Capacities, Rights, and Essences: Part 3 – Essences

There are three common bases for moral reasoning that drive me crazy: capacities, rights, and essences. They bug me because they don’t, and can’t, work even though they dominate the popular discourse. They are different in most ways, but I believe their appeal is what they have in common. I will look at each one…

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Capacities, Rights, and Essences: Part 1 – Capacities

There are three common bases for moral reasoning that drive me crazy: capacities, rights, and essences. They bug me because they don’t, and can’t, work even though they dominate the popular discourse. They are different in most ways, but I believe their appeal is what they have in common. I will look at each one…

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The Death Penalty

The death penalty has been in the news a lot lately.  I read recently that Oklahoma has approved nitrogen gas as a way to kill people.  The Boston Marathon bombing trial is in its sentencing phase.  There have also been several high profile executions gone wrong.  And, of course, The Supreme Court just heard oral…

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Anger

I hate anger.  Of all the emotions, it’s my least favorite.  I’d rather feel sad or guilty than angry.  Of course, as a human being, I do feel angry from time to time, but I’m not prone to it.  I think most people who know me know that I’m calm most of the time.  That…

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Work Friends

Friendship has been a subject for philosophical thought since there has been philosophical thought.  This only makes sense since friendship is such an important part of human life.  As with much of philosophy, Plato discussed the topic, but Aristotle’s views are what dominate the landscape.  Aristotle saw three different types of friendship.  There are friendships…

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