Reward as the Foundation of Ethics: A New Model for Understanding Human Motivation and Conflict Resolution

This essay presents a new ethical model based on the concept of reward as the fundamental principle of human motivation and moral action. Integrating insights from neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy, Leandro Castelluccio argues that high reward states—such as self-esteem, happiness, and inner coherence—constitute the ultimate criterion for guiding ethical decisions and social organization. This “ethics of reward” offers an alternative to both moral relativism and authoritarianism, proposing a naturalistic, rational, and empirically grounded framework for understanding human flourishing and conflict resolution in freedom. Continue reading Reward as the Foundation of Ethics: A New Model for Understanding Human Motivation and Conflict Resolution

Filosofía/Philosophy

Anger and offense: how can we understand them better and their relationship?

Anger and offense are deeply connected to self-esteem and emotional management. While anger can indicate insecurity, offense often reflects a lack of control over the impact of others’ words. This essay explores the relationship between self-esteem, aggression, and emotional resilience, advocating for a more reflective response to offenses instead of impulsive reactions, promoting a high-reward state and greater emotional autonomy. Continue reading Anger and offense: how can we understand them better and their relationship?

Filosofía/Philosophy

After the limits of capacity, what do we have left?

The essay reflects on the relationship between the complexity of human actions and self-esteem, arguing that the latter is cultivated through what we can do and our ability to scale complexity. It explores questions about the purpose of life and the problem of reaching the limits of our capabilities. The role of reward and creativity in human existence is analyzed, as well as the possibility that the nature of the universe may lead to an exhaustion of possibilities. Finally, it argues that self-esteem does not require eternity but rather the ability to create and experience new forms of reward. Continue reading After the limits of capacity, what do we have left?

Filosofía/Philosophy

A vision about ethics and morality based on science. Some reflections.

Sam Harris’ book The Moral Landscape argues that morality should be based on the well-being of conscious beings and that science can objectively determine which actions contribute to this well-being. Harris rejects moral relativism and claims that we already know enough about the brain and its relationship with the world to identify correct answers regarding morality. However, criticisms from philosophical objectivism argue that happiness is not the standard of morality but its consequence and that rational values are the true ethical foundation. The essay suggests that reward, rather than mere happiness, is the fundamental criterion of morality, highlighting self-esteem as the central axis of human well-being. Additionally, it discusses how morality could apply even to artificial intelligences with reward patterns, regardless of their subjective consciousness. Continue reading A vision about ethics and morality based on science. Some reflections.

Psicología/Psychology

The Role of False Hierarchies in Self-Esteem

he essay examines how false hierarchies negatively impact self-esteem and happiness. It highlights that these hierarchies, based on factors like status, sacrifice, or material achievements, do not contribute to real well-being. Instead, it proposes a definition of self-esteem centered on personal satisfaction derived from cultivating skills useful for facing life. It critiques the pursuit of superiority in creative or professional activities, emphasizing that such hierarchies generate dissatisfaction, envy, and unhealthy relationships. Ultimately, it underscores that true self-esteem is independent of social or professional status and is based on internal rewards from personal development. Continue reading The Role of False Hierarchies in Self-Esteem