Understanding Core Concepts & Crafting Professional Emails
Philosophical & Political Concepts: Key Definitions
Delve into foundational ideas that have shaped ethical and political thought throughout history. Each concept offers a unique perspective on human behavior, societal structures, and the pursuit of a just life.
Moral Conscience: Guiding Ethical Behavior
The inherent moral sense that directs our actions toward what is right and enables us to judge deeds as good or bad.
Morality: Defining Good and Evil
The established set of judgments concerning what is considered good and evil, designed to regulate human conduct within a society.
Ethics: Philosophical Inquiry into Morality
A branch of philosophy dedicated to questioning the nature of morality, exploring the meaning of “good” and “bad,” and investigating the existence of universal moral principles.
Relativism (Sophists): Subjective Truth & Morality
The belief that truth and morality are subjective, varying by individual or culture, asserting that no universal moral principles exist.
Moral Intellectualism (Socrates): Virtue Through Knowledge
The Socratic doctrine that human virtue is determined by knowledge; individuals who understand what is good will inherently act accordingly, while wrongdoing stems from ignorance.
Virtue (Aristotle): Habit, Eudaimonia, and Human Telos
A character trait acquired through the repeated performance of right actions. Virtues are essential for achieving eudaimonia (flourishing or well-being), which is the ultimate purpose (telos) of human existence.
Categorical Imperative (Kant, Version 1): Universal Maxims
Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law without contradiction. Essentially, act as if your actions should become a universal rule for all.
Categorical Imperative (Kant, Version 2): Treat Humanity as Ends
Always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end, but always at the same time as an end. This emphasizes respect and dignity for all individuals.
Master Morality (Nietzsche): Values of the Powerful
Nietzsche’s concept describing the values embraced by powerful individuals, including strength, creativity, and individualism.
Slave Morality (Nietzsche): Values of the Weak
Nietzsche’s concept describing the values adopted by the weak and cowardly, such as humility, compassion, and self-sacrifice, which serve to protect them from the powerful.
Transmutation of Values (Nietzsche): Moral Transformation
The radical transformation of decadent or life-denying moral values into new, life-affirming ones, a central theme in Nietzsche’s philosophy.
Philosopher King (Plato): Reason’s Rule in the Polis
Plato’s ideal ruler, a philosopher whose soul is perfectly balanced with reason governing strength (soldiers) and appetite (common citizens), making them the most suitable leader for the polis (city-state).
Machiavelli’s Politics: Pragmatism & State Stability
Machiavelli’s view that rulers must be pragmatic, employing any means necessary, including manipulation and deception, to maintain authority and political stability. A “prince” must prioritize being an effective politician over being a morally “good” person.
Origins of the State (Hobbes): From Self-Interest to Order
Hobbes’ theory that in a natural state, humans are driven solely by self-interest, leading to chaos. To escape this, individuals surrender certain freedoms to a sovereign power in exchange for security and order.
Voluntary Servitude (La Boétie): Power from Submission
La Boétie’s argument that the power of a ruler stems from the voluntary submission of individuals. People accept domination due to habit and false beliefs rather than through sheer force.
Locke’s Liberalism: Natural Rights & Consent of the Governed
A political philosophy emphasizing inherent natural rights to life, liberty, and private property. Governments are established to protect these rights, with their legitimacy derived from the consent of the people.
Mill’s Utilitarianism: Greatest Good for the Greatest Number
The ethical theory that the moral value of an action is determined by its consequences. A good action — and a good law — aims to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
Carl Schmitt’s Politics: Friend-Enemy Distinction
Schmitt’s political theory centered on the fundamental distinction between “friend” and “enemy.” A sovereign must possess the power to decide on conflict with enemies to define and preserve the political entity.
Open Society (Popper): Democracy, Freedom, Critical Thought
Popper’s concept of a society characterized by democracy, individual freedom, and critical thinking, standing in contrast to authoritarian “closed societies.”
Welfare State: Reducing Inequality & Promoting Well-being
A political system that provides comprehensive social services, such as public healthcare and education, with the aim of reducing inequality and promoting the overall social well-being of its citizens.
Professional Communication: Job Application Email Template
This template provides a structured approach to crafting a compelling job application email, ensuring all essential information is conveyed clearly and professionally.
Email Recipient Details
To: hiring@company.com
Sender Information
From: example@email.com
Email Subject Line
Subject: Application – [Job Title] – [Your Name]
Salutation
Dear [Hiring Manager / Mr./Ms. Last Name / Sir or Madam],
Crafting Your Application Email
1. Opening: Purpose and Source of Application
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], which I saw advertised on [Job Board/Website].
2. Background: Education and Prior Experience
I am currently studying / I recently graduated in [Field] at [School/University]. I have gained valuable experience in [Skill/Field] through [internships/jobs/studies].
3. Skills: Why You Are an Ideal Candidate
I am confident I can contribute effectively with my [skills/strengths] such as [e.g., communication, teamwork, problem-solving]. I believe these align perfectly with the requirements of the role.
4. Interest: Why This Position Appeals to You
I am particularly interested in this position because I admire [Company Name]’s work in [Field] and I am eager to learn and grow within this dynamic environment.
5. Closing: Gratitude and Interview Availability
Thank you for considering my application. I would be happy to attend an interview at your earliest convenience.
Final Closing and Signature
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully,
[Fake Name, e.g., Jane Smith]