Ethics Consolidated Notes PDF

CONSOLIDATED NOTES Ethics | BAPR 4-1N OUTLINE 1.​ Definition of Terms 2.​ Fundamental Philosophies a.​ Plato b.​ Descartes c.​ Kant d.​ Copernican Revolution i.​ Heliocentric ii.​ Geocen...

CONSOLIDATED NOTES Ethics | BAPR 4-1N OUTLINE 1.​ Definition of Terms 2.​ Fundamental Philosophies a.​ Plato b.​ Descartes c.​ Kant d.​ Copernican Revolution i.​ Heliocentric ii.​ Geocentric e.​ Simondon 3.​ Applications a.​ Treaty of Tordesillas/Versailles b.​ Differences, Refutes, and Similarities i.​ Kant v Descartes 1.​ Conformity between Cognition and World ii.​ Kant and Plato 1.​ World of Forms 2.​ Conformity between Cognition and World iii.​ Kant and the Copernican Revolution 1.​ Helio/Geocentric application of Kant philosophy iv.​ Simondon and Copernican Revolution 1.​ Relationship of Simondon with Copernican Revolution 2.​ Aesthetic Thinking NOTES Definition of Terms Philosophy ​ A discipline that involves critical thinking, questioning assumptions, and seeking to understand life, morality, knowledge, and existence beyond superficial answers. Immutable ​ That which does not change over time or cannot be altered. Dualism ​ The concept that reality is made up of both physical and non-physical elements. Vis-à-vis ​ Technically, the "a" in vis-a-vis is an "à" as the phrase translates literally from the French for "face to face." There's a slightly pedantic ring to the term, so use it with caution. It’s more suited to written or academic contexts rather than casual speech unless for comic effect. ​ Emphasizes the way two concepts, entities, or perspectives are positioned or understood in relation to each other. Infinite Regression ​ The act of questioning what is, in order to find an explanation for it being as it is. Abgrund ​ Abyss; a concept meaning without reason or ground. Teleology ​ The study of purpose; examining phenomena in terms of the purpose they serve rather than what causes them to be. Aesthetics ​ The study of beauty. Aesthetic Thinking ​ A mode of thought mediating between technology (technics) and religion, focusing on creating beauty or meaning and bridging the spiritual with the material. Cogito, Ergo Sum (Descartes) ​ "I think, therefore I am." Descartes’ assertion of self-awareness as proof of individual existence and consciousness. ​ The act of thinking is proof of one's existence ​ If one is thinking, one must exist , at least as a thinking entity Ex Nihilo ​ “From nothing”; often used in theology to describe the belief that God created the universe from nothing, emphasizing divine omnipotence. Renaissance ​ A period of revival in art, literature, science, and exploration (14th to 17th century), bridging the Middle Ages and modern history and characterized by a rediscovery of classical philosophy and learning. Ethics ​ Explores the concept of the "good" and is interlinked with science and aesthetics. Scientific Knowledge ​ Aesthetic thinking that has a balance between Religion and Science Aesthetic Manufacturing ​ The creation of meaning and value through art. Ontology ​ The study of being and existence. Example: Questioning the nature of reality. Ontogenesis  ​ The development of an individual organism from concept to maturity. Example: The development of a human from fertilized egg to adulthood. Philosophical Writing ​ Should reflect personal exploration and vulnerability. Diverse forms include essays, dialogues, and epistolary styles. Writing fosters idea generation and reflects ongoing self-dialogue. Reading Philosophy ​ Aim: Personal growth and understanding the human condition. Approach: Active reading with skepticism and dialogue. Fundamental Philosophies PLATO 1. Concept of the World of Forms ​ Plato’s World of Forms is an abstract, perfect realm where "ideal" versions of things (e.g., beauty, goodness, justice) exist independently of our perception. ​ The physical world is a shadow or imitation of these ideal forms, which are “immutable” (unchanging), “ideal,” and “perfect.” ​ Representation comes first in this realm; our cognition conforms to these ideal forms rather than creating them. 2. Philosophical Relevance ​ Humanity’s constant questioning (like “Bakit tayo nabubuhay sa bakit?”) mirrors this search for deeper meaning, as people seek to understand the essence of things beyond appearances. ​ Philosophy isn’t just about “smarts”; it helps develop critical thinking, challenge assumptions, and provide wisdom for life’s complexities. 3. Nature of Inquiry ​ Humans are driven to ask “why” as they seek meaning. This inquiry aligns with Plato’s view that truth lies beyond physical experiences and perceptions. 4. Intellect and Mimesis ​ Intellect (nous) : Plato’s gender perspective equates men with intellect and the ideal “Form,” viewing intellect as part of the perfect, unchanging realm. ​ Mimesis (imitation): The physical world imitates ideal forms. Everything we see is a representation, a mimicry of the perfect forms. Key Difference ​ Intellect seeks direct engagement with the ultimate reality (Forms), aiming for truth and wisdom. ​ Mimesis deals with appearances and copies, often confined to the physical and sensory world, which Plato regarded as deceptive and inferior to intellectual understanding. In short, intellect leads to genuine knowledge, while mimesis offers only a semblance of reality. 5. Gender Perspective ​ Plato’s view includes a gendered hierarchy: men represent intellect and ideal forms, while women are seen as lesser. ​ He suggests that the “second-best woman can be better than the second-best man but cannot be equal with the second-best man,” implying a view of women as “second-best.” 6. Dualism ​ Plato’s dualism separates the world of Forms (external, unchanging truth) from human cognition. Our thoughts conform to this reality rather than creating it. 7. Immutability ​ The World of Forms is characterized by immutability—unchanging, timeless, perfect, and unquestionable. These forms exist independently of human creation. 8. Cognition Conforming to the World ​ According to Plato, truth already exists in the world of Forms, and our cognition only aligns with this pre-existing truth. We perceive ideas because they inherently exist beyond human creation. 9. Phenomenal vs. Ideal ​ The phenomenal (physical) world is imperfect and often associated with the feminine. In contrast, the ideal world of Forms is linked with intellect and masculinity. 10. God and the Highest Ideal ​ God is seen as the highest, most perfect being who created these eternal forms. Concrete objects we see (like rabbits or chairs) are shadowy representations of these ideal forms, existing in the divine realm. DESCARTES 1. Cogito, Ergo Sum ​ "I think, therefore I am" – Descartes’ foundational idea, affirming self-awareness as proof of existence. ​ Emphasizes the mind as the core of knowledge, setting it apart from the physical body. 2. Mechanistic View ​ Descartes viewed humans (and even God) in mechanical terms, interpreting the body scientifically rather than artistically. ​ Mechanistic view: Mind and body interconnected like a machine, explaining existence scientifically rather than aesthetically. ​ The body is seen as a machine, while the mind is the conscious force within it. 3. Solipsism and Reality ​ Descartes’ philosophy leans toward solipsism – the idea that only the self is certain. ​ He proposed that reality is something agreed upon (consensus), but for him, the individual self is the starting point. 4. Skepticism and Dreaming ​ Descartes questioned reality by exploring the "dream argument", considering life might be a simulation or dream. ​ His work during a time of philosophical darkness (European “Dark Age”) emphasized a skeptical approach to perceived reality. 5. Distinguishing Self from Dream ​ Descartes’ "Cogito, Ergo Sum" helps determine that we are conscious, not dreaming, by establishing a foundation for self-awareness. 6. The Concept of God ​ For Descartes, God serves as a framework for understanding the world’s order. ​ His view of God is mechanistic and scientific, more practical than spiritual or aesthetic, as God represents perfection and certainty. 7. Abgrund and the Search for Certainty ​ In philosophy, the concept of "Abgrund" (an abyss of endless questions) suggests that ultimate understanding might be unreachable.  ​ Descartes’ “Cogito” provides an answer to this, rooting knowledge in self-awareness. 8. Thought and Awareness ​ Descartes defined “thought” broadly, covering everything we are conscious of – understanding, willingness, imagination, and sensory experiences. 9. Mind-Body Dualism ​ Descartes proposed that the mind and body are distinct: the body is physical and observable, while the mind is intangible and open to doubt. ​ The mind exists as long as it can think; if you can conceive of something, it exists in some sense. Kant 1. Transcendental Divide ​ Noumena: The "thing-in-itself" – the underlying reality that exists independently of our perception (e.g., gravity as it truly is). ​ Phenomena: How we interpret or experience reality through our senses (e.g., perceiving gravity as a force pulling objects toward Earth). 2. Opus Postumum ​ Understanding the world by "creating" it within ourselves through our actions and interpretations. ​ Example: An artist brings their vision to life in a painting, making their internal understanding of the world tangible. 3. Cognition and Reality ​ For Kant, reality is shaped by our cognition: the mind interprets and gives meaning to what it perceives. ​ World Conforms to Cognition: We construct our understanding of the world based on our internal thoughts and perceptions. 4. Kant’s Copernican Revolution ​ This philosophical shift placed human perception at the center, suggesting that we construct reality as we interpret it, similar to the way heliocentrism re-centered understanding of the cosmos. 5. Dualism ​ Like Plato, Kant believed in a dualistic view of reality, but while Plato emphasized external forms that cognition conforms to, Kant focused on the mind as actively shaping reality. 6. God as Noumena and Phenomena ​ Kant suggested that God exists beyond human experience (noumena) but is also interpreted by humans in ways that make God part of their perceived reality (phenomena). 7. Solipsism and Reality  ​ Kant explored ideas related to solipsism – the notion that self-awareness is central, and our understanding of reality is limited to what our mind interprets. ​ "The universe only exists within your head and, when it dies, it dies with you" – a thought reflecting solipsism’s focus on self-centered reality. 8. Ethics, Teleology, and Aesthetics ​ Kant linked ethics to a purpose-driven (teleological) approach, balancing it with an appreciation for beauty and aesthetics. ​ He introduced concepts of “disinterested beauty,” seeing beauty as something appreciated without personal gain or desire. 9. Practical Applications ​ Kant’s ideas on constructing meaning internally emphasize that we create our values and interpretations, such as forming personal ideologies or concepts of God. ​ His philosophy supports understanding the world not just through observation but through active interpretation and internalization. 10. Consequence of Self-Focused Reality ​ This “self” focus led to solipsism, where only the self’s reality is certain, while the external world is constantly questioned. 11. Aesthetic Manufacturing ​ The idea that humans create meaning and value through artistic expression and appreciation, reflecting how Kant saw human cognition as shaping reality. 12. Kant’s Contributions: ○​ Ethics, teleology, aesthetics, and nature as interconnected concepts. ○​ Manufacturing God: Aesthetic phenomena emerge from humanity’s representation of divine creation. Copernican Revolution 1. The Shift from Geocentrism to Heliocentrism ​ Geocentric Model: Earth-centered universe where Earth (Geo) was believed to be the center of all celestial movement. ​ Heliocentric Model: Proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus, this model placed the Sun (Helios) at the center of the universe, with Earth and other planets revolving around it. ​ Impact: This shift challenged humanity’s perceived central place in the cosmos and symbolized a broader philosophical change, decentering humans and moving focus to universal principles or divinity. 2. Renaissance Influence (14th–17th Century) ​ The Renaissance period, marked by a revival of classical knowledge and artistic and scientific advancement, set the stage for the Copernican Revolution. ​ This era emphasized exploration, intellectual awakening, and breakthroughs in understanding, which encouraged questioning long-standing beliefs like the geocentric model. 3. Kant’s Copernican Revolution in Philosophy ​ Pre-Copernican View: Human cognition was thought to conform to the world; reality was seen as fixed and objective, external to human perception. ​ Kant’s View (Post-Copernican): Reality (or our perception of it) conforms to human cognition; humans play an active role in creating meaning and interpreting the world. ​ Meaning and Reality: This shift mirrored the heliocentric model, placing God or the noumenon (things-in-themselves) as the ultimate reality, while humans revolve around it, creating subjective meaning. 4. Creation ex Nihilo and Intelligent Design ​ Creation ex Nihilo: In Judeo-Christian thought, the belief that God created the world from nothing, emphasizing divine power. ​ Intelligent Design: A concept suggesting life’s complexity implies a purposeful creator, challenging scientific theories of evolution. 5. Aesthetic Manufacturing ​ The idea that humans create meaning and value through artistic expression and appreciation, reflecting how Kant saw human cognition as shaping reality. Simondon ​ Simondon: A French philosopher introducing "Primitive Rupture" or "becoming"—a division essential for human development and progress. ​ Plato & Kant: Dualist perspectives influencing Simondon. ​ Primitive Rupturing: ○​ Describes the emergence of distinct entities from pre-individual potential. ○​ Ground: The pre-individual field (e.g., milieu, natural settings like rivers or mountains). ○​ Figure: Technical tools and entities arising from differentiation in the ground. ○​ Tools (technics) act as mediators transforming potential into actuality. ○​ The Rupture: ​ Primitive rupturing represents the moment when a disturbance or break occurs within this pre-individual state, causing a reorganization of the system. This disruption is not destructive but creative—it leads to the emergence of individuated beings or systems through the resolution of the underlying tensions 1.​ Human Evolution and Tools: ○​ Humanity’s history is intertwined with tools. ○​ Arthur C. Clarke's Insight: The first human was the first to use a stick as a tool. ○​ Tools are not external but an extension of biological and intellectual activity. 2.​ Relationship Between Ground and Figure: ○​ Ground: Natural and contextual foundation for human development. ○​ Figure: Specific innovations or technical objects emerging from the ground. ○​ Technology is neither superior to nor separate from biology but a continuation of it. 3.​ Role of Religion and Aesthetic Thinking: ○​ Religion and Grounding: Humanity needs "ground" (religion) to balance its technological advancements. ○​ Aesthetic Thinking: Arises from the interplay of technics and religion, enabling science, ethics, and art. 4.​ Human Limits and Transcendence: ○​ Humanity operates at the edge of its limits and creates new tools, ideas, and connections to adapt. ○​ God and art are seen as humanity’s effort to transcend its boundaries. Simondon’s View on Technology and Humanity ​ Tools as Biological Extensions: ○​ Humans function as intermediaries between machines and life. ○​ Tools and machines are seen as extensions of human organs, and vice versa.  ​ Non-Dualism: ○​ Rejects hierarchical distinctions (e.g., mind over body, science over technical activity). ○​ Places technical activity on equal footing with scientific and biological functions. APPLICATIONS Treaty of Tordesillas/Zaragoza ​ Historical Context: ○​ Age of Exploration (14th–17th century): Spain and Portugal split the world for colonization. ○​ Treaty of Tordesillas (1494): Divided the Atlantic: ​ Spain: Western Hemisphere (Americas). ​ Portugal: Eastern Hemisphere (Asia, Africa). ○​ Treaty of Zaragoza (1529): Clarified land claims in the East, awarding the Moluccas/Spice Islands to Portugal. ​ Scientific Perspective: ○​ Emerged during the Renaissance—a revival of knowledge, art, and science. ○​ Geocentrism (Earth as center) replaced by Heliocentrism (Sun as center) due to the Copernican Revolution. ○​ Helios = Sun/God; Geo = Earth/Man. ​ Philosophical Insight:  ○​ Highlighted universalized moral forms dictated by dominant powers (e.g., European white men). ○​ These forms shaped global systems of belief and governance. Differences, Refutes, and Similarities Kant vs. Descartes ​ Descartes: ○​ "Cogito, Ergo Sum" (I think, therefore I am). ○​ Mechanistic interpretation of existence: Mind and body function as a machine. ○​ Man and God are interpreted through mechanistic, scientific principles. ​ Kant: ○​ Refined Descartes by introducing aesthetic manufacturing: ​ Ethics, teleology, aesthetics, and nature are intertwined. ○​ Proposed that truth is manufactured by human cognition to make the world intelligible. ○​ Representations of God or reality are aesthetic phenomena, created by humans to understand existence. Kant vs. Plato ​ Plato: ○​ World of Forms: External truths pre-exist; cognition conforms to these forms. ○​ Reality exists independently; humans merely discover it. ​ Kant: ○​ Copernican Revolution of Philosophy: Reality conforms to human cognition. ○​ Humans actively interpret and shape reality, making it understandable. ○​ Truth is not external but created internally. Kant and the Copernican Revolution ​ Helio/Geocentric Philosophy: ○​ Similar to how Copernicus displaced Earth from the center, Kant displaced external truth, centering cognition as the foundation of understanding. ○​ The sun (Helios) became symbolic of divinity, while Earth (Geo) represented humanity's prior egocentric worldview. Simondon and the Copernican Revolution God is Art ​ Key Concept: ○​ God is equated to art: a phenomenon reflecting human interpretation. ○​ Like art, God is shaped by cultural, philosophical, and aesthetic frameworks. ○​ Nietzsche's "we have killed God" signifies the shift toward a scientific, aesthetic understanding of the divine. ​ Aesthetic Thinking: ○​ Serves as a bridge between technics and spirituality. ○​ Art embodies faith and belief, uniting material and spiritual dimensions. ​ Philosophical Implication: ○​ Simondon emphasized the interplay between human innovation (technics) and existential grounding (religion/art). ​ Ex.: Aztec temples, tribal artifacts, religious instruments ○​ Humanity’s tools and technologies are extensions of biological and intellectual activity, paralleling Kant’s emphasis on the internal creation of truth.