It has been said that compassionate people are those that feel very deeply about something. They have a deep love for whatever it is that they are doing and put the time and effort into it is not a burden for them. Compassionate people do not do things out of obligation. They actually want to do what they are doing.
Compassionate people could be considered to have good will because what they are doing they actually want to do. For example, someone that seeks out to help others with their school work because they want too and do not become a tutor to claim a pay check for their service are acting out of good will.
Now a question that I pose is what about the people that are passionate about acting on things they are obligated to do? Are they still considered compassionate and possessing good will? For example, they realize they have to do something, but they want to do it because they know that they have no other choice but to act.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sex
While taking notes in class, something that was brought up by our professor sparked some interest in my mind.
We were discussing the act of having sexual intercourse with someone. Someone that is having sex with another person is not really acting out of good will because they are trying to obtain some pleasure from the deed and are acting entirely out of self-interest. They may be having sex in order to procreate, however, they are seeking out the pleasure they will obtain from it by doing said act.
Now the question that came to mind when taking notes was one could argue that a necessary need of human beings is to be happy. Happiness can lead to a prosperous life and an all around better disposition about things. One could argue that happiness is necessary for life, therefore it is necessary for someone to possess goodwill. Then, with all of that considered, what if you have sex to make yourself happy? Then are you acting out of goodwill even though it is entirely for ones self-interest?
We were discussing the act of having sexual intercourse with someone. Someone that is having sex with another person is not really acting out of good will because they are trying to obtain some pleasure from the deed and are acting entirely out of self-interest. They may be having sex in order to procreate, however, they are seeking out the pleasure they will obtain from it by doing said act.
Now the question that came to mind when taking notes was one could argue that a necessary need of human beings is to be happy. Happiness can lead to a prosperous life and an all around better disposition about things. One could argue that happiness is necessary for life, therefore it is necessary for someone to possess goodwill. Then, with all of that considered, what if you have sex to make yourself happy? Then are you acting out of goodwill even though it is entirely for ones self-interest?
Self-Regard
Last class we discussed a time in Lincoln's life when riding in a stage-coach he reveals to a colleague of his that he feels all actions done by human beings are actions done out of self-regard. Meaning, no matter how moral ones actions are, they are done with regard to ones interest. Hearing this, I began to think further into this topic.
It has been said that a truly moral person or rather a truly good person does something because they actually want to do that thing. For example; someone who has good will will do community service every weekend of every month because they really love to help people. Well that is all well and good, but how can they actually have good will when in essence they are doing the community service for themselves. If they love the feeling of helping people, in a sense they help others to get the rush or even the high of doing the act. The act may be helping others, but they are doing it to fulfill a want within themselves. Therefore, they are not actually acting out of good will, right? Let me know!
It has been said that a truly moral person or rather a truly good person does something because they actually want to do that thing. For example; someone who has good will will do community service every weekend of every month because they really love to help people. Well that is all well and good, but how can they actually have good will when in essence they are doing the community service for themselves. If they love the feeling of helping people, in a sense they help others to get the rush or even the high of doing the act. The act may be helping others, but they are doing it to fulfill a want within themselves. Therefore, they are not actually acting out of good will, right? Let me know!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Morals
Today in class we discussed the many complex ideals of Kant. However confusing this may be, something stood out from the lecture in my mind. Our Professor stated that "there are no laws to morals, just choices." This struck as something very strange. I am the type of person who feels that everything, whether it be morals or simply just ideas or thoughts, must have a set of rules or laws that they must abide by.
Therefore a question arises in my mind. If there are no laws to morals, then when it comes to choices, what is deemed right or wrong? I feel that the law would determine what is right and wrong, so if there is no law then possibly there is no right or wrong?
Therefore a question arises in my mind. If there are no laws to morals, then when it comes to choices, what is deemed right or wrong? I feel that the law would determine what is right and wrong, so if there is no law then possibly there is no right or wrong?
Priori
Last class we discussed the term Priori, which means something that we can know through reason alone. This word basically means that when someone knows something, no amount of experience can call this into question. It is what it is, based solely off reason alone.
Thinking about this the question of slavery came into my mind. During the time prior to Lincoln freeing the slaves, and some could even say after that, owning slaves was considered to be moral or justified in some peoples minds. However, most people today; and to an extent back during this time period as well, would argue against that. The people in support could argue that slavery is okay or moral acts of people based solely on reason.
Therefore, with Priori in mind, what is the call when it comes to things; such as slavery, that are clearly wrong?
Thinking about this the question of slavery came into my mind. During the time prior to Lincoln freeing the slaves, and some could even say after that, owning slaves was considered to be moral or justified in some peoples minds. However, most people today; and to an extent back during this time period as well, would argue against that. The people in support could argue that slavery is okay or moral acts of people based solely on reason.
Therefore, with Priori in mind, what is the call when it comes to things; such as slavery, that are clearly wrong?
Sophrosyne?
Two classes ago we discussed the concept presented by Aristotle of Sophrosyne. We discussed that this word has the capability of having multiple definitions; like "self control", "temperance", and "chastity." We established in class that for the sake of this argument it means healthy mindedness. What we meant by this was that someone no longer is tempted by temptation. Through balance, they are able to fight the urge to give in to temptation.
When considering this, I came up with my own example of this...
Today in the dinning hall, I was confronted with temptation. I gave up on eating all foods that are fried or cooked in grease. I am doing this to become a healthier person. However, a question arises with this... I not eating these types of food and fighting the urge to eat them, am I becoming one with sophrosyne or am I just avoiding the problem? Should I eat these foods in moderation then?
When considering this, I came up with my own example of this...
Today in the dinning hall, I was confronted with temptation. I gave up on eating all foods that are fried or cooked in grease. I am doing this to become a healthier person. However, a question arises with this... I not eating these types of food and fighting the urge to eat them, am I becoming one with sophrosyne or am I just avoiding the problem? Should I eat these foods in moderation then?
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Role Models
Today in class we discussed the idea presented to the class from a previous nights homework assignment. The idea was that "one can't be a good person, without having a good role model."
This idea sparked quite the conversation. I agree fully with this statement for the following reasons.
First, human beings are creatures of habit. They are constantly learning and growing as people and from their individual mistakes and efforts. Human's are not born knowing what is right and what is wrong, or what is even considered to be the right and wrong way of going about things. They must learn how to determine these things for themselves. That is where the role model comes into play. The role model can set the stage for someone to learn from and grow from. As with the main topic of this course, Abraham Lincoln, role modes are crutial to the growth and development of human beings.Abraham Lincoln openly states that his role model for many different circumstances and positions was Henry Clay. Many of Clays political decisions and mentalities would latter become the frame work for and bases for Lincoln's political decisions.
This leads into my second reason for supporting the above statement. Sometimes role models do not have to be a physical person in someones life to influence them or help them in any way shape or form. Abraham Lincoln didn't meet Henry Clay until much latter in his political career and life. Not having that physical confrontation did not hinder or even reduce the role of Lincoln's role model in his life. Learning from things that he read about Clay and allowing it to influence his every day life and mentality helped to shape him into the politician and eventual President we have all come to be familiar with.
A final note on this topic that I will discuss is the difference between a role model and a hero. Some would consider Henry Clays role in Abraham Lincoln's to be more the role of a hero instead of a role model. Heroes can be seen in sense of people that others strive to mimic or even become. They admire the work that they have done and would like to do something similar or even seen in the same light as the them. However, wouldn't one consider that to be the role of a role model as well? That is what my question is for you fellow bloggers... what is the exact concrete definition of the difference between a role model and hero?
This idea sparked quite the conversation. I agree fully with this statement for the following reasons.
First, human beings are creatures of habit. They are constantly learning and growing as people and from their individual mistakes and efforts. Human's are not born knowing what is right and what is wrong, or what is even considered to be the right and wrong way of going about things. They must learn how to determine these things for themselves. That is where the role model comes into play. The role model can set the stage for someone to learn from and grow from. As with the main topic of this course, Abraham Lincoln, role modes are crutial to the growth and development of human beings.Abraham Lincoln openly states that his role model for many different circumstances and positions was Henry Clay. Many of Clays political decisions and mentalities would latter become the frame work for and bases for Lincoln's political decisions.
This leads into my second reason for supporting the above statement. Sometimes role models do not have to be a physical person in someones life to influence them or help them in any way shape or form. Abraham Lincoln didn't meet Henry Clay until much latter in his political career and life. Not having that physical confrontation did not hinder or even reduce the role of Lincoln's role model in his life. Learning from things that he read about Clay and allowing it to influence his every day life and mentality helped to shape him into the politician and eventual President we have all come to be familiar with.
A final note on this topic that I will discuss is the difference between a role model and a hero. Some would consider Henry Clays role in Abraham Lincoln's to be more the role of a hero instead of a role model. Heroes can be seen in sense of people that others strive to mimic or even become. They admire the work that they have done and would like to do something similar or even seen in the same light as the them. However, wouldn't one consider that to be the role of a role model as well? That is what my question is for you fellow bloggers... what is the exact concrete definition of the difference between a role model and hero?
Saturday, September 10, 2011
HELLO!
My name is Brycen Waters and this will be my blog for Matthew Silliman's Course Honors Lincolns Ethics. I am 6' 1" tall and I have brown hair and brown eyes. I listen to a wide range of music but my favorite bands/musicians are A Day to Remember, Four Year Strong, and Death Cab for Cutie.
I am 20 years old and double Major History and Poltical Science major with a minor in Music and I study at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. I just started my Junior year here and I thoroughly enjoy every second I spend at this fine instituiton. I plan on going to grad school for Student Affairs and Higher Education Adminisitration at the College of St. Rose in upstate New York.
I signed up for this class for the sheer fact that I respect Abraham Lincoln as one of the greatest and most influential Presidents of all time. Taking a deeper look at not just what he did as President durring and before his administration, but why he did these things. I hope to look at Abraham Lincoln in a much deeper way after succesful completion of this class.
Stay tuned for future blogs about topics in class!
I am 20 years old and double Major History and Poltical Science major with a minor in Music and I study at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. I just started my Junior year here and I thoroughly enjoy every second I spend at this fine instituiton. I plan on going to grad school for Student Affairs and Higher Education Adminisitration at the College of St. Rose in upstate New York.
I signed up for this class for the sheer fact that I respect Abraham Lincoln as one of the greatest and most influential Presidents of all time. Taking a deeper look at not just what he did as President durring and before his administration, but why he did these things. I hope to look at Abraham Lincoln in a much deeper way after succesful completion of this class.
Stay tuned for future blogs about topics in class!
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