Wendell's Diary

Existentialism is often seen as a philosophy focused on individual freedom and responsibility. Pioneered by thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, it emphasizes personal authenticity and the creation of meaning through individual choices. However, existentialism also provides insights into collective responsibility, showing how personal freedom intersects with ethical considerations for others and aligns with deontological principles of universal rules. ### **1. Existentialism’s Core: Personal Freedom and Responsibility** **Authenticity**: Central to existentialism is the idea that individuals must live authentically, making choices that reflect their true selves. Sartre argued that we are “condemned to be free,” meaning that our freedom compels us to take responsibility for our actions and their consequences. **Individual Agency**: Existentialism posits that each person must navigate their existence by embracing their freedom and making meaningful choices, even in the ...

In navigating the complexities of modern life, relying on a single philosophical framework might seem limiting. Instead, integrating insights from various philosophical traditions can provide a richer, more flexible approach to decision-making and personal growth. By building a diverse philosophical arsenal, you can draw on different perspectives to handle a wide range of situations effectively. **1. Virtue Ethics: Cultivating Good Character** **Philosophy**: Virtue ethics, rooted in Aristotle’s teachings, emphasizes developing moral virtues and good character traits to achieve eudaimonia, or human flourishing. It focuses on becoming a virtuous person through practice and reflection. **Application**: Use virtue ethics to guide personal development and moral growth. When facing ethical dilemmas, consider which actions align with virtuous traits like honesty, courage, and compassion. **2. Stoicism: Managing Emotions Rationally** **Philosophy**: Stoicism teaches the importance of understa...

In the realm of ethics, two significant theories often stand in contrast: Immanuel Kant’s deontological ethics and the utilitarian approach championed by philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Both frameworks offer distinct ways to evaluate moral actions, each with its unique principles and implications. **Kant’s Moral Framework** Immanuel Kant’s moral philosophy is grounded in deontological ethics, which focuses on the inherent morality of actions rather than their consequences. According to Kant, moral actions are those performed out of duty and adherence to universal moral laws. Central to his framework is the Categorical Imperative, a principle that dictates that one should act only according to maxims that can be universally applied. Kant’s approach emphasizes the importance of intention and rationality. An action is morally right if it is done out of respect for the moral law, rather than for the pursuit of a particular outcome. For instance, telling the truth is ...