Let's Talk About Philosophy!

      In my opinion, and after reading Caney's article, it certainly is everyone's duty to protect the planet for future generations. It is evident that we are feeling the effects of previous generations' destructive tendencies towards the planet. From the Industrial Revolution, World Wars, and litter in the oceans, the Earth has shown severe effects through climate change. It can be inferred that many are upset with the ways humans have previously treated the planet, and now it is our duty to fix it and leave it better for future generations. When talking about climate change, I believe that it is the duty of everyone to better the future. We all contribute to pollution, whether we throw litter on the ground or buy a product that was produced in a factory that pollutes the air.      So I disagree with the "polluter pays" principle explained in the article. Is there one institution/individual responsible to pay for the damage done? Yes, it is true that cert...

      When politicians sit down in Congress to debate over a new law, the question of how it will affect future generations is always brought up. It is the center for many movements and reforms, and in our daily lives we often think of the future. In attempt to protect future generations, we may feel obligated to conserve resources, control population growth, and reform social justice issues.      However, it is inevitable that at some point the world will cease to exist. The human species will die out. But when will that be? Tomorrow? In 20 years? 2000 years? It is impossible to know, but one day it will happen. It is natural to have the "survival" instinct, and to reproduce, continuing the the human race. Although when looking through a philosophical lens one asks the question "Would it be bad if there were no future peoples?"      After reading  "Energy Policy and the Further Future" by Derek Parfit, the Risky Policy would increa...

      When I think of my life when I was 10 years old, I barely recognize myself. I have grown up, and I am nowhere near done growing (is anyone ever done?). My childhood was filled with love and I was lucky enough to grow up with a supportive, well-off family. However, I had issues that I had to deal with by myself. Between the time I was 10 and 18, I went through things that changed me as a person. I am certainly not the same person that I was at 10 years old, and I am grateful for that.     Why did I change? I personally try not to point a finger at specific situations, but when people experience pain they always change. Throughout the years I have realized to accept these hardships as a blessing, because they make you stronger and better you as a person. They make up your identity.      But, this brings me to a problem with personal identity. If we change as a person, then are we responsible for our actions from the past? Are the "memories" th...