Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Philosophy and ethics

1. Saussure's Langue and Barthes's Myth

Langue

Saussure's concept of langue refers to the underlying system of rules and conventions that govern a language. It's the internal structure, understood by a social group, that allows for communication. While rarely consciously considered in daily life, langue provides the framework for linguistic expression.

Myth

Barthes's concept of myth builds upon Saussure's work. He argues that signs don't inherently possess meaning; meaning is arbitrary and culturally constructed. Myths are created through connotations attached to objects, making these associations feel natural. Advertisements often leverage myths to enhance product appeal.

Example of Myth in Advertising

A recent car commercial depicts a rugged,... Continue reading "Semiotics, Masculinity, and Verisimilitude in Media" »

3. What is this allegory about? What characters intervene in it? What happens to the prisoner from the beginning to the end? Could it be based on some historical character? Who?

Plato believed that we exist in a physical world, akin to a cave, where we perceive only shadows and appearances. This allegory symbolizes the state of uneducated individuals and serves as the foundation of human existence. Beyond the cave lies the realm of ideas.

The central figure in this allegory is the prisoner, who undergoes a transformative journey from darkness to enlightenment.

Initially, we find ourselves chained, fixated on a wall, perceiving mere shadows. However, through education, we can break free and venture into the outside world. Yet, upon returning to... Continue reading "The Allegory of the Cave: Exploring Plato's Metaphorical Journey" »

Theme 5: Virginia Woolf

A very simple definition of feminism would emphasize that it's about having women’s voices heard, their ideas taken seriously, and having their demands for equality and basic rights incorporated into everyday “democratic” life.

Her Story: A Feminist Perspective

The early history of feminism can be seen in the existence of a cliché word which helps to express this, known as the problem of her story. It may be something of an overused term, but it’s a useful starting point. History needed, needs, and will need to be balanced by her story.

Lana Rakow has distinguished between four feminist approaches to popular culture:

1. The recovery and reappraisal approach
2. The images and representations approach
3. The reception and experience

Job Application Essentials

Education Requirements

Lowest: High school diploma. Highest: Master's degree.

Importance of Education in Job Seeking

A worker with more skills and education has a wider range of job opportunities.

Essential Employee Skills

• Proficiency in reading to perform job duties.
• Effective communication skills.
• Basic computer skills, including data entry and retrieval.
• Fundamental work-related abilities.

Advantages of Work Experience

• Possession of proven skills and familiarity with job tasks.
• Reduced training time for new roles.
• Higher earning potential for skilled and experienced individuals.

Employer-Sought Character Traits

• Employers value hard work, honesty, dependability, and task completion.
• A positive work attitude, dedication to quality,

As the title makes plain, Thomson argues that abortion is not impermissible. More precisely, she argues for the conclusion that abortion is sometimes permissible; she grants that there are scenarios in which obtaining an abortion would be immoral. What is especially novel is the manner in which Thomson constructs her argument. She begins the essay by pointing out that the debate over abortion seems to many people to hinge on whether or not the fetus is a person. Most feel that if we could only determine the answer to that puzzle, the implications for abortion would be clear; namely, that if fetuses are persons then abortions must be impermissible, and that if fetuses are not persons then abortions must be permissible. Thomson, though, thinks

Satire

Satire refers to any writing, in poetry or prose, with the purpose to ridicule, censure (criticize unfavorably), and correct the vices, follies, stupidities, and corruptions of society that threaten good moral order and literary discipline. The best and most representative works are found in those written by Pope and Swift, two masters of satire. Some satire is meant to make us laugh at human foolishness and weaknesses; some satire is meant to make us angry about human vices and crimes. Satire can be aimed at humanity in general, stereotyped groups, or a particular person.

Techniques of Satire

There are some common techniques used in satire:

• Exaggeration: To enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so that it becomes

Ethical Theories and Philosophical Concepts

Absolute: A principle that is universally binding and may never be overridden by another principle.

Abusive Fallacy: A type of informal fallacy in which we attack an opponent’s character rather than addressing his or her conclusion.

Act Utilitarianism: The theory that states “an act is right if and only if it results in as much good as any available alternative.”

Agapeism: An ethical theory based on the principle of love. Sometimes this is based on the New Testament injunctions to love (Matt. 22:37-40, 1 Cor. 13, and 1 John 4:7-8).

Agent: In ethical discourse, the individual who acts with intention, responsibility, and effect.

Agnostic: In a religious context, designates a person who claims not to... Continue reading "Ethical Theories and Philosophical Concepts Explained" »

Animal Farm

Pride and Prejudice

Things to Keep in Mind

The Flawed Lens

• Use of different narrative styles: dialogue vs. epistolary tradition
• Both used for characterization
  • Collins' long-winded speeches are reflected in the long-winded letters, contrasted with Elizabeth and Darcy's quick-witted exchanges
• Letters: Serve as monologues and reveal inner feelings and sentiments
• Dialogue: Character interactions that develop their complexities in different scenarios
• Both serve for plot development
• Morality in Pride and Prejudice
  • Austen feared that economic considerations would overcome morality in human conduct (reflected in Wickham's mercenary personality)
  • A sense of morality is instilled in the readers as they read about the events that occur
  • The message is made more impactful