And what is good, Phaedrus,
And what is not good –
Need we ask anyone to tell us these things?
Robert Pirsig
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_and_the_Art_of_Motorcycle_Maintenance
Outline of Philosophy
Outline of Philosophy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_philosophy
Applied ethics – philosophical examination, from a moral standpoint, of particular issues in private and public life that are matters of moral judgment. It is thus the attempts to use philosophical methods to identify the morally correct course of action in various fields of human life.
Bioethics – analysis of controversial ethical issues emerging from advances in medicine.
Environmental ethics – studies ethical issues concerning the non-human world. It exerts influence on a large range of disciplines including environmental law, environmental sociology, ecotheology, ecological economics, ecology and environmental geography.
Medical ethics – studies ethical issues concerning medicine and medical research
Professional ethics – ethics to improve professionalism
Discourse ethics – discovery of ethical principles through the study of language
Normative ethics – study of ethical theories that prescribe how people ought to act
Metaethics – branch of ethics that seeks to understand the nature of ethical properties, statements, attitudes, and judgments
A Few Definitions
Philosophy
philosophy |fəˈläsəfē|
noun
(pl. philosophies)
the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence,
especially when considered as an academic discipline.
See also natural philosophy.
a particular system of philosophical thought: Schopenhauer’s philosophy.
the study of the theoretical basis of a particular branch of knowledge or experience:
the philosophy of science.
a theory or attitude held by a person or organization
that acts as a guiding principle for behavior:
don't expect anything and you won't be disappointed, that's my philosophy.
Ethics
ethics | ˈeTHiks |
plural noun
1 [usually treated as plural] moral principles
that govern a person's behavior or the conducting of an activity:
medical ethics also enter into the question | a code of ethics.
the moral correctness of specified conduct:
many scientists question the ethics of cruel experiments.
2 [usually treated as singular] the branch of knowledge that deals with moral principles.
Schools of ethics in Western philosophy can be divided, very roughly, into three sorts.
The first, drawing on the work of Aristotle,
holds that the virtues (such as justice, charity, and generosity)
are dispositions to act in ways that benefit both the person possessing them
and that person's society.
The second, defended particularly by Kant,
makes the concept of duty central to morality:
humans are bound, from a knowledge of their duty as rational beings,
to obey the categorical imperative to respect other rational beings.
Thirdly, utilitarianism asserts that the guiding principle of conduct
should be the greatest happiness or benefit of the greatest number.
your so-called newspaper is clearly not burdened by a sense of ethics:
moral code, morals, morality, values, rights and wrongs, principles, ideals,
standards (of behavior), value system, virtues, dictates of conscience.
Values
value | ˈvalyo͞o |
noun
1 the regard that something is held to deserve;
the importance, worth, or usefulness of something:
your support is of great value.
the material or monetary worth of something: prints seldom rise in value |
equipment is included up to a total value of $500.
the worth of something compared to the price paid or asked for it:
at $12.50 the book is a good value.
2 (values) a person's principles or standards of behavior;
one's judgment of what is important in life:
they internalize their parents' rules and values.
3 the numerical amount denoted by an algebraic term;
a magnitude, quantity, or number: the mean value of x |
an accurate value for the mass of Venus.
4 Music the relative duration of the sound signified by a note.
5 Linguistics the meaning of a word or other linguistic unit.
the quality or tone of a spoken sound; the sound represented by a letter.
6 the relative degree of lightness or darkness of a particular color:
the artist has used adjacent color values as the landscape recedes.
verb (values, valuing, valued) [with object]
1 estimate the monetary worth of (something): his estate was valued at $45,000.
2 consider (someone or something) to be important or beneficial;
have a high opinion of: she had come to value her privacy and independence.
noun
1 houses exceeding $250,000 in value:
price, cost, worth; market price, monetary value, face value.
2 the value of adequate preparation cannot be understated:
worth, usefulness, advantage, benefit, gain, profit,
good, help, merit, helpfulness, avail;
importance, significance.
3 society's values are passed on to us as children:
principles, ethics, moral code, morals, standards, code of behavior.
verb
1 his estate was valued at $345,000:
evaluate, assess, estimate, appraise, price, put/set a price on.
2 she valued his opinion: think highly of, have a high opinion of,
hold in high regard, rate highly, esteem, set (great) store by,
put stock in, appreciate, respect; prize, cherish, treasure.
A Collection of Links
Philosophy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy
* * * *
Ethics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics
Ethics in Religion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics_in_religion
* * * *
Aristotelian Ethics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotelian_ethics
Nicomachean Ethics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicomachean_Ethics
Eudemian Ethics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eudemian_Ethics
Magna Moralia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magna_Moralia
* * * *
Christian Ethics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_ethics
Islamic Ethics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_ethics
Buddhist Ethics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_ethics
Confucian Ethics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucianism#Social_morality_and_ethics
* * * *
List of Philosophies
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_philosophies
Stoicism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism
Existentialism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism
Absurdism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absurdism
Agnosticism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnosticism
Atheism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheism
* * * *
Lists of Philosophers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_philosophers
Britannica: List of Philosophers
https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-philosophers-2027173
Britannica: Philosophers Portal
https://www.britannica.com/browse/Philosophers
* * * *
Outline of Ethics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_ethics
Index of Ethics Articles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index_of_ethics_articles
* * * *
Buddhist Ethics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_ethics
Gautama Buddha
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddha
Four Noble Truths
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Noble_Truths
Noble Eightfold Path
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_Eightfold_Path
Four Right Exertions
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Right_Exertions
Five hindrances
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_hindrances
Seven Factors of Awakening
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Factors_of_Awakening
Anussati
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anussati
Buddha's Four Noble Truths
Four Noble Truths
Existence is painful
Unhappiness is caused by selfish craving
Deliverance from pain is found through non-attachment
Eightfold Path
Eightfold Path
Right views
Right intention
Right speech
Right action
Right livelihood
Right effort
Right mindfulness
Right concentration
Practice wisdom, morality and meditation
The Five Hindrances
Sensuality
Ill-will
Lethargy
Worry
Indecision
Seven Factors of Enlightenment
Mindfulness
Investigation of existence
Persevering effort
Enkindle rapture
Maintain calm
Concentration on right values and things
Equanimity; good grace toward what life has in store
Ten Contemplations
Impermanence
Absence of a permanent self or soul
Profane nature of physical world
Danger or disadvantage
Abandonment
Detachment
Cessation
Distaste for external world
Impermanence of component things
Mindfulness of in-breathing and out-breathing
Stoicism
Stoicism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism
Virtue Ethics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtue_ethics
Virtue
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtue
Ethics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics
Aristotelian ethics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotelian_ethics
Moral character
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_character
Eudaimonia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eudaimonia
Cynicism (philosophy)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cynicism_(philosophy)
* * * *
Who Were the Stoic Philosophers?
https://dailystoic.com/the-stoic-philosophers/
Zeno of Citium
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeno_of_Citium
Epictetus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epictetus#Literature
Marcus Aurelius
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius
Apollodorus of Seleucia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollodorus_of_Seleucia
* * * *
What Are the Four Cardinal Virtues of Stoicism?
by Rosie Lesso
What Are the Four Cardinal Virtues of Stoicism?
The ancient philosophical school of Stoicism had four defining principles,
known as the ‘Four Cardinal Virtues of Stoicism.’
https://www.thecollector.com/what-are-the-four-cardinal-virtues-of-stoicism/
Stoicism was a school of philosophy that emerged out of Ancient Greece, and it remained popular throughout the Roman Empire, until around the 3rd century CE. While its ideas shifted and changed throughout the centuries, Stoicism centered around a series of four fundamental mind habits. These were known as ‘Cardinal Virtues’, that its leaders believed could lead to a better, happier and more fulfilling life. The four virtues of Stoicism were: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. Let’s delve into the Stoic attitude towards each virtue to find out more.
1. Wisdom
Often considered the primary virtue, and is broken down into good sense, calculation, quick-wittedness, discretion, and resourcefulness.
Ancient Greek Stoics emphasized the importance of practical wisdom (sometimes referred to as prudence) which they called phronesis. This virtue of Stoicism was important for distinguishing the differences between the good, the bad and the indifferent. Stoics thought being able to make these distinctions was important in making sound judgements and logical decisions in a practical, considered way, rather than acting with passion or impulse. They divided wisdom into the sub-topics of common sense, calculation, quick-wittedness, discretion, and resourcefulness. Contemporary Stoic scholar Massimo Pigliucci says, “A wise person is the one that takes the right course of action, not just instrumentally, but morally.”
2. Courage
Also known as andreia, and includes the confidence to set boundaries and the determination to be heard. It also includes the ability to endure pain and discomfort.
Another important trait in the virtues of Stoicism, courage, or fortitude, is the state of remaining strong and in control of one’s emotions, no matter what life has to throw at you. Stoics divided courage into the following sub-categories: endurance, confidence, high-mindedness, cheerfulness, and industriousness. In all these categories we see the emphasis on remaining positive and productive in the face of adversity. Ancient Greek Stoics emphasized that courage is not about eliminating fear, but rather accepting it and pushing through with endurance and resilience. Easier said than done, perhaps. But this trait marks the great strength of character we see in high-profile figures, world leaders and top athletes, who have all seen their own fair share of adversity.
3. Temperance
Described as moderation and actively resisting anything harmful in excess. It's about balance. Stoics believed that virtue is the key to true happiness, and that it's a combination of training and practice. They also believed that vices pull people away from virtue.
Temperance, also known as moderation, is all about acting with restraint, self-control and discipline. This virtue of Stoicism means regulating one’s emotions rather than being swept up in the heat of the moment. Stoics subdivided temperance into the following categories: good discipline, seemliness, modesty, and self-control. This act of self-regulation can refer to any aspect of life. It is about controlling and moderating one’s bad habits such as over-eating, drinking too much wine, or wallowing in a pool of pity or despair.
Stoics even thought we should control our feelings of extreme excitement and happiness so we don’t get too carried away. Although this aspect might sound boring, the Stoics thought it was better to focus on long-term well-being rather than short-term pleasure. Or, in essence, taking a step back and seeing the bigger picture.
4. Justice
Also known as morality, and is broken down into piety, honesty, equity, and fair dealing.
The final fundamental trait in the four virtues of Stoicism is Justice, also known as morality, or what the Greek philosophers called Dikaiosynê. Stoics subdivided justice into the character traits of piety, honesty, equity, and fair dealing. This virtue is all about doing what is right and fair, particularly when the going gets tough.
People who live with a strong sense of justice and an inner moral code stand up for themselves, their wider communities, and society as a whole. Roman Stoic Philosopher Musonius Rufus described justice: “To honor equality, to want to do good, and for a person, being human, to not want to harm human beings. This is the most honorable lesson and it makes just people out of those who learn it.” Stoics also believed in the power of ‘distribution’ – the dishing out to others exactly what they deserve. This can be a real positive, making sure people are treated with dignity and respect. But it is also about making sure criminals get their due, and this has trickled down into the legal justice systems of today.
Religion v. Evolution
Darwinism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darwinism
Natural Selection
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_selection
Creationism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creationism
Creation Science
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creation_science
Intelligent Design
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligent_design
Social Darwinism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Darwinism
Scientific Theory
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_theory
Pew Research Center on Religion v. Evolution in the United States
Religious ‘Nones’ in America: Who They Are and What They Believe
A closer look at how atheists, agnostics and those who describe their religion as ‘nothing in particular’
see God, religion, morality, science and more
* * * *
Overview: The Conflict Between Religion and Evolution
The Social and Legal Dimensions of the Evolution Debate in the U.S.
Public’s Views on Human Evolution
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2013/12/30/publics-views-on-human-evolution/
Darwin and His Theory of Evolution
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2009/02/04/darwin-and-his-theory-of-evolution/
Evolution: A Timeline
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2009/02/04/evolution-a-timeline/
Religious Groups’ Views on Evolution
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2009/02/04/religious-groups-views-on-evolution/
Fighting Over Darwin, State by State
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2009/02/04/fighting-over-darwin-state-by-state/
Quotes From All Over
Philosophy Quotes
BrainyQuote
https://www.brainyquote.com/search_results?x=0&y=0&q=philosophy
Goodreads
Ethics Quotes
BrainyQuote
https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/ethics-quotes
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/ethics
Values Quotes
BrainyQuote
https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/values-quotes
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/values
The Blind Men and an Elephant
by John Godfrey Saxe
Blind Men and an Elephant
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_men_and_an_elephant
John_Godfrey_Saxe: Blind Men and an Elephant
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_men_and_an_elephant#John_Godfrey_Saxe
The Poems of John Godfrey Saxe: The Blind Men and the Elephant
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_poems_of_John_Godfrey_Saxe/The_Blind_Men_and_the_Elephant
The Blind Men and an Elephant (Slideshow)
https://theelephantandheblindmen.blogspot.com/
The Blind Men and an Elephant
A Hindoo Fable
I.
It was six men of Indostan
To learning much inclined,
Who went to see the Elephant
(Though all of them were blind),
That each by observation
Might satisfy his mind.
II.
The First approached the Elephant,
And happening to fall
Against his broad and sturdy side,
At once began to bawl:
"God bless me! – but the Elephant
Is very like a wall!"
III.
The Second, feeling of the tusk,
Cried: "Ho! – what have we here
So very round and smooth and sharp?
To me 't is mighty clear
This wonder of an Elephant
Is very like a spear!"
IV.
The Third approached the animal,
And happening to take
The squirming trunk within his hands,
Thus boldly up and spake:
"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant
Is very like a snake!"
V.
The Fourth reached out his eager hand,
And felt about the knee.
"What most this wondrous beast is like
Is mighty plain," quoth he;
"'T is clear enough the Elephant
Is very like a tree!"
VI.
The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear,
Said: "E'en the blindest man
Can tell what this resembles most;
Deny the fact who can,
This marvel of an Elephant
Is very like a fan!"
VII.
The Sixth no sooner had begun
About the beast to grope,
Than, seizing on the swinging tail
That fell within his scope,
"I see," quoth he, "the Elephant
Is very like a rope!"
VIII.
And so these men of Indostan
Disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
Exceeding stiff and strong,
Though each was partly in the right,
And all were in the wrong!
Moral
So, oft in theologic wars
The disputants, I ween,
Rail on in utter ignorance
Of what each other mean,
And prate about an Elephant
Not one of them has seen!
