The study of good and bad conduct, right and wrong values, and good and evil.
Thank you, George Smith, for such an important question. First, some clarifying remarks. By asking about the relative importance between intention and action, I assume that what is meant by “action” is actually the consequence or outcome of the action. For instance, when Smith shoots Jones, the outcome would be the death, injury, or perhaps, […]
What is more important: people’s intentions or people’s actions? Read More
Thank you, Andy Chartier, for such an intriguing question. Very generally, science is a methodological investigation into physical phenomena that aims at describing the actual world with the highest possible precision. Morality is an inquiry into what sorts of things we ought to value (compassion over hate) and what sorts of things we ought to
Can science determine morality? If so, how? Read More
Thank you, Mohammed Ajmi, for this timely question. In many respects, our societies are safer than the ones in which our ancestors lived. At the same time, however, it could be argued that humanity has never been so under threat as it is now. Think of the existence of weapons of mass destruction (especially when
It seems we mostly create the systems afterwards to justify whatever outcomes we want. Thank you, Ben Horspool, for a significant question. It is certainly true that we do our utmost to justify our choices and aims. A lot of time and effort is spent trying to fit our choices and actions to a moral
Does anyone actually follow moral systems? Read More
A question inspired by Tiger King. Thank you, Ela Özcan, for a very important question. The problem of responsibility in broadcasting is pretty complex. Since Ela’s question was inspired by Tiger King, I would like to analyze it in terms of the (mis)representation of Carole Baskin in the series. One of the most specific controversies
Thank you, John Robbins, for such a thoughtful question. One way to approach it is to start by asking: what is a feminist? A person who believes in and supports feminism. And what is feminism? The term is somehow misleading, as it seems to mirror concepts like ‘masculinism’ or ‘male chauvinism’ – that is, the
Should we all be feminists? Read More
‘Considerations: (1) cats are carnivores; (2) pet food is derived from factory farmed animals; (3) factory farming has implications for the suffering of animals and the environment. As someone committed to reducing animal suffering but also loves a couple kittens he’s fostering, I’m pretty stuck on this.’ I can relate very much to this question.
Is it ethical to adopt a cat? Read More
Do I bear the responsibility of my friend’s ‘soul’? I mean: Am I good only if I keep my friend on a good way? Can I be good while letting my friend turn to the dark way? Thank you, Levente CsTóth, for such a thoughtful question. There are two questions at play here. It will
What makes someone a good friend? Read More
If predation is necessary within various ecosystems and predators have no regard for the well-being of their prey, is it not ethical for humans to replace the role of predators to mitigate suffering? This question is a great example of the existential crisis of our species. Where do we fit in? As predators, it is
Should we replace predators to mitigate suffering? Read More
Thank you, Jong Camallere, for this very interesting question. Courage is a central element of many lists of virtues and it is certainly not difficult to understand why: people willing to take a stand for what they think is right serve as great role models. The adventures of great warriors also make for more exciting
Is courage the most important virtue? Read More
