| Hinduism
|
the path of joy versus the path of pleasure
Atman, Brahman, Yoga how to break the cycle of rebirth |
| Buddhism
|
doctrine of no-soul (anatman) and the "I" as a constant flux
examples of the chariot, the child, the flame, the milk reincarnation and how to reach Nirvana |
| Hume | empiricism and the “theater” view of the self
criticisms of the idea of a self or soul identity versus diversity four reasons for our mistaken concept of “self” |
| Schopenhauer
|
transcendental versus immanent knowledge
individuality and two perspectives on death the Will to Live |
| Plato | the body as a hindrance to the soul’s search for wisdom
why philosophers look forward to death three arguments for immortality the fate of pure and impure souls |
| Spelman | somatophobia, misogyny
critique of Plato’s views on beauty, love, and the state soul/body hierarchy as a basis for oppression criticisms of contemporary feminism |
| Parfit
|
split-brain cases and their philosophical implications
ego theory vs. bundle theory of the self teleportation example |
| Sartre
|
existence precedes essence and the paper-cutter example
traditional conceptions of god as artisan responsibility, anguish, forlornness, and despair existentialist humanism |
| Beauvoir | criticisms of traditional definitions of “woman” and woman as “Other”
male justifications and benefits of gender differences internal and external reasons why women put up with the sexist system concrete opportunities as the standard for equality |
| Zack | the problem and problematization of mixed race
the racial schema and its political consequences differences between “black” and “white” ethnicity deracination and a new universalism |
| Aristotle
|
Happiness as the highest good for humans
Three different versions of the happy life the function of human beings, and the three different kinds of souls two different components of virtue the bad, the weak-willed, the strong-willed, and the virtuous |
| Mencius
|
humans as naturally good, bad as the result of external forces
four natural endowments examples: the whirlpool, the barley, the sandals. |
| Kant | the Good Will
inclinations vs. duties the shopkeeper example the categorical imperative |
| Bentham
|
the two “sovereign masters of mankind”
the Principle of Utility and the definition of happiness hedonistic calculus |
| Schweitzer
|
definition of good and the origins of indifference
the natural struggle for survival versus compassion and empathy the three temptations and the three responses distinguishing joy from happiness |
| McGaa | American Indian values versus non-Indian values
The Great Spirit and the four commandments views on european migration, war, racism, religious diversity "we are all related" |
| Hospers | the five criteria for responsibility and their rejection
why we are not ultimately responsible for our failures or successes explanation for the success of someone from the “wrong side of the tracks” legal vs. moral responsibility |
Possible Essay Questions
1. Carefully summarize Beauvoir’s views on how women have traditionally
been viewed in Western culture. In what ways has this traditional view
been supported, and who has benefitted? How does Beauvoir think women should
be viewed, and what changes does she suggest to bring this about? Do you
agree with her position? Explain your answer.
2. How should people live, or what standards should they follow, in order to lead moral lives? Explain and compare the answers offered by two of the following: Aristotle, Kant, Bentham, Schweitzer, or McGaa. Whose views concerning morality are most convincing? Explain your reasoning.
3. Carefully explain Hospers' claims that we are not morally responsible
for our actions. What definitions of responsibility does he reject? Why
are we ultmately unable to take responsibility for our successes or failures?
Should we bother making moral judgements at all? Do you find Hosper’s position
convincing? Why or why not?
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Last Updated: 2 February 2001