11Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
This is how I understood Nietzsche’s Beyond
History of Philosophy
Key takeaways Nietzsche's concept of "Beyond" encourages self-overcoming and questioning personal beliefs rather than rejecting values outright. The "will to power" emphasizes personal growth and creativity, urging individuals to transform challenges into opportunities for development. Embracing uncertainty is vital; living authentically means confronting discomfort as a sign of personal evolution. Integrating Nietzsche's ideas into education fosters critical thinking and personal discovery, promoting ongoing self-reflection and dialogue. Understanding Nietzsche's Beyond Concept When I first encountered Nietzsche's idea of "Beyond," I felt both intrigued and challenged. What does it really mean to go beyond established moralities and traditional values? To me, it wasn’t just an abstract concept; it felt like an invitation to rethink everything I had accepted as given in life. As I reflected on this, I realized that "Beyond" isn’t…
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10Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
My Thoughts on Environmental Ethics in Practice
Ethical Theories
Key takeaways Environmental ethics encourages us to view nature with intrinsic value and moral responsibility, urging a shift from dominance to stewardship. Teaching environmental ethics effectively involves connecting philosophical concepts to real-world issues through personal experiences and practical engagement. Applying environmental ethics in daily life includes making mindful choices and recognizing the importance of small actions in fostering broader change. Challenges in practicing environmental ethics stem from societal norms and personal emotional complexities, emphasizing the need for persistence over perfection. Understanding Environmental Ethics Concepts When I first encountered the core idea of environmental ethics, I found myself questioning not just how we treat nature, but why it matters beyond human benefit. Concepts like intrinsic value and moral responsibility challenged me to see the environment as more than resources to be…
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08Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
My Personal Insights on Nietzsche’s Overman
Critical Thinking
Key takeaways Nietzsche's Overman emphasizes the importance of self-creation and embracing personal growth through continual self-reflection and overcoming discomfort. Key concepts like "will to power" and "eternal recurrence" challenge individuals to question their values and consider the significance of their actions in life. Incorporating the Overman in education encourages active engagement, challenging students to confront complacency and embrace authentic self-transformation. Critiques of the Overman highlight the potential for elitism and the difficulty in defining what it means to create one’s own values while maintaining empathy for others. Introduction to Nietzsche's Overman Nietzsche’s concept of the Overman, or Übermensch, has always intrigued me as a bold challenge to conventional morality. It feels like an invitation to rethink who we are and who we can become beyond society’s imposed limits. Have you…
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08Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
How I critiqued Mill’s Utilitarianism
History of Philosophy
Key takeaways Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness but faces challenges in measuring happiness and addressing individual rights. John Stuart Mill distinguishes between higher and lower pleasures, emphasizing the quality of happiness in moral considerations. Critiquing philosophical theories, like Mill's utilitarianism, involves examining real-life scenarios and contrasting them with alternative ethical frameworks. Effective critique in philosophy promotes patience, exploration of uncertainty, and ongoing dialogue rather than merely identifying flaws. Understanding Utilitarianism in Philosophy When I first encountered utilitarianism, I was struck by its simple appeal: the idea that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness. It seemed straightforward, almost too good to be true. But does measuring happiness really capture the full complexity of human experience? Utilitarianism, especially as articulated by John Stuart Mill, emphasizes consequences and…
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07Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
My Experience with Kant’s Categorical Imperative
Ethical Theories
Key takeaways Kant's Categorical Imperative encourages individuals to consider if their actions could be universalized, promoting consistency in moral decision-making. The principle of treating others as ends in themselves fosters empathy, urging a deeper respect for the dignity of others in daily interactions. Applying Kantian ethics involves continuous reflection and self-discipline to navigate ethical dilemmas, balancing duty with the complexities of human relationships. Integrating Kantian principles in education equips students with a moral framework that encourages integrity and empathy, fostering ethical growth and responsibility. Understanding Kant's Categorical Imperative When I first encountered Kant's Categorical Imperative, I was struck by its clarity and demand for consistency in moral decision-making. It’s essentially a test I apply: Can the rule I’m about to follow be universalized without contradiction? This straightforward question made me…
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07Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
How I promote inclusivity through Howard Gardner’s theories
Contemporary Issues
Key takeaways Inclusive education emphasizes recognizing diverse learning styles and creating a supportive environment for all students. Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences encourages appreciation of individual strengths beyond traditional academic assessments. Implementing varied teaching strategies, such as collaborative activities and hands-on projects, enhances inclusivity and boosts student engagement. Recognizing and valuing different forms of intelligence fosters a community where all students feel empowered to express themselves and participate. Understanding Inclusive Education Principles Inclusive education, to me, is more than just placing all students in the same classroom. It’s about recognizing and valuing the diverse ways people learn and ensuring every individual feels genuinely welcome and supported. Have you ever noticed how a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching often leaves some students behind? That’s exactly what inclusive education tries to fix.…
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07Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
My thoughts on Descartes’ Meditations
History of Philosophy
Key takeaways Descartes' method of radical doubt challenges readers to question their beliefs and the foundation of knowledge, fostering personal reflection. The phrase "Cogito, ergo sum" highlights the undeniable proof of existence through the act of thinking, anchoring one’s identity amid uncertainty. Teaching Descartes emphasizes critical thinking skills and the importance of engaging with philosophy on a personal level, making complex ideas more accessible. Applying Descartes' principles encourages active inquiry and self-awareness in learning, transforming doubt into a tool for deeper understanding. Overview of Descartes Meditations Descartes' Meditations is a profound journey into the nature of knowledge and existence. In my experience, reading it felt like peeling back layers of certainty, questioning everything I had taken for granted. How often do we pause to doubt the very foundation of our…
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07Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
My Experience Applying Confucian Ethics
Ethical Theories
Key takeaways Confucian ethics emphasizes self-cultivation, guiding individuals to reflect on their actions and align them with their values. Education, informed by Confucian principles, is about nurturing character and fostering a collaborative community rather than just acquiring knowledge. Practicing virtues like benevolence and righteousness enhances relationships and encourages meaningful interactions in daily life. Applying Confucian ethics involves navigating modern complexities while remaining committed to lifelong personal growth and ethical behavior. Understanding Confucian Ethics Principles When I first encountered Confucian ethics, I was struck by its emphasis on virtues like benevolence (ren), righteousness (yi), and propriety (li). These aren’t just abstract ideas; they felt deeply practical, guiding how I interact with others daily. Have you ever noticed how small acts of kindness can ripple through a community? That’s exactly what ren…
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04Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
My thoughts on equity in education inspired by Angela Davis
Contemporary Issues
Key takeaways Equity in education requires recognizing individual student needs and dismantling systemic barriers rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Principles such as responsiveness, accountability, and inclusivity are essential for creating an environment where every student feels valued and engaged. Personal reflection and challenging one's biases are crucial for educators to foster an equitable learning environment. Strategies like differentiated instruction and community engagement can significantly enhance the relevance and effectiveness of education for diverse learners. Understanding equity in education Equity in education, to me, means meeting students where they are, not where we wish they were. I've seen classrooms where identical resources are handed out, yet the needs beneath the surface vary so widely it almost feels like teaching blindfolded. How can we claim fairness if some students must climb…
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03Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
My Thoughts on Thucydides’ Realism
Critical Thinking
Key takeaways Realism emphasizes the objective nature of reality, prompting an exploration beyond subjective beliefs and assumptions about human behavior. Thucydides illustrates that power, fear, and self-interest are fundamental motivators in human actions rather than ideals or morality. Integrating realism in philosophy education encourages students to confront the complexities of human nature, fostering intellectual humility and critical thinking. Embracing uncomfortable truths can lead to deeper understanding and clarity, challenging idealistic views and prompting honest engagement with real-world dynamics. Introduction to Realism in Philosophy When I first encountered realism in philosophy, I was struck by its insistence on an objective reality independent of our perceptions. It made me wonder: can we truly separate what is from what we think it is? This question felt both challenging and intriguing, sparking a curiosity…
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