Kelsie Smart Intro to Philosophy 5:30-6:50

Class Group Discussion Paper

The Philosopher that I chose relating to ethics was Martin Luther King Jr. When it comes to good behavior vs. bad behavior he took the high road in taking action against injustice without demonizing his oppressors. For him living the good life is standing up for the truth of God, regardless of if youre happy. He believes that the end of life is not to achieve pleasure or pain, but to do the will of God come what may. His attempts to overcome racism and gain equal rights took great stamina and courage. He also expressed vision, intellect, and action as he wanted to improve the human condition. Like I stated before happiness doesnt matter to him, only the will of God. To King his duty to God was improving the human condition and social progress for all people. Some quotes from King and the book that I really like are Public philosophers like King appeal to our higher or better selves by speaking directly to our consciences, our capacity to reason, and our moral sentiments. Even when we disagree with them, we benefit from the philosophical reflection they trigger in us. (Philosophy as a way of life 538) and We must never forget that everything Hitler di I Germany was legal It was illegal to aid and comfort a Jew in Hitlers Germany. But I am sure that if I had lived in Germany during that time I would have aided and comforted my Jewish brothers even though it was illegal (King 535) No criticisms were made against Martin Luther King Jr. The class discussions only made me believe more in my thoughts of Martin Luther King Jr. They reemphasized his points and why I believe in him so much as stupendous philosopher.

The Philosopher that Erik chose was Kant. Kant believed in moral righteousness and duties as well as have good motives for doing what you should. John chose Socrates and brought up points of the soul defining a person and dont act against moral nature. Socrates also believed in ethical character even to death. He had a chance to live by denying his beliefs or fleeing the country but chose not to. There is something to be said about someone who will die for their beliefs. Stetson decided to go with Aristotle. He hit on key points like to become good you have to do well and give your soul the nourishing it needs. When we do this we unlock our full potential. Being your ultimate self will help bring you closer to God. If youre happy in yourself then those who want to pick us apart will have less influence if none. Cassie chose Augustine. Her points were, if you want to live a good life then you have to have faith, this doesnt necessarily have to be in God but in a higher power. We should realize and acknowledge that there is something bigger than us. If people really knew or believed in a higher power then they would set higher standards for themselves. Cassie likes that Augustine is sarcastic. She says it is ok to have misery every now and then, just dont stay there. Megan decided on Aqauainas. She likes his scholasticism and how it dominates European culture. Something that is true cannot be true and false. Aquainas brings reason and faith together. He was very educated. It was good that he could relate to his students and be respectful to the other party. He finds how proofs can relate to and with faith. When it comes to Kant, Aristotle, Augustine and Aquainas I do think that all of their points are valid. However, Martin Luther King Jr. was willing to put his life on the line and get tortured every day for what he believed in. The only Philosopher that comes close is Socrates

because he was willing to stay and die for what he believed. But I dont even think Socr ates had to go through the scarcities and torture that Martin Luther King Jr went through for many years of his life. Therefore, I stand by my pick of Martin Luther King Jr. and say he is still the best.