Unethical Research Articles

Rediscovering Taiiku: Exploring the moral philosophy of lifelong physical well-being through physical education and sports in Japan

ABSTRACT This study aims to examine the moral philosophy of Taiiku, a Japanese concept that integrates physical activity, sport and physical education to promote lifelong physical well-being. This research redefines Taiiku not merely as a pedagogical discipline but also as an ongoing commitment to physical well-being. By examining the UNESCO Charter and documents from the Japan Science Council, the study highlights the philosophies of moral perfectionism and spiritual exercise aligning with the core principles of Taiiku. The findings indicate that engaging in Taiiku encompasses a continual pursuit of self-improvement and well-being through physical activities, reinforcing the role of Taiiku in fostering a holistic approach to lifelong health.

In defense of sporting supererogation: a reply to Borge

ABSTRACT In moral philosophy, it is common to accept that some acts are beyond the call of duty, or supererogatory. Recently, it has been argued that there are also distinctly sporting forms of supererogation (Archer 2017). These arguments have been criticized by Stefan Borge (2021), who argues that they fail to establish the need to make room for supererogation. In this paper, we will defend the existence of acts sporting supererogation against Borge’s critiques. Key to Borge’s argument are the claims that all purported acts of supererogation are luxury phenomena and that luxury phenomena cannot be supererogatory. We will argue against both claims and show that Borge’s arguments give us no reason to reject the existence of sporting supererogation.

Smith, Epicureanism, and the natural beauty of virtue

ABSTRACT Smith’s imagination of sociability and interpersonal relationships in commercial society carries a strong Epicurean tone. However, in terms of moral philosophy, Smith severely criticised Epicureanism and firmly defended the ‘natural beauty of virtue’ within the framework of sentimentalism (i.e. the existence of moral worth independent of pleasure and utility). He claimed that Epicureanism’s denial of the ‘natural beauty of virtue’ not only misunderstands the basis of moral judgement but also ignores people’s corresponding moral motives and the possibility of their self-formation in character. He similarly criticised Hume. In Smith’s view, Hume also neglected the ‘natural beauty of virtue’. This negligence underestimated the dignity of human nature in terms of moral motives, moral perception and the self-cultivation of character, thus failing to explain the possibility of justice, self-command, generosity, and other virtues. In general, drawing on established intellectual resources, Smith offered a more active, energetic perspective on the moral agent than Epicurus and Hume. The active and noble moral agent, rather than rationally maximising individuals, was an enlightened participant in Smith’s commercial society.

Supplier Slip-Ups: How Malpractices Can Bite Into Restaurant Market Value

Ethical, environmental, and human rights standards are critical issues in the tourism and hospitality industry. In this context, restaurants must choose third-party members—such as suppliers—that align with their quality and sustainability standards, especially because these third-party members may encounter challenges related to food safety, ethical misconduct, environmental matters, and human rights violations. This study analyzes whether the market holds restaurants accountable for the shortcomings of their suppliers, even when the restaurant has not directly participated in or caused these problems. Based on signaling theory and the associative network memory paradigm, this study finds that supplier issues negatively affect the market value of restaurants, with indirect linkage exerting a greater impact than direct linkage, which informs these theories by underscoring the importance of memory and associations dynamics.

Postawa rodziny Ulmów z Markowej wobec Żydów w kontekście etycznego i religijnego wymiaru solidarności

The aim of this article is to demonstrate that, in its deepest dimension, solidarity is expressed through compassion and the willingness to help another person, especially in situations of undeserved suffering. Such solidarity was exhibited by the Catholic family of Wiktoria and Józef Ulma from Markowa towards Jews during World War II in Poland. During the German occupation, they consciously risked their lives, aware of the severe penalties, by helping Jewish escapees. For providing shelter in their home, the Ulmas paid with their own lives.The article describes the historical and social context of those events and characterizes the idea of solidarity. Based on a review of the literature, the thesis is posited that the Ulmas’ inspiration to express solidarity towards Jews was primarily ethical and religious in nature. The analysis highlights the assumption that Christians and people of Jewish origin are primarily united by their shared humanity. The Ulmas’ solidarity with Jews was manifested not only in providing shelter, food, and working together but, most importantly, in moral community and shared death in solidarity.

The impact of a mental health-focused ethics lecture on pharmacy students’ perceptions of patients with mental illness: An observational study

Background: Societal perspectives that involve negative ideation and stereotyping behaviours from health care providers, even those still in training, toward individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness can reduce the likelihood of successful outcomes. Objective: To examine the impact of didactic, lecture-based, educational interventions on reducing the stigma of mental illness among pharmacy students. Methods: A survey was distributed pre- and post-lecture to all third-year pharmacy students who attended an “Ethics of Mental Health” lecture in 2021 and 2022. Data were collected and analysed using T-tests. Statistical significance was determined with an alpha of 0.05. Results: Higher affirmative post-survey responses were observed in 2022 (average 15.46%) and 2021 (average 9.5%). Respondents approved all controversial ethical rights except voting which was the only survey question with less positive responses-1.23% was allowed the right to vote. Respondents supported the rights to refuse medications and COVID-19 vaccinations, to engage in sexual relationships, to be given erectile dysfunction medications while hospitalised, and for gun ownership post-hospitalisation. Conclusion: Simple didactic dialogue about controversial topics, like those leading to potential discrimination, can be a productive avenue to ensure the development of non-biased clinicians.

Enlightenment in the Dark Forest: Chan/Zen in Cixin Liu’s Three Body Trilogy

Abstract This article explores the Chan/Zen Buddhist elements in Cixin Liu’s Three Body science fiction trilogy, particularly through the character of Luo Ji 羅輯. By exploring these references, the provocative moral and political philosophy articulated in the books can be better understood. Ultimately, I argue that Liu presents a modified version of Chan/Zen as the philosophy best fit for confronting a hostile universe.

The plurality principle: consumer ethics within an online brand community

ABSTRACT Agnes Heller's moral philosophy based around plurality is introduced in this article into consumer ethics. Plurality emphasises that open and tolerant societies make moral choices more readily available. Netnography explores moral evaluations of gender and sexuality representation and inclusion within an online consumer community. Findings show that members of the Drag Race sub-Reddit emphasise diversity and inclusivity when interpreting and responding to current events Concerning gender terminology and LGBTQ sub-culture gatekeeping. Forum exchanges are moderated by community members using humour. Individual differences of opinion are accommodated to the extent that they do not stigmatise specific groups. In this way plurality acts as an idealistic and pragmatic value, around which a flexible but cohesive, contradictory yet consistent, sub-culture ethics agglomerates.

Reconceptualizing Health Education: the Role of Existential Psychology and Philosophical Ethics in Curriculum Development

Reconceptualizing Health Education: the Role of Existential Psychology and Philosophical Ethics in Curriculum Development

The critical gap: on the integration of the core ideas of Alexander Pope’s essay on man in Immanuel Kant’s philosophy

After having unveiled the hidden influence of Pope and his Essay on Man on Kant in the first article, The hidden influence on Kant, this second article examines the “critical gap” presented by the data, which refers to the absence of explicit mention of Pope in Kant’s works during the decade of the three Critiques. I argue that, despite this lack of direct references, Pope’s central ideas, such as the Great Chain of Being, optimism, pride and love, were absorbed and integrated into Kant’s philosophy. The article analyzes how Kant integrated the Great Chain of Being into his philosophical system, focusing on the subtle presence of Pope’s influence during the critical period and on Newton and Rousseau justifying Pope’s theorem, providing empirical bases for order and regularity in nature, as well as insights into freedom and morality. Furthermore, the article explores how Kant reinterpreted the concept of optimism, rejecting the term itself but absorbing its essence into his own moral philosophy. Understanding Pope’s significant and lasting influence on Kant is crucial to a more complete and integrated understanding of Kantian philosophy as a unit and a whole.

Transferred Culpability and the Problem of Voluntary Intoxication

Abstract This paper seeks to challenge principles of culpability transfer as they appear in both criminal law and moral philosophy. I begin by discussing the legal doctrine of substituted mens rea, focusing on Section 33.1 of Canada’s Criminal Code. I argue that this doctrine violates the principle of contemporaneity, which there are sound philosophical reasons to accept. I then argue that the same reasons apply to tracing accounts of moral responsibility. Finally, drawing on the moral luck literature, I argue that cases of extreme intoxication are better analyzed in terms of harm-causation than culpability-transfer.

Tasavvuf Klasiklerinin Değer Eğitimi ile Münâsebeti: er-Riʿâye li-ḥuḳūḳillâh’taki Riya Çözümlemeleri

This study examines the connection between Sufi classics and value education. Value education is an important element that completes academic success from preschool to secondary education. The concept of value is closely related to behavior, and effective value education develops one’s ability to distinguish right from wrong and serves as a reference for attitudes and behaviors. However, it is difficult for a value that has not been studied in depth to influence the decision-making process and behavior. Literature, sociology, anthropology, moral philosophy, and Sufi literature can be sources to gain a deep understanding of value. As a "Muslim wisdom", Sufism has contributed to the realm of ethics and values, along with language, culture, art, and architecture, in a geography stretching from Turkistan to the Balkans. Reading Sufi works from this perspective can create an intersection between Sufi literature and value education. The study aims to demonstrate that such a connection is possible and functional. Qualitative research methods, literature review, and comparison were used in the study. The text is limited to the analyses of riyā (hypocrisy) in the work titled Al-riʿāyah li-ḥuqūq Allah wa’l-ḳiyām bihā by Al-ḥarith Al-muḥāsibī (d. 243/857), one of the earliest written sources of Sufism. By examining the relevant section, a part of the network of relationships between Sufi classics and value education was determined. It is shown that this relationship can provide a theoretical basis for implementing approaches such as direct teaching of value, value-developing approach, value analysis, and character education. Additionally, it is claimed that Sufi classics can provide qualified support for the search for methods to be applied in values education based on the sample. Especially the framework drawn by the author with the concept of "taḫlīṣ" (purification) in the discussion of riyā has the potential to transform into a method for value education. The study recommends that value educators benefit from Sufi thought based on these reasons. In conclusion, looking at the analyses of riyā in Al-ḥarith Al-muḥāsibī’s work titled Al-riʿāyah li-ḥuqūq Allah wa’l-ḳiyām bihā, it is possible to say that Sufi classics offer wide opportunities for theoretical and practical solutions in both the planning and implementation stages of value education.

Advances in the Application of CRISPR-Cas9 in Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell research has advanced rapidly, offering promising treatments for refractory diseases due to their unique capabilities for self-renewal and pluripotent differentiation. Stem cells play pivotal roles in treating genetic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), cardiovascular conditions, and cancer. In genetic diseases, combining stem cells with gene-editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 enables precise correction of pathogenic genes, while healthy stem cells repair tissue by replacing diseased cells. For NDDs, iPSCs can differentiate into dopaminergic neurons to replace damaged brain cells and enhance neural regeneration. In cardiovascular diseases, they promote myocardial and vascular repair. In cancer, stem cells boost anti-tumor immunity and deliver drugs directly to tumor sites, improving treatment efficacy. Despite these breakthroughs, challenges persist. High-quality stem cell production is limited, and controlling differentiation to prevent tumorigenesis remains critical. Allogeneic transplants risk immune rejection, and using embryonic stem cells raises ethical concerns. Regulatory frameworks and clinical standards are needed to ensure safety and efficacy, alongside addressing ethical and patient rights issues. With continued innovation, stem cell therapy is going to revolutionize medicine, offering novel methods for complex diseases and improving global health

External Assistance to Autonomy: A Fundamental Conundrum in Human Affairs

Kant’s notion of autonomy is not only a central concept in pure moral philosophy; it is also a key organizing concept in applied moral philosophy. Across the whole spectrum of human endeavors, there are helping relationships wherein some helpers (e.g., doctors, teachers, social workers, advisors, managers, or organizers) try to help their counterparts (e.g., patients, students, clients, workers, and so forth) to help themselves. But there is a fundamental “helping self-help conundrum” in the very idea of helpers giving external assistance to others to become more autonomous, i.e., to become independent of external assistance. This conundrum makes genuine autonomy-enhancing help very subtle, difficult, and scarce. There is, however, a golden thread in applied moral philosophy running from Socrates, Stoics, and Augustine down to modern philosophers such as John Dewey, Leonard Nelson, David Hawkins, and Gilbert Ryle. This tradition appreciates the limitations highlighted by the fundamental conundrum and which argues that genuine help must be indirect to create the preconditions and catalyze the processes of the others taking an active and constructive role in helping themselves. The analysis also highlights the “yin and yang” of unhelpful help as social engineering (yang) and “rapacious benevolence” (yin). Iven Illich in particular developed a general critique of the “helping profession,” with their professional cartels always finding more “needs” and “disabilities” that need to attended to, that thereby generate more learned disabilities and disabling help.

Rights and Demands: A Response to Kamm

I respond to some questions raised by Frances Kamm with respect to my book Rights and Demands (2018). The book focuses on demand-rights and asks how we accrue them. In other words, how does one accrue the standing to demand an action of someone or rebuke them for non-performance? My response to Kamm emphasizes how I understand “directed duties” in this context. Contrary to the standard practice of rights theorists, I do not start from the assumption that directed duties are constituted by “plain” duties in the context of other factors (about which rights theorists disagree). Rather, I understand my duty to you as the correlative and equivalent of your standing to demand the action in question. I offer a number of further clarifications and conclude by distinguishing the targets of my discussion from other phenomena of interest to moral philosophers, such as complaining and blaming.

Asia, Moral Duties, and American Films Noir: World for Ransom and Macao

ABSTRACT Leading American film critics, including, among others, Tony Williams and Robert Miklitsch, have claimed that both World for Ransom and Macao reflect an orientalist, racist, and reactionary worldview. In this article I argue that, on the contrary, these 1950s films noir portray Asian and American characters alike actually carrying out their moral duties. To be sure, these American films employ aesthetic techniques to help illustrate the ethical ambiguities for which film noir is justly celebrated. Still, where the fulfillment of moral duties is concerned, the films’ resolutions are clear. This article enlists the thought of moral philosophers H.L.A. Hart and Daniel Statman to vindicate the ethical outlook of these works, which reward characters who fulfill imperfect, perfect, and/or supererogatory moral obligations. The American protagonists transcend their given circumstances by carrying out high-stake duties in an Asian setting, while forming amorous alliances tested by the aesthetics of film noir. Moreover, I show that none of the protagonists’ moral duties involves maligning Asia. Indeed, were these films noir to disparage Asia, they would diminish the very milieu breathing life into their finest characters.

Moral Reasoning And Human Psychology: Exploring The Cognitive, Behavioural, Personality, Emotions & Biological Underpinnings Of Ethical Choices

The complex interactions between cognitive functions, emotions, personality traits, sociocultural factors, neurobiology, and psychopathology provide the psychological foundation of moral judgments. This study attempts to explore the ways in which these many facets of the human psyche mould and impact moral judgments. Emotions like guilt and empathy influence moral decisions, but cognitive processes such as logic and intuition are also important for navigating moral quandaries. These mental processes assist individuals in weighing options, considering consequences, and arriving at ethically sound decisions, frequently guiding them when emotions alone may lead to impulsive or unreasonable conclusions. Conscientiousness and agreeableness are two important personality qualities that influence moral decisions. Conscientious people act with responsibility and honesty, frequently upholding moral standards. Agreeable people, motivated by empathy and collaboration, are more inclined to think about the well-being of others while making ethical decisions. Together, these characteristics assist to shape one’s ethical predispositions, encouraging prosocial and moral behaviour. Moral norms emerge within unique socio-cultural contexts, reflecting the values, beliefs, and traditions of a particular culture. These cultural factors alter what is considered right or wrong, resulting in varying moral judgments across various communities. Practices that are moral in one culture may be judged differently in another, illustrating the fluidity and relativity of ethical norms as they change to historical, religious, and sociological contexts. This variation highlights the complexities of morality around the globe. Neuroscience research has discovered distinct neural pathways and brain regions involved in moral cognition, providing insight into the biological foundation of moral judgments. Various parts of the brain, which are associated with emotional processing, play important roles. These findings indicate that moral decisions are not only philosophical or cultural, but also biological in nature, incorporating both cognitive and emotional brain activities. This research aims to provide light on the intricate structure of moral judgement and its implications for ethical theories by looking at these interconnected parts. Comprehending the psychological foundations of morality can enhance theoretical frameworks and offer valuable perspectives for enhancing moral education and promoting ethical conduct in diverse social contexts. In order to promote a more complex understanding of human morality, this thorough analysis aims to close the gap between psychological science and ethical philosophy.

The Role of the "Green Economy" In Ensuring Sustainable Development

Over the past few years, the concept of a green economy has been recognized as a vital mechanism for achieving economic progress in both developed and emerging nations. This study aims to analyze the role of the green economy in Indonesia's economic expansion based on an Islamic economic perspective. The research methodology employs library analysis and content assessment. The data sources utilized in this study were gathered from previous research, articles, regulations, and reference literature pertaining to green economics, economic growth, and Islamic economics. The results denote that the green economy bears tremendous potential to support economic advancement in Indonesia under an Islamic economic lens. By applying key tenets such as the obligation to safeguard nature and the judicious utilization of resources, Indonesia can cultivate a development paradigm that is sustainable and beneficial across all societal strata. This research recommends that private and public sector entities continue endorsing and integrating green economy principles moving forward. Specifically, Islamic financial instruments can be directed toward eco-friendly investments like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green technologies, and environmentally-conscious infrastructure. Such participations from Islamic economics in "greening" the economy signify promising trajectories aligning ethical and sustainable finance. As the world grapples with urgent ecological crises, policy frameworks in Indonesia should incentivize collective societal and commercial transitions toward greener fiscal practices. Islamic finance with its underlying moral philosophy can potentially transform finance itself into an apparatus upholding both economic and environmental welfare.

Grotius Contra Carneades: Natural Law and the Problem of Self-Interest

abstract: In the Prolegomena to De Jure Belli ac Pacis , Hugo Grotius expounds his theory of natural law by way of reply to a skeptical challenge from the Greek Academic Carneades. Though this dialectical context is undeniably important for understanding Grotian natural law, commentators disagree about the substance of Carneades’s challenge. This paper aims to give a definitive reading of Carneades’s skeptical argument, and, by reconstructing Grotius’s reply, to settle some longstanding debates about Grotius’s conception of natural law. I argue that Grotius held a Stoic view of natural law, endorsing both the doctrine of eudaimonism and the claim that moral obligations are natural, not grounded in divine command. Consequently, Grotius’s view of natural law has more continuity with premodern, indeed ancient, morality than is usually supposed. However, I argue that we can still understand Grotius as a founder of modern moral philosophy.

Investigating machine moral judgement through the Delphi experiment

As our society adopts increasingly powerful artificial intelligence (AI) systems for pervasive use, there are growing concerns about machine morality—or lack thereof. Millions of users already rely on the outputs of AI systems, such as chatbots, as decision aids. Meanwhile, AI researchers continue to grapple with the challenge of aligning these systems with human morality and values. In response to this challenge, we build and test Delphi, an open-source AI system trained to predict the moral judgements of US participants. The computational framework of Delphi is grounded in the framework proposed by the prominent moral philosopher John Rawls. Our results speak to the promises and limits of teaching machines about human morality. Delphi demonstrates improved generalization capabilities over those exhibited by off-the-shelf neural language models. At the same time, Delphi’s failures also underscore important challenges in this arena. For instance, Delphi has limited cultural awareness and is susceptible to pervasive biases. Despite these shortcomings, we demonstrate several compelling use cases of Delphi, including its incorporation as a component within an ensemble of AI systems. Finally, we computationally demonstrate the potential of Rawls’s prospect of hybrid approaches for reliable moral reasoning, inspiring future research in computational morality.