The Perfect Utopia

The society we live in and the way which it is governed is constantly changing. Governments are continuously trying to improve our world and the way that we live, attempting to create a world close to perfection. Could we one day reach the point of having a universal and single utopian society? If we did, what would this utopia look like? This question has been answered by philosophers for centuries. But each philosopher has a different idea as to what a utopian society would look like. Looking closely at Plato’s Republic, More’s utopia, and Aristotle’s, the negative and positive aspects are shown.

            Thomas More’s idea of utopia strives for equality to all. Though the main aspect if his utopia is positive, it is taken to the extreme and in turn, negatively affects society. Everyone would dress the same and all houses would be identical, as would each town. This would completely eliminate individual’s freedom of expression and in turn, eliminate differences among people. Slavery would also be a part of this utopian society. Though the slaves would only be those who commit crimes, this is a negative aspect of the society as it enforces cruelty to its citizens. And although it claims to accept religious differences, this utopia condemns those who lack a religion, eliminating the citizen’s right to freedom of religion. Overall, this particular utopian society has more negative aspects than positive ones.

            While fascism focuses on the state working together harmoniously, it puts more emphasize on the needs of the state rather than the needs of the citizens. The happiness of individuals is not important as long as the state is in order. Not only is the happiness of the citizens unimportant but the privacy of the individuals is equally unimportant. A fascist utopia intervenes in every aspect of its citizen’s life. While this utopia has a state that is in working order, the lack of care for its citizens increases the negative aspects of the society.

            Plato’s republic is the closest to that of a perfect utopian society, as it focuses on the individuals in the society. Everyone in the society would have an important part to play in the utopia. And each individual would be educated to strengthen their talents. And only those who are well educated will rule over the society, to ensure justice for all. Although everyone would continue to be separated by social classes, the elimination of private property eliminates the differences between the rich and the poor. This ultimately creates economic equality for all. Though this idea of utopia has been condemned for its lack of democracy, if everyone is happy, democracy may seize to be needed.

            In conclusion, a utopia that is perfect is one where the citizens work harmoniously together to strive for a united society. While at the same time, the needs of each citizen are taken into account so that every individual is happy in their utopian state.

U3A10

Wayne Drehs, a senior writer for ESPN.com, discusses in his article “Future of cheating might rest in our own cells”, the debate of doping in sports. Rather than taking a firm stand on the issue, Drehs gives an overview on the issue of gene doping. Drehs does not incorporate his own views of the matter but uses the knowledge and opinion of different doctors. His article summarizes the main conflicts surrounding gene doping and the different arguments for and against it.

Drehs, Wayne. (2007, August 10). Future of cheating might rest in our own cells. Retrieved from

            http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/cheat/news/story?fromrss=1&id=2966241

The article “Doping is against the true character of sport” written by Kai Holm discusses the conflicting arguments on the topic of doping while the author injects their own views on the topic. Holm does not state any core information or data about doping but rather voices his opinion on the matter. The article focuses on Holm’s belief of the true nature of sports and what allowing doping will do to it. Holm believes that doping is “…not just a violation of a rule…” but a method that questions the “…existence of competitive sports…” (Holm, 2009) and stands firmly on the importance of fighting doping.

Holm, Kai. (2009). Doping is against the true character of sport. Retrieved from

            http://www.sports-drugs.com/against-true-character.htm
(Unsure if this article is appropriate for the assignment, if not, please excuse it)

                Rick Lovett, writer for National Geographic News, discusses in his article “How “Gene Doping” Could Create Enhanced Olympians” the controversial topic of gene doping. Lovett uses information given by Theodore Friedmann, a gene therapy researcher at the University of California, San Diego to give readers a brief overview of the process of gene doping.  After this, he discusses the affects it will have on the athlete that uses the process. While the article informs its readers of gene doping it also gives a positive outlook on the process with the idea that “…sports authorities may eventually have to accept gene doping as a fact of life.” (Lovett, 2008)

Lovett, R. (2008, August 14). How "gene doping" could create enhanced olympians. Retrieved

from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/08/080814-gene-doping.html

What is the good life?

 

What is the good life?

            The good life is one that is full of happiness. You find what makes you happy, whether it be the materials you own, the friends and family that surround you, the pleasures you partake in, the career you have, or the actives you pursue, you find them and surround yourself with them.

           

Aristotle makes a valid claim on how you can lead a fulfilling life. He argued that if you pursue your talents and work towards becoming the best that you can be you may be able to gain eudemonia, or as Aristotle describes it, your destiny (1).

Every person is born with a purpose in life, whether it is to sing, dance, help others, teach, or to fix things. Having a destiny can fill your life with happiness; just knowing you were put on this earth to do whatever it is your meant to, can give your life much meaning. Though you don’t know what your purpose is when you are born you discover it from finding your passions and what makes you happy. So, finding your eudemonia can enrich your life and provide you with much happiness. However, Aristotle claims that you don’t set out to achieve eudemonia but achieve it by finding out your abilities and working towards bettering yourself (1).

However, there are other ways to be happy before you find you realize what your destiny is. If you surround yourself with things that you enjoy and love, such as friends, families, animals, nature, even the colour pink, you can have an overall, better wellbeing.

Aristotle’s claims on the good life are quite true: the good life is one that is different for every individual and all depends on what makes you happy. And finding your path to eudemonia will give your life not only meaning, but happiness.

References

1. HZT 4U (n.d.) Content - What is a "Good Life. Retrieved from: http://tvdsb.elearningontario.ca/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=63893&tId=5986602

“Duties are relative to the individual situation. There are often several duties one should do. You must decide which of these duties takes precedence over the others. This will be the ‘right’ thing to do.”

            W.D. Ross and his pluralistic theory of duty states that “duties are relative to the individual situation. There are often several duties one should do. You must decide which of these duties takes precedence over the others. This will be the ‘right’ thing to do" (1). There is not one duty that is right for all situations but rather multiple ones that one must be decided upon every situation that one encounters. There is also not one right action for every situation but is rather one right action for every individual.

Suppose you are in a situation where a masked gunman approaches you and another person, one you do not know. Now suppose the gunman turns to you and tells you to choose between your life and that and the other person. Unlike other theories that may suggest that there is only one choice; the right one, the pluralistic theory suggests that in certain situations much like this one, there are multiple options; the person can choose to preserve themselves or they can follow the duty of nonmaleficence, to not injure others. Ross states that to determine what choose to make, you have to evaluate the situation and once reason is applied to the situation, then the answer, or duty that is right for you, will be apparent. Perhaps you choose to save the life of the other person because you believe that to be right, does this mean that because you assessed the situation and came to the decision that you found was right, is indeed right?

The relativism belief accepts that in a moral dilemma there will be more than one "right" answer in a situation and that ethical judgments reflect the values of individuals (1). There is not one universally right answer but rather a collection of answers that may be right for the individual person. Is nonmaleficence actually ranked higher than self-preservation just because you value the life of others highly and decide to act accordingly? No. But because you value nonmaleficence greater means it is right for you.

References

1. HZT 4U (n.d.) Content - Duty Ethics.  Retrieved from: http://tvdsb.elearningontario.ca/d2l/lms/content/viewer/main_frame.d2l?ou=63893&tId=5986730

Curing Logical Fallacy Dependence

1. Bandwagon

1. Bandwagon is a type of fallacy that occurs when something is accepted as truth due to fear of rejection from peers.

2. “Infected” idea:

- Trevor has had a long love of rock music. He believes that it combines the best elements of music; awesome guitar solos, fun but meaningful lyrics, and raw talents. But all of his friends dislike rock and believe that rock music is too old to be cool. They all think that pop music is for cool people and songs need an upbeat catchy tone to be considered good. Trevor agrees with them so that they don’t think he is uncool for liking rock music.

“Cured” idea:

- Trevor realizes that what his friends think is true is not what he considers truth. He tells them that they can like pop music but he is going to prefer rock because he believes it to be better.

3. Recommendation

- To realize that just because a large majority of the population believe something to be true does not necessarily make it true. Go with what you believe in and don’t worry about the rest of the population that disagree.

2. Two Wrongs Make a Right

1. Two Wrongs Make a Right is a type of fallacy that occurs when a person justifies an action against a person by claiming that they would do the same to them.

2. “Infected” idea

- Lauren decides not to buy her friend a birthday since she only has enough money to buy herself a dress she really wants and figures her friend would do the same so she believes it is okay.

“Cured” idea

- Lauren realizes that doing that would be selfish and even if her friend would do the same, she does not want to be selfish and so she buys her a gift.

3. Recommendation

- Realize that just because someone else would do something doesn’t mean it is okay for you to do it too.  Try to take a step back from a situation and focus not on what someone else would do but if you truly want to do it.

3. Relativist Fallacy

1. The Relativist fallacy occurs when a person claims that something is true for others but rejects the claim for themself.

2. “Infected” idea

“Everyone in math class is failing so they need to be on time to class. Since I am acing the class, I don’t need to show up on time.”

“Cured” idea

“Even though everyone else is failing the class, if I want to continue excelling in the class, I need to show up on time too.”

3. Recommendation

Realize that everyone should be treated equal and that if a rule applies to one person, it should apply to all. Try to not place yourself above others.

4. Post Hoc

1. Post Hoc is a fallacy that occurs when one event happens after another does and so the first event is believed to have been the cause of the one that followed.

2. “Infected” Idea

Ashley buys a new computer last week and Thursday she downloads a game to it. Then when she tries to turn her computer on the next morning, it won’t start. Because she downloaded the game before it happened, she believes it to be the cause of the computer failure.

“Cured” Idea

Even though Ashley downloaded the game the day before her computer crashed, she realizes that there are many other factors that could have influenced the crash; there may have been a virus on it or it may not be plugged in.

3. Recommendation

Realize that there are many contributing factors in life and just because events occur close together does not mean that one is the cause of the other.

5. Guilt by Association

1. Guilt by Association fallacy occurs when a person rejects a claim simply because the person who claimed them is one they dislike.

2. “Infected” idea

Sarah - “Ryan just said that Amber is pretty”

Kailey - “Well Ryan is a total player, who I hate, so that is totally untrue!”

“Cured” idea

Sarah – “Ryan just said that Amber is pretty”

Kailey – “Even though Ryan is a total player who I really don’t like, I agree with him”

3. Recommendation

Try to not let your opinion of a person skew a claim they have made. Forget about your opinion of them and just focus on what they are saying and whether you believe it is true or not.

6. Red Herring

1. Red Herring is a fallacy which occurs when a person presents an irrelevant topic in order to divert attention from the original issue.

2. “Infected” idea

“We should really buy me a new computer; after all we just bought that big television”

“Cured” idea

“We should really buy me a new computer since mine is broken and it would cost more to repair it”

3. Recommendation

Try to keep the focus on the original subject. It’s best to direct state what you want to say without having to divert the attention.