Change and Identity- Aristotle

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/identity-time/

Descartes- Self Knowledge

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/self-knowledge/#1

• We have the power to control our own mental states
• There is a unique method to forming our own beliefs
• Authority of own mental states because have secure beliefs

A Response to Statement 10

Statement 10: It is wrong to impose the death penalty.

Yes, I agree. I think that people may make mistakes and some a lot larger than others but someone's life should not be taken for a wrong action no matter how immoral it may be. People deserve more than one chance to live. If they have been living for whatever number of years, why intentially throw that life away? The death penalty only destroys life, but why use it when someone could learn from their mistakes and create a better life? By imposing the death penalty, the potential to live a better life is destroyed. Therefore there is no positive outcome to this punishment. Other punishments serve as a better alternative. For example doing time in jail is much more sane then killing someone for breaking any law in society. Atleast you would only be losing the time of multiple years instead of eternity. Life is precious and should not even be considered throwing away as it does not benefit the person accused or even the rest of the society.

Philosophy Question Thoughts

I have interest in the philosopher Leibniz. He believed in optimism and in that we live in the best world. I agree with his thoughts because if we are optimistic about things we will have a more positive outlook on our futures and become motivated to achieve what we want and do things in life that we want to do, as well as affect others around us in a healthy way. Therefore it's a win win situation for everybody. We benefit with a healthy attitude and people around us do as well. It's like if somebody next to you yawns, you yawn as well. It is a contagious act. Similarily if you hold an optimistic attitude others will, and negativey won't have to control everyone's lives. So my question is, what is the result of being optimistic? Will it get us further in life or will it hold other thoughts back by only focusing on the positives?

Quiz Results!

I scored as Hedonism. According to the philosophy quiz,  my life is guided by principles of hedonism such as enjoying lifes pleasures as much as I can. I think this is true but not 100% of the time. I like to maintain a happy and positive lifestyle the majority of the time because I think it creates a healthy environment from those around me as well. When you are happy others are happy and I think that is a pleasure in life- the ability to make others happy.