At first we see Candide believing unwaveringly in Pangloss’s teachings, that “all is necessarily for the best in this best of all possible worlds” (Voltaire, 4). Not long into the story, Candide begins to question this philosophy after being flogged, “If this is the best of all possible worlds, what must the others be like?” (Voltaire, 16). Throughout his adventures, Candide continues his back and forth view of Pangloss’s theory, later to be followed by disgust at the idea after seeing people hanged or flogged daily. This back and forth that we see Candide go through helps us see what we need in our lives. The lesson for us: While we should have an optimistic outlook on life, we cannot have blind optimism like that of Pangloss.
Therefore from this God being the greatest possible being HAS to exist, as stated before, an idea in the mind is not as great as an idea that exists in reality.Anselm concludes that because God is the greatest [possible being that can be conceived in the mind, part of being a ‘being’ or ‘thing’ of any type is that you exist. So
Therefore, strengthening Landau’s view and the above argument that Hitler became leader of Germany as he was leader of the most popular parties. While some may suggest that Hitler became leader of Germany due to being the
He is half correct in his statement as a theist does not believe in the proofs individually, but finds enough evidence in them to form the belief that God does exist; He is the creator of the universe, and He is morally perfect. McCloskey touches on faith in his article. It is defined by Tillich: as the state of being ultimately concerned as claiming truth for concern, and is involving commitment, courage, and the taking of risk. Theists have faith in God, and treat Him as the most important person in their lives. To have faith in someone on past knowledge, according to McCloskey, is reasonable however; it is unreasonable to have faith in God as we have no past knowledge of God.
Candide proclaims his appreciation of his tutor by calling him; “The greatest Philosopher of the whole province, and consequently, of the whole world” (Voltaire 12). The entire rest of the story can be seen as a giant contradiction against what Pangloss and Candide believe. After hearing the philosophy of “the best of all possible worlds” one thinks that it would take a lot of tragedy to change someone’s opinion on the
Outline and explain the theories of act and rule utilitarianism. Examine the case study about the programme of surveillance below from the perspective of act and rule utilitarianism. Which of these approaches are most helpful in exploring the programme of surveillance from an ethical perspective? Give reasons for your answer. Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), an English philosopher and the most prominent name in relation of the founding of utilitarianism, described utilitarianism as “the greatest happiness for the greatest felicity of people”.
The entire world changed after the dropping of the atomic bomb on the Japanese islands of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It created a mass hysteria considering that now the world could be destroyed from the use of these awesome bombs. As the United States gradually slipped into the Cold War with the Soviet Union, people hoped that some ethical codes instilled within us all would prevent the obliteration of the earth by use of atomic bombs. Though the power of the atomic bomb has not been unleashed upon another civilization since Nagasaki, the hope that an ethical code can regulate interactions throughout all regions, states, and nations is erroneous. Blackburn, in his short introduction to ethics through the book “Being Good”, gives seven threats to ethics that denounces the ability to regulate interactions ethically.
The League did nothing except protest against Germany’s past aggressive behavior and Japan and Mussolini’s invasion. All this caused Hitler to be more confident that nothing will happen if they were to invade Poland. Britain and France were also at fault for appeasing Germany. When Germany had started its rearmament and invaded Czechoslovakia, they did nothing as they wanted to appease Hitler as they believe they were not strong enough to defeat Hitler and they fear setting economic embargo on Germany would affect their own economy as they have not recovered from World War 1 and the Great Depression. Hitler was a gambler rather than a planner.
At any given time in history, however, philosophers and theologians and even politicians have and claimed that they have discovered that the best way to evaluate human actions and establish the most righteous code of conduct. You see, life is far too messy and complicated for there to be anything like a universal morality and an absolutist ethics. I know what you are thinking, “What about the concept of the Golden Rule?” The golden rule is great and all, treating everyone like you would like to be treated. But it disregards moral autonomy and leaves no room for the imposition of justice.In other words, we fucked up. Not just a little bit, but we fucked up big time.
President George W. Bush declared, “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve”. (History) A day that has changed the way we think and the way do things. Take nothing for granted, especially from your loved ones, you never know when they will be taken from