Video - Dag Al Mani

ꕤ Dag Al Mani ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- This sounds pretty cool. No idea what they're saying. I just like the sound and energy. I think it's Jordanian. ꕤ

Modern History - Israel vs. Palestine List

ꕤ History Israel vs. Palestine Israel War of Independence (1947-1949) Jewish militias vs. Arab militias turns to war on declaration of independence of Israel & intervention of several Arab armies settlement:  1949 Armistice Agreements signed by Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria armistice lines:  the Green Line Reprisal Ops (1950s-1960s) IDF military ops response to Arab guerilla incursions from Syria, Egypt & Jordan Israel declares:  high 'blood cost' to enemy side as deterrence from future attacks Suez Crisis (1956) Egypt attacked by:  Israel, Britain & France intention to occupy Sinai Peninsula & take over Suez Canal response to Egypt decision to nationalise Suez Canal (following US-Anglo withdrawal of offer to fund Aswan Dam) Conclusion: US & USSR (Soviet Russia) forced Israeli invasion to retreat Israel reopened Straits of Tiran & pacified southern border ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Six Day War (1967) Israel vs Egypt, Jordan & Syria (contributors:  Iraq, Saudi Arab, Kuwait & Algeria) Conclusion:  territory held by Israel expanded significantly -->  The Purpose Line West Bank (incl. East Jerusalem) - taken from Jordan Golan Heights - taken from Syria Sinai & Gaza - taken from Egypt ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- War of Attrition (1967-1970) Egyptians seek to recapture Sinai from Israel Egypt Jordan Syria PLO USSR ceasefire 1970 - frontiers remain same ---------------------- ꕤ ----------------------   Operation Gift (1968) 29 Dec. 1968 Israeli IDF commandos destroy 12 passenger aircraft 2 cargo planes at Beirut International Airport response to attack on:  Israeli Airliner El Al Flight 253 by Palestinian Lebanon-based militant org:  Popular Front for Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) 29 Dec. 1968 Israeli commandos destroy 14 aircraft #Lebanon 12 passenger aircraft + 2 cargo planes @ $43.8 million - British insurers would not cover all https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1968_Israeli_raid_on_Lebanon   ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Yom kuppur War (1973) 20-days Arab states coalition led by Egypt & Syria seek to recapture territories seized by Israel 6-Day War (1967) surprise attack Arab forces defeated no significant territorial changes ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Palestinian Insurgency  - South Lebanon (1971-1982) PLO relocated from Jordan to South Lebanon base for international ops attacks on Galilee, northern Israel Galilee 1948 Arab–Israeli war outcome: nearly the whole of Galilee came under Israel control large portion of the population fled or was forced to leave leaving dozens of entire villages empty large Israeli-Arab community remained based in and near the cities: Nazareth, Acre, Tamra, Sakhnin, & Shefa-'Amr ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Israel response:  Op Litani (1978) first Israel large-scale invasion of Lebanon IDF seek to expel PLO from Lebanon ground & rocket attacks from Lebanon Israel retaliation escalation --> leads to:  Lebanon War (1982) ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Lebanon War (1982) IDF invade southern Lebanon to expel PLO Israeli response to: 1.  terror attacks on northern Israel 2.  assassination attempt against Shlomo Argov, Israel to UK ambassador assassination attempt by:   Abu Nidal org Result: 1) exclusion of PLO from southern Lebanon 2) 'Israeli Security Zone' in southern Lebanon     (ie Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon)     IDF was allied with Christian militias     Israel eventually withdrew troops, May 2000 ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- South Lebanon Conflict (1982-2000) 20 years of warfare Israel IDF + Israel proxy (Lebanese Christian militias) vs. Muslim guerrillas (led by Iran-backed Hezbollah) in Israeli occupied southern Lebanon, claimed as 'security zone' ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- First Intifada (1987-1993) 6 years large-scale Palestinian uprising against Israel West Bank & Gaza Strip ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Second Intifada (2000-2005) large-scale Palestinian uprising against Israel ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Lebanon War (2006) Israeli military op response to abduction x2 Israeli reservists by Hezbollah led to wider confrontation Hezbollah vs IDF UN brokered ceasefire thereafter, Israel lifted naval blockade of Lebanon result: 1)  pacification of southern Lebanon 2)  weakness of Hezbollah (serious casualties) ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Gaza War (2008-2009) Dec-Jan - 3-week armed conflict Israel vs Hamas escalation of Israel-Palestine conflict rocket fire from Gaza Strip Israel response:  Op Cast Lead Op Cast Lead:  surprise Israel air-strike on Gaza Strip Israel attacked: military targets civilian targets police stations government buildings in opening assault ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- 2013 - Peaceful Period x50 rockets by Palestine x10 Israel air-strikes x44 Palestinians killed 100 plus Palestinians injured x6  Israel fatalities (x5 West Bank) x44 Israel injuries  Israel | Palestine 6 / 44 deaths 44 / 100 injuries ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Operation Pillar of Defence (2012) Israel military offensive on Gaza Strip 8-day IDF op killing of Ahmed Jabari, chief Hamas launch of large numbers of Hamas rockets IED explosion on Israeli side of tunnel under Israeli Est Bank barrier Hamas alleges:  IDF attacks on Gaza civilians in lead-up to op Hamas cites:  blockade of Gaza Strip & Occupation West Bank & East Jerusalem as reason for rocket attacks Hamas fired: over 1,456 rockets into Israel Op Pillar of Defence: IDF struck over 1,500 sites in Gaza Strip result:  Israel rockets killed x3 Israeli civilians a home in Kiryat Malachi received a direct hit Palestine UNHCR report: 174 Palestinians were killed 100s wounded large number of families displaced Israeli operation condemned by: Iran Russia Egypt Turkey + several other Arab & Muslim countries ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Operation Brother's Keeper IDF initiated 11-day op in search of x3 kidnapped Israeli teenagers 350 Palestinians arrested arrest of nearly all Hamas West Bank leaders x5 Palestinians killed Hamas denied responsibility for kidnapping suspect confessed under Israel Shin Bet (internal security) heavy torture ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Gaza War (2014) Operation Protective Edge (2014) Miv'tza Tzuk Eitan (lit. Operation Strong Cliff) 50-day war Israel military offensive on Gaza Strip lead-up: kidnap & murder x3 Israeli teenagers kidnap & murder of Palestinian teenager increased rocket attacks on Israel by Hamas J. J. Goldberg, editor Forward:  Israel military indictment contains no evidence of orders from Hamas --> kidnapping organised by lone actors assumed that kidnappers planned prisoner swap Israel kills x2 suspects in shoot-out first suspect (lone-acting, member of Hamas) imprisoned - x3 life terms (+ compensation) Israel targeted destruction of homes of Hamas and other militia members violates international humanitarian law -- > constitute war crimes    [wikipedia] ** this is not full extent of the alleged war crimes 3,700 rockets fired towards Israel 32 Hamas tunnels destroyed by Israel 750 Palestinians - alleged Hamas militants & commanders killed by Israel 2014 Gaza War - COSTS Palestinians killed: 2,139 Palestinian children killed: 490 Israeli soldiers killed: 64 Israeli civilians killed: 6 Israeli children killed: 1 Palestinians wounded: 11,000 Palestinian children wounded: 3,000 Gaza residents displaced: Up to 500,000 Homes destroyed in Gaza: 20,000 Source: UN via Independent:  Independent Other cost:  international aid Israel  |  Palestine 71 dead / 2,193 dead ? wounded  / 11,000 wounded ? displaced / 500,000 displaced https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wars_involving_Israel ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- COMMENT Most of the above info is as per the Wikipedia entries. It's just my summary, in the hope of remembering some of this. Figures haven't been double-checked and I've not looked further  into the war crimes issue. ꕤ

West Bank - IDF Beating & Torturing Detainees

ꕤ West Bank SOURCE   |  here SOURCE   |  here If this hasn't properly loaded, click on the source link to view video clip at source. [It's driving me bananas not knowing if it's loaded or not.  I've done a conversion, but I still can't see clip on this blog without a plug-in.] The clip caught my attention because it looked brutal. ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Meanwhile, Israel cabinet approves law against anti-government non-government organisations (NGOs) [27.12.2015 - spiegel.de] Brief video clip of the preceding NGO debate on Israeli TV below: [It sounds like 'sheshen' is 'six' in Hebrew] Israel Hayom http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=30405 27.12.2015 Newsletter Monday December 14, 2015 Likud MK seeks to label foreign-funded NGOs as 'plants' MK Yoav Kisch introduces a bill that aims to curtail nongovernmental organizations funded mostly by foreign governments, as they "represent foreign political interests," use funds to promote anti-Israel propaganda • "We have to put a stop to it," he says. Gideon Allon and Israel Hayom Staff Likud MK Yoav Kisch on Sunday introduced a legislation proposal seeking to label nongovernmental organizations operating in Israel while receiving the majority of their funding from foreign governments as "plants" or "agents" of the governments funding them. The bill seeks to impose stricter record keeping and reporting guideline on such NGOs, and bar them from fostering collaborations with government ministries and the military, unless specifically authorized by the Justice Ministry. The bill's abstract further says the legislation seeks to allow both the "proper authorities and the public with tools to counter the erosion of democracy and the promotion of and internal delegitimization of the State of Israel, funded by foreign political entities." The proposal suggests any infringement by NGOs on the new guidelines will incur a 100,000 shekel ($26,000) fine, and that should any group be linked "to hostile activities, the Registrar of Associations will be able to petition the court for its dissolution." Kisch's legislation proposal states, "There are various associations operating in the State of Israel that receive support and funding from foreign political entities, making them 'plants' in the midst of Israeli society. These groupers effectively represent foreign political interests, as he who has the money has the final say. "There is a clear phenomenon in Israel by which these foreign interests undermine Israel's ability to defend itself and/or jeopardizes its Jewish and democratic character. While these associations promote foreign interests they still qualify for various exemptions, despite the fact the Israeli public is harmed, directly, by their actions," the bill said. "A democracy has to be able to defend itself," Kisch explained. "It's inconceivable that foreign-funded NGOs use those funds to spread lies and anti-Israel propaganda worldwide. "We will not allow foreign funding of this nature to attack Israeli soldiers, urge boycotts against Israel, and supporting terrorism or enemy states under the guise of a legitimate Israeli association. We have to put a stop to it," he said. http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=30405 Haaretz http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.694082?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter NGO Bill: Assault on Democracy or Legitimate Effort to Guard Against Foreign Intervention? The controversial non-profit bill that got the backing of a ministerial panel on Sunday will remain a subject of heated debate but is expected to pass in some form. Haaretz Dec 27, 2015 4:33 PM A bill that would require non-profit organizations that get more than half their funding from foreign governments to disclose that in various contexts passed a major legislative hurdle on Sunday. It received the backing of the Ministerial Committee for Legislation. Approval by the committee means that it now has the backing of the governing coalition, making it likely that it will pass in some form, although it could be subject to changes before final passage. Sponsored by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of the Habayit Hayehudi party, the bill is widely seen as an effort to draw attention to left-wing organizations that get funding from foreign governments. The activities of left-wing organizations have been in the headlines recently in part over funding some of them receive from foreign governments, notably European ones, a situation that critics call an improper effort by the governments to influence the Israeli public agenda. Opponents of the legislation call it an anti-democratic attempt to stigmatize left-wing groups and point out that right-wing Israeli non-profit organizations also get substantial funding from abroad, although that money is not from foreign governments, coming instead from individual donors abroad, notably from Diaspora Jewish donors. As currently drafted, the bill proposed by Shaked would require representatives of organizations receiving over half their support from foreign governments to wear tags with the name and the group they represent when they attend Knesset sessions, as is currently required of Knesset lobbyists. Violations of the law would be punished by barring the representatives' access to the Knesset. The bill would also require the groups to disclose in their official publicity that they get more than half their funds from foreign governments, along with disclosing the donor governments by name. Violations of this provision would be subject to a 29,000 shekel ($7,450) fine. "Any country wishing to protect its sovereignty must put limits on intervention by foreign entities," Shaked said, adding that false information spread by non-profit groups "pretending to represent Israel's interests but which actually are financed by foreign countries that exploit these groups to suit their agenda" constitute a weapon directed against Israel. But for his part, Zionist Union party leader Isaac Herzog called the bill "a serious stain on democracy," while his party colleague Nachman Shai warned that it would provide "ammunition to those calling for Israel's isolation." At the beginning of the month, four senior lawmakers from Germany warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that advancement of the legislation would make it harder for Israel's allies in Germany to aid it in the face of boycotts or attempts to delegitimize it. Tzipi Livni, who is co-leader of the Zionist Union along with Herzog, has submitted her own bill that would require disclosure by non-profits that get sizeable foreign government support but also require groups that depend upon individual donors from abroad to disclose it, in practice also imposing legislative regulation on right-wing groups. Justice Minister Shaked's office said including recipients of contributions from individual donors from abroad was considered but was not pursued because of legal hurdles that it presented. Im Tirtzu vs. Breaking the Silence The right-wing political group Im Tirtzu recently made headlines for a video it released stigmatizing leaders of left-wing organizations that it said received substantial foreign government funding as foreign "moles." Breaking the Silence, a group founded by Israel Defense Force veterans to expose misconduct by the Israeli army in the territories, has been a particular focus of public criticism. Representatives of the group have been barred by Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon from sending representatives onto army bases and by Education Minister Naftali Bennett from appearing in the country's public schools. The Breaking the Silence website states that among the financial support that it receives are funds from the governments of Norway, Spain and Switzerland as well as a number of foreign private foundations. Prior to the vote in the ministerial committee, Michael Oren, who is a former Israeli ambassador to the United States and is now member of the Knesset from the Kulanu party, which is a part of the governing coalition, said he could not vote in favor of the bill as currently drafted. "As someone who has worked his entire life to advance the State of Israel's foreign affairs, my conscience does not allow me to vote for the non-profits bill as it is drafted today."  Oren said.  "The non-profits bill that is reaching a vote at the Ministerial Committee for Legislation today is a bill that could harm Israel's foreign relations and image," he added. "I have no doubt that left-wing non-profits such as Breaking the Silence are working to undermine the legitimacy of the State of Israel, and it is our duty as lawmakers to reveal their funding sources to the public. But such one-sided exposure, which ignores the funding sources of extreme-right non-profits, might play exactly into the hands of those elements that are trying to boycott us," Oren said. http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.694082?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter SUMMARY - Haaretz info Summary (Parliament) Knesset lobbyists to wear name tags with name of group they represent NGOS receiving over half their support from foreign govts to wear name tags with name of govt they receive funding from violations result in barred access to parliament (Knesset) & in monetary fines right-wing groups receving money from individual donors abroad are exempt from same standard Breaking the Silence group founded by IDF veterans (donors include Norway, Spain & Switzerland govts) expose misconduct of IDF *barred from sending representatives to army bases *barred from appearing at Israel's public schools legislation will be targeted by BDS campaigners German law-makers already notified Israel difficult to defend COMMENT The above video clip of Palestinians being beaten by Israeli soldiers is pretty sickening to watch.  After the initial viewing, I couldn't view again. I've seen other things (eg. IDF soldiers beating up an old Palestinian man about to have his house demolished, and an IDF soldier striking an old woman), so it's not like this is an aberration.  And the bet is that what I've seen is just a fraction of the brutality. Also, I tend to avoid looking at what is happening in territories occupied by Israel, because I can't handle the dissonance.  The image I have of Israel is of its ancient history, its Temple, its songs and things that are pleasant ... seeing old people getting beaten ruins that. It's very unpleasant to see this kind of brutality, and it's impossible not to be appalled and sorry for the Palestinians that are being mistreated. Norway, Spain or Switzerland government funding of Israeli NGOs is far less of a potential 'de-legitimiser' of Israel than what the IDF have been caught doing to civilians in Palestine. For a country that has so many pro-Israel interest groups abroad lobbying other governments on its behalf, and for a country whose organisations are involved in, basically, a program of indoctrinating Western journalists and politicians by hosting 'educational' visits to Israel (including an Israeli hospital where Israel's been patching up Syrian 'rebels' - ie anti-Syrian government Islamists), it's somewhat hypocritical of Israel to put up barriers to NGOs that receive funding from other government organisations (while shielding Israel's right-wing NGOs from being subject to the similar measures). But Israel can always be counted on to do the rational thing:  ie. to act in its own interests and in pursuit of its own aims. In an ideal world, this is how one handles foreign interests potentially asserting influence on internal affairs, and this is how one handles fifth column elements within one's state. But, as mentioned in the article, this will be something the BDS campaigners might wish to exploit, especially considering Israel's strong reliance on representing itself as a democracy. I highly doubt that the governments of Norway, Spain and Switzerland are actually seeking to undermine or de-legitimise Israel in any way, but the intention isn't relevant if the result is seen as the undermining of Israel's interests and aims. This is a brilliant move on Israel's part to de-legitimise, diminish and silence leftist internal critics -- particularly critics of Israel's military (and occupation territory settlements, I'm guessing). But will it backfire?  Spiegel Google Translation German to English https://archive.is/I2UoD ꕤ

Assange - Denied Medical Treatment

ꕤ Article SOURCE 'Navidad con Assange' / 'Assange Christmas' Spanish:  http://www.entornointeligente.com/articulo/7609906/-26122015 English Google trans: https://archive.is/jium4 EXTRACT ONLY GOOGLE TRANSLATION SPANISH / ENGLISH Saturday, December 26, 2015 But the decline is evident. He can barely move his right shoulder because of pain that came and visited the doctors who have been unable to diagnose, partly because the British authorities do not allow him to move to a medical center to get an MRI or CT scan. He has a broken tooth that bit by something hard in [his] food during a brief stay in a British prison. An extraction or at least a root canal is needed, but his request to visit a dental office has also been rejected. To ease your pain take pills every day. For a time his doctors gave him morphine, but months ago they changed the drug, he says, without the change will produce a withdrawal. Has spent two years trying to get a doctor to treat him, beyond the informal visit, because several British and German doctors who had consulted refused because his insurance did not cover the Ecuadorian jurisdiction and because they feared that association with Assange could hurt them professionally. These potentially dangerous physical ailments increasingly noticeable pale from lack of sunlight and an obvious lack of muscle tone due to lack of exercise add up. As the embassy is located on the ground floor, more than three years since climbs a ladder ago. Before hurting his shoulder practiced boxing with a Wikileaks volunteer working life bodyguard wins, but since then the only activity performed is walking and jogging on a treadmill. Which it makes less and less because the tape will reinforce the feeling of confinement because he did not go anywhere and do not enlarge the objects as you go on your walk and approaches them, as would happen if he were released. Near him they say that Assange has lost all notion of time and space, spends hours without realizing that evening turns into night and despite his inactivity slimline because rarely remembers eating until one of his staff tells you. As he has received multiple death threats, even threats of crazy Americans ... English Google trans: https://archive.is/jium4 'Christmas With Assange' Open Democracy - English Translation (Full Article) https://www.opendemocracy.net/democraciaabierta/santiago-odonnell/christmas-with-assange ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- COMMENT Article isn't easy reading because it's only a Google translate from Spanish. I've only plucked out these bits that relate to Assange health concerns. Getting medical treatment, as an assylee in an embassy, isn't straightforward. It doesn't help that the British are denying Assange access to medical treatment. The British are obviously determined not to let up on the political persecution (and the pressure) they are subjecting him to, ahead of intended arrest and extradition. Ireland, surely there's an ex-IRA dentist that's willing to pull out a tooth, and maybe an ex-IRA doctor that's not afraid of attending the Ecuador embassy in London? Otherwise:  doctors campaigning re full inquiry into Dr David Kelly's death, might not be too intimated by the state (and might be worth approaching, by the sound of them):   2004 and 2013. ꕤ

Corsica, France - Fruits of Unwanted Multiculturalism

ꕤ Article SOURCE https://www.rt.com/news/327182-corsica-bans-protests-france/ Corsica bans all rallies following series of violent anti-Muslim protests Published time: 27 Dec, 2015 10:07 The French island of Corsica has banned all demonstrations in a low-income neighborhood of its capital Ajaccio recently plagued by violent anti-Muslim protests, including the ransacking of a Muslim prayer house, and burning copies of the Koran. The decree banning protests in the volatile neighborhood of Jardins de l'Empereur until January 4 was issued by Corsica’s prefect Christophe Mirmand. “It is an order that was taken last night as part of a state of emergency… Instigation of hatred is an offence that can lead to criminal proceedings,” he said, as cited by France Info. He said ealier that police from mainland France have been called into Ajaccio, and prayer rooms and mosques were being guarded. Speaking on French iTELE he confirmed that two separate investigations have been launched into an attack on firefighters and the ransacking of the Muslim prayer house. READ MORE: Dozens take part in fresh anti-Muslim protest in Corsica after attack on prayer hall (VIDEO) Tensions mounted in Ajaccio after a night of violence when two firefighters and a police officer were injured in what the authorities described as ambushes by “several hooded youths” in the low-income neighborhood. On Friday, an angry mob retaliating over the attacks on the firefighters and ransacked a Muslim prayer house. The protests continued on Saturday when a group of 100-300 people marched in Ajaccio, shouting anti-Muslim slogans. READ MORE: Muslim prayer hall damaged, copies of Koran burnt in overnight rampage in Corsica Local police put at least five Muslim prayer houses in Ajaccio under protection and maintained a presence on the housing estate. Anti-Muslim sentiment is rising in France following the terrorist attacks on November 13 in Paris that killed 130 people. The Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for the violence in the French capital. Corsica, a small Mediterranean island, has a long history of nationalistic movements, which occasionally lead to violence. Anti-immigrant and nationalist parties performed well during last month's regional election, giving the department its first-ever nationalist government. https://www.rt.com/news/327182-corsica-bans-protests-france/ ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- COMMENT The result of unregulated immigration and imposed 'multiculturalism'. Sounds rather unpleasant for all concerned. ꕤ

Video - Losing My Religion - Tehran Iran Footage

ꕤ Losing My Religion {Tehran #Iran Footage} R.E.M. ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Tombak Solo by Mohammad Reza Mortazavi CODEX shish-hashtom/part 4 (2013)  تمبک - محمد رضا مرتضوی Mohammed Reza Mortazavi more info  | link ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- 'Seda Kon Mara' 1973 (Call My Name) عباس مهرپویا  Songwriter:  Parviz Vakili, Persian Poet Composer:  Mehrpouya ꕤ

History - Civilisation

ꕤ History Civilisation Earliest Primary (Pristine) States Mesopotamia ca. 3700 BC Egypt ca. 3300 BC Indus Valley ca. 2500 BC India ca. 1700 BC China ca. 1600 BC Directly or indirectly fostered emergence of secondary states via interaction with less developed neighbours trade warfare migration general ideological influence ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- One of major milestones in evolution of polities / societies is development of states, as follows: large-scale populous politically centralised socially stratified polities/societies governed by powerful rulers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sovereign_states_in_the_11th_century_BC polity (pl. polities) 1. form of government of a nation, state, church or organisation 2. organised society (eg nation) having specific form of govt fm. Old French, fm Late Latin: politia (the Roman government) see 'police' police fm. Old French, civil organisation fm. Late Latin, politia (the Roman govt) fm. Latin, 'the State' fm. Greek, politeia fm. polites, citizen fm. polis, city-state source | here Politeia ancient Greek used in Greek political thought esp.  Plato & Aristotle  fm. polis ('city-state') Politeia range of meanings: from 'the rights of citizens' to a 'form of government' Politeia ancient Greek government ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- Aristotle 'Politics, Nicomachean Ethics, Constitution of Athens' (& other works) used Greek word for constitution (politeia) in several senses simplest, most neutral descriptive: 'arrangement of offices in a polis (state)' Source | here Aristotle: Politics 'Nicomachean Ethics' (384-322 BCE) happy life intended for man by nature: one lived in accordance with virtue 'Politics' ideal:  community of 'virtuous citizens' analysis of kinds of political community his time belief in the inferiority of women approval of slavery describes role that politics & political community must play in facilitating 'virtuous life' in citizenry sees connection re well-being of political community + citizens belief citizens must actively participate in politics for happiness and virtue analysis of what causes & prevents revolution inspiration for many contemporary theorists esp. those dissatisfied with liberal political philosophy (liberal promoted by, eg. John Locke & John Stuart Mill) http://www.iep.utm.edu/aris-pol/ Virtue Ethics one of x3 major approaches in normative ethics normative ethics - study of ethical action branch of philosophical ethics investigates set of questions arising when considering how one ought to act, morally speaking attempt to provide a general theory indicating how we ought to live involves arriving at moral standards regulating 'right' & 'wrong' conduct theories are abstract conceptual constructs that attempt to describe & explain certain phenomena normative ethical theories represent systematic attempts to describe and explain moral or ethical phenomena in normative ethical theories, possible to isolate a tripartite structure that comprises: a moral standard general moral principles particular moral principles and judgements Moral Standard moral standard provides the criteria re generation of moral principles and moral judgements ie. specifies what characteristics all moral actions must possesses utilitarian moral standard: actions are moral to the degree that consequences produce most happiness moral standards generate: general moral principles (in turn) general moral principles generate: particular moral principles and judgements MORAL STANDARD | GENERAL MORAL PRINCIPLES | PARTICULAR MORAL PRINCIPLES AND JUDGEMENTS Figure 1. The Levels In Normative Moral Theories http://www2.onu.edu/~m-dixon/handouts/ethical%20theories.html particular moral standards distinguish normative theories theories (whether scientific or ethical) are all built on basic assumptions (conceptual foundations) in science, assumptions = basic presuppositions re material universe in ethical theories, basic assumptions regarding 'moral domain' (nature, structure, applications) standards that underlie moral theories distinguished by basic assumptions re: 1. specific element (focused upon re 'moral evaluation') 2. definitions of 'good' and 'right' 3. if ethical knowledge based in experience or reason (or combination) distinguish between elements: 1. motive 2. intention 3. character 4. action 5. characteristics  (eg obligation, permissible, impermissible action) 6. consequences *motive & intention are technically subtle difference (& problematic) DUTY / OBLIGATION - 'right' prior to 'good' Deontological ethics normative ethical position judges morality of action based on action's adherence to a rule (or rules) says: some acts are inherently 'moral' or 'immoral' says: reason, intuition or 'moral' sense reveals what is 'right' says: own interests/happiness have no relevance ('duty' prevails) says: 'moral' (ie 'right') = observe 'moral duties', 'right' intentions END PURPOSE / ENDS - 'good' prior to 'right' Teleology belief phenomena are best explained in terms of purpose rather than cause theory of morality that derives 'duty' or 'moral obligation' from what is 'good' or 'desirable' as an end to be achieved [britannica] x2 main types of theory brought under rubric (classification) of teleological ethics = Utilitarianism & varieties of ancient Greek virtue ethics www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Teleological_ethics teleological ethics theory of ethics (as utilitarianism or ethical egoism) 'rightness' of an act is determined by its end www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/teleological%20ethics [Greek teleios, teleos, perfect, complete (from telos, end, result) [source: tfd]] says: no acts are inherently 'moral' or 'immoral' says: experience, rather than reason, reveals what is 'good' says: own/other equal consideration, evaluation says: 'moral' (ie 'good') = act to maximise happiness in end result action SOURCE (predominantly) http://www2.onu.edu/~m-dixon/handouts/ethical%20theories.html [wikipedia & various other at start] DOWNLOAD - e-book 'Politics' Aristotle Translated by Benjamin Jowett University of Adelaide, Australia https://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/a/aristotle/a8po/ ---------------------- ꕤ ---------------------- COMMENT Wow, that was fun. Started off looking for maps of Egypt when Ramesses III was around, and it sort of evolved from there. Not sure that I'm up for all that reading.  And I'm not sure I like Aristotle.  Women and slaves aren't the problem. All that 'virtue' stuff sounds unpleasant to me.  Is there a third way? Quickly skimmed the philosophy of ethics info.  Not sure I'll remember much of it.  But I'm not that hung up on ethics, so it doesn't matter. I'm inclined to think that you cannot have blanket ethics rules, because all things are not equal and each situation demands specific responses.  I'm talking about affairs of the state types of situations (rather than everyday existence, which is probably automatic).  That's my gut feeling, but I haven't really given this a whole heap of thought. Also, I don't think 'nature' intended man to live in massive societies that consume and breed on a massive scale, and destroy nature for the enrichment of an elite few.  But 'nature' probably doesn't 'intend' anything.  Nature just is. Might skim some of Aristotle's 'Politics' ... after I edit Ramesses III's GIF to my satisfaction, because it's an action that will result in greater good.  And it's more fun.  ;) ꕤ