Philosophy 2 Flashcards
Study (21 cards)
Cogito Ergo Sum?
I think therefore I am
Rationalist
Looks for a priori knowledge – knowledge had without any previous experience
Empiricist
Rejects the possibility of a priori knowledge
Descartes
A rationalist who believes that the self is a prior meaning thinking = existence
How does Mead believe we become a self?
Interactions with others - The self is formed via that believes in social contro
Utilitarianism Maxim
Act always that you maximize the possible happiness (or mitigate suffering) in all who can experience pleasure or pain?
Paradox of Hedonism
Cannot just get happiness like a commodity
$50 example (Criticism of Utilitarianism)
Money could be spent on self but could also benefit others, so which do you chose to ensure happiness? Do you suffer or do they?
The Slice-mo-tron 3000
Machine could help hundreds but requires sacrifice. Do you use the machine for the greater good?
The justice angle of Utilitarinism
Justice provides for a general security in society and thus maintains happiness and prevents misery - Justice is justified by Utilitarianism because it results in less suffering and more happiness (Justification remains utilitarian)
The Categorical Imperative
“Act as if the maxim of your action were to become through your will a universal law of nature” - Must be universal and based on Good Will
Kant’s Claim
Moral action is always rationally motivated
The Principle of humanity
Another way to describe the categorical Imperative - All rational creatures are never simply used – they must be respected as an end
Empiricists
Mead and Mill
Rationalists
Descartes and Kant
Epistemology
Mead and Descartes
Ethics
Mill and Kant
Mill - Emp
Base what you know on experience - Consequence of Actions
Kant - Rat
Base what you know on reason - Intentions are the main bread and butter
Difference of Mill and Kant
Mill focuses on condequence of actions while Kant focuses on Intentions
