Utilitarianism as a Moral Framework
Introduction
Utilitarianism is a conception of morality based on the principle of usefulness. It judges actions based on their ability to maximize positive consequences, such as happiness or satisfaction, for the greatest number of people. This framework can be summarized as “the maximum welfare for the maximum number of people.”
Pros of Utilitarianism
Any purpose we propose is related to happiness. Virtue and happiness share common ground: being virtuous makes us feel good (pleasure), while not being
Read MoreThe Road to World War I and Its Aftermath: A Comprehensive Overview
1. The Road to World War I
The problems that led to World War I have deep roots.
1.1 German Foreign Policy
The Congress of Vienna in 1815 sought a balance of power among European nations. The UK, a leading advocate for this situation, aimed to preserve its maritime dominance. First Stage: Otto von Bismarck’s diplomatic efforts focused on preventing the formation of anti-German coalitions, establishing Germany as a key player in European diplomacy. His main interest was isolating France after the loss
Read More20th Century Spanish History Highlights
Early 20th Century
Law of the Lock (1910)
This statute, enacted by Spanish President José Canalejas y Méndez, prohibited the establishment of new religious congregations in Spain, limiting the Church’s power over the State.
General Strike of 1917
A general strike jointly convened by the UGT (socialist) and CNT (anarchist) unions.
Primo de Rivera’s Dictatorship (1923-1930)
With the approval of King Alfonso XIII, Miguel Primo de Rivera led a military dictatorship supported by employers, the Catholic Church,
Read MoreSpanish Constitution of 1845: Analysis and Context
The Spanish Constitution of 1845
Historical Context
The Spanish Constitution of 1845 was a legal text enacted in Madrid during the reign of Queen Isabella II. It replaced the Constitution of 1837 and remained in effect until 1869. The preamble, issued by Queen Isabella II, stated its purpose as modifying the existing constitution. However, it effectively established a new framework for governance in Spain.
Key Provisions
The Constitution of 1845 introduced several significant changes:
- Shared Sovereignty:
The French Revolution and Napoleon
The French Revolution
Causes of the French Revolution
- Bad harvests and livelihood crisis.
- The middle class had money but was marginalized.
- Financial crisis of the monarchy.
The solution was a tax reform that the King was afraid to implement. The French Revolution began on July 14, 1789, with the storming of the Bastille.
The National Assembly and the Declaration of the Rights of Man
The nobility requested the States-General, which consisted of representatives from the three estates. The bourgeoisie abandoned
Read MoreThe Crisis of the Spanish Restoration (1913-1921)
The Governments of Dato and Romanones
Conservative Government of Dato (1913-1915)
After a brief rule of Romanones, Dato became president of the Executive on October 23, 1913. His most impactful government measure was the publication of the decree that allowed some associations in Catalonia. Dato’s autonomism had to define the Spanish position in World War I, which could not be one of neutrality.
Liberal Government of Romanones (1915-1917)
His government’s achievements included the Alba project on fiscal
Read MoreCanadian Legal System: An Overview
Introduction to Law
What is Law?
Law is a set of rules generally obeyed and enforced within a politically organized society (Stephenson & Shears).
- Cicero: Laws ensure citizen safety, state preservation, and societal happiness.
- Blackstone: A law must conform to divine law.
- Coke: Law is the perfection of reason.
Rule of Law
The Rule of Law ensures everyone is treated equally under the law, and power should not be used arbitrarily. It originated from the Magna Carta (1215).
Enforceability
Laws are created
Read MorePolitical System of Spain During Alfonso XIII’s Reign
Political System During the Reign of Alfonso XIII
The regency ends on 17 May 1902 with the enthronement of Alfonso XIII, who reigned until April 1931. The monarchy of Alfonso XIII is characterized by the generalized crisis of the system, caused by:
- The disappearance of the leaders that gestated and directed the Restauración.
- Failure to respond to the demands of parties outside the turnismo.
- The stiffness of a system that only promotes changes in the Spanish countryside.
The First Government of Alfonso
Read MoreThe Crisis of the Old Regime and the Spanish American Wars of Independence
The Crisis of the Old Regime (Borbónica Monarchy and the War of Independence)
In the early nineteenth century, Carlos IV was king, but the power was held by Godoy. Napoleon came to power in France and Spain was involved in several conflicts early in the century, such as the War of the Oranges, a war with Portugal in which the village of Olivenza was lost. Godoy refused Spanish participation against England, but the fleet was misled by the French and saw defeat at the hands of General Nelson at the
Read MoreSpanish History: Oligarchy, Caciques, and Regionalism in Extremadura
The Problem of Morocco
It began shortly after the disaster of 1898 (Spanish territories in Africa: Chafarinas Islands, Melilla, Penon de Alhucemas, Penon de Velez de la Gomera, and Ceuta). France, the protectorate of Algeria and Tunisia, tried to extend their influence to Morocco. Germany tried to intervene in the area, and England, owner of Gibraltar, wanted to maintain control over the Strait area. In 1906, the Conference of Algeciras was held, where a dual Franco-Spanish protectorate and the internalization
Read More