Search for Good and Evil

ETHICS MIDTERM KANT'S MORALITY AND FREEDOM According to Kantian Philosophy, FREEDOM is a concept which involved in the moral domain. Kantian Freedom is closely linked to the notion of autonomy meaning "law itself; thus freedom falls obedience to a law that I created myself" "To act freely is to act autonomously. To act autonomously is to actc according to a law I give myself. When I act according to the laws of the natute, demands of social convention, when I pursue pleasure and comfort, I am not acting freely. To act freely is not tocsimply choose a means to a given end.To act freely is to choosecthe end itself, for its own sake." KANTIAN NOTION OF FREEDOM Contrasts of Kant's Notion of Moral Law 1. DUTY vs INCLINATION (morality) only the motive of duty, acting according to the law I give myself confers moral worth to an action. Any other motive, while possibly commendable, cannot give and an action moral worth Scenario 1: Duty vs Inclination A nurse, Maria, is working in a hospital She Is assigned to care for a difficult patient, Mr. Johnson, who is known for being rude and demanding. Maria feels a strong inclination to ignore Mr. Johnson's requests and provide minimal care due to his behavior. However, according to her duty as a nurse, Maria knows she must provide the same level of care to all patients regardless of their behavior. Scenario 2: Duty and inclination in accordance to Emmanuel Kant's Morality Sara, a Muslim American nurse, is working in a hospital where there is a shortage of staff. One day, she finds out that her colleague, Lisa, a Hindu Indian nurse, made a medication error that harmed a patient. Sara knows that according to her duty as a nurse, she should report the error to the authorities. However, Sara also feels a strong inclination to protect Lisa, as they are good friends, and she fears that reporting the error may harm Lisa's career. Scenario 3: Nurse Johnson is assigned to administer medication to patients in a hospital. One day, while on duty, she notices that one of her patients is in severe pain and requires immediate attention. However, Nurse Johnson is feeling exhausted and overwhelmed due to working long hours without a break. Despite knowing her duty to provide timely care to the patient, Nurse Johnson decides to take a break and relax for a while, prioritizing her inclination to rest over her duty to attend to the patient's needs. 2. AUTONOMY vs HETERONOMY (freedom) I am only free when my will is determined autonomously, governed by the law I give myself Being Scenario 1: Autonomy vs. Heteronomy Sarah, a high school student, is given the freedom to choose her extracurricular activities. She decides to join the debate club because she enjoys public speaking and critical thinking. Her parents support her decision but let her make the choice independently. Sarah feels empowered and motivated by her ability to make her own decisions In contrast, Sarah's friend Emily is pressured by her parents to join the school choir despite not having much interest in singing. Her parents believe that being part of the choir will improve Emily's confidence and social skills. Emily feels obligated to obey her parents' wishes, even though she would prefer to explore other activities. Scenario 2 David, a college student, is faced with a difficult decides on about whether to cheat on an upcoming exam. Despite feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to perform well, David chooses not to cheat because he believes it is morally wrong. On the other hand, David's classmate, Tom, decides to cheat on the exam after being persuaded by his friends who argue that everyone else is doing it and that the consequences are minimal. 3. Categorical vs Hypothetical Imperatives (reason) Kant acknowledges two ways in which reason can command the will, two imperatives. Hypothetical Imperatives uses instrumental reason: " If i want X, I must do Y" Hypothetical Imperatives is always conditional. Categorical Imperatives is non-conditional. Situation 1 [categorical] A student wants to pass their exam. If the student wants to pass the exam, they must study diligently Scenario 2 [hypothetical] A person wants to lose weight. If the person wants to lose weight, they must exercise regularly and eat healthily. Scenario 3 [categorical] A nurse encounters a patient in the hospital who requires immediate medical attention. However, the nurse is unsure if she should assist the patient because it is her break time, and she wants to relax. Scenario 4 [ categorical] A nurse is assigned to administer medication to a patient However, the nurse mistakenly believes that she can skip certain safety protocols to save time. ROLE OF FREEDOM IN MORALITY Morality refers to the cultivation of virtue Virtue: the development of character traits so that choosing the good becomes the matter of habit But in order to be truly Virtues, a person must be set free to cultivate such virtue, or not. FREEDOM: THE FOUNDATION OF MORAL ACT Freedom is humans' greates quality, a reflection of our creator. The power rooted in: Reason and Will To Act or Not To Act To Do This or That To Perform Out of Responsibility Good and Evil are forged out from freedom. And that as a person reaches a higher level of freedom, he becomes more capable of higher levels of morality. However, the sinful person becomes a slave. The concept of Freedom is a central premise in Religious Morality, and Secular Culture greatly exalts freedom. FREEDOM AND FREE WILL Freedom is rooted in "reason and will", "to act or not to act", "to do this or that", and to perform deliberate actions on one's own responsibility is a premise in religious morality (i.e. Catholics). Since our secular culture greatly exalts freedom. Freewill "the power of acting without of the constraint necessity or fate" -Oxford Dictionary "the notional capacity or ability to choose between different possible courses of action unimpeded. Free will is closely linked to the concepts of moral responsibility, praise, culpability, sin, and other judgements which apply only to actions that are freely chosen." -Philosophical notion FREEDOM FREEWILL Refers to the ability to act according to one’s own will, without coercion or constraint. Often associated with external circumstances, such as legal rights or societal norms Can be limited by external factors, such as laws, regulations, or societal expectations. Implies, the absence of external restrictions on one’s actions Refers to the philosophical concept that individuals have the ability to choose their actions freely. Often associated with internal mental states, such as intentions, desires, and beliefs. Implies the ability to make choice that are not determined by external factors alone. Raises questions about determinism, the idea that all events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by causes to external to the will Reason and Will Difference Similarity Reason -the ability to think, understand, and form judgement based on logic -is often associated with intellect and rationality -more objective and impartial -faculty of the mind - Both involve conscious process and can be influenced by various factors - Both play a role in decision-making and guiding behavior Will -ability to make conscious choices -desire and motivation -more of an intentional process -influenced by emotions and desires Faculty of the soul/spirit -Both are considered important aspects of human nature in many philosophical and psychological theories FREEWILL AGAINST ALL ODDS "if man has freewill, then are we truly free?" Freewill in Philosophy VS Freewill in the Scientific Notion Freedom, Freewill and Chaos Freewill in the Scientific Notion Chaos Theory (Physics and Quantum Mechanics) interdisciplinary area of scientific study and branch of mathematics focused on underlying patterns and deterministic laws of dynamical systems that are highly sensitive to initial conditions, and were once thought to have completely random states of disorder and irregularities. Chaos Theory (Psychology) is a theory that explains events that seem unforeseeable and erratic on their surface but are controlled by deterministic explanations. The chaos theory definition is applied to nonlinear systems that are significantly impacted by the circumstances of their starting position. The theory explains that extremely small changes in the initial circumstances of a situation can result in extreme differences later on. Chaos Theory (Leyman's) describes the qualities of the point at which stability moves to instability or order moves to disorder. CHAOS THEORY: Butterfly Effect "one small occurrence can influence a much larger complex system" evokes the idea that a small butterfly flapping its wings could, hypothetically, cause a typhoon. Or it could not - the mind-boggling part of the butterfly effect is that it's virtually impossible to predict whether a small system will lead to chaotic behavior ETHICAL THEORIES I. Consequentalism Il. Moral Subjectivism III. Ethnocentricism IV. Social Contract Theory V. Feminist Ethics VI. Situation Ethics Vil.Divine Command Theory VIII. Natural Law Theory IX. Rawl's Theory of Justice X. Ethical Nursing Theories REASON AND IMPARTIALITY Reason and Impartiality are not absolute to a particular group of people, while Morality is absolute. REASON the capacity for consciously making sense of things, establishing and verifying facts, applying logic, changing or justifying practices, intitutions, and beliefs bassed on new or existing information (Kompridis, 2000) CONSEQUENTIALISM: Only the consequenecs, or outcomes, of actions matter morally. Acts are deemed to be morally right (or wrong) solely on the basis of their consequeces. e.g.: Lying (considered wrong) Consequentialism: "If lying is may help save a person's life, then lying is deemed to be the right thing to do." theoretical flaw: difficult; no one can predict the future; objectionable Principles of Consequentialism 1. Whether an act is right or wrong depends only on the results of that act; 2. The better consequences an act produces, the better or more right that act. MORAL SUBJECTIVISM Right and Wrong is determined by what YOU, the subject just happens to think or "FEEL" is right or wrong Theories under Moral Subjectivism A. Simple Subjectivism B. Individualist Subjectivism C. Moral Relativism D. Ideal Observer E. Ethical Egoism F. Utilitarianism G. Teleotonlogy H. Deontology I. Virtue Ethics A. Simple Subjectivism view that ethical statements reflect sentiments, personal preferences and feelings rather than objective facts B. Individual Subjectivism Individualist, a view put forward by Protagoras, saying that "there are as many distinct scales of good and evil as there are individuals in the world." Egoism, maintains that every human being ought to pursue what is in his or her self-interest inclusively. C. Moral Relativism or Ethical Relativism, view that "for a thing to be right, it must be approved by society", leading to the conclusion of different things are right for people in the different societies and different time periods D. Ideal Observer view that 'what is right is determined by the attidtudes that a hypothetical ideal observer"(a being who is perfectly rational, imaginative, and informed) E. Ethical Egoism Right and wrong is determined by what is in your self-interest. Or is it immoral to act contrary to your self-interest based on Psychological Egoism, that WE by nature, act selfishly. Egocentricism and Sociocentrism E1. Egocentricism -the common tendency to consider one's personal opinion. - "an egocentric thinker thinks or does not recognized or even entertain any other opinion; thinks that their opinion alone matters, and all other opinions fare less compared to his own" E2. Sociocentrism - when an entire community (not just an individual) or social group imposes its own worldview and thinks of it as an unquestionable. e.g Religious groups (Islam, Christians, and Jewish) Political Factions Postcolonial Mentality F. Utilitarianism a theory that holds that the best way to make moral decision is to look at the potential consequences of each available choices, then pick the option that either does most to increase happiness or does to increase suffering. G. Teleontology refers to the philosophical study of the nature and essence of teleology, which is the study of purpose or goal-directedness in nature. can be understood as the study of the purpose or ultimate goals behind things, particularly in the context of healthcare and nursing. It involves examining why certain healthcare practices are carried out and what they aim to achieve for the well-being of patients. H. Deleontology or Deontological Ethics is an approach that focuses on the rightness or wrongness of actions themselves, as opposed to the rightness or wrongness of the consequence of those actions I. Virtue Ethics is an excellent trait of character. Is a disposition, well entrenched in its possessor. emphasizes an individual's character as the key element of ethical element of ethical thinking. States that only good people can make good moral decision. Therefore, the best way to be moral is to constantly seek to improve oneself. Virtue ethics encourages nurses to embody virtues like empathy and kindness, which guide their actions and decisions Examples Compassionate Care: A nurse provides emotional support and comfort to a grieving family, demonstrating empathy and compassion. Honest Communication: A nurse is truthful and transparent in communication with patients and families, reflecting honesty as a virtue. Advocacy: A nurse advocates for a patient's needs, showing fairness and a commitment to justice. I1. Eudaimonism holds that the proper goal of human life is eudamonia (which can be variously translated as "happiness") and that this goal can be achieved by a lifetime of practicing arête (the virtues), in one's everyday activities, subject to the exercise of phronesis (practical wisdom) or dilemmas which might aruse. I2. Ethics of Care developed by Annette Baier (1987), is focused upon feminine mentality,wherein it is to exemplified by women such as: taking care of others, patience, ability to nurture, and self sacrifice, etc. I3. The Theory of Natural believe that every person is endowed with certain inalienable rights, such as right to life, right to property, right to liberty. Kant's Good Will and Sense of Duty to act out of sense of moral "obligation" or "duty" ETHNOCENTRISM -is the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture. It involves judging other cultures based on the standards and values of one's own culture, often leading to a biased perspective where one's own culture is seen as the "norm" or the standard by which all other cultures are measured. Ethnocentrism can result in prejudice, discrimination, and misunderstanding towards other cultures. Implications for Nursing Practice Cultural Imposition: Nurses may unintentionally impose their own cultural beliefs on patients, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. For example, a nurse might assume that a patient's reluctance to accept a particular treatment is due to ignorance rather than cultural beliefs Barriers to Communication: Ethnocentrism can create barriers in communication between nurses and patients. When nurses view their cultural norms as superior, they may struggle to understand the perspectives of patients from different backgrounds, leading to ineffective communication and reduced trust. Impact on Patient Compliance: Patients who perceive that their cultural beliefs are not respected may be less likely to comply with medical advice or treatment plans. This non-compliance can result in poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare disparities among ethnocultural groups IV. SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY posits that moral obligations arise from agreements among individuals in society. It suggests that ethical rules are those that rational individuals would agree to for mutual benefit. Application in Nursing in nursing, social contract theory can inform professional codes of conduct and ethical standards that nurses agree to uphold. Examples Professional Codes: Nurses adhere to professional codes that outline ethical responsibilities, such as respecting patient rights and maintaining professional boundaries. Teamwork: Nurses work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals based on agreed-upon roles and responsibilities. Patient Rights: Nurses respect and advocate for patient rights such as the right to refuse treatment, as part of their professional obligations. V. FEMINIST ETHICS a complex set of interrelated perspectives that emphasize interpersonal concerns such as caring, interdependence, and the ethical requirements of particular relationships. Such concerns are traditionally identified with women, but Feminist Ethics should not be thought of as a theory only for women. Feminist ethics can guide care that prioritizes empathy, nurturing, and the well-being of patients and their families. Examples Holistic Care: Nurses provide care that considers the emotional and social needs of patients, not just their physical health. Supportive Relationships: Nurses foster supportive relationships with patients and their families, emphasizing care and empathy Advocacy for Vulnerable Groups: Nurses advocate for the rights and needs of vulnerable patient groups, reflecting a commitment to social justice. VI. SITUATION ETHICS argues that ethical decisions should be made based on the unique circumstances of each situation, rather than adhering to fixed rules. Sițuation ethics can guide decisions that require flexibility and adaptation to individual patient needs. Examples: Emergency Situations: In emergency situations, nurses mayneed to act quickly without following standard protocols, prioritizing immediate patient needs. Cultural Sensitivity: Nurses adapt care practices to respect the cultural beliefs and values of diverse patients. End-of-Life Care: Nurses make decisions about end-of-life care based on the specific needs and wishes of the patient and their family. VII. DIVINE COMMAND THEORY (DCT) is a metaethical theory that posits that moral values and obligations are grounded in the commands of God. According to this theory, actions are morally right if they align with God's commands and morally wrong if they contradict them. This perspective asserts that morality is not based on human reasoning or societal norms but is derived from divine authority. Is higher than human act Key Features of DCT 1.God's Sovereignty: DCT emphasizes that God's will is the ultimate foundation for all moral principles. What God commands is inherently good, while what He forbids is inherently bad. 2. Objective Moral Standards: The theory asserts that moral truths exist independently of human opinions or cultural contexts. These truths are rooted in divine commands. 3. Moral Simplicity: Actions can be categorized as right or wrong based on their alignment with God's commands, making moral decision-making straightforward according to this framework. 4. Religious Texts as Guidance: Ethical guidance is derived from sacred texts, such as the Bible or the Qur'an, which provide the commandments and principles that followers are expected to uphold. 5. Absolute Moral Laws: Since God's commands are seen as unchanging, the moral laws derived from them are also considered fixed and universal. 6. Limitations on Autonomy: Adherents to DCT may find their personal freedoms constrained by divine dictates, emphasizing obedience to religious laws over individual preferences. Applications of DCT in Nursing: Guiding Ethical Decisions Nurses who subscribe to DCT may use their understanding of divine commands to guide their ethical decisions in clinical settings

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FINALS Lesson 1: An Embodied Spirit Coexisting with the Environment Human Being’s Understanding of Himself/Herself Human being is the source of many questions about the existence of the world and everything that exists in it. When he/she is confronted with the question “Who Am I,” which directly unveils his/her existence, he/she is pushed to the limit of existence. Jose Rizal believes that because a human being is endowed with reason, he/she wonders and questions about everything including his/her existence. Who Am I? According to Rizal and Kant Human being is endowed with reason He is self autonomous with self regulating will According to Karl Jaspers Human being is more than what he/she knows about himself/herself (Perennial Scope of Philosophy) According to Kant, human individuals… determine themselves through their interaction with their environment. they act autonomously, they make choices, including moral choices, with the aid of their reason. They have a strict duty to make these choices in accordance with moral law. Karl Jaspers Believes that human, the being of human is lost in a context of total determination. Thus what seems to be an obvious and ordinary question “Who am I” leads him/her into the depth of his/her being. This task summons him/her to leave the ordinariness of given time and context of his/her existence. Human beings Encounter with Existential Limit Situation Limit Situations German: Grenzsituation Any of certain situations in which a human being is said to have differing experiences from those arising from ordinary situations. Boundary Situations are inescapable and inevitable breaks of ordinary patterns of human existence, such as death, sufferings, conflict, tragedy, sickness, failures, communication, struggles and guilt. These boundary situations break the conventional pattern or ordinaryness of life. According to Jaspers, boundary situations lead.. to a deeper consciousness and experience of her limitations and fortitude. humans to a deeper level of reflection of her own self being. Sickness and Pain are opportunities to know more about yourself as human beings. Lesson 2: Various Ways in Dealing with the Question “Who Am I? In the Course of History Duality of Body and Soul Our body is separate and distinct from the soul Soul is immaterial Body shows corporeality (existing as physical body) We have soul or spirit (Lorenz 2009) Soul or the spirit is philosophically discussed as mind. For dualists, mind (mental) is not to be mistaken as brain (physical) since the mental is a unique phenomenon that cannot be reduced to a non mental or physical. Dualism a philosophical theory based on the idea of opposing concepts, human beings are made up of two independent constituents, the body and the mind or soul. Plato believes in the dualism of body and soul Human soul exist prior to the body and even if after the body is gone Doctrine is connected to theory of forms, material is separate from spiritual realm of forms or essences (world of ideas) Physical world is made up of appearances (destructible, illusionary and unreliable) or copies of what is real. Knowledge is to be found in the realm of ideas or essences which are eternal and true. The soul that humans possess pre-existed in the world of forms or ideas. Soul is immortal, learning is mere remembering or recollecting what the soul once knew when it was in the realm of forms. Rene Descartes Also recognized dualism He exists because doubt requires a doubter Him doubting is proof that he exists. He that exists is clearly a thing that thinks. He acknowledge that he is a body that is bound by some figure that can be located in some place and occupy space. Has the power to move, feel and think - this is attributed to body and soul. Unity of Body and Soul Thomas Aquinas Did not believe dualism Body and soul are not two separate entities, that interact with each other but are one being made up of matter and form Matter (body) and form (soul) cannot remain a being if matter and form are not united. A being ceases to exist in death, because the matter and form that make up that being is no longer complete. Whole is the sum of its parts, remove one part it is no longer whole. Aristotle Man is the whole of his body and soul. They are one like the oneness of the ugly and his figure. The relation of the body to the soul is the relation of matter to form. The body and soul are only two aspects of the whole man. Are the Spirit and Soul the same? Your soul speaks of your inner-life in relation to your own experience: your mind, heart, will, and imagination. It also includes your thoughts, desires, passions, and dreams. But your spirit speaks of the same inner-life in relation to God: your faith, hope, love, character, and perseverance. BODY, SOUL and SPIRIT according to Christian Perspective Body (Soma) – The Outermost Man 5 physical senses: smell, taste, touch, hear, see physical needs & desires: food, water, activity, shelter, clothing, oxygen, sleep, temperature regulation (FoWaSh TeReSOCA) Soul (Psyche) – The Outer Man SELF - identity, personality, character EMOTIONS - feelings & passions EVIL - dwelling place of sinful nature & evil spirits CONSCIENCE - know right from wrong INTELLECT - mind & thoughts WILL - your own will & desires (Seeciw) Spirit (Pneuma) – The Inner Man Spiritual Discernment Peace Revelation True Ministry Communicate with God Home of the Holy Spirit (Speret Coho) Human Consciousness and Existence John Locke advanced the theory of tabula rasa (blank slate or page) thoughts are conscious (we reflect and introspect) our consciousness is the criterion (standard) for personal identity as a thinking being ourselves consists of thoughts and sensation (physical feeling) of which we are conscious (awareness). Rene Descartes ( I ) self is a thinking thing. But what then am I? A thing which thinks. What is a thing which thinks? It is a thing which doubts, understands, affirms, denies, wills, refuses, which also imagines and feels. -said in Meditations on First Philosophy He exists and continues to exist as long as he is a “thing that thinks”. This consciousness that allows us to know that we exist composes our soul, which is a substance for Descartes, self-identity depends on consciousness. Immanuel Kant The self is a rational agent who can know their own thoughts and attitudes, and be responsible for them. Intentionality of consciousness (Phenomenologists) Feelings are being awakened by consciousness (Existentialists) To a phenomenologists, Man as an embodied subjectivity that gives meaning , with his body making incarnate or alive the meaning he gives (Dy 2001) Consciousness is thought that is always directed towards an object. Existentialists on the other hand confront the possibility. I might have been someone else or might have not existed (Tallis 2004). Our mind presents phenomena that are distinct from those experienced by the body. The Faculty of Reason Human beings have a mental faculty or capacity that enables them to think, reason, understand, compare, analyze, associate ideas. Human Being a Limited Being “The soul is the essence of the self” According to Aristotle the three kinds of soul: vegetative, sentient, and rational. Vegetative Soul includes the physical body that can grow. Sentient Soul includes sensual desires, feelings, and emotions. Rational Soul is what makes man human. It includes the intellect that allows man to know and understand things. Thus, Aristotle suggests that the rational nature of the self is to lead a good, flourishing, and fulfilling life (self-actualization). The pursuit of happiness is a search for a good life that includes doing victorious actions. In saying this, he posits (postulates) that part of the rational soul is characterized by moral virtues such as justice and courage. St. Augustine of Hippo a saint of the Catholic Church, and his authority in theological matters was universally accepted in the Latin Middle Ages and remained, in the Western Christian tradition, uncontested till the 19th century. The impact of his views on sin, grace, freedom and sexuality on Western culture can hardly be overrated. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (2019) He ultimately viewed the body as the "spouse" of the soul, both attached to one another by a "natural appetite." He believes that the body is united with the soul, so that man may be entire and complete. As a religious philosopher, he contemplates on the nature of man with emphasis on the soul as an important element of man. He believes that the soul is what governs and defines a man. Augustine espouses the significance of reflection and the importance of prayers and confessions to arrive at a justification for the existence of God. For him, "knowledge can only come by seeing the truth that dwells within us." Descartes asserts that the "thinking self" and "physical body" are distinct, they are complete opposites. He says that the mind houses our understanding, intellect, and passion. While our body is just a shape with different sizes that showcase motion. "I think, therefore I am". "I think therefore I am." Cogito ergo sum This phrase was first seen in his literary work “Discourse on Method”. For him, the act of thinking about the self (or being self conscious) is in itself proof that there is a self . John Locke bases his argument on his conception that human minds are blank slates or—tabula rasas—at birth. So, to develop a sense of ‘self’, we must experience and create memories. From there, after having gathered these experiences, we are able to mold and shape the self because we slowly become conscious of our abilities to think, reason, and introspect; we have developed a sense of ‘self’. If one remains unconscious, they are unable to construct themselves. Therefore, the ability to be conscious of oneself constitutes one of having a self. "The self is consciousness." David Hume a Scottish philosopher Hume says that in the content of one's experience, there will be two distinct entities ; impressions and ideas . Hume talks about how the self is just an illusion. "There is no self." Karl Jasper We see man’s body in its comparable expression. It belongs to man himself, has its own unique specificity, its nobility and beauty. The Relation of I and the Body The capacity of the human being to think or feel is the very basis of consciousness of the “I” of its existential existence; that tangibly exists as a thinking substance My body- main basis for reflection and self consciousness Loss of consciousness and arousal are frequent after severe brain injuries. Usually, patients recover from this transient state of coma to a normal state of consciousness even though they can suffer from various cognitive deficits. Paul Churchland Self is inseparable from the brain The brain is all that a person has, therefore if it is lost, the person is no longer there. A person's concept of self is given by their actual brain, not their fictional mind. Since the mind cannot be perceived by the senses, it does not actually exist. "The self is the brain." 10 Signs of People with Dementia Memory loss Difficulty performing familiar tasks Problems with language Disorientation to time and place Poor or decreased judgment Problems keeping track of things Misplacing things Changes in mood and behavior Challenges understanding visual and spatial information Withdrawal from work or social activities Bertrand Russel The British philosopher described them—each in his own case. Each person seems to have direct, immediate knowledge of his own conscious sensations and of the contents of his propositional attitudes—what he consciously thinks, believes, desires, hopes, fears, and so on. Immanuel Kant Our minds actively sort, organize, relate, and synthesize the fragmented, fluctuating collection of sense data that our sense organs take in. The unity of consciousness is a phrase invented by Kant to describe the fact that the thoughts and perceptions of any given mind are bound together in a unity by being all contained in one consciousness—my consciousness. "We construct the self." Kant disagrees with the notion that the self is formed or developed through experiences. He doesn’t believe that experiences and the self must co-exist for there to be a self. ➢ The self already pre-exists before we experience anything. It is the one that processes our experiences and synthesizes them into something familiar, orderly, and meaningful. "We construct the self." Sigmund Freud Austrian psychotherapist (he is not a philosopher) according to Freud, the self has three layers to the self: the conscious, unconscious, and preconscious. The Unconscious Mind Conscious – The small amount of mental activity we know about. Thoughts Perceptions Preconscious – Things we could be aware of if we wanted or tried Memories Stored Knowledge Unconscious – Things we are unaware of and can not become aware of Fears Unacceptable Desires Violent Motives Irrational Wishes Immoral Urges Selfish Needs Shameful Experiences Traumatic Experiences Gilbert Ryle According to British philosopher ,the self is best defined as a pattern of behavior, or as a person's tendency or disposition to behave in a particular way under specific conditions. Ryle’s concept of the human self thus provides the philosophical principle, “I act therefore I am.” There are complex and personal connections between the body and mind that are inherent (inborn). He says that behavior reveals the full range of human dispositions, which make up the mind. However, Ryle is certain that the complete system of feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that comprise the human self is expressed by the mind. Maurice Merleau-Ponty All self-knowledge is derived from the "phenomena" of experience. The "I" is a composite of mental, physical, and emotional components. Individuals will realize that the mind and body are one. He notes in his book, Phenomenology of Perception, that everything that people are aware of is contained within the consciousness. Consciousness is a dynamic form that actively structures conscious thoughts and actions. "The self is embodied subjectivity." The embodied self is, at the same time, subjectively aware of the world, and objectively part of the world as a human, animal, or other being. The self in the first sense will here be called “subject for the world” and in the second “object in the world.” Consciousness – means awareness of self and environment. I-existence Certainty of something is always related and rooted on the very foundation of reflection: “my body” My body feels something (reality) My body senses (touches, smells, hears) the I - existence and the existence outside of itself. Objectives Recognize own limitations or possibilities for one’s transcendence Evaluate own limitations and the possibilities for one’s transcendence Thomas Aquinas Of all creatures human beings have the unique ability to change themselves and things for the better. Human beings are moral agents Humans are both spiritual and material; our spirituality separates us from animals. It separates the moral dimension of our fulfillment in action. We have conscience, determining good and evil are our responsibility. Evaluate our Limitations and the Possibilities for Transcendence Forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness. It frees us from our anger and bitterness caused by the actions and/or words of another.On the other hand, the hardness of our heart is reinforced by a whole series of rational arguments. Failure Failures force us to confront our weaknesses and limitations and to surrender to a mystery or look upon a bigger world. Acceptance of our failures makes us hope and trust that all can be brought into good. Loneliness It is our choice to live in an impossible world where we are always “happy” or to accept a life where solitude and companionship have a part. Our experience of loneliness can help us realize that our dependence on other people or gadgets is a possessiveness that we can be free from. Love To love is to experience richness, positivity, and transcendence. Love can open in us something which takes us beyond ourselves. Transcendence We have to struggle to regain spontaneous and vital awareness of our own spirituality. Transcendental and transcendence convey the basic ground concept from the words’ literal meaning (from Latin), of climbing or going beyond, with varying connotations in its different historical and cultural stages. The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit Theism is the belief that at least one god exists and that he or they created the universe and governs it. Deism is the belief that a higher being, i.e. god exists, but does not tell people what to do. Monotheism follows the same context as theism, except that it states there is only one God, hence religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam fall under monotheism. Polytheism follows all the principles of theism, except that it believes that there is more than one god, which defines the beliefs of religions such as Hinduism. Oriental Philosophy Connected to mythology and is religious in nature. Persian Philosophy (Zoroastrianism) Indian Philosophy (Buddhism & Hinduism) Chinese Philosophy (Daoism & Confucianism) Eastern Philosophy Eastern Philosophy is a diverse approach to life and philosophizing, particularly centered on understanding the process of the universe and endless “becoming”. centered on spirituality Parameters of Comparison Eastern Religions Western Religions Beliefs most of them have a core belief of Karma and Dharma mostly based on day to day good deeds and the concept of judgment day Geography East and Southeast Asia mostly no religion is ever geographically bound. Mostly in the Western world no religion is based on boundaries. Existence of Supreme Power Have a varying degree of polytheists( Hinduism) to monotheists( Buddhism) They are mostly Monotheists where they believe in only one God. Consists of Buddhism, Hinduism, Shintoism, Confucianism. Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Evangelicalism & Catholicism. Zoroastrianism Principle Good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. Belief about God One God. Concept of Deity One good God who is always fighting against evil Life after Death Eternal life in either heaven or hell Practices Fire is used in worship and they pray 5 times a day. Goal of Religion To serve God by doing good deed for others Belief There is a battle going on between Ahura Mazda, the good God, and Ahriman, the evil God. Sacred Scriptures The Gathas, Yashts, and the Vendidad Three Basic Teachings of Hinduism Dharma the religious duty of people to follow the principles of cosmic order rules that guide morality of human beings Adherence to Dharma means following the laws and virtues of good living Dharma is an important concept found in many spiritual philosophies from the Indian subcontinent, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Karma set of individual rules to a specific person’s life, based on their status and deeds in both their current and past lives. Any future existence depends upon a person’s good or evil actions. Moksha The state of escaping the sufferings of the physical world in death. It is the end goal in a person's life and marks the end of the cycle of rebirth. Three Main Spiritual Philosophies on Transcendence Hinduism At the heart of Hinduism lies the idea of human beings’ quest for absolute truth, so that one’s soul and the Brahman or Atman (Absolute Soul) might become one. The “AUM” symbol (or OM – the symbol in the center) symbolizes the Universe and the ultimate reality. It is the most important Hindu symbols. At the dawn of creation, from emptiness first emerged a syllable consisting of three letters – A-U-M (often written as OM). Atman A Sanskrit word that means inner self, spirit, or soul; the essence of an individual. There is a soul called Atman, Atman assumes a physical body through reincarnation (depending on the merits of one’s deeds. Atman transmigrates during birth and rebirth until liberation is reached (samsara) Atman however is connected to Bhraman (absolute self) All living things are connected intimately, hurting another being is hurting oneself because the connection between the two beings (Brahman-Atman) is severed, causing suffering. Hinduism is against killing any kind of living being (practice of ahimsa, or nonviolence to all living being). Human beings have dual nature: the spiritual and immortal essence (soul) which is considered real; and the empirical life and character. Hindus generally believe that the soul is eternal but is bound by the Law of Karma (action) to the world of matter, which it can escape only after spiritual progress through an endless series of births. Closely involved in the Hindu doctrine of reincarnation. The determining factor that decides the state of a person's rebirth is her action. Caste System Religious system of reincarnation Higher caste members are worthy of privileges because of good karma Lower classes hoped to improve their social status in the future lives if they behave well in the present According to the Upanishads, Atman and Brahman are part of the same substance; Atman returns to Brahman when Atman is finally liberated and is no longer reincarnated. This return, or reabsorption into Brahman, is called Moksha. When they merge at last into pure Being. Humanity’s basic goal in life is the liberation (moksha) of spirit (jiva). Hinduism holds that humanity’s life is a continuous cycle (samsara) where the body goes through a transmigratory series of birth and death, even though the spirit is neither born nor dies. Dharma (Duty) Karma (Action & Reaction) Moksha (Escaping Samsara) One’s place in society What goes around comes around Attaining “heaven” One’s duty By following Dharma, one “builds up good Karma Escape from the cycle of life, death, rebirth, life, death, rebirth, etc. One’s path Consequence Becoming one with Brahman Things you do in this life Determines one’s social position in the next life Ultimate goal of Hinduism Whatever one does to acquire Artha (Wealth) should be bound by Dharma. Else, one is sure to end up in a chaotic life of suffering. Moksha (liberation from the Samsara — from the cycle of births and deaths) is considered the highest goal of life. The Hindu dharma (Righteousness) does not permit an unbridled life of carefree enjoyment; everything has its preset boundaries. ‘Eat, drink and be merry’ is never considered the goal of life. Kama (pleasure) Hinduism permits enjoyment within boundaries. Hindu Gods and Goddesses (33 Million) In Hinduism, there is a belief in three highest deities, this is called Trimurti (trinity), of which Brama, is the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. Added Notes Goddess Consorts Saraswati, the goddess of speech is to Brahma Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth is to Vishnu Parvati worship as mother goddess is to Shiva Unless the individual exerts real efforts to break away or liberate one’s spirit from the monotonous cycle, there will be no end to the cycle. Ultimate liberation, that is, freedom from rebirth, is achieved the moment the individual attains the stage of life emancipation. Hindu’s view of reality places a lot of emphasis on the attainment of self-knowledge. The goal of human life as conceived by the different Upanishads (text) is to overcome congenital ignorance. True knowledge (vidya) consists of an understanding and realization of the individual’s real self (atman) as opposed to lower knowledge that is limited to an interpretation of reality based solely on the data offered by sense experience. One concept common to all expressions of Hinduism is the oneness of reality. When we realize this unity with the absolute, we realize our true destiny. Also common to all Hindu thought are the four primary values: wealth, pleasure, duty, and enlightenment. To understand enlightenment, one must understand the law of karma, the law of sowing and reaping. The wheel of existence turns until we achieve enlightenment. Buddhism Origins developed in India 2500 years ago based on many of the core concepts of Hinduism essence of Buddhism is the attainment of enlightenment points to a way of life that avoids self-indulgence and self-denial. no supreme god or deity in Buddhism Divisions of Buddhism Theravada – found in Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, & in part, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia Mahayana – found in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam Vajrayana – found in Tibet, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Mongolia Jodo Shin or Pure Land Buddhism – mainly from India, Japan Zen – mostly in Japan Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BC) Born in NE India (Nepal) Raised in great luxury to be a king At 29, he rejected his luxurious life to seek enlightenment and the source of suffering Lived a strict ascetic life for 6 years Rejecting this extreme, sat in meditation, and found nirvana. Became “The Enlightened One” at 35. Founder Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha (means “enlightened one”) lived in the 5th century BC born into the Brahmin caste-led a luxurious lifestyle Became troubled by the human misery that he saw around him everyday Upon reflection, he deduced that desire was the root caused of all suffering (enlightened under a Bodhi Tree) not considered a god by his followers Main Philosophy The Four Noble Truths – Siddartha’s philosophy of the nature of human suffering and its relation to desire is articulated by these four statements: Life is full of pain and suffering. Human desire causes this suffering By putting an end to desire, humans can end suffering Humans can end desire by following the Eightfold path. The Eightfold Path Wisdom (WIVIRIN) Right View – Know the truth Right Intention – Resist self-centeredness Ethical Conduct (ECSAL) Right Speech Right Action Right Livelihood Mental Discipline (MEAR) Right Effort Right Awareness Right Meditation Reincarnation (Samsara) concept that one must go through many cycles of birth, living, and death After many such cycles, if a person releases their attachment to desire and the self, they can attain Nirvana (a state of liberation and freedom from suffering) Nirvana can be achieved from meditating and following the guiding principles of Buddhism, such as the Four Noble Truths and 8-fold Path Karma the law that every cause has an effect, i.e., our actions have results. This explains a number of things: inequality in the world, why some are born handicapped and some gifted. Buddhists believe that our past actions have an effect on who or what we are in our next life. Symbol of Buddhism Wheel of Life (Bhavacakra) – represents the endless cycle of life through reincarnation. Each of its eight spokes represents one of the teachings of the Eightfold Path. Lotus Flower – symbolizes purity and divine birth. The different color lotus flowers have specific meanings: for example, the red lotus signifies the qualities of the heart. The Wheel of Life, a diagram depicting samsara, brings together all the different factors that define and characterize the cycle of conditioned existence. Practices of Buddhism Live by this moral code: Do not take the life of anything living (non-violence / ahimsa) Do not take anything not freely given (stealing) Abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence Refrain from untrue speech (lying) Avoid intoxication (drinking) Do not lose mindfulness Meditation training the mind to empty all of thoughts. When this happens, what is important becomes clear. Vegetarianism Many Buddhists today eat only vegetarian foods, and most groups will instruct on a healthy vegetarian diet. Buddhism Concept of Person/Being/HumanMan Anatta means “no self” and the doctrine of anatta is the Buddha’s most unique and radical teaching We usually assume that beyond our changing body, mind, and experience is an unchanging and unique ego or self Having identified this self “me” we then identify other things as “mine” This, according to the Buddha, is the cause of much of the distress and pain humans inflict upon themselves and others through greed, fear, ignorance, hatred, and self-deception

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