The Elements Of Moral Philosophy - 1407 Words

In â€Å"The Elements of Moral Philosophy† James Rachels discusses the positives and negatives regarding the concept of cultural relativism, but his overall position is that cultural relativism is not a strong philosophy. On the flip side of that Immanuel Kant has a completely different ethical theory that is based around deontology. Despite its positives, cultural relativism cannot be defended against Rachels’ criticism, but Kant’s ethical theory cannot necessarily defeat cultural relativism either. Cultural Relativism is the idea that moral practices and social norms change from culture to culture, and so morality and ethics are relative and are determined by our culture. The idea is that if moral practices and social norms vary from culture to culture then this implies that if morality and ethics are universal there should be no variation in moral practice across cultures. Therefore, morality and ethics are relative because the above is not true and morality and ethics are determined by our culture. An example of this would be polygamy. In our culture we believe that polygamy is wrong and unethical because man is only meant to have one wife. However, a cultural relativist would say that because this is a common practice in a polygamist society then it is morally right. Rachels says that this argument is not really sound because â€Å"for an argument to be sound, its premises must all be true, and the conclusion must follow logically from them† (Rachels 18). In this ca se theShow MoreRelatedThe Elements Of Moral Philosophy919 Words   |  4 Pagesfondness for the sake of both parties. The moral attributes of both individuals are significant in a friendship. According to Aristotle in Nicomachean Ethics, â€Å"it is of these attributes that we were the friends†. What happens when these attributes change morally, though? Moral changes are when people alter the way they reason through decisions and how much they consider others while doing so. Is it ethical to abandon a genuine friendship due to a change in moral status, for better or worse, by eitherRead MoreThe Element Of Moral Philosophy By James Rachels1161 Words   |  5 Pages In the book, â€Å"The Element of Moral Philosophy†, James Rachels explores the several criticisms of Utilitarianism. In this essay, I will touch on these criticisms, outlining the major implications they propose to Utilitarianism. I will also explain why many of the notions proposed against Utilitarianism are self-serving, and instead serve to improve the general good of a minority population, which contradicts the Utilitarian theory of equating moral aptitude to the general good of a majority populationRead MoreIn James Rachels’ Book, The Elements Of Moral Philosophy,780 Words   |  4 PagesIn James Rachels’ book, The Elements of Moral Philosophy, he explains many things in the ninth chapter. He made statement about philosopher who decided the absolute moral rules. It explains in the beginning, there’s no definite answer for moral rules. Again, it’s about belief, cultural, tradition etc. Truman decision of dropping the bomb created conflict, some disagree and others agree. Categorical imperative and hypothetical imperative are explained with Kant’s conceptive on lying. His argumentRead MoreIn James Rachels’ Book, The Element Of Moral Philosophy,858 Words   |  4 PagesIn James Rachels’ book, the Element of Moral Philosophy, he mad e interesting point in the fourth chapter. He points out the similarities and differences between morality and religion. Mostly, when thought about morals, religion is mention. Religion is almost all about morals. Directing what is wrong and right. Divine Command Theory is morality relationship between God (gods) and the people. God (gods) orders the meaning of good and the bad. People need to follow the rules to receive blessings fromRead MoreLogic, Metaphysics, Epistemology, And The Value Theory1244 Words   |  5 PagesA1.) The four main divisions in Philosophy are: logic, metaphysics, epistemology, and the value theory. †¢ The division of logic is essentially the division in which all reasoning of our knowledges is deemed correct. Logic focuses on arguments within reasoning and accounts for which arguments will be successful and which arguments will fail. The special subject of logic is the breakdown of the the three Laws of Thought: the law of identity, the law of contradiction, and the law of the excludedRead MorePhilosophy : The Fundamental Nature Of Knowledge1461 Words   |  6 Pages Philosophy in my perspective is a study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, existence and the theory or attitude acting as a guiding principle for behaviour. The understanding that, philosophy is not just about a deep expression of our wonders and the search for knowledge is false from my views. Philosophy broadens our imagination and allows individuals to engage, analyse and criticize the wider world. Individuals have different thoughts, values reasons and method of communication suchRead MoreComparing David Hume and Immanuel Kant Essay1356 Words   |  6 Pagesfor a man to recognize his moral duty. Although Hume and Kant shared some basic principals they differed on their view of morality. In comparing the different views on human will and the maxims established to determine moral worth by David Hume and Immanuel Kant, I find their theories on morality have some merit although limited in view. Hume and Kant shared some basic principle of empiricism, but each took different directions on the theory of morality. The moral theory of Hume was based onRead MorePlato and Platipus1186 Words   |  5 PagesIt is normal to underestimate the power of philosophy. It is a social science that has lost influence in the 21st Century because many do not understand how this science can help humans achieve true happiness. Though philosophy is a heavy subject, it is the science with the most results regarding human nature and knowledge. Philosophy offers guidance to understand human behavior as well as to question our presence and our real role in society. It is one of the leading social sciences because manyRead MoreHistorical Developments in Philosophy Essay1189 Words   |  5 PagesUniversity of Phoenix Material Philosophy Matrix | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Read MoreCompare And Contrast Philo And Plato1615 Words   |  7 PagesOpposite Philosophies The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, â€Å"Plato is dear to me, but dearer still is truth.† Plato, who was also a philosopher, was Aristotle’s teacher. Aristotle thought highly of Plato and respected him. However, as Aristotle’s wisdom grew, he started to question and even disagree with the concepts Plato taught him. This is why Aristotle wrote that he admires and respects Plato, but admires and respects the truth more. Aristotle started to develop his own philosophies, views