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

The Impact of Music on Emotional and Mental Well-being

Music plays a vital role in people's emotional and mental well-being. It has the power to awaken deep and positive emotions. Listening to pleasant songs can reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and provide an escape from daily worries.

Music and Cultural Connection

Music promotes connection and understanding between different people and cultures. The diversity in musical styles allows people to explore and appreciate different cultural and social points of view, fostering empathy and mutual respect, and helping to build more tolerant and inclusive societies.

The Psychological Benefits of Music

Music has a positive effect on psychological development, especially in children. Studies... Continue reading "Music, Mindset, and Words: Keys to Well-being & Positivity" »

Critical Thinking & Argumentation

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is about examining information from any source, evaluating its value and relevance, and effectively applying it to your studies.

Understanding Arguments

An argument, in the context of critical thinking, goes beyond mere disagreement. It involves presenting reasons in a structured way to persuade you of a specific viewpoint.

• Arguments are supported by reasons.
• Arguments aim to be persuasive and convince you of a particular position, potentially refuting or disproving opposing views.

Key Concepts in Critical Thinking

Assumptions

An assumption is an unstated reason that is necessary for the conclusion to be valid.

Credibility

Credibility refers to whether a claim or piece... Continue reading "Critical Thinking & Argumentation: A Guide" »

René Descartes is introduced into modern philosophy being the father of rationalism.

René is born in 1596 and dies in 1650

Descartes was a dualist. He affirmed that there are two substances: that of the body that possesses the attribute of extension, and that of the soul that possesses the attribute of thought.

There was a new worldview, this change implied a break with the old religious beliefs and the knowledge of other philosophers of the new planetary system was added, coming to the theory that the center of it was the sun. Because of this, Rene wanted to build new knowledge, that is, a new world for him.

Descartes attributes to the matter a creative force of its own, and considers the mechanical movement as the vital manifestation of matter... Continue reading "Rene Descartes: The Father of Rationalism" »

1. The Origin of Philosophy

Philosophy as a way of thinking is a human way of interacting with the world. It involves asking questions about the world around us in order to find meaning. This way of thinking, asking questions about the world, is deeply rooted in humans and has always existed.

However, its existence doesn't give rise to philosophy as a discipline. Philosophy as a discipline has a historical origin in the Greek colonies of Asia Minor during the 6th century B.C. One of these colonies was Miletus where Thales was born. Thales is considered to be one of the first philosophers. He used observation and reasoning to offer an explanation of the existence of natural things and phenomena. Thales' fundamental features:

• It begins with the recognition

What is Real?

1. Introduction to Metaphysics

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that questions reality. Why do things and beings exist? What are they? Where do they come from? Being: everything that exists can be considered a being. The concept of being is very broad and general because it refers to everything that is real.

2. Essence and Existence

• Essentialism: claims that essence exists as separate realities, independent from the individuals.
• Conceptualism: essence is only incorporated into individuals who possess it or think about it.
• Nominalism: states that the term (essence) is just a name we use in order to communicate – a sort of conventional label.

3. Philosophical Positions on the Existence of God

• Theism: affirms the existence of a

Humanization: This evolutionary process occurred alongside hominization. It refers to the behavioral changes experienced by the same species included in the hominization process.

Humanism: Artistic and intellectual movement originating in Europe during the Renaissance. It defended free spirit and championed the abilities of human reason and intuition in the fields of philosophy, science, and art. Humanism avoided syllogistic methodology and dogmas that tried to control human creativity.

Inertia: Property of all bodies that keeps them at rest or in rectilinear motion, as long as that state is not changed by an external force.

Monotheism: Religious belief that affirms the existence of only one god who controls and governs all of reality.

Multiculturalism:

Philosophy:

Philosophy: Is a critical examination of reality characterized by rational inquiry that aims at the Truth for the sake of attaining wisdom. The etymology of the word is derived from two Greeks words: philo (love) and sophia (wisdom), literally means the loves of wisdom.

Wisdom is the proper understanding about nature of reality, a person is wise if he has a correct understanding about how things actually are and lives his lives accordingly. The philosopher seeks the truth to all people at all times, because it is not restricted to individual perceptions of what is true or false. Philosophy asks us to be able to justify why we hold these opinions, feelings or beliefs, we need to support our views using rather than emotions.Is not:... Continue reading "Understanding Philosophy: The Pursuit of Wisdom and Truth" »

Main Features of Philosophy

Philosophy is a radical “Why?”. It faces the basis of our world and existence. “Radical” means everything can be put into question, even philosophy itself (its own foundation). There are no prejudices allowed. For philosophy, nothing is taken for granted.

• Rational: No dogmas are allowed; it is based on logical arguments and experience.
• Systematic: Its assertions are related and hierarchical, ordered systematically without contradictions.
• Critical: Everything has to be examined by reason, even the simplest thing.

Philosophy is a problematizing discipline. Its value lies in its peculiar way of addressing problems more than in how it solves them. The questions, more than its answers, are valuable. It is a universalist

Public Speaking

A Well-Structured Talk

• Thorough subject knowledge
• Smart and professional appearance
• Careful preparation
• Good eye contact
• An enthusiastic attitude
• Strong voice
• Creative use of visuals
• Expansive body language

Transitional Phrases

• To start off, then
• To move on to my next point
• To go back to what I was saying
• To turn now to a different matter
• To say a bit more about that
• To give you an example of what I mean
• To digress for a moment
• To sum up, then

Techniques to Maximize Voice Use

• Rhetorical questions
• Dramatic contrast
• Tripling
• Repetition
• Simplification
• Emphasis
• Softening
• Machine gunning

Ethical Business Practices

Key Terms

• Ethical: Relating to beliefs about what is morally right and wrong.
• Activist: A person who believes strongly in political or social change