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How we ought to act, and why our choices matter.
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It’s time to explore key ideas and takeaways.
First, a reminder about the philosophy of journalism.
Good journalism is not the rapid delivery of conclusions, but the careful presentation of what is known, how it is known, and what remains uncertain.
With that, two “tales.”
Our first story.
From History: Born 1879.
Subject: TST Ethics.
Lived from 1879 to 1950, aged 70
Humans do not respond directly to reality. We respond to our representations of it.
Stepping back for a moment.
Clarity begins when we remember that our beliefs are models, not reality itself. When we hold our maps lightly — testing, refining, and revising them — we think more clearly and argue less blindly.
That Ethics Story,
was first published on TST 1 day ago.
Now for our second story.
From History: Born 1864.
Subject: Authority.
Lived from 1864 to 1920, aged 56 years.
His core idea is that authority depends on perceived legitimacy, not moral agreement.
In short.
Max Weber showed that people obey authority not because it is morally right, but because it appears legitimate within a recognized structure. As societies modernize, authority shifts from persons to systems. The rules, offices, and procedures make obedience feel responsible even for immoral actions.
That Ethics Story,
was first published on TST 1 week ago.
Next up. Two “quotes.”
Tidbit number three, the first of two quotes.
Subject: Stoicism.
- Reinhold Niebuhr.
- 1930s.
Ethics < Philosophy
Now, to be clear.
Just like the Serenity Prayer Stoicism focuses on the Dichotomy of Control within the “good intent-good results” framework. The good intent, such as a thoughtful actions, lead to virtue and moral. There are elements beyond one’s control, like stormy weather, rolling dice, and a cosmic landscape. The central and only focus is on things that can control.
That Ethics Quote,
was first published on TST 1 year ago.
Tidbit number four, another quote.
From History:
Subject: Law Enforcement.
- Hannah Arendt.
- 1963.
Great harm is often caused not by hatred, but by people who stop thinking and simply comply.
To be clear.
Arendt warned that history’s worst outcomes are rarely driven by monsters. They are driven by ordinary people who surrender judgment. When obedience replaces moral thinking, cruelty no longer feels like a choice—it feels like routine.
That Ethics Quote,
was first published on TST 3 weeks ago.
Finally, 4 frequently asked “questions.”
Now it is time for tidbit number five. The first of four questions.
Subject: Fear-based Ethics.
Fear-based ethics are moral systems that guide through the threat of punishment, emphasizing “consequences,” over understanding, and “obedience,” over reasoning.
From another angle.
With fear-based systems like karma and divine command, you do good acts out of fear of punishment. For this invalid argument, the solution is to shift the reason for good act to the reasons why the punishment is justified.
That Ethics FAQ,
was first published on TST 1 year ago.
Tidbit FAQ number six.
Subject: Confucius.
Ethical applied philosophy emphasizing social harmony and personal virtue.
Looked at differently.
Confucianism is an applied philosophy centered on ethical living within society. Emerging around 500 BCE and adopted by the Chinese state by 100 BCE, it teaches self-cultivation through roles and rituals (li). The goal is to become a junzi—a moral exemplar—by honoring family (xiao), practicing humaneness (ren), and maintaining harmony across relationships. Unlike Nietzsche’s inward authenticity, Confucius emphasizes moral growth through shared norms and social responsibility.
That Ethics FAQ,
was first published on TST 1 year ago.
“Done.”
This structure allows essays to remain readable and reflective, while citations stay precise, visible, and accountable.
TouchstoneTruth is a living body of work built around single ideas, each explored carefully and revised openly over time.
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(c) 2025-2026 TouchstoneTruth.
Writing and coding by Michael Alan Prestwood.
(c) 2025-2026 TouchstoneTruth.
Writing and coding by Michael Alan Prestwood.
