Lydia Ashcombe - rachelmckinnon.com

06Aug 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments

Key takeaways Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing happiness and reducing suffering, emphasizing outcomes over intentions. Mill distinguishes between higher and lower pleasures, advocating for the prioritization of intellectual and moral satisfaction over mere physical pleasures. Applying utilitarianism in education encourages critical thinking about the balance between individual rights and collective happiness, fostering engaging discussions. Reflecting on Mill's principles prompts a deeper understanding of moral choices, emphasizing the significance of meaningful fulfillment over immediate gratification. Introduction to Utilitarianism Philosophy Utilitarianism is a philosophy that seeks to maximize happiness and reduce suffering. When I first encountered it, I was struck by its straightforward appeal—making choices based on the greatest good for the greatest number felt both practical and humane. But have you ever wondered how we measure happiness or weigh one person's joy…

06Aug 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments

How I Reflected on Rawls’ Theory of Justice

Critical Thinking

Key takeaways Rawls's "original position" and "veil of ignorance" promote the idea of designing a fair society by removing personal biases from decision-making. The two principles of justice—equal basic liberties and the difference principle—emphasize the balance between individual rights and the well-being of the least advantaged. Applying Rawls's theory in education encourages fairness by prioritizing resources for disadvantaged students and fostering an environment of respect for individual voices. Understanding and integrating Rawls's concepts into discussions encourages critical thinking about justice, fairness, and the complexities of real-world inequalities. Introduction to Rawls Theory of Justice When I first encountered Rawls’s Theory of Justice, I was struck by its underlying question: How can we design a fair society when none of us knows our position within it? This idea of the "original position,"…

05Aug 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments

This is How I Engaged with Social Contract Theory

Ethical Theories

Key takeaways Social contract theory emphasizes the balance between individual freedoms and social responsibilities, highlighting the trust placed in institutions and one another. Key philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau contribute diverse perspectives on human nature, authority, and collective agreement, challenging readers to consider the complexities of social contracts. In education, involving students in creating classroom norms fosters respect and shared responsibility, making rules feel like collective commitments rather than imposed restrictions. Addressing implicit consent and navigating historical injustices are critical challenges in teaching social contract theory, requiring open, honest dialogue to enrich the learning experience. Understanding Social Contract Theory When I first encountered social contract theory, I was struck by its simple yet powerful question: Why do we obey laws we didn’t personally agree to? This idea made me…

05Aug 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments

My thoughts on Descartes’ Method of Doubt

Logic and Reasoning

Key takeaways Descartes' Method of Doubt encourages deep questioning of beliefs, transforming initial discomfort into a framework for deeper understanding. The approach promotes critical thinking and intellectual humility by challenging assumptions and enhancing the ability to analyze information. While beneficial, the method poses challenges such as skepticism paralysis and emotional distress, requiring a balance between doubt and constructive reasoning. Personal reflections reveal that embracing doubt can sharpen critical thinking while also necessitating careful navigation to avoid excessive second-guessing. Introduction to Descartes Method of Doubt Descartes’ Method of Doubt pushes us to question everything we think we know. At first, this approach felt unsettling to me—almost like dismantling the foundation beneath my feet. But isn’t that exactly what we need to do to discover what’s truly certain? I remember struggling with…

05Aug 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments

This is how I implement mindfulness practices in classrooms

Contemporary Issues

Key takeaways Mindfulness in education fosters emotional resilience, enhances focus, and nurtures empathy among students. Simple exercises, such as mindful breathing and sensory check-ins, can effectively shift classroom energy and promote presence. Creating a mindful classroom involves establishing a calm environment, modeling mindfulness, and developing shared agreements on respect and engagement. Challenges in teaching mindfulness can be addressed by acknowledging student discomfort and integrating brief practices into the curriculum without overwhelming it. Understanding mindfulness in education Mindfulness in education isn’t just about teaching kids to sit quietly; it’s about helping them truly experience the moment. I’ve noticed that when students pause to breathe and observe their thoughts, their natural curiosity surfaces. Have you ever wondered why some lessons stick while others fade away? I believe it’s because mindfulness creates a…

05Aug 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments

My Experience Learning about Ethical Egoism

Ethical Theories

Key takeaways Ethical egoism redefines moral responsibilities by emphasizing the importance of self-interest alongside consideration for others.The philosophy encourages setting boundaries to protect personal well-being, leading to healthier relationships without guilt.Understanding that everyone pursues their own interests fosters empathy and negotiation skills in interpersonal dynamics.Practicing ethical egoism is about honest self-assessment and maintaining authenticity while balancing personal needs with those of others. Understanding Ethical Egoism in Philosophy When I first encountered ethical egoism, I was struck by how it challenges the conventional idea that we should always put others before ourselves. It made me wonder: Is acting in my own best interest really selfish, or can it be a moral duty? Wrestling with this question stirred a mix of curiosity and discomfort that stayed with me. As I dug deeper,…

04Aug 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments

My Personal Insights on Existential Ethics

Ethical Theories

Key takeaways Existential ethics emphasizes personal responsibility in creating one's own moral values in a world without inherent meaning. Authenticity requires consistent self-reflection and claiming personal choices, even amidst societal pressures and uncertainties. Ethical growth is a complex process marked by grappling with doubts, emotions, and the understanding that moral clarity evolves through experiences. Practical steps for ethical living include mindful awareness, small acts of kindness, and ongoing dialogue between internal values and external situations. Existential Ethics Explained Existential ethics, to me, revolves around the idea that we are each fundamentally responsible for creating our own moral values in a world without inherent meaning. Have you ever felt the weight of deciding what’s truly right when no rulebook seemed to apply? That personal responsibility can be both terrifying and liberating.…

31Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments

History of Philosophy

Key takeaways Existentialism emphasizes personal freedom and responsibility, challenging individuals to define their essence through choices in an uncertain world. Sartre's concepts, such as "bad faith" and "radical freedom," encourage self-reflection and authenticity, prompting individuals to confront personal anxieties and the discomfort of true self-discovery. Integrating existentialism into modern philosophy education fosters critical thinking, urging students to engage with their own experiences and uncertainties rather than accepting established truths passively. Living by Sartre's philosophy involves treating everyday choices as expressions of freedom, enabling individuals to transform routine actions into meaningful declarations of their identity. Understanding Existentialism in Philosophy Existentialism, at its core, challenges us to confront the reality of our own freedom and responsibility. I remember the moment I first grappled with this idea—realizing that life doesn’t come with a…

30Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments

Critical Thinking

Key takeaways Hegel's dialectics emphasizes understanding change through contradictions and embracing conflict as a transformative force. Key principles include viewing contradictions as opportunities for growth and recognizing that synthesis arises from the interplay of opposing ideas. Applying dialectics in education fosters deeper inquiry, as students learn to hold conflicting viewpoints, enhancing curiosity and philosophical growth. Challenges in dialectical thinking include resisting the urge for quick resolutions and balancing openness with critical judgment, requiring patience and self-awareness. Introduction to Hegel's Dialectics Hegel's dialectics, at its core, is a method of understanding change and development through contradictions. I've always found it fascinating how he proposed that progress happens not by avoiding conflict but by embracing it as a driving force. Have you ever noticed how ideas or situations often seem stuck until…

30Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments

This is how I challenged Popper’s Falsifiability

Logic and Reasoning

Key takeaways Falsifiability serves as a critical tool in both philosophy and education, prompting deeper inquiry and challenging accepted truths. Embracing falsifiability fosters intellectual humility, encouraging learners to welcome the possibility of being wrong for richer discussions. Clear and precise hypotheses are essential for testing falsifiability, as vague statements hinder true understanding and engagement. Practical applications in teaching, such as designing falsification challenges, help students actively engage with the concept and enhance their reasoning skills. Understanding Falsifiability in Philosophy Falsifiability, to me, is like the litmus test of any good scientific or philosophical claim. It’s the idea that for a statement to be meaningful, there must be some way to prove it wrong. Have you ever thought about how this simple notion separates solid theories from mere speculation? When I…

Author: Lydia Ashcombe