Ethics Archives

Human Motives: Why We Hide Our True Reasons

What are your true reasons for doing what you do? What do you want people to think your reasons are? In The Elephant in the Brain, software engineer Kevin Simler and economics professor Robin Hanson controversially argue that human behavior is driven by selfish motives—and that your own brain is hiding them from you. They contend that humans evolved to appear selfless even as they put themselves before others. Read more for this intriguing discussion about human motives.

Should the American Government Pay Slavery Reparations?

How does the legacy of slavery still reverberate amongst Black Americans? Should the American government provide reparations to descendants of American slaves? Most of the injustices Black Americans face are either caused or perpetuated by economic inequality. To eliminate inequality and the injustices that follow, the government should provide Black Americans with financial aid and enhance funding for low-income and majority-Black communities, according to the author of The 1619 Project. In this article, we will discuss how the modern financial injustices Black Americans face are the result of slavery and Jim Crow, and what slavery reparations should entail.

What Is the Greatest Virtue? Here’s Aristotle’s Answer

What is the greatest virtue? What makes it so great? Does Aristotle’s theory hold water? In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle discusses virtues, both moral and intellectual. He argues that one virtue rises above all the others: wisdom. Unlike other virtues, it’s an end in itself and, thus, the best way to achieve happiness—the goal of life. Read more to understand Aristotle’s opinion about the greatest virtue.

Norms of Society: How Humans Regulate Each Other

Why did social norms develop? How do they work, and what role do they play? If you make too much noise in a library, you probably won’t get escorted out by security. Instead, you’ll likely earn some dirty looks or shushing from your fellow patrons. Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson explain how norms of society, such as this example of group enforcement, regulate human behavior. Read more to learn how norms of society play a role in our lives.

The Virtue of Wisdom: Self-Sufficient & Divine

What did Aristotle say about wisdom as a virtue? Why did he believe it was superior? In an effort to prove that wisdom is the greatest virtue of all, Aristotle explains how the virtue of wisdom is superior to moral virtues. He claims that wisdom is superior because it’s self-sufficient and divine. Let’s take a look at Aristotle’s view on the virtue of wisdom as presented in his Nicomachean Ethics.

Misleading Statistics: Lying With Numbers

How do people mislead with statistics? What are some real-world examples of misleading statistics? Anyone with the will and a capable computer program can perform statistical analyses. This accessibility combined with the ease and speed of information sharing in our technology-oriented culture makes it easy for misleading statistics to make their way into our lives and inform our opinions or decisions. Keep reading to find out how you can avoid falling into the trap of misleading statistics.

Aristotle on Moral Virtue: A Journey of Habits

How can people become virtuous? What was Aristotle’s theory? A person can develop moral virtue, Aristotle says, through habit. This journey involves three main elements: achieving a mean between two vices, experiencing pain and pleasure, and acquiring moral education. Continue reading for an overview of Aristotle’s ideas about moral virtue as presented in his Nicomachean Ethics.

Aristotle’s Definition of Happiness: Reason+Virtue+Activity

What’s happiness? What does reason have to do with it? How is virtue a factor? Aristotle concedes that many people agree with him that happiness is the goal of human life. The real challenge is defining happiness. He defines it as rational activity aligned with virtue. Keep reading to understand Aristotle’s definition of happiness.

Technology Is Manipulating You: Here’s How to Fight Back

How is technology manipulating you? Is it your fault you have trouble focusing? Johann Hari, the author of Stolen Focus, believes the solutions put forward for the attention crisis aren’t working because they focus on personal responsibility. However, he claims that the tech industry is manipulating you to believe that it’s your fault. Continue reading to learn more about overcoming technology’s manipulation.

The Goal of Life (According to Aristotle)

What’s the goal of life? Did Aristotle get it right? Aristotle spent a lot of time thinking about life and its ultimate goal. He considered what we do and why we do it. He concluded that a good life is a happy life—and a happy life is a good life. Read more to better understand Aristotle’s view.