writings I LOVE OUR PRIMITIVE NATURE We initially had just had amour de soi, but as humans started to recognize differences and inequalities with each other, and interact, amour-propre developed. Amor de soi Love of self -> sentiment of ones own existence. This is state of nature - It is naturally good and not malicious because it does not involve pursuing one's self-interest at the expense of others. Amour propre (self love). Others opinion/thought of you is reflected on yourself. This is civil state. - This creates desire for recognition and prestige, which in turn becomes competition. - Arises only with society. - Because of happiness, one might become happy from others suffering. Higher the position/respect, better the lifestyle. - Rousseau argues that any society with less of this will be a happier society.
Jeremy Bentham Principles of Morals & Legislation
UTILITARIANISM - Benthams criterion (things you use to make decision) is pleasure and pain. - He asks the question is the action going to benefit me or someone else? - His principle of morality was that pleasure and pain defines degree of utility for all concerned. -Utilitarianism doing what gives pleasure and not doing what gives pain for all concerned. Greatest Happiness Principle (John Mill) - Pleasure and the absence of pain are the only things desirable as ends in themselves, the only things inherently good. Doing what causes the greatest pleasure for the most amount of people.
Thomson Trolley Problem
A Utilitarian view would simply and straightforwardly assert that it is morally
obligatory to save the greater number over the life of the one pretty much not matter what because the more people that are living the more pleasure or happiness that could be experienced. Thomson's conclusion is that it is acceptable to kill the one in order to let the larger number live only if the one has no prior claim, such as being owner over the pebble or being owner of one's own body.
Kant Groundwork of Metaphysics of Morals
THE GOOD WILL/INTENTION -Unlike Utilitarian, Kant states that, in terms of morality, consequences do not matter. Only good will, intention and motives before an action is done matters. - Expecting something in return is bad. - Volunteering for the sake of getting a good resume buster is impure reason. Pure reason Following the rules because its the right thing to do. Acting in accord with duty Acting because I am inclined to (pleases/interests me). Acting from duty Act because it is my duty, doesnt matter if I am inclined to do it, or interested to do it. ^ They only are same actions, but differs in motivation/will. -Act so that the maxim of your actions could be made a universal law (act in a way you would have other people act). Categorical Imperative 1) Universal Law you cant make an exception for yourself. a. You cannot just steal because everyone might think the same and steal. b. Would it be ok to steal medicine for sick child? No, because it could still be an impure motive, or someone else might have needed the medicine. 2) end in themselves a. Treat people not only for the mean for also for the end in themselves. b. Respect others. Dont objectify others.
Heidegger Question Concerning Technology
Techne/Technique art making (poetry, paint, music, blacksmithing, carpentry..) It is revealing what is potentially in there. (Ex. Windmill converts wind into energy.) Modern and Pre-modern technology both reveals, but they reveal differently. Premodern (windmill) uses nature as is. Modern(Hydroelectric dam) Challenges nature. Getting nature to do something that it doesnt naturally do.