Category: Moral Philosophy
Perspectives on moral responsibility
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When Nationalism Becomes Overweening Pride
Nationalism arose with fervor in the 19th Century and has been promoted rhetorically in politics to evoke feelings of unity, solidarity, and pride. It’s also been asserted in divisive ways as a claim to superiority. In our country references to “American Exceptionalism” and aroused chants of “USA, USA …” in political rallies are common. We… Read more
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Insight, Emotion, and Action
An Essay in Moral Philosophy and Psychology Freedom and Responsibility Think about what it really means to be free and responsible. It distinguishes us from other species, not making us superior to them, but making us moral agents of action, persons. But to be clear, what is given at birth is the potential for realizing… Read more
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When Religion Becomes Political It Becomes Fanatical
In Afghanistan, under the Taliban, it is estimated that over 20 million people are on the verge of starvation, and 5 million or more are children. They identify religiously as a fundamentalist Islamic nation. Ostensibly, their Koran finds virtue in love, peace, and service to others, yet they oppress women, deprive girls of education, and… Read more
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Guided by Reason
Persons are Meaning-Seeking Socrates was the first moral philosopher (c. 470 – 399 BC), and what that meant for him is that we must bring rational clarity to our actions by examining the motivations, assumptions, and beliefs that underlie them. He was not a writer. He engaged in dialogue with others for the purpose of examining… Read more