1. What Is Philosophy?

2. The Definition: Philosophy is… a study of ideas about human nature in relation to the reality in which we live. a study of ideas about human nature in relation to the reality in which we live. a guide for living because the issues it addresses are basic and pervasive. a guide for living because the issues it addresses are basic and pervasive.

3. And… It determines the course we take in life… It determines the course we take in life…and how we treat other people.

4. Philosophical Topics: Metaphysics – Metaphysics – the theory of reality Epistemology – Epistemology – the theory of knowledge Ethics – Ethics – the theory of moral values Politics – Politics – the theory of legal rights & government Aesthetics – Aesthetics – the theory of the nature of art

5. Ethics: Definition (from Philosophy: Who Needs It? by Ayn Rand Applies to every aspect of life… Applies to every aspect of life… Our character, actions, values… Our character, actions, values… Determines our relationship to all existence. Determines our relationship to all existence. Defines a code of values… Defines a code of values… To guide choices & actions… To guide choices & actions… That determine the course of our life. That determine the course of our life.

6. Therefore… Ethics involves asking questions about life. Ethics involves asking questions about life. Ethics requires examining right & wrong conduct. Ethics requires examining right & wrong conduct. Ethics requires examining good & bad values. Ethics requires examining good & bad values. Ethics assists us in how to behave. Ethics assists us in how to behave.

7. It is also about self- restraint… Not doing what you have the power to do. Not doing what you have the power to do. An act isn’t proper simply because it is permissible or you can get away with it.

8. Not doing what you have the right to do. Not doing what you have the right to do. There is a big difference between what you have the right to do and what is right to do.

9. Not doing what you want to do. Not doing what you want to do. An ethical person often chooses to do more than the law requires and less than the law allows.

10. Principles of Ethical Behavior: The touchstone of a person’s character is HONESTY, including truth & justice. The touchstone of a person’s character is HONESTY, including truth & justice. The end never justifies the means. The end never justifies the means. If any element of a case is evil (actions, motives, consequences), the action itself is considered wrong. If any element of a case is evil (actions, motives, consequences), the action itself is considered wrong.