequently Great Britain, embarked on a path toward constitutionalism, becoming a model for the 18th-century Enlightenment. This era provided... Continue reading "The British Enlightenment: Foundations and Impact" »

Wittgenstein: A Pivotal Figure in Philosophy

Ludwig Wittgenstein stands as a truly important philosopher, marking a significant point in the history of philosophy where repeating previous approaches became insufficient. His unique perspective distinguished him greatly. While comparisons might be drawn to the genius and commitment of Socrates, Wittgenstein's path through philosophy followed its own distinct model.

Life, Talents, and Career

He was a man of superior talents, demonstrating expertise not only in philosophy but also in mathematics, logic, and music. His diverse life included:

• Studying engineering
• Serving in the First World War
• Working as a teacher
• Working as a gardener
• Becoming a professor at the University of Cambridge

Major Works and Core

How to Evaluate the Consequences of an Act?

Only by the amount of happiness or "the opposite of happiness" they produce. Mill clarified that the consequences have not been evaluated with respect to an act but respect for the rule in which this event is significant.

Who Does Utilitarianism Affect?

In principle, all beings capable of suffering (and that includes non-human animals) are subject to morality according to utilitarianism. This includes a consideration of equal rights for everyone, sometimes described as a principle of impartiality.

What is "Fair"?

Impartiality means the happiness of each person involved in a truly moral decision counts equally. In other words, "everyone goes for one and only one." According to Mill: "The happiness which... Continue reading "Utilitarianism: Happiness, Impartiality, and Equality" »

Philosophical Concepts: Nature and Culture

Nature and Essence

• The nature and essence of being: Every entity possesses its own inherent nature.
• Nature as Dynamic: The set of all beings (including non-material beings, MNOs).
• Nature vs. Artificiality: Nature encompasses all living things and their relationship with the environment, distinct from the artificial.

Cultural Perspectives: Emic and Etic

The distinction between the emic and etic perspectives delimits the analysis of a culture either from within (emic) or from the outside (etic).

Emic Perspective

The emic perspective is the point of view adopted by the participants themselves. It is maintained within a culture, a product of the process of enculturation, and leads participants to appreciate their... Continue reading "Philosophical Perspectives on Nature, Culture, and Mortality" »

Classification of Sciences

A. Factual and Formal

1. Factual Sciences

Interpret materials based on events and experiences. They require observation and/or experimentation, and verification is often incomplete or temporary. Examples include Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Economics, and Sociology.

2. Formal Sciences

These are ideal concepts existing within the human mind that are demonstrable. They are analytical concepts deduced from postulates or theorems. Examples include Logic and Mathematics.

B. Natural and Social

1. Natural Sciences

These study the phenomena of nature or the environment. Examples include Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology.

2. Social Sciences

These address knowledge created by humans, whose characteristics vary depending on social... Continue reading "Fundamental Principles of Scientific Classification and Research" »

Epistemology: Understanding Knowledge, Truth, and Reality

Epistemology is in charge of analyzing knowledge, determining its source and limits. From the 17th century, it acquired importance for two reasons: the importance of natural sciences, and because before beginning an investigation, we must know if we can reach the end.

Distinguishing Belief, Opinion, and Knowledge

• Opinion: We are not sure, nor can we prove it.
• Belief:
  • Uncertainty: We are not really sure of what we affirm.
  • Assertive: We are sure of something, but we cannot prove it.
• Knowledge: A belief of which we are confident and can prove.

Types of Knowledge

• Theoretical Knowledge: Formed by information describing the world. It arises from the desire to know. It consists of:
  • Describing and verifying

Here's a list of English vocabulary words, phrases, and expressions with their definitions:

Vocabulary Definitions

• Annoyed: Annoyed, angry.
• Appreciate: Look with favor.
• Approach: Approach.
• Avoid: Avoid.
• Allow: Permit.
• As long as: Provided.
• Beg: Ask.
• Boarding school: Boarding school.
• Burst into tears: Breaking to mourn.
• Change for the better: Change for the better.
• Collapse: Derrumbamiento.
• Complicated: Complicated.
• Confident: Confidant.
• Cope with: Power.
• Crowded: Crowded.
• Dare: Challenging.
• Doubt: Doubt.
• Deal: Treatment.
• Disapproval: Disapproval.
• Disturb: Disturb.
• Forbidden: Forbidden.
• Gather: Gather.
• Go too far: Go that far.
• Goal: Objective.
• Graceful: Elegant.
• Hardly: Hard.
• Hesitate: Hesitation.
• Ignore: Ignore.
• Interrupt: Interrupt.
• Knock over: Run over.
• Matter: Matter.
• Miss:

Plato's Theory of Ideas

The Theory of Ideas is the foundational element of Platonic philosophy. In essence, it defends the existence of the absolute, which stands in opposition to the corporeal, mortal, and relative world.

Unlike personal thought, the absolute that Plato refers to is impersonal. Plato maintained that reality is divided into two main realms: the Sensible World and the Intelligible World, or World of Ideas. The absolute he refers to is precisely that realm of reality. The Sensible World is the set of entities accessible to the senses—realities that are changing, multiple, born, and die—and are captured through the senses. The Intelligible World, or World of Ideas, is populated by entities that are absolute, universal, independent,... Continue reading "Plato's Theory of Ideas: Understanding the Absolute" »

Ancient Wisdom

1^st Premise: All men tend by nature to know. 2^nd Premise: Knowledge through the senses gives wisdom. Thesis Conclusion: Human wisdom is to know the first causes and principles of things. (Fifteenth century BC) Aristotle tells us the ultimate goal of wisdom: knowledge of first principles.

Introduction to Early Greek Thought

The birthplace of Greek philosophy was the coast of Asia Minor, and the first philosophers were Ionians. Philosophy is both an individual activity and a product of society, reflected in the conception of law as the order of the cosmos. Philosophy arises from a shift in thinking: the abandonment of mythical thought and the emergence of rational thought. Mythical elements are found not only in the first philosophers... Continue reading "Origins of Western Philosophy: From Myth to Reason" »