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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03Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
My personal opinion on the impact of technology in classrooms
Contemporary Issues
Key takeaways Technology in education reshapes interactions with knowledge, providing accessibility and fostering broader discussions, particularly in philosophy. While digital tools enhance learning experiences, they can detract from deep focus and nuanced communication essential to philosophical inquiry. Effective integration of technology requires a balance between traditional methods and digital resources to enrich understanding rather than overwhelm it. The impact of technology on learning is significantly influenced by thoughtful application, promoting critical thinking while navigating potential distractions. Understanding technology in education When I first saw computers being introduced in my philosophy classes, I was both curious and skeptical. How could a screen replace the lively debates and deep reflections we used to have? Technology in education isn't just about gadgets; it’s about reshaping how we interact with knowledge and each other.…
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03Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
My Experience with Popper’s Falsifiability
Critical Thinking
Key takeaways Falsifiability is essential for distinguishing meaningful claims from mere speculation, promoting openness to revision in philosophical inquiry. In science, falsifiability safeguards against dogma and enhances credibility by viewing knowledge as fluid rather than fixed. Embracing falsifiability transforms learning into an active dialogue, encouraging deeper understanding and engagement with ideas. Popper's concept emphasizes that risk and vulnerability in proposing theories invite growth, making uncertainty a source of motivation and intellectual freedom. Understanding Falsifiability in Philosophy Falsifiability, as I see it, is the philosophical litmus test that separates meaningful claims from mere speculation. It asks a simple yet profound question: can my idea be proven wrong? Reflecting on my early studies, I remember how this concept challenged me to think not just about what I believe, but how those beliefs…
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02Jul 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
My experience with Frege’s Principle of Compositionality
Logic and Reasoning
Key takeaways Frege's Principle of Compositionality asserts that the meaning of a complex expression is derived entirely from the meanings of its parts and their arrangement, enhancing our understanding of language and logic. This principle aids in breaking down ambiguous sentences and has practical applications in fields like philosophy and computer science, promoting clarity and precision in communication. Learning compositionality requires patience and a willingness to embrace complexity, as some expressions resist neat breakdowns, fostering deeper insights into language. Incorporating Frege's Principle in philosophy education transforms student engagement, encouraging active interpretation and critical thinking, making complex texts more accessible. Introduction to Frege's Principle When I first encountered Frege's Principle of Compositionality, I was struck by its elegant simplicity: the meaning of a complex expression is determined entirely by the meanings…
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