Morality?

Is morality an issue in today’s modern and diverse societies?

The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy defines mortality as:

The term “morality” can be used either

1. Descriptively to refer to some codes of conduct put forward by a society or,

a)    some other group, such as a religion, or

b)    accepted by an individual for her own behavior or

    2. Normatively to refer to a code of conduct that, given specified conditions, would be put forward by          all rational persons. (Source: Stanford.edu)

Click to read more ...

Making Sense of James Holmes’ Mass Murder Spree

One wonders how a young man who grew up in a religious family – also a family of scientific and mathematical achievement with advanced scientific degrees from prestigious universities; a family with accomplished musicians; a family from which his own genetic material seemed to be propelling him to advanced degrees and intellectual aptitude transform into the cold-blooded killer of over a dozen people in a movie theater in Colorado?

Click to read more ...

The Middle East: Imminent Threat to World Peace

America, rightfully, is preoccupied with economic woes – facing escalating debt and joblessness that equals (or could exceed) that of the Great Depression. We are presently so absorbed with our own difficulties that we fail to see that the rest of world is also suffering similar distresses. This is very similar to circumstances during the Great Depression. Of course, the Great Depression resulted in a devastating World War. We may be much closer to that scenario than we are able to realize.

While we worry about our $15 trillion dollar debt and inability to find a job, the Middle East continues to create a climate for world conflict. As we rest comfortably with the concept that the Cold War is over, Russia continually sides with Iran and Syria in a real and familiar Cold War-style. The dangers in the Middle East increase daily.

Click to read more ...

A New and Evolving Supreme Court? The Affordable Health Care Act Upheld?

The Supreme Court will never be able to satisfy the entire nation in any decision they make. However, with its recent decision to uphold the Affordable Health Care Act, they have angered a lot of Americans. Obviously, they decide issues that are critical in the minds of the citizens, but they can only decide one way or the other, leaving half or more of the people dissatisfied. Public opinion is never a consideration in a Supreme Court decision. That is part of the beauty of the court; they are free to decide based solely on the issue of Constitutionality.

However, Thursday’s ruling seems to have been something of a change in the basics used to decide cases in two different areas:

Click to read more ...

Why are Gas Prices Going Down?

A few weeks ago, I wrote a column about gas prices going up and, currently, we see the cost of gas going down. The reason this is noteworthy is that none of the causes for the inflation of these prices have been resolved. Also, interesting is the fact that the summer traveling season is upon us and, usually, when we see heavy demands for gas. This increased demand almost always yields an increase in pump prices, so how does one explain their decline at this time?

As a comparison, prices in St. Louis have dropped from a high of around $3.89 (as much as $4.00 in some areas) to a present price at this writing of $3.04. That is definitely a significant decrease and a welcome relief to everyone in the area.

Click to read more ...