Abstract This essay evaluates the death penalty from two perspectives: Kant's moral philosophy and Mill's views on utilitarianism. Other philosophers are discussed for the ways they interpret the moral philosophies of Kant and Mill. The essay concludes that Kant's basic principles regarding the value of human beings explicitly contradicts any rationale for the death penalty.
Abstract This essay discusses how Marx asserts that those who have power and authority are resolved to maintain it. This concept of power and authority relate to that of Max Weber's notion of "bureaucracy" in that Weber saw power growing through rationalization. We see how both Weber and Marx understood power in their own contexts.
Abstract This paper develops and defends an account of personal identity and to see how well it explains the possibility of life after death. The paper is based upon the book "A Dialogue on Personal Identity and Immortality" by John Perry.
Abstract This paper is on the topic of ethics. What is the difference between ethics, morals, and values? A current issue of ethics is the topic of war. Are there ethics in war? What are these and how do they affect the policies on war?
Abstract This paper will discuss Mircea Eliade's book "The Scared and the Profane: The Nature of Religion" and analyze what he means by this title. Eliade uncovers a basic foundation for religion to be in any culture, regardless of the perceived "profanity" of the religion and its desire to be spiritual in the world. He argues for the elements of religion to be in everything and we must all realize this to truly understand religion.
Abstract This paper explains what Taoism is, as well as its roots and practices. First, it explains the concept of the Tao, then it goes on to describe how the philosophy originated and progressed. It concludes with the main concepts followed by Taoists.
From the Paper "Taoism is one word part of the English language that doesn?t have a detailed definition. According to the American Heritage Dictionary, Taoism is defined as ?A principal philosophy and system of religion of China based on the teachings of Lao-tzu in the sixth century B.C. and on subsequent revelations. It advocates preserving and restoring the Tao in the body and the cosmos.? This dictionary entry does not explain what the Tao is, how Taoism came about, or even the basic practices of a Taoist. Taoism, as a religion does not have a simple explanation or definition, as it is not simply a school of thought but many teachings combined into one. The two books that clearly go into the purpose of a Taoist, the Chuang Tzu and the Lao Tzu, are compilations of many great scholars. In this paper, I will do my best to explain what Taoism is, its roots, as well as practices."
Abstract This paper emphasizes, using specific examples, how the systems of John Locke and Thomas Hobbes both leave too much room for abuse of power in their ideal governments. Specifically, Thomas Hobbes allows abuse of power by a monarch, and John Locke allows abuse of power by faction groups.
From the Paper "In all likelihood, there has never been a more controversial political topic than what constitutes the best regime. Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes and John Locke's Second Treatise on Government are two examples of political theorists attempting to determine the best regime through reasoning. This paper will examine the connection between each author's views on the state of nature and their idea of the best regime. It will also examine the problems with each author's idea of the "best regime". Although there is something to be said for the views of both authors, they fail to provide enough checks on political power to ensure freedom from absolute tyranny."
Tags: john, philosophy, political, politics, second, thomas
Abstract The term "euthanasia" has come a long way from its original meaning of "a good death" and evolved into a new meaning for modern times of "mercy death". Even while the actual term itself has evolved in meaning, the human race has further qualified with distinctive types of euthanasia, voluntary and involuntary. Although types of voluntary and non-voluntary euthanasia can be very different, this paper shows that they may all be judged based on a set of moral responsibilities that accompany every individual's right to control his own life. In the context of these guidelines, this paper argues that all voluntary and non-voluntary euthanasia, as well as physician-assisted suicide, may be morally permissible, or even obligatory, in accordance with these responsibilities.
From the Paper "My argument for the moral permissibility of voluntary euthanasia draws primarily from the belief in an individual's right to control the ultimate conditions of his life, including his death. This right, of course, is not unconditional. As with all rights, this one is accompanied by responsibilities. In other words, a sentient, competent individual has the right to ultimate control of his own life under the condition that the actions exercised by this right are in harmony with the best interests both of the individual and of the people directly influenced by the individual. In a situation where the best interests of the individual and of the people directly influenced by the individual are in conflict, the responsibility is of the individual to choose an action appealing to the greatest utility for all parties involved."
Abstract This paper stresses that successes in cloning mammals have added urgency to ethical questions concerning the possible human cloning. The author explains that the utilitarian philosophy states that worth or value is derived or determined solely by utility; therefore, cloning is acceptable and will bring great things in the future.The paper relates that, from a deontological point of view, moral decisions should never be made on the basis of likely outcomes of actions; therefore, the deontologist feels that the worth of outcomes is completely irrelevant because of the question of moral obligation.
From the Paper "With that being said, a person who is a follower of the deontological thinking may feel that the scientists have over stepped their boundaries. "Are these arguments simply irrational, emotional responses to the moral issue" A deontologist would say no: These arguments, for the deontologist, are quite legitimate and reasonable justifications of the normative claim that it would be immoral to continue to use the anatomy. What is relevant is the nature of the action itself. Certain types of action--such as the involuntary use of a person's remains--are wrong regardless of their outcomes, according to the deontologist. The aim of deontological theory is to define the basic normative principles that provide sound justification for this ethical position.? (Kellenberger, J ) God is the creator and it is man's duty to worship ? not create."
Abstract This paper explains the social, economic, ethical and political concept, essence of justice, and all that it encompasses. The paper talks about the need for individuals to internalize and actualized justice in order for society to truly achieve it on all levels. Aristotle's definition and concept of justice are also discussed.
From the Paper "The understanding and practice of "justice" is central to the achievement of peace and happiness by the individual as well as society, as a whole. However, no amount of institutalization and administration of legal, political or civil systems, no matter how just or fair, can ever ensure the achievement of the same, without individual and collective commitment to the upholding of the concept of justice, in its fullest sense."
Abstract This paper discusses how, in "Republic", Plato uses a dialogue between Socrates and Glaucon as a vehicle to debate the issue of whether it is far more profitable for humankind to be unjust or just. In order to settle the issue, Plato first presents all the logical reasons in favor of injustice being more profitable, using Glaucon as the spokesperson, before proceeding to record Socrates's demolition of Glaucon's argument, which succeeds in clearly establishing that justice is by far the more profitable of the two.
From the Paper "Glaucon builds his argument in favor of the fact that perhaps it is better to be unjust than just by pointing out the difference between the theoretical and practical view of justice in the human pursuit of different types of goods. He observes that while in theory, the concept of justice would be placed in that category of goods that are desirable both in themselves and for the rewards they bring, in practice people tend to view justice largely in the context of goods that are pursued only for reward or reputation but are disagreeable in themselves (The Republic, II.20)."
Abstract Aristotle and Plato had conflicting views on the aspect of human nature and what governed it, as well as what formed the basis of human nature. This paper examines the bases of their philosophies by looking at their writings.
From the Paper "From these foundations, happiness was often discussed, and both Aristotle and Plato wrote extensively on its correlation to human nature. Aristotle had a naturalist-perfectionist view of human nature that contradicted Plato's idea of a morality-virtue system that governed human nature that appears to be more plausible than Aristotle's notion regarding human nature."
Abstract This paper discusses the value of a legal obligation as opposed to a moral one. The paper makes references to two documents, "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau and "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King. Both Thoreau and King address the issue of moral obligation versus legal obligation, in which an individual experiences conflict with the government and society as s/he tries to follow his/her free will as a member of the society and the rules and laws imposed by the government at the same time.
From the Paper "In his discourse, Thoreau asserts, ?That government is best which governs least,? which means to say that the least government intervention in the society results to a better state of civil society. This is because he thinks that the government is susceptible to manipulation by people with vested interests, who consider the government as an institution that can be used to provide greater privileges to other people and not the society in general. Thoreau contends, ?But a government in which the majority rule in all cases can not be based on justice, even as far as men understand it."
Abstract This paper begins with an explanation of the Social Darwinism theory advocated by Herbert Spencer and derived from Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. The paper defines Social Darwinism as a social theory that promotes a society that allows natural selection of the fittest and suggests setting up a social system that extends no benefits to the weak or the ill. The paper points out what is wrong with this theory, examines why Spencer believed it would lead to the attainment of human perfection, and addresses the question of whether Spencer's views were scientific or the result of a social ideology.
From the Paper "Herbert Spencer intended to use Social Darwinism in order to propagate human perfection. An interference with the natural process of selection will alter the course of a perfect society. It is important to identify what interference is. In a society that tends to achieve perfection, any efforts made by any entity to better the state or prolong the existence of the imperfect will be considered as interference. Hence, the poor are one of the weak entities in a society when viewed under the lens of Social Darwinism. The government is the entity that may support/aid the poor to prolong and propagate its survival in the society. Herbert Spencer suggested that the government support or interference by providing aid to the poor will alter the course of a perfect human society by allowing the poverty to propagate. Spencer viewed this intervention as threat to a perfect society, hence opposed all government aid to the poor. In fact, Spence supported the laissez-faire system political and economic system in order to remove all support from the state to the weak and incompetent."
Abstract This paper looks at the need for companies to espouse sound ethical guidelines and to assure that their employees and managers follow and practice these guidelines. The paper discusses ways that these guidelines can be made a part of corporate culture and thereby establish an ethically sound working environment. The use of procedures, ethically-oriented management philosophies, and problem-solving strategies are also covered.
From the Paper "Ethics are the "rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the members of a profession" (Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary) or ethics are defined as "a set of principles of right conduct" as well as "a theory or a system of moral values" (Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary). Hence, these carefully formulated rules and policies determine "the actions or reactions of a person in response to external or internal stimuli" thereby energizing behavior of the employees and motivating them to perform accordingly (American Heritage Dictionary). Hence, all the reactions to an action as well as the rules and the policies drafted and the amendments made from time to time all form a fundamental part of the term ethics. In short, the people working for and the individuals owning a workplace form an organization where all are bound to obey the policies, rules and regulations constituting the social value system of an organization."
