Philosophy unit 3 AOS2

Key thinkers include: Allen, Mill, Nietzche, Callicles, Singer, Weil, Wolf

Allen’s view on the good life?

Self-interest, but concern for others.   Kindness, empathy, equitable self-interest for others.

Mill’s view on the good life?

Maximise personal happiness and liberty.   Prevent harm to others.

Nietzche’s view on the good life?

Self-creation; becoming one’s true self.   Reject obligations given by others.

Callicles’ view on the good life?

Pursue power and person advantage.   No real obligations to follow from others.

Singer’s view on the good life?

No special priority: interests weighed equally.   Utilitarianism and impartiality.

Wiel’s view on the good life?

Self-denial; detach from ego.   Attention to others’ suffering; moral obligation through compassion.

Wolf’s view on the good life?

Meaningful life through personal projects. Balance self-interests with moral concern; not all value is moral duty.

Allen’s main argument for their position?

Humans are both self-interested and social, balance benefits wellbeing.   Humans need support; reduce suffering.

Mill’s main argument for their position?

Individuals know their own happiness best; liberty maximises it.   Harm principle; maximise happiness.

Nietzche’s main argument for their position?

Growth requires overcoming limits; individuality creates value. Morality limits strength; self-creation.

Callicles’ main argument for their position?

Natural justice favours the strong; power brings fulfillment.   Power > justice; natural superiority.

Singer’s main argument for their position?

No individual is privileged; impartiality avoids bias.   Equal consideration of interests; reduce suffering.

Weil’s main argument for their position?

Ego distorts truth; selflessness leads to moral clarity. Attention reveals others’ needs; moral duty to respond.

Wolf’s main argument for their position?

Meaning comes from loving worthwhile projects, not just duty or pleasure. Moral sainthood is excessive, value in personal meaning.

Merits/Shortcomings of Allen’s argument?

Balanced self-interest supports stable wellbeing. Empathy reduces harm and strengthens relationships.

Merits/Shortcomings of Mill’s argument?

Liberty maximises personal happiness. Harm principle protects people from interference.

Merits/Shortcomings of Nietzche’s argument?

Self-creation enables personal greatness. Encourages independence from limiting norms.

Merits/Shortcomings of Callicles’ argument?

Pursuing power satisfies natural desires. Strong leadership can create order.

Merits/Shortcomings of Singer’s argument?

Acting impartially gives moral consistency. Reduces global suffering effectively.

Merits/Shortcomings of Weil’s argument?

Selflessness leads to spiritual clarity. Deep attention responds to real suffering.

Merits/Shortcomings of Wolf argument?

Personal projects create meaningful life. Allows moral concern without total sacrifice.