Franz Kafka: The Story of Abraham and Isaac
Posted by Dr JC. Igbodi | 11 Feb 2009
The implications of this story have confounded believers and nonbelievers for over two thousand years. A God who commands such a thing must be a cruel God, critics say, cruel and with a strange sense of humor. The philosopher Soren Kierkegaard sees the story as an illustration of the limitations of ethics. Franz Kafka (1883-1924) interprets the story in ways that are rather different from the traditional one. For one thing, he says, there was no need for any `leap of faith” in order for Abraham to accept the word of God
Why Have Rules of Moral Conduct?
Posted by Dr SC Spinoza | 08 Feb 2009
Do we know why humans all over the world have an interest in establishing and following moral rules? An age-old answer is, Because the moral rules are decrees from God [the gods]. Philosophy has several answers, and, interestingly enough, some of them are mutually exclusive. Philosophy has traditionally looked for the origin of morality in the realm of reason: Somehow, applying rules for decent behavior makes sense, so rationality becomes a prerequisite for moral behavior. Some philosophers, however, reject that morality is a matter of the head-they claim that it is the heart that is involved, and the head just rationalizes whatever it is the heart wants.
What Fields Consider Ethics Important?
Posted by Dr SC Spinoza | 08 Feb 2009
Historically, the topic of ethics has been considered vital by many cultural groups, and today it seems that even more voices are joining in. Let’s look at some of the fields in our society that show an interest in ethical issues. These fields are significant for two reasons: Their interest in ethics is of interest to us, and, in addition, we may want to turn the tables and examine the ethics of the members themselves.
Differentiating Ethics, Morals, and Values
Posted by Dr SC Spinoza | 08 Feb 2009
For a philosophical inquiry the requirement that a solution makes sense is particularly important; while religion may play a very important role in the development of moral values for many people, a philosophical investigation of moral issues must involve more than faith in a religious authority. Regardless of one’s religious belief, or lack thereof, such an investigation must involve reasoning because, for one thing, philosophy teaches that one must examine issues without solely relying on the word of authority.
- Why Have Rules of Moral Conduct?
- Posted by Dr SC Spinoza
08 Feb 2009
Do we know why humans all over the world have an interest in establishing and following moral rules? An age-old answer is, Because the moral rules are decrees from God [the gods]. Philosophy has several answers, and, interestingly enough, some of them are mutually exclusive. Philosophy has traditionally looked for the origin of morality in the realm of reason: Somehow, applying rules for decent behavior makes sense, so rationality becomes a prerequisite for moral behavior. Some philosophers, however, reject that morality is a matter of the head-they claim that it is the heart that is involved, and the head just rationalizes whatever it is the heart wants.
- What Ails the American Economy?
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By Kevin Phillips, Barry Gewen
28 Feb 2009
Even if his pessimism doesn’t seem wholly warranted, a sense of foreboding surely is, which is why his warnings have to be taken seriously. Mr. Phillips writes that the inventors and marketers of the new financial instruments didn’t entirely understand them. An executive of Fidelity International says a panicky feeling has set in on Wall Street because no one knows where the risks really are. The finance minister of France observes that investments may have reached such a level of complexity that no one can assess them. And Charles R. Morris, in his own gloomy book, “The Trillion Dollar Meltdown,” reports that even Citigroup’s chief financial officer “did not know how to value his holdings.
- What Ails the American Economy?
-
By Kevin Phillips, Barry Gewen
28 Feb 2009
Even if his pessimism doesn’t seem wholly warranted, a sense of foreboding surely is, which is why his warnings have to be taken seriously. Mr. Phillips writes that the inventors and marketers of the new financial instruments didn’t entirely understand them. An executive of Fidelity International says a panicky feeling has set in on Wall Street because no one knows where the risks really are. The finance minister of France observes that investments may have reached such a level of complexity that no one can assess them. And Charles R. Morris, in his own gloomy book, “The Trillion Dollar Meltdown,” reports that even Citigroup’s chief financial officer “did not know how to value his holdings.