PP 103 Midterm Notes PDF

Logic ===== Modus Ponens ------------ A black text on a white background Description automatically generated Modus Tollens -------------  Disjunctive Syllogism --------------------- A black background wi...

Logic ===== Modus Ponens ------------ A black text on a white background Description automatically generated Modus Tollens -------------  Disjunctive Syllogism --------------------- A black background with white text Description automatically generated Affirming the consequent (Invalid version of Modus Ponens) ----------------------------------------------------------  - There are other explanations (could be a dead battery) Denying the antecedent fallacies (Invalid Form of Modus Tollens) ---------------------------------------------------------------- A black background with white text Description automatically generated  A red circle with white circle and black background Description automatically generated False Dichotomy (Either/or Fallacy) ----------------------------------- - Issue in the premise, saying "or" implies there is only 2 options, but really there is a lot more (c)  invalid formal fallacies of affirming the consequent Subjective Statements --------------------- - **Based on personal feelings or opinions**. - True or false depending on the person saying it. - Example: - \"Ice cream is the best dessert.\" - (Someone else might not agree because it's about personal taste.) Intersubjective Statements -------------------------- - **Based on shared beliefs or agreements between people**. - True within a group because they all agree, even if it\'s not *universally* true. - Example: - \"This painting is valuable.\" (It's valuable because society or experts agree it is.) Objective Statements -------------------- - **Based on facts, not opinions or beliefs**. - True for everyone, regardless of feelings or beliefs. - Example: - \"Water boils at 100°C at sea level.\" - (This is a fact no matter who you are or where you live.)   Fact-Value Distinction ---------------------- - **Facts** describe what *is* (objective, can be proven true or false). - Example: \"Water boils at 100°C.\" - **Values** describe what *ought to be* (subjective, based on personal or societal beliefs). - Example: \"People should be kind to each other.\" The **Fact-Value Distinction** separates **descriptive** statements (facts) from **prescriptive** statements (values). The **Fact-Value Distinction** helps philosophers clarify when they\'re discussing **what is** (empirical facts about happiness) versus **what ought to be** (moral or ethical guidelines for happiness). Anti-Realist view of ethics --------------------------- Anti-realism in ethics denies that moral facts exist objectively. According to this view, moral statements (like \"murder is wrong\") are not universally true but are based on individual or cultural beliefs. - **Key Point:** Morality is subjective and depends on personal or societal views, not objective truths. - **Example:** What's considered \"wrong\" can vary from one culture to another, showing that moral values are not universal. Science, the Human Sciences, and Ethics --------------------------------------- - **Science** studies facts about the natural world (e.g., physics, biology). - **Human sciences** (e.g., psychology, sociology) study human behavior and society. - **Ethics** deals with moral questions (what is right or wrong). **Philosophical Questions:** - Can science tell us what's morally right or wrong? - Can human sciences provide ethical guidance? Some argue **ethics** can be grounded in science, while others believe **moral values** are beyond empirical study and involve subjective judgments. Nozick's experience machine (detailed arguments) ================================================ - We **value more** than just feeling pleasure. We seek authenticity, agency, and real achievements in life - **Example**: People want to earn their success, not just experience the feeling of success. - **Brings the idea of a good life, rather then a feeling of happiness** Two perspectives on what the former entails for the good life and happiness --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. What people **value in real life? People don't seek only pleasure, They seek genuine achievements, meaningful choices, and authenticity** 2. Nozick argues that **happiness alone isn't enough, for a good life** - makes a distinction between happiness (emotional pleasure) and well-being (a fulfilling life) - A good life includes not only happiness but also real, authentic experiences, personal growth, and meaningful challenges, which cannot be achieved in the machine Nozick identifies key elements for a good life beyond happiness: - **Authenticity**: A good life involves genuine experiences and real growth, not just pleasure. - **Agency**: We must be able to make meaningful choices; the experience machine removes this power. - **Connection to Others**: True relationships, not simulations, are essential for a meaningful life. **Automaton Questioning** - Nozick raises the question: **What is it about relationships that we value?** - We value real, meaningful relationships, not just the feeling of companionship or love. In the experience machine, we would feel connected to others, but these relationships would be artificial---there would be no **real people** involved. This diminishes the value of the relationships. Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum's capabilities approach ------------------------------------------------------- The **Capabilities Approach** is a theory of justice and well-being that focuses on what individuals are **able to do** and **be** in their lives. Developed by **Amartya Sen** and **Martha Nussbaum**, it emphasizes the **freedom** to achieve well-being through access to opportunities and resources, rather than just focusing on wealth or happiness. - **Key Idea**: A good life is about having the **capabilities** (real freedoms) to pursue the things you value, such as health, education, and relationships. - **Sen's Focus**: Freedom and choice to live a life one values. - **Nussbaum's Focus**: A set of essential capabilities that all people should have to live with dignity. It shifts the focus from material wealth or pleasure to **human flourishing** and the **ability to live a meaningful life**. Deception and the happy life ---------------------------- This concept explores whether happiness achieved through deception---either self-deception or being deceived by others---can truly lead to a good life. **Key Questions:** 1. **Can happiness based on deception be genuine?** - For example, if someone lives a happy life believing a lie (e.g., thinking they are loved or successful when they are not), does their ignorance make their happiness valid? 2. **Does truth matter for happiness?** - Philosophers like Nozick argue that **authenticity and truth** are essential for a meaningful life, suggesting that happiness based on deception is shallow or incomplete. **Arguments For Deception and Happiness:** - **Ignorance Is Bliss:** - For some, not knowing the truth may allow them to live free of pain or worry. If deception shields someone from suffering and brings happiness, they may prefer it. - **Example:** A person who believes in a false but comforting story about their past might feel more at peace than if they knew the harsh truth. **Arguments Against Deception and Happiness:** - **Authenticity Matters:** - True happiness comes from living authentically, which requires facing reality, even if it is uncomfortable. Happiness based on lies lacks depth and meaning. - **Example:** Discovering that a happy marriage was based on lies can make the happiness feel hollow. - **Deception Undermines Agency:** - Being deceived denies a person the ability to make informed choices about their life. Without truth, they cannot fully pursue what they genuinely value. - **Example:** A person who doesn't know they are being manipulated cannot live a truly autonomous or fulfilling life. **Philosophical Perspectives:** 1. **Robert Nozick (Experience Machine):** - Happiness alone isn't enough for a good life. People value **truth, authenticity, and agency**, which deception undermines. 2. **Aristotle (Eudaimonia):** - A good life involves virtuous activity and genuine well-being, not just pleasurable feelings. Deception disrupts the connection to reality necessary for true flourishing. 3. **Utilitarian View:** - Some utilitarians may argue that if deception maximizes happiness, it could be justified. However, this view risks ignoring the importance of truth and long-term consequences. Cruel Trick example, Advice from others, Achievement ---------------------------------------------------- 1. **Happiness Based on Truth** - Happiness rooted in deception (e.g., a **cruel trick**) may feel good temporarily but lacks authenticity and deeper meaning. - **Example**: Believing you're loved when it's a lie might bring joy, but it's not fulfilling once the truth is revealed. 2. **Autonomy and Values** - **Advice from Others** can shape our decisions, but true happiness comes when we align actions with our own values, rather than blindly following external guidance. - **Example**: Choosing a career based on family pressure might lead to external success but inner dissatisfaction if it doesn't align with your passions. 3. **The Role of Real Effort** - Genuine fulfillment comes from **real achievements** based on effort, growth, and connection to reality---not shortcuts, lies, or illusions. - **Example**: Winning a competition through hard work feels meaningful, unlike winning through cheating or manipulation. Eudaimonistic Theories ====================== - translated as \"flourishing\" or \"the good life.\" - emphasize living a life of **virtue**, **purpose**, and **fulfillment** Plato ----- - Aristotle, natural law, function, purpose, and the happiness - Objections to Aristotle - Evolutionary purpose and objections - Naturalistic Fallacy and rebuttal - John Finnis's response to Naturalistic Fallacy Objection - Stoicism - Ubuntu - Buddhism -- Analytical  - Sukha, Duḥka - M Ricard - Pratītyasmutpāda/ Interconnected - Anātman vs ātman and Pure Awareness - Buddhism -- Contemplative