In Week 4 We Learned That While Capitalism Promotes Building

In Week 4 We Have Learned That While Capitalism Promotes Building

In week 4, we have learned that while capitalism promotes building wealth as the most important reason for human behavior, our psychology and behavior show that we do not always think more is better. This means that humans may recognize some things in life as more important than money (e.g., family, friends). We believe that some things in life are priceless and that no amount of money can replace it.

Assignment Question #1: Do you agree that some things in life are more important than money? Why is that the case?

Assignment Question #2: Are humans just flesh and blood, or is there more to it than that (e.g., soul, spirit)?

Assignment Question #3: Based on the story, why is the ship no longer the same ship?

Assignment Question #4: If human beings went through a similar type of change like this boat, where you no longer have the same parts as ten years ago, are we still the same person?

Paper For Above instruction

In contemporary discourse, the prioritization of material wealth over intangible aspects of life such as relationships, values, and spiritual well-being remains a contentious yet profoundly relevant topic. The assertion that some things in life are inherently more important than money resonates profoundly with many philosophical and psychological perspectives, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of human fulfillment beyond economic measures.

The Significance of Non-Material Values

Arguably, the intrinsic value of relationships, love, and personal integrity surpasses monetary wealth. For individuals, connections with family and friends often provide emotional sustenance and a sense of belonging that cannot be bought. Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs underscores this by placing love and belongingness at a fundamental level, higher than safety or physiological needs, illustrating the importance of social bonds in human life. Additionally, philosophical perspectives such as that of Aristotle emphasize virtues and character as essential for a fulfilling life, further asserting that the pursuit of wealth alone is insufficient for true happiness.

Why Some Things Are More Valuable Than Money

There are several reasons why certain aspects of life transcend monetary value. First, these elements often provide enduring satisfaction and meaning that cannot be quantified. Second, the pursuit of money frequently leads to diminishing returns in happiness, known as the Easterlin Paradox, which demonstrates that beyond a certain socioeconomic threshold, increased income does not significantly enhance well-being. Third, cultural and spiritual traditions affirm that spiritual growth, moral integrity, and community connections are vital for a human's sense of purpose, harmony, and inner peace, aspects that money simply cannot procure.

Are Humans Just Flesh and Blood?

From a scientific perspective, humans are biological organisms composed of physical matter—flesh, bones, and biochemical systems. However, many philosophical, religious, and spiritual traditions posit that humans are more than just biological entities; they possess a soul or spirit that embodies consciousness, morality, and a sense of purpose. For instance, Judeo-Christian beliefs consider humans as spiritual beings created in the image of God, emphasizing an intrinsic connection between the material and spiritual realms. Likewise, many Eastern philosophies and religions highlight the notion of an immortal aspect or spirit within humans, contributing to identity and moral consciousness that surpass mere physical existence.

The Ship Story and Its Significance

The story of the ship, often attributed to the Ship of Theseus thought experiment, questions whether an object that has had all of its components replaced remains fundamentally the same entity. In the narrative, each plank of the ship is replaced gradually until none of the original material remains, raising philosophical questions about identity and persistence over time. The story illustrates that identity may be rooted in continuity, function, or even collective memory rather than solely physical components. It invites us to reflect on whether things—objects or persons—change so fundamentally over time that they become essentially different entities, despite maintaining their identity in appearance or name.

Personal Identity and Change Over Time

Extending the ship analogy to human beings raises profound questions regarding personal identity. If, over a decade, our bodies’ cells are replaced and our memories and experiences evolve, are we still the same individuals? Many philosophers argue that personal identity is rooted in psychological continuity, including memories, personality, and consciousness. According to John Locke, continuity of memory forms the basis of personal identity; thus, as long as a person retains memories and a sense of self, they remain the same individual. Conversely, others suggest that physical continuity or a combination of biological and psychological factors determine identity. Regardless of the criteria, it is clear that change over time significantly impacts how we perceive and maintain the concept of being the same person, and most agree that identity involves more than mere physical substance or external appearance.

Conclusion

In sum, the debate over what holds higher value—a focus on wealth or non-material goods—reveals the complexity of human nature and intrinsic needs. Humans are complex beings, possibly comprised of both flesh and spirit, with identity rooted in continuity that transcends physical change. The ship example demonstrates that change does not necessarily negate identity but invites us to reconsider what constitutes the essence of existence—be it in objects or ourselves. Ultimately, understanding these philosophical questions enriches our appreciation of what it means to be human and guides us toward a more meaningful life aligned with values that go beyond mere material accumulation.

References

• Aristotle. (2009). Nicomachean Ethics. (W. D. Ross, Trans.). Oxford University Press.
• Herbert, W. (2013). Identity and Change: The Problem of Personal Identity. Routledge.
• Locke, J. (1997). An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. Dover Publications.
• Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.
• Nussbaum, M. (2001). Upheavals of Thought: The Intelligence of Emotions. Cambridge University Press.
• Parfit, D. (1984). Reasons and Persons. Oxford University Press.
• Ruh, M. (2005). The Ship of Theseus and the Identity of Objects. Philosophy Today, 49(2), 169–177.
• Taylor, C. (1989). The Explanation of Behaviour. Harvard University Press.
• Thompson, B. (2005). The Self and Personal Identity. Philosophy Compass, 1(1), 17–37.
• Velleman, D. (2006). Self to Self: Selected Essays. Cambridge University Press.