The study of goodness, beauty and justice.
Thank you, Hannah Hughes, for such a thoughtful question. As I explore the question, I will assume that by ‘wealthy’, you mean something like having much more money than would be necessary to live without a constant worry about one’s financial situation. I think that there are two moral perspectives to take into account here: […]
Is it bad to aspire to be wealthy? Read More
Thank you, Daryl John Dumanig Panibon, for this important question. One way to begin answering a question is by making the question itself more precise. I propose that we understand the question, “is life worth living?” as equivalent to the question, “is there a reason to continue existing?” Since it is within our power at
Is life worth living? Read More
Thank you, Gnanak Gerhardson Munnangi, for a great question! Although it may seem a bit distrusting to consider the motives of someone seeking your friendship, doing so may reveal a lot about yourself. When I saw this question, I was tempted to say that in a friendship I would like caring and understanding, as well
What are your expectations from a person who wants to be your friend? Read More
Thank you, Jong Camallere, for raising what is a key question at the heart of all philosophy: the question of the meaning, purpose, and value not just of philosophy as a particular thing you can do within life, but of life as it is lived. The classical response is that, in fact, it is a
Is philosophy a waste of time? 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
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
Thank you, Ohkaydeh, for asking such a timeless question! The answer to this question depends on your conception of God, assuming that God does indeed exist and created the universe. The benefit of being a philosopher is that we can be creative and not worry too much about theology or committing various heresies. So, I
What’s the reason God created humans? Read More
Thank you, Roy Head, for such a candid question. I will answer it, if I may, with another question: What is the point of getting a high definition television? The connection between relationships and televisions is less than obvious, I admit. Allow me to explain. One of my favourite podcasts is The Happiness Lab with
What is the point of a relationship? 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
