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Ethics for Everyone

Moral wisdom for the modern world

Jealousy
How to Avoid Envy

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on August 30, 2022

Avoiding envy is the wisest and best course of action because it includes giving up the race for status or honor. Ultimately, that is a race to nowhere.

Avoiding envy is the wisest and best course of action because it includes giving up the race for status or honor. Ultimately, that is a race to nowhere.

Ethics and Morality
Why Virtue Ethics Matters

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on June 20, 2022

Many philosophers, past and present, contend that character is the most fundamental dimension of the moral life. This is a theory known as virtue ethics.

Many philosophers, past and present, contend that character is the most fundamental dimension of the moral life. This is a theory known as virtue ethics.

Alcoholism
Drinking and Positive Psychology

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on December 27, 2021

The traits of prudence and self-regulation can help us keep alcohol in its proper place as we pursue a good and happy life.

The traits of prudence and self-regulation can help us keep alcohol in its proper place as we pursue a good and happy life.

Environment
The Cure for Belief in Conspiracy Theories

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on October 29, 2021

Belief in conspiracy theories exhibits a failure of intellectual humility. This virtue of the mind can help us avoid these and other irrational beliefs.

Belief in conspiracy theories exhibits a failure of intellectual humility. This virtue of the mind can help us avoid these and other irrational beliefs.

Relationships
The Duty to Love

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on September 21, 2021

Soren Kierkegaard's thoughts on love are worth considering because they challenge much of our status quo thinking about the nature of love.

Soren Kierkegaard's thoughts on love are worth considering because they challenge much of our status quo thinking about the nature of love.

Forgiveness
Lessons From Lasso

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on September 15, 2021

What's so great about the television show "Ted Lasso"? It paints a picture of authentic love in a flawed but caring human community.

What's so great about the television show "Ted Lasso"? It paints a picture of authentic love in a flawed but caring human community.

Wisdom
How We Can All Be More Like Socrates

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on July 10, 2021

How did Socrates set an example as a role model in the quest for truth and how can we sort out issues not tied to sound evidence?

How did Socrates set an example as a role model in the quest for truth and how can we sort out issues not tied to sound evidence?

Deception
Overcoming Barriers to Truth

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on June 14, 2021

We can fall prey to deception due to the influence of many things. Here I focus on our desire for wealth and social status.

We can fall prey to deception due to the influence of many things. Here I focus on our desire for wealth and social status.

Bias
What's Wrong With Stand Your Ground Laws?

Michael W. Austin Ph.D. on February 27, 2021

Violence should only be used as a last resort, but stand-your-ground laws approve of lethal violence when it is not needed to protect human life.

Violence should only be used as a last resort, but stand-your-ground laws approve of lethal violence when it is not needed to protect human life.