philosophicalethicswithdylan

[philosophicalethicswithdylan]

Dylan Bruton

CMMA 422

Professor Harris

25 September 2021

                                                                                     Blog Post-Ethical Philosophies

Ethical philosophies are integral in promoting and encouraging conducive and responsible behavior and mentalities within our society.  Without those at hand, we would descend into total anarchy and chaos. Interestingly enough, one of the principles listed, hedonism, is in closer relation to anarchy and chaos from a modern connotation. At its philosophical root from the philosopher Aristippus, it is purely about living a life in the moment of seeking pleasure and enjoyment BUT of the mind, not physical desires. In present time, it is moreso associated with narcissistic carnal minded nihilism rooted in living for today since tomorrow is not promised. On the surface in complete juxtaposition is the philosophy of utilitarianism. This focuses more on the wants and needs of the collective community or group that’ll in total benefit everyone positively as opposed to just the individual. Following the initial foundation of utilitarianism by scholars such as Jeremy Bentham and Joseph Priestly, John Stuart Mill amplified upon the idea further. He distinguished that intellectual happiness takes precedence over physical happiness because to be of sound mind and judgement allows one to think at a higher aptitude in positive strategizing. In Mill’s perception, certain actions that could be deemed as “harmful” are only justifiable if their proverbial means to an end turn out to benefit the large collective total. Ironically enough, though seemingly different on the surface, there have been some scholars who have seen some of the nuance in both, combined utilitarianism and hedonism into ‘hedonistic utilitarianism” which suggests that “the right action is the one that produces (or is most likely to produce) the greatest net happiness for all concerned” (https://iep.utm.edu/hedonism/). This could surprisingly be a possible precursor to the philosophy of the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule encourages morally to do unto others what you would want for yourself or in the religious context, ‘Love thy neighbor like you love yourself”. Dating back to the ancient days of Greece with philosophers like Pittacus of Mytilene, Thales of Miletus, and Epictetus, who were all considered part of the renowned Seven Sages of Greece, in one variation or another they all emphasized treating all people with genuine respect and generosity. Incorporating the aspect of positive in the moment interactions would be from a hedonistic perspective of living free in the mind while the aspect of thinking selflessly and compassionately is moreso from the angle of utilitarianism. Many think because religions incorporate The Golden Rule and some principles of utilitarianism reject traditions and customs enforced by religion that those two would hold no relation. However that becomes more a matter in which these religious faiths are practiced and what is being taught as opposed to morally and ethically. This level of discernment in how information is professed and understood can even find itself in a philosophical concept like the Veil of Ignorance. Under the Veil of Ignorance, slightly similar to The Golden Rule, all people regardless of race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, belief system etc. are equal in terms of how they can be judged and treated. In an idealist society, this would remove any systemic subjugating “isms” that marginalize, oppress, or hinder people institutionally but this philosophy as coined by John Rawls in 1971 is more in connection to the way humans treat one another. The ability to remove presumptive judgement on somebody grants more compassion and understanding to potentially be able to “walk a mile in someone else’s shoes”. Yet given the contradictions and inadequacies that exist in this world and society, can undeniable wrongs NOT be called out and identified? This is where the last philosophical principle, Categorical Imperative, emerges. Described as the definitive concept of right is right and wrong is wrong, philosopher Immanuel Kant’s studies and critiques of reason lead to him founding this ideology. The word Categorical means absolute while the word Imperative means vital or important. Combining the two, it leads to understanding that the principles and morals that are unequivocally just, need to be preserved and promoted. In short many of these philosophical principles incorporate a multitude of each other simultaneously. But  in a microcosmic world, being able to think and understand concepts macrocosmically will serve to the individual in creating the best collective community in total. 

My ethical philosophies naturally incorporate a variety of perspectives and ideas so I can conclude to a higher level of understanding. If I was to condense that to a sole philosophy principle on the list, I’d say I adhere to The Golden Rule and Categorical Imperative the most. I believe that there are indistinguishable rights and wrongs within this society that I morally believe or repudiate but I’m not a judgmental person. I try to treat everyone I encounter with respect and genuine class unless I’m given a reason to move differently. I’ve unofficially practiced stoicism for the last 3 years or so and emotionally removed myself from attachment to Earthly things so my level of coolness and peace within myself is very high. It is not always easy however and I’m consistently tested both carnally and spiritually but as a believer in God, I believe there is nothing that comes in my life that I cannot endure and survive and eventually overcome. Not everyone is rooted in the same ideologies as I am but I’m a Man of principle and code so those who operate in that mindset often can connect and understand my perspectives. I have a great respect for ethical, existential, and philosophical principles and the ability to question other conceptual topics within society.