The Moral Philosopher and the Moral Life

Deontological moral systems are usually primarily by a focus upon adherence to independent moral rules or duties. In order to make the correct decisions, we just have to know and understand what a moral way to think or act, and what is the right way to act and respect the rules that exist which regulate those duties. When we follow our way of living, then we are behaving morally. When we fail to follow our duty, we are behaving immorally. It is very important to know that in deontological moral systems

upon throughout history. Philosophers and religious leaders have opposing views about how society should behave and be controlled. Just as there are many different religions, there are also many different philosophies each with their own idea about how society should behave and governments should rule. Each philosophy also has a different opinion of human nature. Chinese philosophy began in the fifth century BC with Confucius and changed and evolved as other philosophers built off Confucian ideas

people lack the knowledge of how to properly care for their animals. However, many cases of neglect are intentional because the owner choses to do nothing to help their pets thrive. This very important issue was not addressed until Peter Singer, a philosopher, challenged the previous ideas about animal rights by comparing the amount of pain and suffering inflicted upon animals to the tyranny by white humans over black humans. After Singer’s concern for animal suffering spread across the world, the support

Horror in Romanticized Ambitions: Gothic Science Fiction and Moral Problems of the God Complex in Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein Monika Mahmutovic (301180032) WL 306 Summer 2015 Instructor: Dr. John Whatley July 23, 2015 “Discovery is always rape of the natural world. Always.” Michael Crichton’s worries about the implications of scientific discovery and technological advancements are perhaps dramatically overstated in this quote from his well known 1990 science fiction piece, Jurassic

defense of utilitarianism, an age old theory originally developed by Jeremy Bentham that states the proper course of action is the one that maximizes happiness. The course of action that maximizes general happiness is also the only true standard for moral assessment. Mill also introduces the idea of ‘first principle’ which states that it is not acceptable for individuals to characterize actions as either ‘good’ or ‘bad’, because it is important to find what gives these words their resonance. Opposing

important for people. Each person must define importance for themselves. However, that doesn't stop philosophers from inquiring to find the answer, and the results are exactly as expected— there is no consensus. This essay will look to three of the most well known philosophers in the world, Lao Tzu, Aristotle, and Confucius, and compare their individual ideals to reach a consensus as to what is important in life. While there are similarities and differences with all their texts, Confucius ideas align more

Tensions between moral philosopher and the faithful citizen of the polis are highlighted in Plato’s Apology and Crito. In the Apology, Socrates is faced with a death sentence at the hands of the state, but ironically is unapologetic in his discourse while defending himself. The Crito, however, displays Socrates in a dialogue where he chooses to engage and characterize the laws as a means of arguing for his faithfulness to the decision of the polis. Indeed, he uses the laws as a rhetorical device

in relation to the specific issue of animal equal rights. It will also include the counterarguments I have against his claims of his article. Peter Singer is defined by being the most positive influencer of all living philosopher in the world. An Australian moral philosopher, environmentalist and animal activist, most noted for his work of Animal Liberation that was published in 1975, a canonical text in animal rights/liberation theory (Singer, 2002). Singer is often found arguing the wrongfulness

Thesis: Without a distinct framework, ethical egoism fails as a moral theory to assist moral decision making because it endorses the animalistic nature of humanity, fails to provide a viable solution to a conflict of interest, and is proved to be an evolutionary unstable moral strategy. Outline: Ethical egoism claims that all our actions can be reduced to self-interest. This is a controversial moral theory which sometimes can be detrimental. Without a well-defined framework of the nature

Brief Bio Born in 1842 in New York, James grew to follow a similar path to his father, a philosopher himself. Upon reaching adulthood, James was plagued by psychological and physical ailments ranging from depression to smallpox. Although he earned an M.D from Harvard in 1864, he never practiced medicine. After graduating, James remained at Harvard, becoming a full time philosophy and psychology teacher, both setting the standards for modern psychology as well as pondering many important philosophical