Moral philosophy has always been a persistent issue to human beings because of the ability to rationalize and reason. These philosophies do not simply originate over night; instead they are formed after making different comparisons and revisions. Aristotle's only perfected his interpretation of...

In Aristotle's book he argues that no act is served for the purpose of the act itself, but rather that all acts have some ultimate goal. For humans the ultimate goal is happiness. The only way that happiness as a whole can be achieved is through moral virtue. For someone to be virtuou...

The corruption of America's youth is a popular topic today in the media, among lawmakers, and with concerned parents. Often the "good old days" of generations past are looked upon with longing because of their simpler ways. Decades ago the largest problems in schools were talking ...

"Conscience created or innate" To what extent do you think you are dictated by your surroundings and your up-bringing? Do you claim your opinions to be your own? Do you trust your logic and your conscience? These are questions that are seldom asked by ourselves or by others. In fac...

Aristotle believes that the chief ingredient for a life of happiness is virtue. Virtue is a state of the soul that disposes and prompts our actions and is meant to guide our behaviors in society and enable us to practice moderation. Aristotle believes that human happiness, which is not to be equa...

The validity of Benjamin Franklin's idea that certain virtues lead to success and happiness has much validity but has diminished greatly since Franklin's time. Many of the virtues that were discussed by Franklin in The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, have great meaning today, but do n...

My Ethical Opinion There are three philosophers in whom I am going to talk about, Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle. The philosopher that seems to interest me the most is Aristotle. He is said to be the most down to earth philosopher out of the Plato and Socrates. I think that Aristotle has a great ...

Defining the Good Throughout history, many people have attempted to define what it is to be good. They have tried to explain what it is like to live a good life and what it means to be a good person. Many have tried to offer their own insights into what being good really is. Some philosophers have s...

The Origins of Good and Evil According to Nietzsche In his work On the Genealogy of Morality, Nietzsche intends to investigate not only the origin, but, more importantly, the value of morality. While Nietzsche does not specifically define morality, he speaks of the values of compassion, self-den...

A Dreamland It Would Be My grandmother once told me that a person who "has character" is a person who not only thinks well of others, but of themselves as well. She also told me that such a person is not afraid to stand up for their beliefs. I still hold these qualities of character ...

The idea of justice is a prominent issue for all societies. Courts have been established to censor the actions of accused persons and it has long been a major theme to be dealt with in many societies throughout history. One of the first cultures to describe the issue of justice is ancie...

Just as Polemarchus inherited the argument with Socrates concerning justice from his father, he also inherited a traditional definition of justice from Greek culture. Through their argument, Socrates shows Polemarchus that justice is more than just a balance of the pluses and minuses of debts; inste...

Rene Descartes asserts that our most fundamental beliefs are uncertain, and consequently, all beliefs resting on these basics are also uncertain. In his First Mediation, he sets out to determine which beliefs are certain and which are doubtful. Descartes applied illusion argument, dreaming argument,...

Friendship according to Aristotle According to Aristotle, there are three types of friendships. (1) Those that are based on pleasure , (2) those that are based purely on self interest or utility and (3), those with a special bond between equals who are drawn to each other and receive pleasure a...

Aristotle believes that eudemonia is the final goal in life. He notes that pleasure is related to happiness, but it is not the highest good. He feels that pleasure is good if it is for the right reason, and not done in excess. For example excellent activity is inherently pleasurable to the virtu...

Combination of religious and secular elements in Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight In this essay I will point out, on the one hand, the elements of the pagan warrior society and the Christian elements in Beowulf and, on the other hand, the contradiction of the heroic code with reli...

Page 1 Plato is one of the most famous and influential philosophers of all time. Writing several books, pertaining to many different topics. He learned his skill from the father of modern philosophy and learned it well. Effecting countless minds of his time, and many more extending all the w...

Plato's "The Apology" begins with Socrates standing accused of impiety and, possibly the worst of the charges, passing his impiety on to the young people he supposedly corrupts. The book concentrates on his defense. Basically, Socrates makes two major arguments for his innocence, the first of w...

Inherent to human nature and their morals, are dualities, such as good and bad, in a character which produces all the emotions, experiences, and forces that motivates an individual to overcome the struggles of life. One, without the other, will not suffice in its existence. Consequently, only the co...

Analysis of an ideal government Niccolo Machiavelli, the author of a well known political essay, The Prince, was a republican in Italy when his country was divided into city-states. He wrote this essay in prison, and tried to inspire the ruler to defend his country and maintain his power. Confuci...