Radical PHI101

An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 12 – Ethics 2 (Objectivism) – Part 5: Which Star Shines Brightest?

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Ethics isn’t a one-size-fits-all road map. From ethical egoism to utilitarianism, from Kant’s duties to virtue ethics, every ethical theory offers a unique way to navigate the complex question of what’s right. These theories aren’t just competing ideas—they’re different pathways up the same mountain, offering pieces to the puzzle of ethical objectivity. Whether it’s the golden rule, duty, or the pursuit of the greatest good, every ethical theory challenges us to ask what truly guides our moral compass.

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An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 12 – Ethics 2 (Objectivism) – Part 4: Where do gut feelings come from?

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Ethical objectivism isn’t just about external rules; it’s also about listening to our gut feelings—those moments when something feels right or wrong, even if no one else has told us. Our intuition acts as an internal moral barometer, guiding us toward ethical truths that may be hardwired into us. Whether it’s the guilt we feel when we cross a line or the peace we find when we act with integrity, these gut reactions may point to universal truths that transcend culture and time.

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An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 12 – Ethics 2 (Objectivism) – Part 3: What makes the golden rule golden?

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In our exploration of ethical objectivism, we start with the timeless wisdom of the Golden Rule: treat others the way you’d want to be treated. This universal principle has appeared across time, cultures, and societies, proving that some ethical ideas are constant. At its core, it reminds us that kindness, respect, and fairness are values we all understand similarly. Whether cultures differ or norms shift, the Golden Rule remains a powerful starting point for ethical decisions and builds the foundation of ethical objectivism.

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An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 12 – Ethics 2 (Objectivism) – Part 2: Which way is north?

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Today, we continue our exploration of ethical objectivism by looking for a moral compass – a true north that guides us toward a universal understanding of right and wrong. Objectivism suggests that beyond cultural and historical biases, there might be universal truths to help us navigate ethical decisions. Is there a starting point that transcends all the noise? A moral compass to help us find our way?

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An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 12 – Ethics 2 (Objectivism) – Part 1: Introduction – Are you on the naughty list?

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This week, we shift from ethical relativism to ethical objectivism, exploring the idea that there might be a moral compass that stands firm in the face of shifting cultural norms. Is there a “naughty list” after all—one not determined by culture or location, but one rooted in universal truths? Objectivism suggests that some things are ethically true no matter where or when you live. Is there a true north we can all steer by? Let’s see if we can find it.

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An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 11 – Ethics 1 (Relativism) – Part 7: Summary – Where’s the beef?

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As we wrap up this week, we reflect on how we, as humans, are the rule-makers. With no cosmic referee or divine lawgiver, we create our own ethics based on culture, experience, and time. But while this flexibility can be empowering, it also leaves us wondering: Are we building a sturdy moral house, or just rearranging the furniture? The question of ethical relativism has no simple answer. As we continue to evolve, our ethical rules shift with us, and we are still finding our way.

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An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 11 – Ethics 1 (Relativism) – Part 6: Want to smoke a joint with me?

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Ethical relativism tells us that no matter what the rules say, individuals will always find their own path. Whether it’s following the crowd or lighting up a path of their own, the personal decision-making process is central to ethical life. Tom, Dick, and Harry represent how we navigate rules: from embracing them, to bending them, to rewriting them completely. This is about personal autonomy—even in a society with strict rules, individuals will still make choices based on their values, experiences, and sometimes, a rebellious spirit. Ethics is as personal as it is cultural.

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An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 11 – Ethics 1 (Relativism) – Part 5: Is there a right way to have sex?

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Ethics isn’t a static list of rules; it’s a living conversation that grows with us. Just like intimacy norms evolve with culture and understanding, so do all ethical systems. What’s acceptable in one era can be considered scandalous in another, and that’s not moral chaos—it’s the sign of ethics responding to human experience. Whether it’s relationships, societal roles, or the acceptance of LGBTQ+ norms, ethics evolves to reflect our growing understanding of fairness, respect, and consent. The rules aren’t handed down from on high—they’re crafted, challenged, and reshaped by the people living them.

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An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 11 – Ethics 1 (Relativism) – Part 4: Have you ever been to Rome?

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Ethics can be like a local dialect, shaped by culture and history. What’s virtuous in one culture may not be the same in another. Cultural relativism suggests that morality is not universal, but instead grows from the values and needs of the society that nurtures it. It’s not moral anarchy, but an understanding that ethics are contextual—what’s right in one place might be seen differently elsewhere. The most ethical thing we can do in different cultural settings is learn, adapt, and respect the local customs, understanding that ethical rules wear different outfits depending on where you are.

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An Introduction to Philosophy (RLL style) Week 11 – Ethics 1 (Relativism) – Part 3: Does this dress make me look fat?

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Ethical relativism challenges the idea that moral rules are universal. Like the trick question, “Does this dress make me look fat?”, the answer often depends on context. The “right” answer isn’t always universal, but is instead shaped by culture, personal connections, and situational factors. This doesn’t mean that there are no moral absolutes, but it recognizes that ethical decisions are sometimes fluid, and the most ethical choice may involve understanding the person asking and the context of the question.

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