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

Ethics and Moral Conduct: Foundations of Morality

Ethics is a philosophical discipline that examines morality and seeks to provide its foundation. Moral conduct is behavior guided by rules and moral values, stemming from an understanding of norms and values that are conscientiously undertaken.

We conclude that a prerequisite for moral behavior is freedom. When behavior is contrary to laws, rigid nature, or uncontrollable instincts, it cannot be judged morally. Moral behavior, as it is freely chosen, can be judged or valued by others as good or bad. The difference is that in the latter case, we consider that the individual had the freedom to choose and decide.

Rawls's Theory of Justice: Justice as Fairness

Justice functions as a fundamental ethical... Continue reading "John Rawls's Justice as Fairness: Ethical Principles and Moral Conduct" »

For the Greek philosophers, the problem of physis is closely linked to movement. Aristotle is the first to make a systematic presentation on the problem of motion. He formulates in a clear way that mobility is the basic mode of reality. Nature is to say that natural things are in motion. To define physis, Aristotle distinguishes between natural beings (from the physis) and artificial things (which come from other causes). Natural beings have movement within themselves; every body has a natural place, and motion is identified with change (any type of change is movement, according to Aristotle).

Aristotle's physics begins with a critique of Parmenides, who stated that motion is irrational. Aristotle introduces two new concepts: there are two ways... Continue reading "Aristotle's Physics: Motion, Causation, and Change" »

Zarathustra's Core Teachings

Zarathustra, a character in Nietzsche's work, presents a dualistic doctrine. It speaks of the struggle between good and evil spirits, asserting that this conflict is the sole driving force behind all actions. Nietzsche interprets Zarathustra's work as a passage of moral metaphysics, contrasting it sharply with Christian civilization, which he views as its antithesis.

Nietzsche's Inversion of Values

According to Nietzsche, everything related to the human world has been assessed in opposition to life itself. He posits that traditional moral force stems from a "sick spirit." His goal is to re-evaluate and return values to life, thereby attempting to recover what he calls humanity's "original innocence."

The Concept of

Employee Rights and Responsibilities in Spain

1. Right to Non-Discrimination

The Spanish Constitution prohibits discrimination based on birth, race, sex, religion, opinion, or any other personal or social circumstance.

2. Right to Privacy and Dignity

Employees are protected from physical and verbal abuse of a sexual nature, or abuse based on race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or sexual harassment.

3. Right to Physical Integrity and Health and Safety

This right is protected under the law on the prevention of occupational hazards.

4. Right to Promotion and Vocational Training

Employees have the right to promotion and vocational training at work. The Employment Statute (ET) acknowledges permits to attend examinations, choose shifts when pursuing... Continue reading "Employee Rights and Responsibilities in Spain: A Concise Guide" »

Freedom, Responsibility, and Morality

Freedom is what makes human beings responsible for their actions. This inherent freedom forms the basis of morality, allowing us to judge our own actions and those of others.

When an individual acts in accordance with accepted standards, they are considered a moral person. Conversely, if one freely chooses to disregard rules, such as breaking cycling regulations, their action would be deemed immoral. An amoral person, however, is one who lacks a moral sense or is indifferent to moral considerations.

Understanding Morality

Morality can be understood in two primary ways:

• Morality as Content: This refers to the code of standards that regulate individual and collective actions, defining what is considered correct

Friedrich Nietzsche: A Critical Perspective

Friedrich Nietzsche, a profoundly contradictory, critical, and revolutionary philosopher of the second half of the nineteenth century, extensively critiqued the values of European culture. He argued that Western culture, being dogmatic and rational, is inherently decadent because it opposes life and natural instincts.

Nietzsche's Critique of Western Values

Nietzsche's criticisms spanned several key areas:

Critique of Traditional Morality

Nietzsche asserted that the fundamental flaw of traditional morality lies in its "unnaturalness," as it imposes laws and regulations that are antithetical to life itself. He also fiercely criticized Platonism, believing that its emphasis on a transcendent world of ideas... Continue reading "Nietzsche's Critique of European Culture" »

The Enduring Relevance of Marxist Thought

With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the notion that Marx's philosophy represented the end of prehistory—culminating in a communist society after the demise of capitalism—seemed to crumble. However, the bourgeois mode of production not only persists but thrives in a globalized market economy. Former communist regimes have either vanished or are endangered.

As Marx and Engels stated in The Communist Manifesto, the bourgeoisie created the weapons of its own destruction, namely, the workers. The question remains: do Marxist-inspired communist revolutions truly reflect Marx's theory?

The Humanistic Aspects of Marx's Philosophy

Considering the more humanistic aspects of Marx's philosophy—his desire... Continue reading "Marxist Philosophy: Relevance in Today's Globalized World" »

The Hunt

Hunting promoted and facilitated the emergence of some key features of human nature:

• The development of intellectual activities such as observation skills and intelligence.
• The technical process: hunting had to be refined, and weapons and tools diversified.
• Social cooperation and language: fostering relationships and communication between individuals.

The Discovery of Fire

In the social sphere, fire provided safety and security, allowing settlement in shelters that became the first homes. It aided hunting and defense against animals. At the physiological level, fire was a fundamental shift in power.

The Long Learning

A feature that characterizes human beings is slow physical development. This has beneficial consequences regarding conduct and... Continue reading "Human Evolution and the Role of Culture" »

Insurance Contract: Core Concepts

An insurance contract is one whereby the insurer undertakes, by charging a premium, and if the event occurs whose risk is hedged, to compensate within the agreed damage to the insured, or to satisfy a capital, income, or other benefits agreed.

Legal Concept of Insurance (Art. 512 CCo)

Insurance is a bilateral, conditional, random contract by which a natural or legal person takes upon himself for a certain time all or any of the risks of loss or damage that certain objects belonging to another person may face. This is done by forcing through a contract fee to compensate the loss or any other estimable damage suffered by the insured objects.

Parties Involved in an Insurance Contract

1. Insurer: The entity assuming the