Why does Aristotle say that people are ‘political animals’? Was he right? In the first book of his Politika, written some time in the 320s BC, Aristotle remarks during a discussion of the history and state of the polis (city), that man is, more so than any other species, a politikon zōon, which is usually […]
Category: Philosophy + Ethics
“Tolerance is overrated.” Do you agree? By Sophie Farr
“Tolerance is overrated.” Do you agree? By Sophie Farr Tolerance is the vital foundation of our civilised and modern world. Tolerance is defined by the acceptance of difference. Famous examples of intolerance haunt our societies: the Holocaust, witch-hunting, LGBTQ conversion camps and the Jim Crow Laws are all atrocities that were centred around contempt towards […]
Jess Tinton looks at the Labour Party’s attitude towards nuclear weapons.
The Labour Party and nuclear weapons. The Labour Party are against the notion of abolishing nuclear weapons and believe that keeping the current Trident programme is a sensible economic, social, and political decision for the UK. However, as the elected leader on a platform opposing Trident renewal, Corbyn has stated that he was not […]
Donnie Darko and Determinism. By MG.
Donnie Darko – directed by Richard Kelly The film has been described as a homage to “typical 80s classics” (despite being released in 2001). For those who have not seen the film – I particularly enjoy it as it discusses philosophical themes like Descartes’ mind/body dualism and many more which are fascinating to think […]
MG’s philosophical film reviews.
Films are a fantastic medium which can discuss many philosophical ideas and questions, especially the application of philosophy through film allows for the expansion of knowledge. I will be focusing on two films – Memento and The Matrix and explore some key themes in each of them. Memento – directed by Christopher Nolan The […]
Ahren Bailey explains: How to be happy: A brief summary of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics
How to be happy: A brief summary of Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics Nicomachean Ethics is a philosophical book that questions the idea of a “good life”. The book hypothesizes the concept that there is an ultimate goal for every human action. Written by Aristotle’s son, Nicomachus, the book is based upon the teachings of Aristotle’s lectures. […]
Ahren Bailey discusses ethics, morals and the law in the case of Jodie and Mary
The Case of Jodie and Mary. In September 2000 the Court of Appeal of England and Wales were forced to make a difficult decision that would shape the future of British law forever. On 8th August of that year Jodie and Mary were birthed via Caesarean section, conjoined at the hip. This, however, posed a […]
Lottie Pike asks: Are we morally responsible for our actions, even if they are ultimately caused by factors beyond our control?
Are we morally responsible for our actions, even if they are ultimately caused by factors beyond our control? The law of cause and effect is prevalent in all aspects of nature – in fact, some of its manifestations are fuelling the current international climate strikes: melting ice caps, the decline of animal diversity in the […]
Lottie asks: What is Truth?
What is truth? One may argue that truth is a matter of utility – an ideology or proposition is only true if it’s useful to believe. Truth and knowledge allow us to lead our lives in the most practical ways possible. For example: carbon monoxide being harmful to humans has lead engineers to install […]
Lottie blogs trip to Peterborough Cathedral and Kingsgate Church.
Philosophy and Ethics trip to Peterborough Cathedral and Kingsgate; 22/6/18 On Friday the 22nd of June, the Year 10 Philosophy and Ethics students had the opportunity to go on a school trip to two Christian places of worship: Peterborough Cathedral, a Church of England cathedral built in the 13th century; and Kingsgate, an incredibly modern […]