Notes, abstracts, papers, exams and problems of Philosophy and ethics

Immanuel Kant (18th century)

Regarded as one of the greatest philosophers in history, he came up with a brilliant set of ideas which formed his philosophy. He made a distinction between material ethics and formal ethics. Material ethics try to change how humans are for what they ought to be using virtue as a tool for such a goal. The problem here for Kant is that humans do not usually agree on what they should be. Some humans look for happiness while others for saintliness, heroism, or pleasure. It is virtually impossible to reach a consensus on this matter. To solve this problem, Kant tries to provide a formula which he calls categorical imperative. He takes this imperative from the gospel: treat others the way you want yourself to be treated.

The Biological Dimension of the Human Being

Non-Evolutionist Theories

Creationism

This theory asserts that the world and all living things were created by God from nothingness. This theory is the basis of many religious doctrines, not only of Christianity.

1. All living species were created separately by God from nothingness in the beginning of times. So they are not related nor derive ones from others.
2. God created mankind in his own image. So the human being plays a special role in the divine creation.

Fixism

Pseudo-scientific theory formulated by Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) which states that species, both plant and animal, do not evolve, but remain unchanged in time. To explain the fact, as evidenced by the fossils, of the disappearance of certain species... Continue reading "Anthropology: Exploring the Biological, Cultural, and Philosophical Dimensions of Humanity" »

Causal Law

Scientific law that establishes a relationship between phenomena in such a way that if the phenomenon considered to be a cause takes place, the phenomenon that is considered to be an effect will also take place.

Cause

Event or action capable of producing or originating another different event, which is referred to as effect. Given that the cause of an event allows to explain a certain effect, the term is also used to refer to the reason for its taking place.

Chaos

Amorphous, undefined state that was supposed to occur before the cosmos existed. If the term “cosmos” refers to the ordered Universe, in Greek mythology the term “chaos” refers to the state of disarray that precedes the formation of the Universe. The term then evolved... Continue reading "Understanding Key Philosophical and Anthropological Concepts" »

Test2

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9 mind-according-for-without-part-not-into-little

17complexities-misled-politicians-incredibly

assumptions-impair-repeatedly-infinite

25mean that it is difficult:::to reach

to the exhibition is restricted to:::visitors who

for Stevie's prompt action:::in putting

is every possibility that taxes will rise

had left with no choice but than to accept

have got into the habit of

Test3

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9 if-so-where-with-or-nothing-back-in

17environmentally-recycling-undrinkable-consequences

expectancy-diagnosis-certainty-speculative

25 yourself be taken in by

waited for Sophie to finish her homework before

last thing I want is for

to have sustained a loss of

would have been better if I had

kept in contact with

Test4

1distance(c)-b-a-... Continue reading "Listening Science Lecturer: Test2, Test3, Test4" »

211.CAPRICIOUS And

212.MERCURIAL – both mean very changeable and impulsive; Caesar’s statues.

213.ENMITY And

214.ANIMUS – both mean a feeling of intense dislike and animosity.

215.INTRACTABLE And

216.INTRANSIGENT – both describe behavior that is stubborn, obstinate and unyieldingly persistent; Obdurate.

217.PAINSTAKING And

218.METICULOUS – both mean very careful and precise; exacting.

219.LOQUACIOUS And

220.GARRULOUS – both mean very talkative.

221.TENDENTIOUS And

222.PARTISAN – both describe strong and biased views on controversial issues.

223.CASTIGATE And

224.EXCORIATE – both mean to express very strong and harsh disapproval.

225.DEXTEROUS And

226.ADROIT – both mean skillful.

227.HISTRIONIC And

228.OVERWROUGHT – both describe an exaggerated... Continue reading "qdcq" »

Sociable: Someone who likes meeting new people

egotistical: A girl who expresses a high opinion of herself.

Supporitve : Someone who encourages others to achieve thei goals.

Stingy : A man or woman who doesn´t like giving things to people

Modest : Someone eho likes to be quiet and relaxed

unreliable: Aperson who doesn´t do what he or she has promised

Tempreamental: Someone that has a very unpredictable mood

Intolerant: Aperson who doesn´t accept other people differences.

Easygoing: Aperson that has a good relationship with everyone.

Dividends

• Unless a dividend is declared by the board of directors of a corporation, it is not a liability of the corporation (A corporation cannot default on an undeclared dividend)
• The payment of dividends by the corporation is not a business expense. (Therefore, they are not tax-deductible)
• Dividends received by individual shareholders are, for the most part, considered ordinary income by the IRS and are fully taxable (There is an intra-corporate dividend exclusion)

Preferred Stock

Preferred stock represents equity of a corporation, but is different from common stock because it has preference over common in the payments of dividends and in the assets of the corporation in the event of bankruptcy. They have a stated liquidating value (usually $... Continue reading "Understanding Dividends, Preferred Stock, Debt, and Equity in Corporate Finance" »

Mystery Plays

Mystery plays tell stories from the Bible and each play was prepared and presented by a trade guild on wagons that moved about the town. The cycles usually coincided with trade fairs.

Mystery Cycle

Mystery cycle is a collection of mystery plays with stories from the creation to the last judgement. Examples like: The creation of heaven and hell. The Annunciation or The Nativity.

Guilds

Guilds were groups of tradesmen. Each guild was in charge of a different play. Mystery plays performed by local craftsmen's guilds had the economic and administrative means to stage them. They were often lavish and theatrical affairs arranged to coincide with trade fairs when lots of visitors came to the town. They used to act on wagons which travelled

What was life like for children among the Puritans?

What was expected of them and what kinds of things were they banned from doing? How were they disciplined for misbehavior?

They had to follow the same strict code as adults, such as doing chores, attending church services, and repressing individual differences. They weren’t allowed to show any form of emotion and stay ignorant. The punishment would be physical, such as whipping.

What factors contributed to the instability of life in Salem Village?

Salem is a community on the outskirts (in the wilderness), just hanging on. Woods could conceal Indians or the Devil himself. Their charter was revoked, rigid religious practices, belief in predestination, misogyny, gossip, land disputes, and resentment... Continue reading "Puritans, Salem, and the New World: Beliefs and Conflicts" »