If we want strong, loving relationships with partners and friends, ethics can help us. When we have a strong ethics, we adopt certain principles that aim for a higher good both for ourselves and others. And we act consistently according to these principles. Some examples of common ethical principles are the following: Act with virtues… Continue reading How Ethics Can Help Us Be a Good Partner and Friend
The word toxic is having quite a moment on social media these days. And understandably so. The term toxic behavior, as it is used in psychological discourse, often refers to behaviors like the following: Refusing to think about how our behavior affects other people. Refusing to recognize other people’s needs and values. Consistently prioritizing our… Continue reading How Ethics Helps Us Avoid Toxic Behavior
Morality vs. moralism: Morality and moralism are two different things, but we often confuse the two. And I understand this tendency because at one time I didn’t understand the difference between morality and moralism either. And sometimes even now, I think I understand the difference, and then I realize I don’t understand it as well… Continue reading Morality vs. Moralism
The ethics of compassion is one type of ethical code, and it’s important to act according to an ethical code. In the absence of a such a code, we tend to act according to instinct, passion, impulse, tradition, egocentric interest, or peer pressure. Most of these influences are not evil in themselves. However, if they… Continue reading The Ethics of Compassion
This is the second post in a series about why we doubt we are capable. I wrote the first post in this series a few weeks ago, which you can read here: Why We Doubt We are Capable, Part 1 In that post, I discussed how the problem of exceptionalism can cause us to doubt… Continue reading Why We Doubt We are Capable, Part 2
I want to tell you a little bit about Toad&Co, an ethical women’s clothing company I love. But first, let me tell you a little bit about how I have changed the way I buy clothes over the last decade. First, I love clothes and fashion. However, in the last decade or so, I have… Continue reading Clothing with a Conscience: Ethical Clothes Shopping
Over the years, I have heard a lot of people ask this same question in various forms: Should we tolerate everything? And this is certainly an important question. One of the hallmarks of the U.S.[1], ideally, is that we tolerate diversity of ideas.[2] Because of this, we have a long-standing tradition of tolerating a variety… Continue reading Should We Tolerate Everything?
This post explores whether the common saying "Follow Your Heart" is good advice. Here are some common sayings you might have heard: Follow your heart. If it feels good, do it. Your heart will tell you what to do. Is This Advice Good? Now, if you are like most people in the world, you can… Continue reading Is “Follow Your Heart” Good Advice?
This post about how to pursue a good life by maximizing happiness, and it's based on the philosophy of John Stuart Mill. It the fourth post in a series on developing your own moral and ethical code. Here are the first three posts in the series: Develop Your Own Ethical and Moral System How to… Continue reading How to Pursue a Good Life by Maximizing Happiness
One way to become a more ethical person is to cultivate a good will. (Note: This post is part of a series about developing your own moral and ethical code. You can find links to the other posts in this series at the end of this post. Each of these posts gives you important information… Continue reading How to Cultivate a Good Will to Live a Good Life
