Ethics for Everyone

Ethics and Morality

To Women Who Changed the World: The Ethics of Mary Wollstonecraft

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on September 29, 2022

Thoughts from the first feminist philosopher on ethics and female psychology.

Thoughts from the first feminist philosopher on ethics and female psychology.

Relationships

The Ethical Theory of W.D. Ross

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on September 16, 2022

Our moral duty in any particular situation depends in many ways on context and the relationships in play.

Our moral duty in any particular situation depends in many ways on context and the relationships in play.

Jealousy

How to Avoid Envy

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on August 30, 2022

Avoiding envy is the wisest and best course of action because it includes giving up the race for status or honor. Ultimately, that is a race to nowhere.

Avoiding envy is the wisest and best course of action because it includes giving up the race for status or honor. Ultimately, that is a race to nowhere.

Ethics and Morality

Why Virtue Ethics Matters

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on June 20, 2022

Many philosophers, past and present, contend that character is the most fundamental dimension of the moral life. This is a theory known as virtue ethics.

Many philosophers, past and present, contend that character is the most fundamental dimension of the moral life. This is a theory known as virtue ethics.

Cognition

Communities of Critical Thinking

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on June 9, 2022

Advice from bell hooks on how to become better critical thinkers together.

Advice from bell hooks on how to become better critical thinkers together.

Fear

Is an Armed Society Really a Polite Society?

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on May 4, 2022

Our motivation for treating others with respect should not be the fear of getting shot.

Our motivation for treating others with respect should not be the fear of getting shot.

Law and Crime

Do Guns Really Make Us Free?

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on March 28, 2022

Some arguments made by gun rights advocates would curtail important freedoms.

Some arguments made by gun rights advocates would curtail important freedoms.

Anger

Solving the Problem of Polarization

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on March 25, 2022

Becoming more compassionate is a crucial first step to solving the problem of polarization.

Becoming more compassionate is a crucial first step to solving the problem of polarization.

Relationships

The First Step Toward Better Character

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on March 10, 2022

If we want to cultivate virtue in ourselves, it is important to flee our vices.

If we want to cultivate virtue in ourselves, it is important to flee our vices.

Alcoholism

Drinking and Positive Psychology

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on December 27, 2021

The traits of prudence and self-regulation can help us keep alcohol in its proper place as we pursue a good and happy life.

The traits of prudence and self-regulation can help us keep alcohol in its proper place as we pursue a good and happy life.

Alcoholism

Drinking Virtuously: Why Do You Drink?

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on December 13, 2021

Asking ourselves why we drink can be a useful exercise in self-reflection. Our answers may be telling.

Asking ourselves why we drink can be a useful exercise in self-reflection. Our answers may be telling.

Environment

The Cure for Belief in Conspiracy Theories

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on October 29, 2021

Belief in conspiracy theories exhibits a failure of intellectual humility. This virtue of the mind can help us avoid these and other irrational beliefs.

Belief in conspiracy theories exhibits a failure of intellectual humility. This virtue of the mind can help us avoid these and other irrational beliefs.

Relationships

The Duty to Love

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on September 21, 2021

Soren Kierkegaard's thoughts on love are worth considering because they challenge much of our status quo thinking about the nature of love.

Soren Kierkegaard's thoughts on love are worth considering because they challenge much of our status quo thinking about the nature of love.

Forgiveness

Lessons From Lasso

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on September 15, 2021

What's so great about the television show "Ted Lasso"? It paints a picture of authentic love in a flawed but caring human community.

What's so great about the television show "Ted Lasso"? It paints a picture of authentic love in a flawed but caring human community.

Wisdom

How We Can All Be More Like Socrates

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on July 10, 2021

How did Socrates set an example as a role model in the quest for truth and how can we sort out issues not tied to sound evidence?

How did Socrates set an example as a role model in the quest for truth and how can we sort out issues not tied to sound evidence?

Gratitude

How the Practice of Gratitude Can Improve Your Life

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on June 23, 2021

Gratitude is good, and it is also good for us.

Gratitude is good, and it is also good for us.

Deception

Overcoming Barriers to Truth

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on June 14, 2021

We can fall prey to deception due to the influence of many things. Here I focus on our desire for wealth and social status.

We can fall prey to deception due to the influence of many things. Here I focus on our desire for wealth and social status.

Ethics and Morality

Why We Believe Lies, and How to Resist

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on June 5, 2021

Lies are everywhere, including inside of us. What can we do about it?

Lies are everywhere, including inside of us. What can we do about it?

Bias

What's Wrong With Stand Your Ground Laws?

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on February 27, 2021

Violence should only be used as a last resort, but stand-your-ground laws approve of lethal violence when it is not needed to protect human life.

Violence should only be used as a last resort, but stand-your-ground laws approve of lethal violence when it is not needed to protect human life.

Health

Contradictions and Arguments from a Pro-Gun Politician

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on January 27, 2021

Examining arguments about gun rights.

Examining arguments about gun rights.