The moral stance on ethical vitalism affirms that living organisms deserve respect for their intrinsic self-worth. Humans, therefore, must simply have a certain ethical code of behaviour toward nature. There approach to the living world must be life-centred, not human centred. This is the belief of Paul Taylor, who argues that the belief that human life is superior to any other living organism is flawed. While some of Taylor's assumptions have their own weakness, this essay will contend that his overall view is legitimate. There does need to be a moral stance on ethical vitalism. If there is not, then humans must concede their subjectivity in defining the worth of human and non-human life. 8.5 pgs. 13 f/c. 5b.
Pages: 8.5
Bibliography: 5 source(s) listed
Filename: 1541 Ethical Vitalism.doc
Price: US$76.07
2.1579 Bentham and Utilitarianism.
This paper will consider in detail the arguments of the theorist who is widely regarded as the `founding father' of contemporary utilitarian ethics, Jeremy Bentham. As we shall see, Bentham's version of this theory differs, in important respects, from the outline given above. 11.5 pgs. 14 f/c. 3b.
Pages: 11.5
Bibliography: 3 source(s) listed
Filename: 1579 Bentham Utilitarianism.doc
Price: US$102.92
3.1652 Cultural Relativism: Where Reason Fails Our Hearts.
Relativism, when considered from a theoretical perspective, may seem to be valid, we can at least say that in practice the common man almost always assumes that it is invalid, acting on the premise that there are, indeed, universal standards that must be upheld. We always seem to believe in our hearts that there are things that are simply 'right', that there are standards written in some kind of ontological stone beyond human creation. This paper identifies that for this reason, relativism faces a serious practical challenge whenever someone attempts to apply it in the world. Simply put, the practice may hold up theoretically, but it radically fails to meet the standards in our hearts, our instinctual awareness of the 'right' path, which insists that a strict relativism cannot possible be true. 3 pgs. 0 f/c. 0b.
Pages: 3
Bibliography: 0 source(s) listed
Filename: 1652 Cultural Relativism.doc
Price: US$26.85
4.1749 Ethics and Life's Simple Code.
This paper discusses the importance of values in society and how we have govern our lives over the centuries. Different philosophers are looked at to understand the use of values in our lives. 4 pgs. 7 f/c. 3b.
Pages: 4
Bibliography: 3 source(s) listed
Filename: 1749 Ethics Life.doc
Price: US$35.80
5.2800 On Pluralism and Justice: A Defense of Post-Modernism.
This paper is an analysis on the topic of justice. In this analysis, a number of figures will be examined including Charles Taylor and William Connolly. Using some of the arguments and concerns presented by Jacques Derrida, it will be argued that 'deconstruction' rather than construction (Taylor and Connolly) can be understood as a form of justice, and further, it reflects the general tenets or principles of 'pluralism' and 'difference'. The focus of the analysis in this sense, will be directed toward understanding how Taylor and Connolly's respective frameworks represent some of the traditional 'metaphysical' bias' which have informed a number of political theories in the Western tradition. 12 pgs. 15 f/c. 3b.
Pages: 12
Bibliography: 3 source(s) listed
Filename: 2800 Defense Post Modernism.doc
Price: US$107.40
6.3764 Nationalism and International Ethics.
This paper discusses critics' arguments that, in order to avoid international conflict, the world has to rid itself of nationalism. The paper examines this problem within the context of David Miller's view of nationalism. Miller defends nationalism by arguing that it offers a unique source of trust. His position is examined within the context of other prominent philosophers' view of nationalism. 9 pgs. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Pages: 9
Bibliography: 6 source(s) listed
Filename: 3764 Nationalism International Ethics.doc
Price: US$80.55
7.3875 An Analysis and Application of Virtue Ethics to the Treatment of Animals.
While today we talk of acts being good or bad often in reference to some ethical code or rule, if one were to read Plato or Aristotle one would find them assessing acts on the basis of their promotion of the good in individuals. The ethical theory under which the ancient Greek philosophers operated is now termed "virtue ethics". In order to better understand this complex mode of ethical judgement, this essay will describe in detail what it entails. Then, in order to better appreciate its significance, it will be applied to the question of the ethical treatment of animals in the modern world. Finally, on the basis of the description and application, an evaluation will be made of its value as an ethical theory. 5 pgs. Bibliography lists 4 sources.