Contrasting Ethical Frameworks: Hume vs. Kant
Comparison of Hume’s and Kant’s Ethics
Summary of Similarities
Both philosophers reject moral relativism and believe in a universal, suprasocial morality.
- Hume argues that moral feelings are common to all humans.
- Kant, like rationalists, believed that practical reason allows humans to distinguish good from evil. He posited a universal moral law accessible to all through reason, formalized in his categorical imperative. This imperative dictates that actions should be universalizable and treat individuals
Legal Validity, Effectiveness, and Justice: A Comprehensive Analysis
Legal Validity, Effectiveness, and Justice
Validity: A rule is valid if it meets the conditions laid down in the order, the appropriate body created it, a proper procedure was followed, it has not been repealed, and it does not conflict with another rule.
Effectiveness: A rule is effective when it achieves its intended end, rules are followed spontaneously, there is a fear of punishment, sanctions are applied when necessary, and sanctions are not bypassed.
Justice: Justice is the adequacy of a standard
Read MoreDescartes’ Proofs of God: From Cogito to Certainty
Descartes: Beyond the Cogito
The critical part of Cartesian philosophy concludes after finding the first indubitable truth, the ultimate basis of knowledge: the cogito. From this point begins the constructive or deductive phase, applying the third and fourth rules of the method.
The Thinking Self and the Problem of Solipsism
The first consequence of the cogito is that I am a thinking thing (res cogitans), which possesses ideas. This implies that it is evident that within thought, there are ideas. However,
Read MoreAquinas’ Synthesis: Faith, Reason, and Existence of God
Thomas Aquinas: Faith, Reason, and Existence of God
Faith and Reason
Thomas Aquinas integrated faith and reason, drawing on both revealed and philosophical learning, following precedents set by St. Augustine and St. Anselm. He emphasized the subordination of reason to faith, asserting that true wisdom lies in understanding the path to human salvation. This knowledge, essential for salvation, is revealed by God in Scripture.
Revelation encompasses truths unattainable through reason alone. While philosophy
Read MoreKant y Descartes: Razón, Ética y Realidad Metafísica
Kant: Juicios Sintéticos a Priori y Razón Pura
Tipos de Juicios
Juicios analíticos: Explican únicamente el contenido explícito del sujeto. Por ejemplo: “Todos los cuerpos son extensos”.
Juicios sintéticos: El predicado amplía la información, añadiendo algo nuevo al concepto del sujeto. Por ejemplo: “Todos los cuerpos son pesados”.
Juicios sintéticos a priori: Son juicios que amplían nuestro conocimiento (sintéticos) pero cuya verdad se conoce independientemente de la experiencia (a priori)
Read MoreUnderstanding Values: Philosophical Perspectives and Types
What Are Values?
The term ‘value’ is often used to talk about the price of a commodity, giving it an economic meaning. Sometimes, it is said that a piece of art has great value. In this context, it has value as a human creation, but it might be impossible to set a precise economic value for it.
Key aspects of values include:
- Unreal Objects on Real Objects: Values cannot be seen, touched, or smelled; they are not perceived directly by human senses. For example, goodness itself cannot be touched. However,