A central tenet of the standard account of moral enhancement qua algorithmic technology is that it has the potential to solve the mega-problems of our time, such as global poverty or the climate...Show moreA central tenet of the standard account of moral enhancement qua algorithmic technology is that it has the potential to solve the mega-problems of our time, such as global poverty or the climate crisis. Thereby, it is simply assumed that the enhanced moral competence of individual agents will directly translate into solutions to our major moral problems. This paper sheds light on this key assumption and argues for a more sophisticated outlook on the potential effects of algorithmic moral enhancement. In particular, it is shown that our major moral problems are essentially political problems which are characterised by various kinds of dilemmas. The author shows that due to this peculiar nature of these problems, three distinct challenges arise when it comes to translating moral competence into political solutions. These challenges will have to be met by future proposals of algorithmic moral enhancement.Show less
The analogy of the city and the soul in Plato's "Republic" has often been criticised in academic literature, perhaps most famously by Bernard Williams in his 1973 essay "The Analogy of City and...Show moreThe analogy of the city and the soul in Plato's "Republic" has often been criticised in academic literature, perhaps most famously by Bernard Williams in his 1973 essay "The Analogy of City and Soul in Plato's Republic". Building on the refutation of this criticism in an earlier essay, this thesis attempts to establish an integral interpretation of the city-soul analogy which is both conceptually and narratively adequate. A close study of the introduction of the analogy in book II of the "Republic" informs us that the analogy implies a similar structure between city and soul, but no correlation, and that it is not intended as an argument or principle, but rather as a guiding hypothesis for Socrates' experimental investigation of justice. This interpretation allows for the refutation of numerous criticisms of Plato's elaboration of the analogy in Callipolis. Finally, the combination of this interpretation with insight in the psychologically realist character of Callipolis, enables us to understand the working of the analogy in the "City of Pigs", and the role of this short-lived utopia in Plato's ethical and political theory, leading us to the conclusion that Plato's "Republic", if properly understood, is everything but a highlight of utopian thinking.Show less
In this thesis is questioned when human smuggling is permissible. By analysing the risk objection, the exploitation objection, the motivation objection, the freedom of association objection and the...Show moreIn this thesis is questioned when human smuggling is permissible. By analysing the risk objection, the exploitation objection, the motivation objection, the freedom of association objection and the law-breaking objection is concluded that human smuggling is not always wrong, at least not pro tanto. Nevertheless, certain conditions have to be satisfied. For one the smuggler should illuminate as many risks as possible, if doing so does not involve more than moderate risks. Therefore a smuggler should actively investigate the possible risks and take steps to mitigate the risks. Secondly, the smuggler needs to fully inform the client about the risks. Thereon, the client must give his real consent. Thirdly, a smuggler should not exploit his clients. Therefore a smuggler may not harm or abuse his client. A smuggler may not deceive his client by not giving an equivalent in return. Furthermore a smuggler may not take advantage of someone in a vulnerable position for example by charging an amount that includes a high profit. Fourthly, a smuggler may break the law if there is a moral reason to override this. The smugglers’ illegal conduct is justified if it prevents a greater evil than the conduct caused, there is no legal alternative that would have averted the harm and that the person was not responsible for creating the threat she helped avert. Finally, human smugglers should only accept a client when he claims that his rights are threatened. Migrants are only allowed to engage in human smuggling if their human rights are threatened and should apply for officials if the state will indeed give a fair hearing. It is the state's responsibility to give a fair hearing.Show less
The term post-truth politics has become increasingly popular and more frequently used since 2016, a time that has also coincided with Donald Trump becoming the president of the United States of...Show moreThe term post-truth politics has become increasingly popular and more frequently used since 2016, a time that has also coincided with Donald Trump becoming the president of the United States of America and of the growing global popularity of populist politics. To properly understand post-truth politics an analysis of political truths, lies, and bullshit are necessary, as is a broader investigation and analysis of society in general, specifically it’s media. This thesis seeks to investigate and analyse what post-truth politics exactly is and also answer whether or not such a term is describing a new political phenomenon, because if post-truth politics is not describing a new political phenomenon then the use of the term seems to be unjustified.Show less
By looking at how Ernesto Che Guevara and José Martí talk and write about gender, sex, religion, nascence, class and race, this thesis shows how both thinkers defined "the people" of Cuba.
