Kant’s Ethics and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Kant’s Ethics
The most important works in Kantian ethics are the Critique of Practical Reason and Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. According to Kant, ethics must find universal and a priori principles of morality, of free action. The goodness or badness of an action lies exclusively with the intention, that is, on the good will of the subject. An action is governed by good will when executed solely out of respect for duty, regardless of other conditions or interests.
Duty is the need for action
Read MorePre-Socratic Philosophers: Heraclitus, Parmenides, and Socrates
Heraclitus
Heraclitus accepted the validity of the senses as a starting point but argued that true reality is only accessible to reason, specifically through knowledge of nature. He stated, “Nature is pleased to hide.” The senses show that everything in nature is in motion, constantly becoming; “everything is continuously flowing (panta rei)” like a river, everything is turned off and on like a continuous fire.
But only reason shows us why everything is constantly changing. Reason reveals that the
Read MoreEudemonism, Idealism, Marxism, and Existentialism
Eudemonism
A eudemon is a good spirit or demon. The human being is born with the aim of achieving what is good. Aristotle believes that this is so because it is a principle of the human being that is rational by definition. The essence of the human being is rationality, which seeks the good. Aristotle presupposes a teleology. This movement in nature has a purpose, so good is the final and best, the most beneficial, the most perfect, and the most positive.
Idealism
Kant assumes that it is reasonable
Read MoreUnderstanding Cultural Diversity and Human Evolution
Fixity, Creationism, and Naturalism
Fixity: A position taken by some theories that species are immutable.
Creationism: A doctrine that species are immutable because they have been created by a superior being.
Naturalism: The belief that nature, through natural processes, would have produced the various species.
Culture and Society
Enculturation: The social process through which culture is learned and transmitted from generation to generation.
Culture: The set of knowledge, skills, tools, ideas, beliefs,
Read MoreNietzsche’s Superman: Political Theory, Ethics, and Freedom
The Nietzschean Superman
Nietzsche’s philosophy explores the path from myth to reason. He describes Socrates and Plato as marking the victory of the Apollonian over the Dionysian. For Nietzsche, Greek tragedy achieved a balance between these opposing forces. After the ‘death of God,’ Nietzsche introduces the concept of the superman, free from the constraints of God and science, as a successor. This ‘superman’ is presented as a creator of new values, favorable to life.
Political Ideals in Ancient Greece
In
Read MoreKant’s Practical Reason: Principles and Postulates
Principles of Pure Practical Reason
At the beginning of the Critique of Practical Reason, Kant synthesizes its contents with a definition, four theorems, and a fundamental law:
Definition: “Practical principles are propositions that contain a universal determination of the will, which are subordinated to several rules of thumb. They are subjective, or maxims, when the condition is considered by the subject as valid only for his will. They are objective, or practical laws, when the condition is valid