Understanding Personal Values, Social Norms, and Morality
Understanding Personal Values
We are all constantly making decisions. The question is: why do we choose what we choose? We act as we do because we believe one option is preferable to the alternative, more convenient, more valuable, or simply because it feels good.
For example, if a person decides to attend class because they think it is better than being distracted, or if someone is sincere, it is because it seems that truth is more valuable than a lie. Everyone, consciously or unconsciously, appreciates
Read MoreThe Philosophical Roots and Ideology of Fascism and National Socialism
Ideological Foundations of Fascism and National Socialism
Fascism and the Italian Labor Charter (Mussolini)
Mussolini wrote the principle of work for the national good into the Italian Labor Charter, which he promulgated in 1927. He asserted that the ends of the Italian nation are “superior to those of the separate individuals which comprise it.”
- “Work in all its forms… is a social duty.”
- Production “has a single object, namely, the well-being of individuals and the development of national
Plato’s Theory of Forms and Metaphysical Dualism
Key Concepts in Plato’s Philosophy
Man
What essentially defines man is his tripartite structure: the rational soul (immortal), which is the faculty of rational knowledge; the irascible soul, which is character or psychic force; and the concupiscent soul, which is desire and the ability to undergo passions. The rational part is intelligible, superior, and independent of the body.
Analogy
This is a reasoning based on the existence of similar attributes in different beings. For example, the sun is analogous
Read MoreDefining Key Philosophical Movements: From Scholasticism to Existentialism
Nihilism: Meaning and Historical Context
The term Nihilism comes from the Latin, meaning ‘from nothing’ or ‘nothingness’. It is a philosophical current that is generally used to disqualify any doctrine that denies or does not recognize important realities or values.
The nihilism of despair emerged in Russia during the 19th century following the failure of the reforms of Alexander II. These nihilists sought to establish a society based on scientific grounds (inspired by Comte) and were sometimes confused
Read MoreThe Foundations of Empiricism and the Limits of Human Knowledge
Empiricism: A Philosophical Tradition Opposed to Rationalism
Empiricism is a philosophical tradition opposed to rationalism, which often emphasizes the certainty of mathematics.
Modern science emphasized observation, action, and experimentation. The need to rely on observation and experimentation, especially when moving beyond pre-scientific explanations, finds its justification in the main thesis of empiricism:
- All our knowledge about facts is based on perception or sense experience.
The ultimate source
Read MorePolitical Power, Legitimacy, and Democratic Systems
The Concept of Political Power
Power is defined as the ability to be obeyed by those involved in social relationships.
Max Weber, an important sociologist, believed that in a social relationship, power is what allows an individual to fulfill their own will. According to Weber, power is having capacity.
Sources of Political Legitimacy
Political legitimacy, or the justification for power, can stem from various sources:
- Force
- Persuasion
- Tradition
- Charisma
- Money
- Skills
- Knowledge
- Rationality