Aristotelian Realism: Being, Knowledge, and the Universe
Aristotelian realism is based on resolving the problem of being and knowledge. Aristotle provides a triple response to the static monism of Parmenides, the mobile philosophy of Heraclitus, and the idealism of Plato.
Aristotle’s Response to Parmenides’ Monism
Aristotle breaks from the unitary, compact, static, motionless, and undifferentiated being introduced by Parmenides. He introduces the concepts of “being per se” and “being per accidens,” as well as the notions of act and potency. Aristotle affirms
Read MoreUnderstanding Credit Ratings: From AAA to D
Investment Grade Ratings
| Moody’s | S&P | Fitch | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aaa | AAA | AAA | Very high ability to pay principal and interest. Maximum grade. Risk factors exist. |
| Aa1 | AA+ | AA+ | Added ability to pay principal and interest. Moderate risk, low.* |
| Aa2 | AA | AA | Differs little from its obligations with higher ratings. The issuer’s ability to meet its financial commitments related to the obligation is very strong. |
| Aa3 | AA- | AA- | Similar to Aa2, with slightly higher risk. |
| A1 | A+ | A+ | Good ability to pay principal and interest. Moderately high risk. |
Christianity, Nietzsche, and Existentialism: Key Concepts
Christian Conception of Human Beings
Christianity introduces a new way of understanding the world and human life. Central to this understanding is the idea that all individuals are equal and possess the same dignity. Furthermore, Christianity posits that humans are created as rational and free beings. A third key idea is that human life has a transcendent meaning. According to Christianity, humans are beings in need of salvation, which is defined as eternal life and belonging to a church community.
Read MorePlato’s Republic: Ideal Society and the Nature of Justice
Plato’s Republic
What is Natural Sociability?
The tendencies that incline human beings to love, friendship, and coexistence in general are natural tendencies.
What Concept Does Plato Intend to Clarify in The Republic? Why?
The objective was to determine what justice is. This is a virtue common to man and city (we should look for it). There is no known city that is just; Socrates proposes the creation of an ideal city. Being a perfect society, it cannot lack any perfection, and we must find there the
Read MoreCarl Rogers and Humanistic Therapy: Understanding Human Nature
Carl Rogers: American Psychologist and Humanistic Therapy
Carl Rogers, an American psychologist, was one of the originators of humanistic therapy. Humanistic therapy suggests that we wear a “mask” to hide aspects of ourselves and conform to societal expectations. As we grow, we adopt different masks to be accepted. Rogers proposed that therapy should help us remove these masks and find genuine happiness. Happiness is often seen as corny, but humanistic theory encourages embracing it.
Rogers’ Method
Open
Read MorePlato’s Republic: Justice in Ancient Athens
Plato’s Republic: A Dialogue on Justice
Historical Context
Plato, a prominent Greek philosopher of the 5th and 4th centuries BC, penned the dialogue *Republic, or On Justice*. This comprehensive work encapsulates the major themes of Plato’s thought during this era. The historical backdrop is the Greek city-state of Athens, which had recently been defeated in the Peloponnesian War and subjected to the hegemony of aristocratic Sparta.
Two of Plato’s uncles were involved in the Spartan-backed government,
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