Tag: Nobis

Ethical Egoism: The Morality of Selfishness

Narcissus
~ 1000-Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology ~ 14 Comments

The ethical theory known as ethical egoism states that we are always morally required to do what’s in our own self-interest: the view is sometimes called an “ethics of selfishness.” The view isn’t that we are selfish—this is psychological egoism—but that we ought to be. This essay explores ethical egoism and the main arguments for and against it.

Euthanasia, or Mercy Killing

Ferdinand Hodler, "Valentine Godé-Darel on Her Sickbed," 1914
~ 1000-Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology ~ 11 Comments

Sadly, there are people in very bad medical conditions who want to die. They are in pain, they are suffering, and they no longer find their quality of life to be at an acceptable level anymore. When people like this are kept alive by machines or other medical treatments, can it be morally permissible to let them die? Advocates of “passive euthanasia” argue that it can be. Their reasons, however, suggest that it can sometimes be not wrong to actively kill some patients, i.e., that “active euthanasia” can be permissible also. This essay reviews these arguments.

Ethics and “Extra Credit”

~ 1000-Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology ~ 3 Comments

Author: Nathan Nobis Category: Ethics, Philosophy of Education Word count: 995 Listen here Grades on assignments and tests are reliable, yet imperfect, indicators of students’ knowledge and understanding of a subject matter. Overall course grades are also often influenced by students’ complying with class procedures: e.g., if attendance and participation are required, then students who … Continue reading Ethics and “Extra Credit”