S/S/185. Has modern Western society become less bloodthirsty? Answer in relation to the use of animals for human leisure

The paper looks at the relationship between humans and animals examining the change of attitudes towards animals in the historical context and discussing the ethical aspects of modern use of animals, that is, as livestock, for leisure pursuits (hunting, pet keeping, zoos) and for scientific purposes.

S/P/337. Active and Passive Euthanasia: how do they differ?

The paper examines the concepts of passive and active euthanasia considering the difference between withholding treatments and accelerting death via drugs or other means. The moral implications of letting die and killing are argued with references to related academic literature and case studies.

S/P/338. Is there a genuine distinction between (i) acting with a will that is free and (ii) acting of one's own free will?

The paper examines the concept of free will with reference to the ideas of Harry Frankfurt discussing his views on the conflict between 'first-order' desires and 'second-order' desires, the struggle against addiction in individuals, and the issues of moral responsibility for our actions. Frankfurt's approach to the difference between acting freely and a free will is critically examined.

S/P/339. Are moral judgements intrinsically motivating?

The paper examines the mechanisms of making moral judgements and the motivations behind acting in accordance with one's moral judgements. It is argued whether our desires and beliefs are motivators for actions including our moral judgements.

S/P/340. Do we have any moral duties towards animals? If so, what are they?

The paper examines the view of Immanuel Kant on duties towards animals comparing it with those of Jeremy Bentham and Peter Singer and arguing the existence of moral separation between humans and non-humans. It is stated that needless cruelty towards animals should be abolished.

S/P/348. How plausible is Nietzsche's critique of conventional morality?

The paper examines Nietzsche's views on good and evil discussing his accusation of Christian ethics as 'slave morality'. Critique of his understanding of conventional morality is reviewed.

S/P/349. What provides moral motivation? A discussion with reference to egoism in Plato

The paper examines the views of Plato on the motivation behind moral behaviour discussing the modern understanding of the psychology of empathy and arguing whether moral motivation stems merely from egoism and the need to provide satisfactory life for oneself.

S/P/359. Is Utilitarianism undermined by the fact that some people take pleasure in evil things?

The paper examines the concept of utilitarianism formulated by Jeremy Bentham and later developed by Mill; the implications of the equal sharing of happiness are considered; the nature of pleasure and happiness is discussed and interpreted in the context of evil actions, sadism and personal morality.

S/P/360. Does utilitarianism leave sufficient room for personal integrity?

The paper explores the notion of personal integrity providing its linguistic and philosophic definitions and seeking to understand whether there is a clash between a utilitarian moral code and personal integrity. References to related philosophical studies are provided, discussed and illustrated with examples.

S/P/362. Virtue ethicists maintain that there must be more to acting morally than simply abiding by certain rules or principles. Are they right?

The paper examines the concepts of right and wrong with reference to the Ten Commandments, the utilitarian ideas of Bentham and Mill, the deontological approach of Kant, the philosophy of virtue by Aristotle, etc.

S/P/363. What is "good"?

The paper examines the theories of 'good' including the naturalist theory by Moore and the theory of universal prescriptivism by Hare. Definitions of 'good' are provided; moral motivations for 'doing good' are discussed; criticism of both theories is reviewed.

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