W.D. Ross’s Ethics of “Prima Facie” Duties

By: 1000-Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology — July 4^th 2023 at 02:37

W.D. Ross believed that there are multiple fundamental moral principles. He called them "prima facie" duties. This essay introduces Ross’s theory, which is often called intuitionism.

The-Promise-Walker-Henry-Scott-Tuke-Oil-Painting

nathannobis

Henry Scott Tuke's painting "The Promise" (1888).

1000-Word Philosophy

Aristotle on Friendship: What Does It Take to Be a Good Friend?

By: 1000-Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology — May 30^th 2023 at 14:43

What is it to be a friend, especially a good friend? Aristotle’s claims about friendship began debates that continue today. This essay presents his views on friendship and a contemporary debate he inspired.

AristotleFriendship-v4

nathannobis

An image of Aristotle and Hypatia laughing together, next to the first page of a Latin and Greek version of Nicomachean Ethics. Generated using Midjourney AI and edited by G.M.Trujillo.

1000-Word Philosophy

Plato’s Allegory of the Cave: the Journey Out of Ignorance

By: 1000-Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology — May 26^th 2023 at 16:54

Plato’s book The Republic is a dialogue about justice. It contains the “Allegory of the Cave”, a fanciful story that illustrates some of Plato’s ideas about education and the distinction between appearance and reality. This essay introduces the Allegory and explains its meaning.

allegory-of-the-cave