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

1. Double Salary?

Justify: 'Accept the offer'

• In USA business is governed by law and contract. There is apparently no relevant non-compete (stand-down) clause in her current contract.
• She should show them the new offer and ask them to pay her more than the new offer, or perhaps to match it. They had evidently been underpaying her.
• Point out that the other company evidently has found a way of making better use of her skills in order to serve the market or customer 'needs', that is, 'to drive forward the industry of mankind' for the common good; so she arguably has a moral obligation to accept it and move into that position

2. Wendy's Ads

Justify: Continue to advertise

• Our tests validate our claim and our ads refer to our tests only. It obviously depends

Moksha: Liberation

- Moksha is the end of the death and rebirth cycle and is classed as the fourth and ultimate artha (goal). It is achieved by overcoming ignorance and desires.

Jivas: Individual Souls

- Jivas are individual souls that come from water (chaos, universe) then illumination (order, liberation) then reincarnate.

- They are bound by maya, which hides their true self, which is characterized by eternal existence, consciousness, and bliss. There are an infinite number of jivas.

Mahayana: The Big Raft/ Karuna (Compassion)

- It literally means "Great Vehicle" and teaches universal salvation with emphasis on social concerns.

Bhagavad: Hindu Text

- Became an important work of Hindu tradition in terms of both literature and philosophy.

Tanha: Life

English Grammar: Conjunctions, Transitions, and Prepositions

Conjunctions (Clause Connectors)

• Because, as, since: Introduce a cause.
  • Example: Because it was raining, I stayed at home.
• So: Introduces an effect.
  • Example: It was raining, so I stayed at home.

Transitions (Sentence Connectors)

• Therefore, consequently, as a result: Introduce an effect, connecting two complete sentences.
  • Example: It was raining; therefore, I stayed home.

Prepositions (Noun Phrase Connectors)

• Due to, because of, as a result of: Introduce a cause in the form of a noun phrase.
  • Example: I stayed at home due to the rain.
  • Example: Because of the rain, I stayed at home.

Expressing Result and Reason

Understanding how different connectors express cause (reason) or effect (result) is crucial... Continue reading "Mastering English Connectors and Social Terminology" »

The Abortion Debate: Points For and Against

Abortion is a deeply sensitive issue that has generated significant controversy and discussion among children, adolescents, and adults for several years. It is a subject that has had a profound effect on society. For this reason, it is crucial to consider the following points in favor of or against this issue.

Arguments for Legalization

• Protecting Maternal Health and Safety

  One primary argument in favor of legalizing abortion, particularly in cases of rape or when the mother's life or health is at risk, is the prevention of maternal mortality. When this medical procedure is performed illegally, it often leads to unsafe practices by unqualified individuals, significantly increasing the risk of complications

The Societal Impact of Music Content

Currently, one of the issues that has generated much controversy and discussion among children, adolescents, and adults, and about which society has been complaining for several years, is about (...), a subject which has caused a negative effect on society. For this reason, we must consider the following points in favor of or against this issue.

Arguments Regarding Music Content

• Point in Favor: Music as Relaxation and Therapy

  First of all, we must start with a point in favor of music: as a process of relaxation, music can be used to relax and have fun. This practice is widely known as **music therapy**.

• Point Against: Negative Song Content

  Secondly, a point against is the poor content of these songs, which currently

Chapter 5 Vocabulary

blithely

Cheerfully, without any cares.

dogcart

A small horse-drawn cart.

manifestly

Obviously.

ratified

Approved.

canvassing

Trying to gain support.

innovations

New things or ideas.

silage

A method of preserving grass for cattle feed.

basic slag

Fertiliser.

incubators

Apparatuses for hatching eggs.

closeted

Shut up in a small private room.

urinated

Pissed, peed.

procured

Got, acquired.

restive

Uneasy, ready to break free of control.

advocating

Putting forward an idea, arguing in support of something.

marshal

Put in order, gather together.

articulate

Able to put thoughts into words.

moonshine

Silly plan.

watchword

Motto.

disinterred

Dug up from his grave.

Chapter 6 Vocabulary

utilize

Use.

governess-cart

A light horse-drawn vehicle.

superintendence

Direction, management.

The Dialectic Method

This proposes a philosophical research procedure based on dialogue. A dialogue is a discussion between people holding different points of view. If the dialogue is fruitful, the differing points of view are overcome and a consensus is reached.

The difference between an ordinary dialogue and the dialectic method is that in an ordinary dialogue there are always two or more speakers, whereas in the dialectic method, opposing ideas can be put forward by one single thinker. This method has been used by many philosophers throughout history, most notably Plato, Hegel, and Marx.

The Phenomenological Method

Proposed by Husserl, this method aims to describe the sense that the world has for us. In knowing an object, we do not comprehend... Continue reading "Philosophical Methods: Dialectics, Phenomenology, and Truth" »

1. Introduction

• The scientific method is recognized as the most effective approach for understanding and predicting the behavior of the natural world.
• Scientific inventions have been used to both improve and destroy human life.
• Successful manipulations of the natural world are defined as technology.
• The scientific method represents a significant advancement over previous ways of acquiring knowledge, moving from "truth by authority" to detailed, empirical observations.

2. The Simple View of the Scientific Method (SVSM)

Scientists make observations that aim to be as objective, unbiased, and unprejudiced as possible. They then create a theory to explain the pattern of results.

• Theory: A combination of observations and predictions about future events.

Defining Opinion, Belief, and Knowledge

Opinion: By opinion, we mean a subjective assessment about something we cannot be sure of and cannot prove to others. It is an assessment about reality, or how it should be, based on our interests and desires, but it is not supported by convincing reason.

The Nature of Belief

Belief: We can distinguish two main types or uses:

• Hesitant use: When we want to express that we are not sure if what we are talking about is true; that is, we hesitate about its veracity.
• Assertive use: When we are sure about something but we do not have enough evidence to prove it.

Defining Knowledge

Knowledge: It is a belief about something we are sure of, and also something we can prove. Therefore, being able to justify something rationally... Continue reading "Epistemology: Understanding Opinion, Belief, and Knowledge" »

Five Bioethical Principles

• Autonomy: A person's rational capacity for self-governance or self-determination; the ability to direct one's own life.
• Nonmaleficence: Not to intentionally harm others.
• Beneficence: To constitute the very soul of morality (doing good to others).
• Utility: This principle says that we should produce the most favorable balance of good over bad for all concerned.
• Justice: People getting what is fair or what is their due.

Six Key Moral Theories

• Utilitarianism: A consequentialist moral theory that insists the rightness of actions depends solely on their consequences or results.
• Kantianism/Deontology: Kant's principle of respect for persons says that we should always treat persons never merely as a means to an end; i.e., don't use