Ways to Say "Should"
There is good reason to believe that moral entities do not exist objectively, because it is a matter of empirical fact that people disagree about them in a way that they do not disagree about physical reality.
There is good reason to believe that moral entities do not exist objectively, because it is a matter of empirical fact that people disagree about them in a way that they do not disagree about physical reality.
22 of 22 in a collection from William D. Higginson
13” (h) x 20” (l), gouache on water color paper on Dibond, 2018.
The Enduring Quest for Justice in Conflict and Harmony The principle of justice, a cornerstone of ethical and political philosophy, faces its most profound tests in the realms of war and peace. This article explores how philosophers, from antiquity to modernity, have grappled with defining, applying, and upholding justice in...
The Emotional Undercurrents of Political Opinion The landscape of political discourse often appears to be a battle of ideas, a clash of policies, and a contest of rational arguments. Yet, beneath this veneer of logic and deliberation lies a powerful, often unseen, force: emotion. This article explores how emotion is...
The Fundamental Divide: Unpacking the Distinction Between Matter and Quantity The world around us, in all its tangible complexity, often presents itself as a seamless whole. Yet, to truly comprehend its nature, philosophy compels us to dissect its fundamental components. Among the most crucial distinctions we can make, one that...
The Universal Laws of Mathematics: A Glimpse into Inherent Order Summary: The Universal Laws of Mathematics represent a profound philosophical challenge and a cornerstone of human understanding. Far from mere human constructs, these immutable principles appear to govern not only the abstract realm of number and form but also the...
The Elusive Edges: Defining Life and Death Summary: The concepts of Life and Death are fundamental to human experience, yet their precise definition remains one of philosophy's most enduring and complex challenges. Far from being purely biological markers, these states are deeply intertwined with Science, ethics, metaphysics, and...
The Logic of Judgment in Law: A Quest for Rational Justice The intricate dance between logic, judgment, and law forms the bedrock of any just society. At its heart, legal reasoning is an ambitious endeavor to apply systematic thought to the often messy realities of human conduct, aiming for decisions...
The Constitution as a Barrier to Tyranny The enduring struggle for human liberty against the encroaching shadow of tyranny finds one of its most potent and intellectually profound defenses in the concept of a written constitution. Far from being a mere legal document, a well-crafted constitution, such as that...
The Enduring Enigma: Unpacking the Philosophical Idea of the Body and Soul The question of the body and soul stands as one of philosophy's most ancient and persistent inquiries. From the earliest musings of pre-Socratic thinkers to the cutting-edge debates in neuroscience and artificial intelligence, the...
The Unfolding Tapestry: Science, Evolution, and the Human Quest for Knowledge The history of science is not merely a chronicle of discoveries, but a profound narrative of humanity's evolving understanding of itself and the cosmos. Central to this narrative is the concept of evolution, a transformative idea that...
The Indivisible Fabric: How Quality Illuminates Being in Metaphysics Summary: The concepts of Being and Quality are not merely distinct philosophical categories but are inextricably linked, forming the very fabric of our reality and our understanding of it. This article explores their profound relation within metaphysics, arguing that Quality serves...
The Virtue of Temperance Over Pleasure: A Path to Flourishing In a world constantly tempting us with immediate gratification, the ancient virtue of temperance offers a profound path to a more fulfilling life. Far from being a denial of joy, temperance is the judicious mastery of our desires, a rational...
The Grand Orchestration: Unraveling the Mechanics of Astronomical Bodies Summary: For millennia, humanity has gazed at the heavens, seeking to comprehend the intricate dance of celestial objects. This article delves into the profound journey from mere observation to a sophisticated understanding of the mechanics governing astronomical bodies. Drawing from the...
The Meaning of Sign and Symbol in Dreams Dreams, those enigmatic nocturnal narratives, serve as a profound testament to the intricate workings of the human Mind. Far from mere random firings of neurons, they often present a rich tapestry woven from Sign and Symbol, reflecting our deepest Experience, our vast...
The Indispensable Nexus: Education as the True Engine of Progress Education is not merely the transmission of facts; it is the foundational crucible for human progress. From the ancient academies of Greece to the modern global community, the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge have consistently been the most potent catalysts...
The Enduring Nature: A Philosophical Inquiry into Angelic Immortality Summary: The Imperishable Essence of Angels The concept of angelic immortality posits that these spiritual beings, by their very nature, are not subject to death or decay. This imperishability stems from their immaterial substance, their direct creation by God, and their...
The Ethical Dilemma of Lying: A Journey Through Truth and Sin Lying, an act seemingly simple in its execution, unravels into one of humanity's most profound and enduring ethical dilemmas. It forces us to confront the very nature of Truth, the weight of Sin, the imperative of Duty,...
The Enduring Opposition Between Liberty and Tyranny The human story, in its grandest philosophical arc, is a perpetual struggle between two fundamental forces: Liberty and Tyranny. This article delves into the profound opposition that defines political philosophy, exploring how Government, intended to secure freedom, often becomes the very instrument of...
Unpacking the Elusive Definition of Happiness: A Journey Through Western Thought The definition of happiness stands as one of philosophy's most enduring and perplexing questions. Far from a simple feeling, the classical tradition, particularly as explored in the Great Books of the Western World, reveals happiness to be...
The Enduring Enigma: Navigating the Relationship Between Fate and Will The perennial philosophical debate concerning the relation between fate and will delves into the very core of human existence and agency. Are our lives meticulously predetermined by an unyielding cosmic design, or do we possess the genuine freedom to forge...
The Unfolding Logic of Change in Element We often take for granted the world around us, a dynamic tapestry woven from constant transformation. Yet, beneath the surface of everyday observation lies a profound philosophical challenge: How do things truly change? How can an element transform, cease to be what it...
The Guiding Hand: Why Prudence is Indispensable in Government Summary: In the complex theatre of governance, where decisions ripple through societies and shape futures, the virtue of prudence stands not merely as cautious hesitation but as the very bedrock of effective and just leadership. Drawing from the deep wellsprings of...
The Architect of Assent: How Language Forges Opinion Language is far more than a mere tool for communication; it is the very loom upon which the tapestry of our understanding is woven, and the primary forge in which opinion is shaped, tempered, and ultimately cast. From the most mundane daily...