In this class we will ask ‘what is philosophy?’ in the hopes of defending the importance of this discipline for the individual and society. In this endeavor we shall trek through the history of philosophy while unpacking some of the major issues and problems in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic and politics. Furthermore we will address the perennial problems of the good life, personal identity, authenticity and social responsibility.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Edward's ethics
All the talk of Aristotle's philosophy of virtue in class reminded me of Edward Scissor Hands, specifically after Edward was arrested after he broke into a house for Kim's boyfriend, and, questioning his understanding of right and wrong, is asked if he found a wallet and there was no license, what he would do. Edward thinks for a moment, then half heartedly responds "give it to my loved ones?" The wife responds, sadly, that it does seem like what you should do, but its not. Kim, whom he had knowingly committed the wrongful act for due to love, jumped in and defended him, saying that who is to say that it wouldn't be right, and that is what she herself would have done. Edward committs an act he knows to be wrong, which Aristotle says is impossible, because love drove him to do so. Those close to him can not decipher if he can grasp the understanding of what is virtuous because they do not have the whole story, and also have come to expect cetain answers to the questions they give him, which he is unable to provide to their satisfaction. It is evident that what is good and what is bad is not something that can ever have a uniform definition and is more complex than just black and white.
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