Abstract The paper describes how Aristotle's concept of moralgoodness or righteousness, as expounded in his chief work, entitled ?Nicomachean Ethics,? shows how all human actions are aimed at some good, which is part of a series of goods that lead to an ultimate good. That ultimate good must be complete, final, self-sufficient and unceasing, which is called happiness or "eudamonia" in Greek. The paper also discusses other ideas which appear in "Nicomachean Ethics" such as virtue and the good life, which all ultimately link up to moralgoodness.
From the Paper "He defines "virtue" or ethical "virtue" as a habit, which disposes a person to act by deliberate choice, being at the mean, and defined by reason as a prudent man would. Virtue is not a single act but a series of acts that proceeds from a habit of acting well. An act is virtuous only if it done deliberately, with full awareness and knowledge, and doing it because it is a noble act. The act must be the golden mean between extremes. And a prudent man is one who exercises the virtue of prudence, which is an intellectual virtue, whereby a person determines the mean in every situation and does it. A virtuous action must also be voluntary, that is, without fear or ignorance, and with proper intention, which works with reason in being performed."
Abstract In this paper it is shown that Nietzsche reflects moral relativism through the framework of virtue, moral and societal conditions that affect and limit the Overman. In this manner, humankind's ability to see beyond social norms and religious trickery are described in his vision to free the mind from false truths which scholars and elite religious authorities impose on the masses. The paper shows that in this manner, moral relativism is a correct view of life, in which Nietzsche prescribes with logic and reasoning on moral values in society.
From the Paper "The basis of moral relativism in the work of Nietzsche will be analyzed in relation to the outward societal standards that create these values and institutions. The basis of knowledge determines how mankind creates moral values in relation this society and conditions that preside alongside law. In this manner, Nietzsche correctly portends that moral relativism is the basis for morality and ethics in society, and is not based on a truth any greater than man's invention of these behaviors and codes of conduct. The premise of "The Three Metamorphoses" in Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra reflects the basis of moral relativism in rejecting all outside sources of information that may corrupt the inward self. In this manner, one must be able to reject what is taught, and seek one's own sense of what is "right and wrong" in society."
Abstract This paper discusses the question of where our idea of morality comes from. Why do we classify actions as good and bad? It is an age old question for philosophers. Here, Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Nietzsche, specifically, are examined. Kant believes good and evil originated from a sense of duty in humans, and explains this with his "Categorical Imperative". The paper shows that Nietzsche, studying the history of the words "good" and "evil" themselves, denies that we should even be considering our morality and ethics in these terms at all.
From the Paper "Friedrich Nietzsche has very different opinions - not only from Kant, but from most other philosophers - on the origin of our moral principles. Nietzsche does not believe that we are born with a sense of morality, or that we learn it in search of living morally or virtuously. He believes that the rich and powerful created the terms of good and evil in order to distinguish themselves as better. A student of etymology, Nietzsche points out that all the words for good come from words that mean high, superior, powerful, etc., while words from bad come from terms that insinuate lower and inferior."
Abstract This paper analyzes the question of what constitutes a good life from a philosophical point of view. It relates the question to moral issues and happiness and explores where the two are in conflict. It opens with an exploration of the views held by Aristotle that individuals are responsible for their own moral disposition and the moral choices they make. Next it focuses on Plato. Central to Plato's thought on this topic is the power of reason and he takes a rationalist approach. Finally, the paper looks at the perspective of Socrates who centers much of his approach in justice. The writer concludes by arguing that Plato and Aristotle agree that everything in the world is striving towards the good.
From the Paper "Happiness can be identified not as an element in living the good life but as the act of living the good life. Aristotle indicates this with reference to the issue of wisdom, and wisdom form Aristotle means knowing the good life and how to achieve it. Aristotle presented in his works a compendium of the knowledge of his time and examined issues and facts to discover how things worked, what was believed about them, and also to separate this knowledge into categories. He did not do this simply as a compiler but filtered what he found through his own sensibilities and philosophical thought. For each art, says Aristotle, there is an end to which the art tends, and the variety of smaller goals along the way are the means to achieve this end. The knowledge of the goal, the chief good, serves as a guide so that we direct our energies toward and achieve the goal. Aristotle argues that not all ends are final ends, and some are the means to other ends."
Abstract The paper discusses Aristotle's belief that human beings are morally responsible for their conception of the good life, which was based on his determination that every form of activity people engage in has an ultimate goal that they consider good. The paper explains Aristotle's argument that because there cannot be an endless regression of external motivations, an intrinsic motivation for achieving the highest good must exist. The paper further explains how moral responsibility extends across desires to the conduct those desires produce and to the ends such conduct achieves.
From the Paper "Aristotle believed that we are morally responsible for our conception of the good life, and based this belief on his determination that every form of activity people engage in has an ultimate goal which they consider good. Furthermore, Aristotle argued that because there cannot be an endless regression of external motivations, there must be an intrinsic motivation for achieving the highest good. This highest good is the goal towards which all human activity is directed."
This paper is a reconstruction of Nietzsche's moral theory in "On the Genealogy of Morals" and its application to the moral-political philosophies of the Old Regime and the French Revolution.
Abstract This paper is an examination of Nietzsche's "On the Genealogy of Morals" and its relation to the historical context in which it was written. A parallel is drawn between Nietzsche's view of the historical evolution of morality and the development of the moral-political philosophies of the Ancient (Old) Regime and the French Revolution. The Ancient Regime is associated with Nietzsche's idea of "good, bad" morality, while the French Revolution is connected with "good, evil" morality. Some other issues discussed are the idea of the slave revolt and the morality of Napoleon.
From the Paper "Every civilized society is concerned with its moral fabric: the ethical and behavioral norms that all citizens are expected to obey. Morality, on its surface, appears to be a philosophical issue. Some people speak of a universal morality, beyond time and devolving upon all people equally. In this way, they explain the prevalence of certain moral laws, for instance, the prohibition against murder, in almost every society. Others view morality as a subjective concept, yet still one with philosophical origins. They maintain that many societies possess laws against murder because each group of people has made an independent philosophical evaluation, and determined that the value of life is something they as cohabitants of the same state all uphold. For Friedrich Nietzsche, both of these approaches are fundamentally flawed."
Abstract The paper first explains Kant's theory of universal law, and defines key concepts and terms. The paper then goes on to argue that Kant ignores conflicting duties and external factors in morality. This argument is supported by hypothetical examples and quotes from philosopher Thomas Nagel's book, "The Last Word".
From the Paper "Human beings guide their actions by instincts and selfish desires. How could it be possible to act differently? The philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote The Foundation of the Metaphysics of Morals as a set of axioms [principles or postulates] that can be used in constructing moral laws based on the use of reason. Kant in his ethics takes his point of departure from the concept of good will: "nothing in the world can possibly be conceived which could be called good without qualifications except a good will." (Kant, 1959, p.9)"
Abstract In this article, the writer explains that, according to Socrates in Plato's Republic, morality is one of the four elements of goodness in a community. The writer notes that inner morality was the rule of reason over other parts of the mind whereby a person lets reason and rationality rule. The writer points out that Socrates argues that when there is harmony between all elements of a community, morality will emerge. The writer explains that this is outer morality. The writer concludes that for morality to exist, it is important that every single part of the community and mind must be allowed to function properly within its own limits. The writer maintains that this would create harmony and peace and these two are the essential components of inner and outer morality.
From the Paper "The third part is self-discipline. Socrates explained that it is not easy to allow oneself to be ruled. But when every section of a community accepts its rulers and understands that some people rule while others are the ruled, they are exhibiting self-discipline. This is needed for a community to function smoothly. When all these elements are found, we realize that the ability to a community to allow every person to do his job without creating conflict is morality. This is the outer morality that helps keep a community intact."
Abstract This paper discusses the role that human nature plays in the actions taken by people in their lives. The paper uses the different characters in Joseph Conrad's book "The Secret Agent," to show varying levels of morality and goodness. The author also argues that individuals actions, affect the lives, and morality of those around them.
From the paper:
"Verloc is a slightly more complex character. Immediately one can see that he possesses flawed morals because of the shop he ran. For all purposes, it was a primitive sex shop. It may not have been as gaudy as the sex shops of today are, but its clientele was similar; either young men with too much time and money, or older men who had fallen on hard times. When the reader learns that Verloc runs the shop as a means to cover up his real profession as a terrorist, one no longer accepts his poor moral values, but must question whether he has any at all. Verloc's only redeeming value is that he married Winnie and helps her support her feeble brother."
Tags:morality, nature, good, evil, greed, lust, murder, terrorist, instinct, character
Abstract This paper examines how the concept of moral relativism is extremely troubling for many and how the human animal is desperately in need of a certain ?moral order,? or an intense longing to have life's issues, events, and decisions neatly classified into realms of ?good? and ?bad,? "right" and "wrong". It looks at how, in her work "Moral Beliefs", Philippa Foot gives her take on this issue, namely, in her response to the viability of systems of belief that allow moral eccentrism, the foundation on which moral relativism is built, and her belief in the untenability of the non-cognitivist position.
From the Paper "In addition to the established meaning derived from their commonly understood use, Foot also explains that all of these words have an internal judgment placed on them, or an assessment of their "value" good or bad, based on their internal relationship to an ?object.? Further, it is the connection between the value, the object, and the logical reason that allow one to make the correct (and not relative) judgment concerning that value. Foot specifically makes the leap from the more mundane life value judgments represented by fear, danger, pride, etc, to ?those attitudes or beliefs which are the moral philosopher's study.?(91) In specific, she writes, "Now we must consider whether those attitudes or beliefs"are similar, or whether such things as "evaluation" and "thinking something good" and "commendation" could logically be found in combination with any object whatsoever.?"
Abstract This paper examines and discusses ethics and morality and differentiates between them by providing supporting documentation taken from several sources. Before being able to distinguish the differences, there needs to be an understanding of what ethics and morality are. The paper defines ethics as the explicit, philosophical reflection on moral beliefs and practices. Morality is defined as the beliefs and practices concerning good and evil by means of which we guide our behavior.
From the Paper "The Book of Job is often associated with the concept of morality. It is an allegory that is divided into five parts. The central theme of the book is should Job fear God. The question of morality arises in assessing whether Job fears God out of a sense of morality and ethics or because he is afraid of retribution. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" (Eccl. 12:13, 14).
Are people ethically and moral because they want to be or because they feel they have to be? Can you be ethical and still be immoral? For example, a lawyer may follow the law to the nth degree and be very forthright in his business dealings but does that make him a moral person? A doctor must make ethical decisions when it comes to patient care but what about the moral decision to end suffering, and in some cases allow the patient to die with dignity."
This paper reviews John Kenneth Galbraith's history of economics "The Good Society: A Humane Agenda", which he wrote when he was nearly ninety years of age.
1,715 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 55.95
Abstract This paper explains that, knowing the cruelties man has inflicted during this century, much of it due to economic reasons, the reader of John Kenneth Galbraith's "The Good Society: A Humane Agenda" wonders whether the concept of a "good society" was a tongue-in-cheek effort to prove to his readers that this "good society" through a higher standard of life is an unattainable goal. The author points out that this book, which demonstrates the demise of Keynesian economics, is more a morality tale than a book on economics. The paper relates that the difficult task Galbreath sets for himself is to differentiate between what is "perfect" and "ideal" and what is achievable, or in his terms---between the "agreeable irrelevant" and the "ultimately possible", which may well contradict each other.
From the Paper "It is idealistic, of course, for anyone trained in economics to proclaim, as Galbreath does, that a good society must provide an upward chance for all, and a reliable economy to sustain employment. This would obviate the "business cycle" of inflation, stagflation, even minor recession. He is, one might comment, a little simplistic when he states the over-obvious: that a steady flow of demand is a vital factor in keeping business going. Of course, if stores sell products customers want, or manufacturers produce goods that are so reasonable to purchase, then the business cycle is on the upswing. What is missing in this idea of a "steady flow" is that manufacturers, given more and improved technology, can now produce higher quality goods more rapidly with robotics and computers that require little or no human assistance, other than supervision. Thus, economics creates the goods at the expense of employment. It is called "downsizing", a word that brings terror to workers and managers alike."
Abstract In this paper, the writer examines Kant's beliefs on morality and the universal good of will. The writer compares Hume's ideas on morality with those of Kant. In this article, the writer's opinion on this matter is also expressed.
From the Paper "Kant believed that will is the only thing inherently good without qualification and that we should behave according to the maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. By behaving this way a person is hoping that everyone else will behave this way in the future and so good will can be spread. Kant maintained that the expression of the moral law provides a concrete practical method for evaluating particular human actions of different types. For instance if ... "
Abstract The paper discusses how "Sovereignty and Goodness of Good" by Mary Rowlandson is both typical and atypical of captivity narratives of the early American colonial period. The paper examines how the author refers to the Native-Americans as savages. However, as her captivity wore on, and her experiences with the Native-Americans grew more intimate, Mary Rowlandson began to show more compassion and balance in her point of view of the Native-Americans. The paper reveals her morality and culture and maintains that this personal adaptability, combined with a balance and generosity of spirit that marks Mary as a distinct voice, may have garnered Mary's greater acceptance by her captives. The paper adds that it also gains her an additional credit as a historical voice and testimony to early settler and Native conflicts.
From the Paper "It is true that Mary's religious language makes itself evident in the narrative early on. Mary paints the Native's conflicts with the settlers in black-and-white moral terms and demonstrates the similarity of her perspective with other captive women in her theological viewpoint. Mary's view of the events of her life as a playing-out of Biblical conflicts, rather than a struggle for amoral natural resources shows how her fundamental perspective is still united with the culture of her original English people, throughout her travels with the Indians."
Abstract This paper examines the depiction of good versus evil in English literary works from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It includes works by Edmund Spenser, Geoffrey Chaucer, Christopher Marlowe, Sir Thomas More, and others. It specifically looks at the individual's journey to find a moral center. The paper takes a look at the commonalities in the theme of morality.
From the Paper "From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, the search for morality or the test of one's morality is a dominant theme found in English literature, especially in those eras. The works themselves often involve a journey, during which the classic battle of good versus evil is depicted. An examination of six of the major works of those two time periods reveal that this morality struggle is waged by women as well as men. Certainly, the works yield major themes that they do not share. However, despite the diversity of the style of the writers and the diversity of form and content of the literature itself, the common aforementioned theme still holds. The fact that the authors of the works use different approaches and plots serve only to accentuate the commonalities."
