Ethics & Moral Philosophy
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Alcibiades I/ Alcibiades Ii
The First Alcibiades or is a dialogue featuring Alcibiades in conversation with Socrates. It is ascribed to Plato, The Second Alcibiades has Socrates attempting to persuade Alcibiades that it is unsafe for him to pray to the gods if he does not know whether what he prays for is actually good or bad, In the preface Alcibiades is described as an ambitious young man who is eager to enter public life. He is extremely proud of his good looks, noble birth, many friends, possessions and his connection to Pericles, the leader of the Athenian state. Alcibiades has many admirers but they have all run away, afraid of his coldness. Socrates was the first of his admirers but he has not spoken to him for many years. Now the older man tries to help the youth with his questions before Alcibiades presents himself in front of the Athenian assembly. For the rest of the dialogue Socrates explains the many reasons why Alcibiades needs him. By the end of Alcibiades I, the youth is much persuaded by Socrates' reasoning, and accepts him as his mentor.The first topic they enter is the essence of politics - war and peace. Socrates claims that people should fight on just grounds, but he doubts that Alcibiades has any knowledge about justice. Prodded by Socrates' questioning, Alcibiades admits that he has never learned the nature of justice from a master nor has discovered it by himself.Alcibiades suggests that politics is not about justice but expediency and the two principles could be opposed. Socrates persuades him that he is mistaken, and there is no expediency without justice. The humiliated youth concedes that he knows nothing about politics.Later Alcibiades says that he is not concerned about his ignorance because all the other Athenian politicians are ignorant. Socrates reminds him that his true rivals are the kings of Sparta and Persia. He delivers a long lecture about the careful education, glorious might and unparalleled richness of these foreign rulers. Alcibiades gets cold feet which was exactly the purpose of Socrates' speech.After this interlude the dialogue proceeds with further questioning about the rules of society. Socrates points to the many contradictions in Alcibiades' thoughts. Later they agree that man has to follow the advice of the famous Delphic phrase: gn?thi seaut?n meaning know thyself. They discuss that the "ruling principle" of man is not the body but the soul. Somebody's true lover loves his soul, while the lover of the body flies as soon as the youth fades. With this Socrates proves that he is the only true lover of Alcibiades. "From this day forward, I must and will follow you as you have followed me; I will be the disciple, and you shall be my master", proclaims the youth. Together they will work on to improve Alcibiades' character because only the virtuous has the right to govern. Tyrannical power should not be the aim of individuals but people accept to be commanded by a superior.
Alcibiades I/ Alcibiades Ii
The First Alcibiades or is a dialogue featuring Alcibiades in conversation with Socrates. It is ascribed to Plato, The Second Alcibiades has Socrates attempting to persuade Alcibiades that it is unsafe for him to pray to the gods if he does not know whether what he prays for is actually good or bad, In the preface Alcibiades is described as an ambitious young man who is eager to enter public life. He is extremely proud of his good looks, noble birth, many friends, possessions and his connection to Pericles, the leader of the Athenian state. Alcibiades has many admirers but they have all run away, afraid of his coldness. Socrates was the first of his admirers but he has not spoken to him for many years. Now the older man tries to help the youth with his questions before Alcibiades presents himself in front of the Athenian assembly. For the rest of the dialogue Socrates explains the many reasons why Alcibiades needs him. By the end of Alcibiades I, the youth is much persuaded by Socrates' reasoning, and accepts him as his mentor.The first topic they enter is the essence of politics - war and peace. Socrates claims that people should fight on just grounds, but he doubts that Alcibiades has any knowledge about justice. Prodded by Socrates' questioning, Alcibiades admits that he has never learned the nature of justice from a master nor has discovered it by himself.Alcibiades suggests that politics is not about justice but expediency and the two principles could be opposed. Socrates persuades him that he is mistaken, and there is no expediency without justice. The humiliated youth concedes that he knows nothing about politics.Later Alcibiades says that he is not concerned about his ignorance because all the other Athenian politicians are ignorant. Socrates reminds him that his true rivals are the kings of Sparta and Persia. He delivers a long lecture about the careful education, glorious might and unparalleled richness of these foreign rulers. Alcibiades gets cold feet which was exactly the purpose of Socrates' speech.After this interlude the dialogue proceeds with further questioning about the rules of society. Socrates points to the many contradictions in Alcibiades' thoughts. Later they agree that man has to follow the advice of the famous Delphic phrase: gn?thi seaut?n meaning know thyself. They discuss that the "ruling principle" of man is not the body but the soul. Somebody's true lover loves his soul, while the lover of the body flies as soon as the youth fades. With this Socrates proves that he is the only true lover of Alcibiades. "From this day forward, I must and will follow you as you have followed me; I will be the disciple, and you shall be my master", proclaims the youth. Together they will work on to improve Alcibiades' character because only the virtuous has the right to govern. Tyrannical power should not be the aim of individuals but people accept to be commanded by a superior.
Enchiridion
Although he was born into slavery and endured a permanent physical disability, Epictetus (ca. 50?ca. 130 AD) maintained that all people are free to control their lives and to live in harmony with nature. We will always be happy, he argued, if we learn to desire that things should be exactly as they are. After attaining his freedom, Epictetus spent his entire career teaching philosophy and advising a daily regimen of self-examination. His pupil Arrianus later collected and published the master's lecture notes; the Enchiridion, or Manual, is a distillation of Epictetus' teachings and an instructional manual for a tranquil life. Full of practical advice, this work offers guidelines for those seeking contentment as well as for those who have already made some progress in that direction. Translated by George Long.
Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral, The
'their excellence and their value consisted in being the observations of a strong mind operating upon life; and in consequence you find what you seldom find in other books.' Samuel Johnson Celebrated today as a writer and scientist, Francis Bacon was for the most part of his life occupied with the law and public affairs at a high level. Although personally devastating, his fall from public office in 1621 nonetheless served to liberate him for his own work and the last five years ofhis life saw an enormous output in the most varied fields. It is to this period that we owe the last and most popular work published in his lifetime, the Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral (1625) Focusing on the ethical, political and historical constraints and influences on human behaviour andfollowing principles laid down by rhetorical theory, Bacon sought to systematize his observations on such diverse topics as beauty, deformity, fortune, adversity, ambition, friendship, truth, marriage, atheism and superstition. Persuasive and diagnostic, his Essays are valued for many reasons, notleast their combination of a dispassionate observation of human life with powerfully expressed moral judgements. This edition is based on the Oxford Authors series complete with notes on Bacon's rich vocabulary and substantial annotation.
German Philosophy and Politics
This early work is John Dewey?s 1915 treatise, ?German Philosophy And Politics?. Within it Dewey explores the work of Kant, Fichte, and Hegal, but focuses primarily on Kant and his ideas of duty. This fascinating volume is highly recommended for those with an interest in German history and philosophy, and would make for a fantastic addition to any collection. Contents include: ?German Philosophy: The Two Worlds?, ?German Moral and Political Philosophy?, and ?The Germanic Philosophy of History?. John Dewey (1859?1952) was an American psychologist and philosopher. Many classic books such as this are becoming increasingly rare and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.
Gorgias
The struggle which Plato has Socrates recommend to his interlocutors in Gorgias - and to his readers - is the struggle to overcome the temptations of worldly success and to concentrate on genuine morality. Ostensibly an enquiry into the value of rhetoric, the dialogue soon becomes aninvestigation into the value of these two contrasting ways of life. In a series of dazzling and bold arguments, Plato attempts to establish that only morality can bring a person true happiness, and to demolish alternative viewpoints.It is not suprising that Gorgias is one of Plato's most widely read dialogues. Philosophers read it for its coverage of central moral issues; others enjoy its vividness, clarity and occasional bitter humour. This new translation is accompanied by explanatory notes and an informativeintroduction.
Human Nature and Conduct – an Introduction to Social Psychology
This early work is John Dewey?s 1922 treatise, ?Human nature and conduct; an introduction to social psychology?. It is a fascinating and in-depth exploration of habit and its importance in the understanding of social psychology. This volume is highly recommended for students of psychology and sociology, and would make for a worthy addition to collections of allied literature. Contents include: ?The Place of Habit in Conduct?, ?The Place of Impulse in Conduct?, ?The Place of Intelligence in Conduct?, and ?Conclusion?. John Dewey (1859?1952) was an American psychologist and philosopher. Many classic books such as this are becoming increasingly rare and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.
Intellectual Life
This classic exploration of the intellectual life has fully retained its unique value since initial publication in 1904, and is a valuable addition to any discerning reader's collection.No subsequent work fully compares to this rare mixture of personal insight, ethics, taste, psychology, and common sense. Philip Gilbert Hamerton bestowed upon it his long experience as a writer and artist, his enviable breadth of knowledge, and his elegance of literary style. The result is a remarkable work, expressing intimately the mind and personality of the author, yet universal in its application to all those with a love of intellectual pursuits. The publisher takes a great deal of pleasure in offering this work to the public.The author consistently rejects simple, dogmatic views, encouraging balance and moderation. He writes, "We need society, and we need solitude also, as we need summer and winter, exercise and rest." There is criticism of both aristocracy and democracy: culture leads one away from class concerns, but one must equally beware the democrat's intolerant tendency to degrade all to the least common denominator.The book is organized as a series of letters addressed to individuals in a variety of situations. This permits a balanced and insightful work.
On the Ethics of Naturalism
Originally published in 1884. Contents include: Ethics and its Problems - The Individualistic Theory - The Transition to Utilitarianism - Moral Sentiment - The Theory of Evolution and the Development of Morality - Evolution and Ethical Theories - Hedonism and Evolutionism - The Evolutionist End. Author: W.R.Sorley Language: English Keywords: Philosophy Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Obscure Press are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. Excerpt From Text: ON THE ETHICS OF NATURALISM BY W. E. SOELEY, MA. FELLOW OF TRINITY COLLECT, CAMBRIDGE, AND EXAMINER: PHILOSOPHY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH THE Deed of Foundation of the Shaw Fellowship pro vides that it shall be in the power of the Senatus Academicus of the University of Edinburgh to re quire the holder of the Shaw Philosophical Fellow ship, during the fourth or fifth year of his tenure of it, to deliver in the University of Edinburgh a course of Lectures, not exceeding four, on any of the subjects for the encouragement of the study of which the Fel lowship has been founded, The following pages consist of four lectures delivered in the University of Edinburgh, in accordance with this provision, in the month of January 1884. Since their delivery, the argument of the lectures has been revised, and in some places enlarged. I have, also thought it better to modify their original f oragr dividing the discussion into chapters. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. ETHICS AND ITS PROBLEMS. PAGE 1. Connection of ethics with theoretical philosophy, . . 1 a Dependence of ethical on theoretical points of view, . 1 Z Ethics necessary to complete philosophy, . 3 2 The inquiry into the ethical end, . 5 a Fundamental, ... 5 Z Implies a new point of view, .... 7 c Distinct from other ethical questions, . . 9 a From the inquiry into the methods of ethics, 10 From moral psychology and sociology, . . 13 3. Scope of the preijncicyy.. . . . .14 PART I. THE INDIVIDUALISTIC THEORY. CHAPTER II. EQOISM. Definition of Naturalism, ..... 20 Pyschological hedonism, . .21 Vlll CONTENTS. 1. Its theory of action ambiguous, . 22 Referring to a Actual consequences of action, 23 6 Or its expected consequences, . 23 c Or its present characteristics, . . 24 2. Ethical inferences from this theory, . 25 3. Transition from psychological to ethical hedonism, 31 4 Possible objections considered, ... 37 CHAPTER III. THE TRANSITION TO UTILITARIANISM. 1 Difference of the standpoints of individual and State, . 41 2. Connection between egoism and utilitarianism according to Bentham, . 45 a Utilitarianism not a political duty, . 46 b Nor a moral duty, ..... 47 c Nor insisted on as a religious duty, . . 49 d Nor sufficiently motived m private ethics, . 50 3. Exhaustive character of Benthams treatment from his point of view, ...... 51 a The religious sanction Paley, . . .53 6 Limits of the political sanction, 54 c Uncertainty of the social sanction, .
Self-Help: With Illustrations of Conduct and Perseverance
How a man uses money-makes it, saves it, and spends it-is perhaps one of the best tests of practical wisdom.-from "Money-Its Use and Abuse"Who better to take inspirational advice from than a man named Smiles? But unlike the feel-good cheerleading that the term "self-help" says to us today, to Smiles it might well have been synonymous with "hard work." For this 1859 volume is dedicated to "stimulat[ing] youths to apply themselves diligently to right pursuits, -sparing neither labour, pains, nor self-denial in prosecuting them-and to rely upon their own efforts in life." Though the author himself admits his lessons are "old-fashioned but wholesome," he nevertheless delivers stern but well-intentioned lectures on such commonsense concepts as the importance of learning from failure, how work is the best teacher, and the value of thrift, gentility, and honesty, all peppered with examples of such noble industry from the lives of writers, scientists, artists, inventors, educators, philanthropists, missionaries, and-gulp!-martyrs. It's as if all paternal wisdom had been reduced to a single book.British writer, political reformer, and moralist SAMUEL SMILES (1812-1904) trained as a doctor but found fame as a journalist, contributing to several British newspapers and serving as editor of the Leeds Times from 1838 to 1845. Among his other inspirational titles are Character (1871), Thrift (1875), and Duty (1880).
The Data of Ethics
Herbert Spencer (1820-1903), Victorian philosopher, biologist, sociologist and political theorist, one of the founders of Social Darwinism and author of the phrase 'survival of the fittest', was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1902, losing out to Theodor Mommsen. Spencer left his post at The Economist in 1857 to focus on writing his ten-volume System of Synthetic Philosophy, a work that offers an ethics-based guide to human conduct to replace that provided by conventional religious belief. Published in 1879, this volume seeks to demonstrate that social evolution tends towards greater individualism, altruism and co-operation. Spencer argues that it is possible to establish rules of right conduct on a scientific basis, and declares that this work is the culmination of his life's study. He was anxious to publish it outside the planned order of the System, because he feared (wrongly) that his death would prevent its completion.
The Mesnevi and the Acts of the Adepts
The king of Khur?s?n, ?Al??u-?d-D?n Muhammed, Khurrem-Sh?h, uncle of Jel?lu-?d-D?n Muhammed Kh??rezm-Sh?h, and the proudest, as he was the most handsome man of his time, gave his daughter, Melika?i-Jih?n (Queen of the World), as to the only man worthy of her, to Jel?lu-?d-D?n Huseyn, el Khat?b?, of the race of Ab?-Bekr. An ancestor of his was one of the original Muslim conquerors of Khur?s?n. He was himself very virtuous and learned, surrounded with numerous disciples. He had not married until then; which gave him many an anxious and self-accusing thought. He himself, the king, the king?s daughter, and the king?s Vaz?r were all four warned in a dream by the Prince of the Apostles of God (Muhammed) that he should wed the princess; which was done. He was then thirty years old. In due course, nine months afterwards, a son was born to him, and was named Bah??u-?d-D?n Muhammed. He is commonly mentioned as Bah??u-?d-D?n Veled. When adolescent, this latter was so extremely learned that the family of his mother wished to raise him to the throne as king; but this he utterly rejected. By the divine command, as conveyed in the selfsame night, and in an identical dream, to three hundred of the most learned men of the city of Balkh, the capital of the kingdom, where he dwelt, those sage doctors unanimously conferred upon him the honorific title of Sult?nu-?l-?Ulem?, and they all became his disciples. Such are the names and titles by which he is more commonly mentioned; but he is also styled Mevl?n?yi Buzurg (the Greater or Elder Master). Many miracles and prodigies were attributed to him; and some men were found who conceived a jealousy at his growing reputation and influence.
The Pivot of Civilization
This is Margaret Higgins Sanger's 1922 work, "The Pivot of Civilization". Margaret Higgins Sanger (1879 - 1966) was an American sex educator, activist, nurse, and writer. She is responsible for popularising the term "birth control", as well as opening the first birth control clinic in America. She also established the organization that would one day become the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Contents include: "A New Truth Emerges", "Conscripted Motherhood", "'Children Troop Down From Heaven....'", "The Fertility of the Feeble-Minded", "The Cruelty of Charity", "Neglected Factors of the World Problem", "Is Revolution the Remedy?", "Dangers of Cradle Competition", "A Moral Necessity", "Science the Ally", "Education and Expression", et cetera. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.