Sunday, August 30, 2015
Summer Blog Post #4
Wearing someone else's skin
http://www.animalequality.net/clothing
In this blog post my real life situation is related to an article that show how many animals are killed to produce leather or other materials for the creation of clothes. At one point, the main point that is discussed in the article is the fact that nowadays, many of these materials are not even needed or not even in demand. Besides secondary effects of this industry have produced a multitude of illnesses related to the selective breading, which has caused overheating and fly strike. The main question that has to be investigated in this post is, id this ethical? do animals have ethics?
The main principle of ethics is address questions of morality, such us what makes our actions right or wrong. On the other hand, animal ethics focuses on the constant evolving way in which society think of non human animals. Animal ethics interacts with society on a daily basis since they're used for many purposes, food, clothing, entertainment, and companionship.
Looking at our animal ethics in our daily lives, we can find that it is pretty inconsistent, since on the one hand, we consider our pets as parts of our family, that we take care of, and respect, while on the other hand, we do not seem to care much about the billions of animals that are used for experimenting, cruelly used for entertaining purposes, and finally clothing. It is our consumer choices, and interests what make us differ an animal as part of the family, or as a clothing. This indifference that we keep between us and them, and the way that are treated, allows the industries to continue this unnecessary use of some animals. But the question here is, can this inequality in how we regard other animals be justified?
The two animal ethics that have been dividing people for centuries are two. Welfarism, and Abolitionism
Welfarism modifies systems of abuse through changes in legislation and working practices, without minding exploitation if nonhuman animals. On the other hand Abolitionism rejects the com-modification of products, allowing nonhuman animals a right to live in freedom from exploitation.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Summer Blog Post #3
Abstract basic painting gets sold by 75 million dollars
http://entertainment.time.com/2012/11/14/rothko-fetches-75-million-at-record-setting-sothebys-sale/
In this Blog entry the real life situation is related with art as well. But the approach that I am going to be taking in this entry is pretty different that the last one. First off, the author of this painting did not sell only this exemplary, but many more that helped him to get about 1 billion of dollars, only by selling this sort of paintings. As we can see in the picture displayed of the exemplary, it seems to be a painting pretty simple, but since it is considered abstract, the value of the painting completely shifts to a different one, therefore, the question that we have to ask here is what is art? how can we know the value of a painting? who decides whether it is more or less worth?
To get started, we have been studying that art is a way of expressing one's feelings, moods, opinions, translated into a paper board, or sculpture. But what is the value of those expressions?
Does the art itself transmit the message, or it only pushes us to make it?
In this case, from y point of view the painting does not transmit anything, since there are only 3 colors painted in the portrait. But the question here is, if this painting is that simple, how can it cost 75 million dollars?
Is it public opinion? Or the cache of the artist itself?
Public opinion does play an important role in this situation, imagine that this abstract painting was not supported by any artistic corporation, or that not as much attention, as the New York times, was given to it, would the result be the same? Indeed no, this abstract art would not have the same value for sure. On the other hand, it is also the cache of the painter what gives the painting a value, not only in art but also in other fields, the fact that the painting was painted by an important artist gives the painting a higher value. As an example think about Michael Jackson's chewing gum sold by millions.Only the fact that Michael Jackson chewed it, already gives it a different value compared to another simple chewed gum, this applies to art as well.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Summer Blog Post #2
5 Year Old girl paints stunning marterpieces.
http://www.boredpanda.com/5-year-old-painter-autism-iris-grace/
In this Blog post I have chosen an article in which the real life situation is the story of a 5 year old girl with autism, that is able to paint incredible portraits, that are being compared to the portraits of the famous, and genius painter Monet. The first question that arises in my mind once having looked at this case is, Is art instinctive?
As we have studied before, there are some cases in nature in which instinctively, some animals, being more specific the case of the "Pufferfish", are able to create artistic things. In the case of the Pufferfish, it is a crop circle, perfectly made with a coherent order, and a perfect measure in the details. Up to this point , the idea that I am trying to transmit out of this example is that the case of this 5 year old girl could be an example that shows us that not only in animals but also in humans art can be instinctive depending on the character of the individual, and the state of the mind.
As it is mentioned in the article the autism itself, has granted the girl a specific focus and exceptional attention, with which the girl is able to pay attention to the details, and have the patience to spend hours and hours working in her portraits.
On the other hand, the other question that remains is, is this instinct or imagination?
Knowing that imagination is the ability to create new images and sensations in the mind without the use of the senses, how can we determine if it is imagination?
In this case of real life situation, it is clear that having autism completely affects the personality of the girl, and character, knowing that the moods of the girl affect her portraits, but the fact that her autism changes her natural character, and mood, instinct is the more related to this situation than imagination.
http://www.boredpanda.com/5-year-old-painter-autism-iris-grace/
In this Blog post I have chosen an article in which the real life situation is the story of a 5 year old girl with autism, that is able to paint incredible portraits, that are being compared to the portraits of the famous, and genius painter Monet. The first question that arises in my mind once having looked at this case is, Is art instinctive?
As we have studied before, there are some cases in nature in which instinctively, some animals, being more specific the case of the "Pufferfish", are able to create artistic things. In the case of the Pufferfish, it is a crop circle, perfectly made with a coherent order, and a perfect measure in the details. Up to this point , the idea that I am trying to transmit out of this example is that the case of this 5 year old girl could be an example that shows us that not only in animals but also in humans art can be instinctive depending on the character of the individual, and the state of the mind.
As it is mentioned in the article the autism itself, has granted the girl a specific focus and exceptional attention, with which the girl is able to pay attention to the details, and have the patience to spend hours and hours working in her portraits.
On the other hand, the other question that remains is, is this instinct or imagination?
Knowing that imagination is the ability to create new images and sensations in the mind without the use of the senses, how can we determine if it is imagination?
In this case of real life situation, it is clear that having autism completely affects the personality of the girl, and character, knowing that the moods of the girl affect her portraits, but the fact that her autism changes her natural character, and mood, instinct is the more related to this situation than imagination.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Summer Blogpost #1
Child Euthanasia in Belgium
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/world-first-as-belgium-allows-euthanasia-for-children-with-terminal-illness-9127078.html
As the title of this blog post entry shows, Belgium joins the group of countries of the world that allow the use of euthanasia in a patient of any age, that is facing irreversible and terminal ill conditions. After an intensive debate in which politicians and doctors presented their opinions on deciding whether or not the law should be approved, the main point being argued was that if adult people had the right to decide if they wanted to stay alive in painful conditions since 2002, a child being aware of his situation, and being mature enough to understand the decision should also have the right to decide whether or not to choose euthanasia. After the oppositions of religious groups, the lawmakers, and the Senate concluded with the approval of the law. At this point in which it is understood that it has been given the opportunity to choose whether or not to die to people in such irreversible situation, the question that arises here is: Is euthanasia ethical?
First off it is of vital importance to understand that the mental competency of the patient is always a question, although it can be proved or disproved, Secondly, the social pressure can definitely affect this decision. And finally in the case that the patient is completely competent, the decision of government, should not get involved. For this last statement, the Consequentialism view states that the consequences of one's conduct are the ultimate basis for any judgement about the rightness or wrongness of that conduct. Therefore what we can understand though this ethical view is that it is the consequence of the decision of the patient is the basis of his own judgement.
On the other hand, taking the Christian view applying the WOK of Faith, euthanasia is completely wrong, since life is given by God, and only God should decide when to end it. Besides of that, faith is present in this situation, since through faith, this patients should believe that God has a plan, and a purpose for them, instead of deciding by themselves that their lives are already over in that irreversible situation.
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/world-first-as-belgium-allows-euthanasia-for-children-with-terminal-illness-9127078.html
As the title of this blog post entry shows, Belgium joins the group of countries of the world that allow the use of euthanasia in a patient of any age, that is facing irreversible and terminal ill conditions. After an intensive debate in which politicians and doctors presented their opinions on deciding whether or not the law should be approved, the main point being argued was that if adult people had the right to decide if they wanted to stay alive in painful conditions since 2002, a child being aware of his situation, and being mature enough to understand the decision should also have the right to decide whether or not to choose euthanasia. After the oppositions of religious groups, the lawmakers, and the Senate concluded with the approval of the law. At this point in which it is understood that it has been given the opportunity to choose whether or not to die to people in such irreversible situation, the question that arises here is: Is euthanasia ethical?
First off it is of vital importance to understand that the mental competency of the patient is always a question, although it can be proved or disproved, Secondly, the social pressure can definitely affect this decision. And finally in the case that the patient is completely competent, the decision of government, should not get involved. For this last statement, the Consequentialism view states that the consequences of one's conduct are the ultimate basis for any judgement about the rightness or wrongness of that conduct. Therefore what we can understand though this ethical view is that it is the consequence of the decision of the patient is the basis of his own judgement.
On the other hand, taking the Christian view applying the WOK of Faith, euthanasia is completely wrong, since life is given by God, and only God should decide when to end it. Besides of that, faith is present in this situation, since through faith, this patients should believe that God has a plan, and a purpose for them, instead of deciding by themselves that their lives are already over in that irreversible situation.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Blog Prompt #12
What does Art mean for you? What is your definition of Art? Is our approach to Art appropriate in society? Why or why not? Remember, this is a ToK response, so you should consider different perspectives and the implications of your statements.
Being honest, Art is a pretty broad concept for me, I do do believe that art is only paintings and sculptures but what I actually believe is that art is a way in which we express ourselves. Some individuals do it through composing music, others do it through producing amazing paintings, and others do it through practicing a sport. Thus my definition of art is the way that each individual has to explain his ideas, feelings, emotions, concerns, or opinions.
From my point of view, the concept of Art that society has is too stereotyped. Art, since the Paleolitic period was used to express an idea, or even to give instructions to the future generations. They used it as a way to express themselves because paper was not invented, so they found their way to find a solution to transmit their messages. My point is that we have many more possibilities to do that nowadays, we do not have to only thing of art only as a painting or sculpture, feelings can also be transmitted through different ways than that, art could also be the lyrics of a song, or a football player that scores an impressive goal.
On the other hand, from the point of view of a painter, sports or music would probably not be considered art, because in order to paint a painting with message a painter studies structures, the use of different colors, the history of the art, to be able to portray his ideas or feelings in the paintings, which makes it more complex, and not as broad as I have described it above.
Being honest, Art is a pretty broad concept for me, I do do believe that art is only paintings and sculptures but what I actually believe is that art is a way in which we express ourselves. Some individuals do it through composing music, others do it through producing amazing paintings, and others do it through practicing a sport. Thus my definition of art is the way that each individual has to explain his ideas, feelings, emotions, concerns, or opinions.
From my point of view, the concept of Art that society has is too stereotyped. Art, since the Paleolitic period was used to express an idea, or even to give instructions to the future generations. They used it as a way to express themselves because paper was not invented, so they found their way to find a solution to transmit their messages. My point is that we have many more possibilities to do that nowadays, we do not have to only thing of art only as a painting or sculpture, feelings can also be transmitted through different ways than that, art could also be the lyrics of a song, or a football player that scores an impressive goal.
On the other hand, from the point of view of a painter, sports or music would probably not be considered art, because in order to paint a painting with message a painter studies structures, the use of different colors, the history of the art, to be able to portray his ideas or feelings in the paintings, which makes it more complex, and not as broad as I have described it above.
Blog Prompt #11
What ethical perspective are your actions most guided by? Does your ethical perspective change or is it consistent? What are your underlying beliefs that guide your ethical behavior? Are they consistent? Why or why not?
From my point of view, the ethical perspective that mostly guides me is the Consequentialism perspective. Since most of the time, before doing anything I think how is the fact of doing that action going to affect me, or others, and after considering the consequences I take the decision of doing it, or not doing it. The main situations in which I have the Consequentialism perspective are related to organizing my time when it comes to do homework, or studying, and besides of that when it comes to managing my stress.
Besides of that I believe that even though I have a Consequentialsm perspective in quite a few situations sometimes because of the situation and the pressure I have a more Utilitarianist perspective, that I use as a fast decision due to the lack of time without really considering the situation and as a solution to forget the pressure.
I think that the fact that I believe in God totally has an important impact, since I consider the bible as a reference for my life or as a guide, the bible says that every action that we carry out has an echo in our life and in our eternity. My beliefs are consistent even though there have been some difficult moments in which I have given up because of the situation, but at the end I am thankful because those moments have helped me to strengthen my faith.
From my point of view, the ethical perspective that mostly guides me is the Consequentialism perspective. Since most of the time, before doing anything I think how is the fact of doing that action going to affect me, or others, and after considering the consequences I take the decision of doing it, or not doing it. The main situations in which I have the Consequentialism perspective are related to organizing my time when it comes to do homework, or studying, and besides of that when it comes to managing my stress.
Besides of that I believe that even though I have a Consequentialsm perspective in quite a few situations sometimes because of the situation and the pressure I have a more Utilitarianist perspective, that I use as a fast decision due to the lack of time without really considering the situation and as a solution to forget the pressure.
I think that the fact that I believe in God totally has an important impact, since I consider the bible as a reference for my life or as a guide, the bible says that every action that we carry out has an echo in our life and in our eternity. My beliefs are consistent even though there have been some difficult moments in which I have given up because of the situation, but at the end I am thankful because those moments have helped me to strengthen my faith.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Blog Prompt #10
Which perspective do you find you make choices from?
From my point of view, it is difficult for me to say that I make my choices from only one of them, because it depends on the situation, but what I actually know is that most of the time, I make my choices from the consequentialist view.
Why?
The reason why I make my choices mainly from the consequentialist view is basically because since I was a kid, my parents used to tell me all the time that every single action that we commit has a consequence or an echo in our lives. Besides of that I understood that even though the categorical view sometimes can be a good choice in order to take one decision, ultimately the consequences are the most important thing.
Does it change by circumstance?
As I said before, the circumstance or situation is really important. Sometimes the best option is sticking to consequentialism , and on the other hand sometimes the best option is to stick to categorical view. Even though this fact is present, depending on our experience, we will use one more than the other, because experience is what affects us when it comes to take a decision. Once we use one more than the other, we start assuming facts, and ideas, which at the end will decide the view that we are going to use.
What ideas/assumption underlies your moral choice?
From my point of view, I think that experience plays a really important role in this situation, even though we can understand both views our personal experience is what shapes our personality, thinking, and of course the view that we use when it comes to taking a decision.
From my point of view, it is difficult for me to say that I make my choices from only one of them, because it depends on the situation, but what I actually know is that most of the time, I make my choices from the consequentialist view.
Why?
The reason why I make my choices mainly from the consequentialist view is basically because since I was a kid, my parents used to tell me all the time that every single action that we commit has a consequence or an echo in our lives. Besides of that I understood that even though the categorical view sometimes can be a good choice in order to take one decision, ultimately the consequences are the most important thing.
Does it change by circumstance?
As I said before, the circumstance or situation is really important. Sometimes the best option is sticking to consequentialism , and on the other hand sometimes the best option is to stick to categorical view. Even though this fact is present, depending on our experience, we will use one more than the other, because experience is what affects us when it comes to take a decision. Once we use one more than the other, we start assuming facts, and ideas, which at the end will decide the view that we are going to use.
What ideas/assumption underlies your moral choice?
From my point of view, I think that experience plays a really important role in this situation, even though we can understand both views our personal experience is what shapes our personality, thinking, and of course the view that we use when it comes to taking a decision.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Blog Prompt #3
By its very nature every embodied spirit is doomed to suffer and enjoy in solitude. Sensations, feelings, insights, fancies – all these are private and, except through symbols and at second hand, incommunicable.’
From my point of view, when it comes to interpret this statements there is no such a thing as right answer. Depending on our background, culture, and beliefs we can interpret this statement in some way, or another.
First off, when it comes to the first phrase the idea that crosses my mind is that every soul is forced to life in a body that is so fragile, so that it is condemned to live a very random and irregular life. Besides of that it does not finish there, because the last word of the sentence implies that all these souls are also forced to do so alone, so actually the real suffering is the fact that every soul has to go throw this suffering alone, which in fact makes it more sad.
Besides oft hat, from my point of view the second phrase the different interactions of our souls are described as sensations, feelings, insights, and fancies, which in some way transmit me the idea of personal thinking. When we interact with the information that is in our surroundings, all the thoughts that cross our minds stay there, but not all the time are shared with a different soul, so therefore it implies that each of these interactions that happen between us and the surrounding is a personal experience, that is not necessary shared all the time.
Finally my interpretation of the last sentence is that by saying that all these interactions are private except through symbols, but incommunicable, my thinking is that we can communicate a description of what we feel, see, or think, but at the end the real and perfect descriptions and most honest thoughts stay always personal in our minds.
From my point of view, when it comes to interpret this statements there is no such a thing as right answer. Depending on our background, culture, and beliefs we can interpret this statement in some way, or another.
First off, when it comes to the first phrase the idea that crosses my mind is that every soul is forced to life in a body that is so fragile, so that it is condemned to live a very random and irregular life. Besides of that it does not finish there, because the last word of the sentence implies that all these souls are also forced to do so alone, so actually the real suffering is the fact that every soul has to go throw this suffering alone, which in fact makes it more sad.
Besides oft hat, from my point of view the second phrase the different interactions of our souls are described as sensations, feelings, insights, and fancies, which in some way transmit me the idea of personal thinking. When we interact with the information that is in our surroundings, all the thoughts that cross our minds stay there, but not all the time are shared with a different soul, so therefore it implies that each of these interactions that happen between us and the surrounding is a personal experience, that is not necessary shared all the time.
Finally my interpretation of the last sentence is that by saying that all these interactions are private except through symbols, but incommunicable, my thinking is that we can communicate a description of what we feel, see, or think, but at the end the real and perfect descriptions and most honest thoughts stay always personal in our minds.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
The 'knower' is first
From my point of view, having to choose only three ways of knowledge that are present in my daily life is quite difficult. One thing that i truly believe, is that all the ways of knowledge are present in our lives, even though ones are more present than others.
The first way of knowledge that in my opinion is more present in my daily life is faith. As a follower of Jesus, my entire life is based on faith. During my whole life, my parents have brought me to the church every single Sunday, and at one point my thinking was that there was no point in going to the church since it was not my decision. But after years and years of fighting against myself, I started to question everything around me. I questioned what to trust, who to trust, and even why trust, as well as hundreds of questions more.
After years and years of doubt, I started thinking that sometimes we, humans, believe in things that people tell us without questioning if it is true or false, we simply accept and believe it, and after that I though that it was not honest to give hundreds of opportunities to humans that are imperfect, and commit mistakes every single day, and not give a single opportunity God, to see if what the bible says is real. Therefore nowadays every single day that I wake up I thank God that I am still alive, and that he has a plan for me. Understanding the bible and trusting it, has helped me to see live from a totally and different perspective, which has helped me so much to improve my relation with the people around me and even with myself, but on the other hand it has disadvantages like for example not be accepted by some individuals of society.
The second way of knowledge that I consider important in my daily life is emotion. My believe is that emotion is a two-sided coin. Sometimes emotion leads us to do good things, but it is also important to know that emotion is also wrong sometimes. The advantage of emotion in my daily life is that it helps me to forgive things without thinking on them too much, but sometimes being led by emotion is not a good thing that can end up in bad consequences, life for example fights, and pointless disputes.
Finally, the way of knowledge that I personally think that nowadays is so important for me is language. Having to learn a new language, and having to study in a language that it is not my mother tongue, has affected me so much. Fist of all I have to say that I can not communicate in English as well as in Spanish, and that sometimes can affect me in a bad way. An example for this is that, even for my tests or my assignments, I struggle so much to communicate what I really want to communicate, which at some point will affect my grades. Besides of that, when it comes to communicate with people, since I live and study in a place where there is cultural variety, it is not always easy to transmit the idea that I really want to transmit. And finally but not less important, every time that I am forced to speak English, I feel like I am betraying myself, because I know that my mother tongue has shaped my identity, and I feel like the person who talks is not the real me but a copy of me. Therefore, language in this situation is two sided. Knowing English, and being able to speak it allows me to communicate with more people, but not being able to communicate in my own language with all the people ,since not all the individuals can speak my language, affects my personality.
The first way of knowledge that in my opinion is more present in my daily life is faith. As a follower of Jesus, my entire life is based on faith. During my whole life, my parents have brought me to the church every single Sunday, and at one point my thinking was that there was no point in going to the church since it was not my decision. But after years and years of fighting against myself, I started to question everything around me. I questioned what to trust, who to trust, and even why trust, as well as hundreds of questions more.
After years and years of doubt, I started thinking that sometimes we, humans, believe in things that people tell us without questioning if it is true or false, we simply accept and believe it, and after that I though that it was not honest to give hundreds of opportunities to humans that are imperfect, and commit mistakes every single day, and not give a single opportunity God, to see if what the bible says is real. Therefore nowadays every single day that I wake up I thank God that I am still alive, and that he has a plan for me. Understanding the bible and trusting it, has helped me to see live from a totally and different perspective, which has helped me so much to improve my relation with the people around me and even with myself, but on the other hand it has disadvantages like for example not be accepted by some individuals of society.
The second way of knowledge that I consider important in my daily life is emotion. My believe is that emotion is a two-sided coin. Sometimes emotion leads us to do good things, but it is also important to know that emotion is also wrong sometimes. The advantage of emotion in my daily life is that it helps me to forgive things without thinking on them too much, but sometimes being led by emotion is not a good thing that can end up in bad consequences, life for example fights, and pointless disputes.
Finally, the way of knowledge that I personally think that nowadays is so important for me is language. Having to learn a new language, and having to study in a language that it is not my mother tongue, has affected me so much. Fist of all I have to say that I can not communicate in English as well as in Spanish, and that sometimes can affect me in a bad way. An example for this is that, even for my tests or my assignments, I struggle so much to communicate what I really want to communicate, which at some point will affect my grades. Besides of that, when it comes to communicate with people, since I live and study in a place where there is cultural variety, it is not always easy to transmit the idea that I really want to transmit. And finally but not less important, every time that I am forced to speak English, I feel like I am betraying myself, because I know that my mother tongue has shaped my identity, and I feel like the person who talks is not the real me but a copy of me. Therefore, language in this situation is two sided. Knowing English, and being able to speak it allows me to communicate with more people, but not being able to communicate in my own language with all the people ,since not all the individuals can speak my language, affects my personality.
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