Moral Philosophy / Ethics

 

Philosophy Bites - Janet Radcliffe Richards on What is Philosophy?

In term 1 on 18/3/26, Helen led a discussion on moral philosophy / ethics.  Please find below some notes on the subject prepared by Helen:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k3GGpaMT8YkLnUIQFnsK4w1yMKIopkQT/view?usp=sharing

We will listen to the above podcast and have further discussion on this interesting topic. 

Zen aesthetics and Zen Buddhism philosophy

                            

Zen aesthetics are the sensory expression of Zen Buddhist philosophy, transforming abstract concepts of mindfulness, impermanence, and non-attachment into visual and experiential forms like wabi-sabi (beauty in Imperfection), tea ceremonies, and rock gardens. It emphasises simplicity, imperfection, and direct engagement with "suchness" (reality as it is), emphasising that everyday objects reveal deep spiritual truths. 

Core Philosophical Alignment: Zen Buddhism teaches that enlightenment is found in the present moment through direct experience rather than intellectualisation. Aesthetics reflect this through minimalist design (sumi-e (sumi means black ink, e means painting), Zen gardens) that removes distractions, fostering a direct, non-dualistic connection between the viewer and the art. 

Wabi-Sabi (wabi (subdued, austere beauty), sabi (rustic patina)): This is the heart of Zen aesthetics, directly stemming from the Buddhist concept of Anicca (impermanence). Wabi-sabi celebrates rustic simplicity, fragility, and the beauty of natural ageing (weathered materials, broken/repaired pottery), encouraging acceptance of the world as imperfect. 

Emptiness and Void: Zen philosophy emphasises "emptiness" (Mu), which is not nothingness, but the potential for all things to emerge. Aesthetics reflect this through the deliberate use of negative space (Ma), seen in sparse interiors and ink paintings, allowing the essence of a subject to emerge without being overwhelmed by clutter. 

Directness and Naturalness: Zen aesthetics value natural, unpretentious, and "honest" materials, reflecting the philosophy of being present and unattached. 

Examples in Practice:

Tea Ceremony: A choreographed, mindful interaction emphasising harmony and simplicity.

Rock Garden: A space for meditation, using stones and sand to represent a larger, abstract reality. 

Ultimately, Zen aesthetics allow one to encounter the fundamental truths of Zen Buddhism—impermanence, emptiness, and the beauty of the present—through visual or sensory experience. 

Class materials by Mr Victor Byrdy

We sincerely thank Mr. Victor Byrdy for giving two insightful presentations on Bonsai and Zen Philosophy to our PPPD class, which took place on 22 and 29 April 2026. 

Please find below some information provided by Victor.

The Power of Zen in Bonsai styling presentation:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gcUIB3q4aO4WBgDehCEdJfCMaI4dKCid/view?usp=sharing

Introduction to Mr Victor Byrdy and a brief description of Bonsai: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1duAz1ZNtvUyjShb_CdmN4qRIzFYB7yJM/view?usp=sharing

The seven principles of Zen:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AlLsgDh3pDEhDMsaUjmT8Ckl1hRP7D9V/view?usp=sharing

Zen Bonsai design: structural insights:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P_btDElk8ekEMzCBS0kGroyx8JZd8-bp/view?usp=sharing

Some questions for discussion

1. How does Zen aesthetics compare to Plato's aesthetics? 
2. How do the Zen aesthetics and Bonsai art culture relate to and contrast with the western capitalism culture?
3. Is Bonsai unnatural? 
4. How do Bonsai art and Zen aesthetics relate to Japanese city and housing design and culture?
5. As an art form,  how does Bonsai compare to other art forms like painting, sculpture, poetry, play, ballet etc.
6. Bonsai is a Japanese traditional art.  Is art and tradition important?  If so, why?
7. Can the art of Bonsai be educational?  Does the art have any practical benefit?
8. Is the plant, being a living thing, a coauthor in the creative process? 

Further Information

1. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Japanese Aesthetics:

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/japanese-aesthetics/

2. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Japanese Zen Buddhist Philosophy

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/japanese-zen/

Branches of Philosophy

 

The Map of Philosophy - by Carneades.org

What are the branches of Philosophy?

The above Map of Philosophy picture is a screenshot of the YouTube video The Map of Philosophy - by Carneades.org: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxBShJU_CKs&list=PPSV

The Carneades.org YouTube channel has playlists of videos covering particular topics of philosophy:
https://www.youtube.com/@CarneadesOfCyrene/playlists

Philosophy page on Wikipedia

Let's have a look at the following Wikipedia pages:

Portal: Philosophy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Philosophy

Outline of Philosophy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_philosophy

Discussion topics - 2025

 

Term 1 discussion topics
Class	Dates	Discussion Topics
1	5/2/2025	Introduction, Etiquete, political vs philosophical discussion
2	12/2/2025	Political discussion and philosophical discussion, Penrose's three worlds
3	19/2/2025	Introduction to philosophy - PPPD blog post
4	26/2/2025	Logical reasoning - arguments
5	5/3/2025	Logical reasoning - arguments
6	12/3/2025	Logical reasoning - hidden assumptions, analogical arguments, components for strong arguments
7	19/3/2025	Critical thinking - valid patterns, fallacies
8	26/3/2025	Philosophy of friendship - Plato's Lysis
9	2/4/2025	Philosophy of friendship - Plato's Lysis

Term 2 discussion topics
Class	Dates	Discussion Topics
1	23/4/2025	Philosophy of friendship - Plato's Lysis
2	30/4/2025	Philosophy of friendship - Plato's Lysis
3	7/5/2025	Philosophy of friendship - Plato's Lysis
4	14/5/2025	Meaning of life
5	21/5/2025	Meaning of life
6	28/5/2025	Meaning of life
7	4/6/2025	Meaning of life - Explore possible answers
8	11/6/2025	Meaning of life - Explore possible answers
9	18/6/2025	Confucianism - the great learning
10	25/6/2025	Lunch at Blackburn Hotel

Term 3 discussion topics
Class	Dates	Discussion Topics
1	23/7/2025	Confucianism - the great learning
2	30/7/2025	Confucianism - the great learning
3	6/8/2025	Confucianism - the great learning
4	13/8/2025	Confucianism / Monty Hall paradox & other puzzles
5	20/8/2025	Monty Hall paradox & other puzzles
6	27/8/2025	Monty Hall paradox & other puzzles / Philosophy of politics and power
7	3/9/2025	Philosophy of politics and power
8	10/9/2025	Philosophy of politics and power
9	17/9/2025	Philosophy of politics and power

Term 4 discussion topics
Class	Dates	Discussion Topics
1	8/10/2025	Philosophy of politics and power - Machiavelli
2	15/10/2025	Philosophy of politics and power - Machiavelli
3	22/10/2025	Philosophy of politics and power - Machiavelli / Foucault
4	29/10/2025	Philosophy of politics and power - Foucault
5	5/11/2025	Philosophy of politics and power - Foucault
6	12/11/2025	Philosophy of politics and power - Foucault
7	19/11/2025	Philosophy of politics and power quiz, review of some 2025 topics

First class of 2026

Welcome all to the 

Philosophy Phor Phun Discussion class

of 2026 

1. Welcome

2. Emergency evacuation procedure

3. Medical emergency procedure

4. Get to know each other

5. The PPPD blog

6. Planned topics for term 1

7. What is Philosophy?

What is Philosophy? - First Lecture of the Semester - Prof. Jeffrey Kaplan

Some questions?

1. Prof. Kaplan (PK) claims in the video above (at 5:40) that the question "Does God exist?" is not a subjective question.  However, one can subjectively believe whether God exists or not.  Is PK correct?  Please see a possible answer here.

Machiavelli

POLITICAL THEORY - Niccolò Machiavelli by The School of Life

Some questions:

1. The video above says: "We're often appalled by how sly and dishonest many politicians are, but we shouldn't be. In moods like this we need to remember and read the works of Niccolo Machiavelli." Do you agree?
2. Helen asked whether there are any notable examples of countries where politicians who have adopted a Machiavellian approach achieved success. Her question suggests that such examples may not be immediately obvious. If political strategies based on Machiavellian principles are indeed effective, why then are these approaches not more widely adopted?  See answer from Bing co-pilot here.
3. Why do politicians and leaders, in many countries, adopt a mostly ethical approach to their politics?

Machiavelli's 'The Prince': Summary & Analysis by Dr Aidan

Some questions

1. What types of power were discussed in the videos above?  How are these powers used?
2. For Machiavelli, the ends justify the means.  What limits how far such means can be applied?

The Philosophy of Politics and Power

 

1. Introduction: What is Political Philosophy? by YaleCourses

Political Philosophy

The above YouTube video provides an introduction to political philosophy.

Our discussion in class will be based mainly on chapter 4, The Philosophy of Politics and Power, of the book 'Philosophy for Busy People: Everything You Really Should Know' by Alain Stephen.  Please see the file via the link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16Clo8yLxVRk6DRQKhv7Eq6wPQMkFWyYh/view?usp=sharing

Philosophy of Power

Chapter 2.5: Michel Foucault, Power by Leiden University - Faculty of Humanities

The above YouTube video gives an introduction to the Philosophy of Power.  

Chapter 4 from the above book discusses Foucault on Power and Knowledge.  I plan to discuss that in class as well.

Some Questions

Plato's Republic

1. Plato/Socrates outlines a three part hierarchical structure of the human soul, which they believe is immortal.  The soul, as believed by Plato/Socrates, is equivalent to what we now consider to be the mind.  Do you think that the tripartite soul is an accurate depiction of the human mind?
2. Should the choice of a political system be based on an assumed best way of managing the human mind, which is a biological system?  Is a society analogous to the human mind?

Foucault on Power and Knowledge

1. In the above video, Dr Victor Gijsbers from Leiden University said in order to understand Foucault, he makes a distinction between two types of powers.  What are they?  Are there other types of power?  If so, why does Dr Gijsbers focus on these two types?
2. Are there hierarchies of power in societies?  If so, how does that relate to Foucault's concept of power?
3. According to Foucault, how does knowledge relate to power?
4. Do you agree with Foucault that there are 'regimes of truth' and no absolute truth?