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

Interdependent and Indivisible

All human rights are indivisible, whether they are civil and political rights, such as the right to life, equality before the law and freedom of expression; economic, social and cultural rights, such as the rights to work, social security and education, or collective rights, such as the rights to development and self-determination. They are indivisible, interrelated and interdependent. The improvement of one right facilitates advancement of the others. Likewise, the deprivation of one right adversely affects the others.

Equal and Non-Discriminatory

Non-discrimination is a cross-cutting principle in international human rights law. The principle is present in all the major human rights treaties and provides the central... Continue reading "Core Principles of Human Rights" »

Understanding Health Insurance Basics

Medicaid vs. Medicare

Medicaid: Medical assistance for low-income persons or families. This is "means-tested," meaning eligibility is based on income.

Medicare: Health insurance for those aged 65 and older, certain individuals under 65 with disabilities, or those with End-Stage Renal Disease. Funded by employer-employee taxes from paychecks.

Medicare Parts

• Part A: Hospital Insurance
• Part B: Medical Insurance (includes options like HMO, PPO, fee-for-service)
• Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

Medigap (Medicare Supplemental Insurance)

Private insurance plans designed to fill in "gaps" not covered by Medicare.

→ Each policy typically covers one person.

Limits Set by Insurance Companies

• Per Claim Maximum: The maximum

The Making of Amends for Wrong or Injury Done - Reparation

Tending to Talk a Great Deal - Loquacious

To Prove to Be False or Erroneous, as an Opinion or Charge - Refutable

Showing Great Attention to Detail, Very Careful and Precise - Meticulous

A Right or Privilege Exclusive to a Particular Individual or Class - Prerogative

A Person New to or Inexperienced in a Field or Situation - Novice

Dangerously High or Steep - Precipitous

The Ability to Make Good Judgements and Quick Decisions, Typically in a Particular Domain - Acumen

Having or Showing a Strong or Unreasoning Desire for Revenge - Vindictive

A Spontaneous or Natural Liking Sympathy for Someone or Something - Affinity

Not Conspicuous or Attracting Attention - Unobtrusive

The Character and Atmosphere... Continue reading "Reparation, Loquacious, Refutable, and More: Vocabulary Words Explained" »

Coordinated Propositions

• Intercourse: and, or
• Dilemmas: or, or
• Adversity: but, however
• Explanation: that is, or
• Dilemma: because...because, well...well, some...others

Subordinate Clauses

Adjective Clauses

Introduced by: what, who, where, when, how, whose, which.

Noun Clauses

Introduced by: that, if, who, what, where, how, when.

Adverbial Clauses

• Time: then, later, soon, now, today, if, etc.
• Place: here, there, where, far, near, up, down, etc.
• Manner: so, as, as if, following, well, badly, fairly, etc.
• Comparison: as much as, rather than, less than, more than, equal to, greater than, less than, better than, worse than, etc.
• Cause: because, since, as, having been produced, etc.
• Consequence: so that, so, therefore, etc.
• Condition: if, provided that, etc.
• Concession:

Essential English Vocabulary

Here's a compilation of useful English words and their meanings, categorized for easier learning:

Common Verbs and Adjectives

• Over: Finished
• Complain: Say that you aren't satisfied
• Jumpers: Sweaters
• Down: Sad
• Fades: Become less bright
• Rise: Get up
• Sight: View
• Costumes: Clothes
• Tend: Are more likely
• Flicker: Move quickly
• Amazing: Wonderful
• Displays: Shows
• Dishes: Foods
• Such as: For example
• Truly: Really
• Join in: Do an activity with others
• Turn up: Arrive
• Share out: Divide
• Wet: Humid
• Cross: Angry
• Tough: Hard
• As: Because
• Harbour: Place on the coast...
• Loads: Many
• Scruffy: Dirty
• Crowded: Full
• Perform: Entertain an audience
• Stage: Platform
• Sightseeing: Visiting places
• Soak up: (British) Absorb
• Claim: Say that something is true
• Appeal: Be attractive
• Cater:

Jean-Jacques Rousseau: Philosophy of Society and Property

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) offered profound insights into human nature, the state of nature, and the origins of society. His ideas challenged conventional wisdom and continue to influence political thought.

Rousseau's State of Nature

Rousseau posited a state of nature distinct from that of his contemporaries like Hobbes. While Hobbes described a "war of all against all," Rousseau envisioned a more peaceful, pre-social existence:

• Absence of Scarcity: Unlike Hobbes, Rousseau believed the state of nature was one of abundance, where nature provided for human needs.
• Undeveloped Imagination and Desires: Early humans were simple and ignorant, their minds undeveloped. Consequently, their desires

Core Police Functions and Patrol Principles

Robert Peel's Principles

According to Robert Peel, key police functions include:

• Deterring crime
• Enhancing the feeling of public safety
• Making officers available for service

Wilson's Patrol Theory

James Q. Wilson explains that patrol aims to create an impression of police omnipresence, thereby eliminating opportunities for misconduct.

Types of Police Patrol

Hot Spot Patrol

Officers are assigned to patrol locations receiving an above-average concentration of crime. This method has proven effective in numerous studies (20-25 cited).

Foot Patrol

Officers are assigned to patrol designated areas on foot rather than in vehicles.

Organizational Styles in Policing (James Wilson)

James Q. Wilson identified three primary... Continue reading "Police Patrol Methods, Styles, and Supervision" »

Taylor on Subjective Meaning in Life

Taylor uses a paradigmatic example... it lies outside him.

Our life is like... We wonder what the point of it all is. If “the point of any living thing’s life is, evidently, nothing but life itself,” then why do we do anything at all? So then Taylor introduces the concept of impulses...

This is the “subjective meaning”: what makes our life meaningful depends upon one having the desire to do the activities that make up one's life. Taylor states that although we cannot have an objective meaning of life, we can still have subjective meaning...

Wiggins' Critique of Taylor's View

Wiggins thinks that Taylor’s position is incoherent. On Wiggins' view, a purpose has no permanence, and even if it did, its... Continue reading "Subjective vs Objective Meaning: Taylor, Wiggins & Schopenhauer" »