The philosopher James Rachels has an argument that shows that the distinction between acts and omissions is not as helpful as it looks. Consider these two cases: •Smith will inherit a fortune if his 6 year old cousin dies. •One evening Smith sneaks into the bathroom where the child is having his bath and drowns the boy. •Smith then arranges the evidence so that it looks like an accident. •Jones will inherit a fortune if his 6 year old cousin dies. •One evening Jones sneaks into the bathroom where
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James Rachels argues against theories of selfishness that the psychological egoists maintain. He challenges the view that everyone always does what he or she wants by showing that we often dounpleasant tasks for the future pleasures or from obligation. Altruism is recognized as not acting in self interest. He also clears up the confusions that selfishness and self interest share the same meaning. *Psychological egoists argue that we always do what we want to do. Rachel says that is questionable and
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In James Rachels’ books‚ The Elements of Moral Philosophy‚ the chapter made several points about virtue. Virtue can be defined in different ways and mean different per every person. But‚ virtue needs to bring good morals and be justified with good reasons. Good characteristic makes a person virtuous. Should Virtue Ethics be practice again? Definition of virtue brings a lot of competent. Structures of virtue‚ can set many explanations and problems. But‚ virtue is important because the upright morals
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Summary: Active and Passive Euthanasia (James Rachels) James Rachels argues against the traditional doctrine in medicine that prohibits the physician from taking any action which would contribute to the death of a patient. Rachels takes the position that in some cases‚ abiding by this doctrine leads to more suffering. In the situation where continued medical support would prolong suffering‚ doctors have the option of discontinuing support. If‚ according to Rachel‚ they choose that option on the basis
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course. The paper also discusses why I selected virtue ethics as my personal philosophy and how I might best apply my personal philosophy to my professional and personal life. Virtue is a trait of character manifested in habitual action‚1 and virtue ethics is what makes the character traits of people (e.g.‚ bravery‚ greediness) virtuous or vicious. About 2500 years ago‚ Aristotle‚ one of the most well known names in philosophy stated that the uniqueness of a virtuous person comes from their arête‚ phronesis
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In chapter nine of the book “Problems from Philosophy”‚ by James Rachels‚ the author guides us through the topic over “The Debate over Free Will”. Throughout the chapter‚ we are informed what free will is‚ what it means to have free will‚ and if we actually have free will‚ the author provides us with arguments that help break down the argument on free will. These arguments consisted of the Determinist Argument‚ the Libertarian Response‚ the Compatibilist Response‚ and Ethics on free will. This chapter
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MORAL PHILOSOPHY What is moral philosophy ? Moral philosophy is the branch of philosophy that is concerned with ethics. Ethics can be defined as the study of right and wrong in human endeavours‚ it helps one to answer such questions as what is the proper course of action in a given situation‚ what one should do ? It helps us identify the moral correctness of our conduct. From the very dawn of philosophy right up until this very day‚ ethics has been at the very core of the rational thinkers cognizance
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James Rachels ’ Death and Dying James Rachels is one of the most controversial philosophers talked about in today ’s society. One of his most talked about topics is whether a person has a right to die or not. Not much is known about Rachels expect for the many articles and books he has written. In the controversy of letting a person die or killing him‚ he does not try to explain which method is good and which method is bad. He however tries to explain why they both are bad to a certain degree
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Philosophical ethics are an attempt to define moral action. Theories try to answer questions such as ‘what is a moral action?’ and ‘how should men act?’ In the case of classical theories the main question is ‘What is the good life? We all grow up learning our ethics‚ or morals‚ from our parents and society. As we grow we are told things; do not cross the road alone‚ clean your room. But there are a set of instructions that we are told‚ and we grow to learn that they have quite a different motive
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Rachels and Brock James Rachels’ thoughts on active and passive euthanasia come down to the idea that there is no moral difference between both active and passive euthanasia. That simply they are functionally equivalent. Rachels’ argument stems from the AMA’s stance on euthanasia. The AMA believes the intentional termination of one’s life is contrary to “that for which the medical profession stands.” However‚ it is wrong to prolong the needless suffering of patients who are dying. Therefore
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