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

Point 7: Evidence and Memory

"The only evidence is inside my own mind, and I don't know with any certainty that any other human being shares my memories."

Context: Winston is explaining to Julia about how there is no history and that there is no real evidence that anything happened.

Significance: Shows how the Party keeps everything in the present. Because they are always reinventing history, it ceases to exist since the evidence is falsified.

Point 8: The Proles vs. The Party

"The proles are human beings, he said. We are not humans."

Context: Winston is talking about the proles and explaining the contrast between his people (the Outer Party) and them. He perceives the proles to be human because they are loyal only to each other and not to the Party.... Continue reading "Key Passages and Analysis from 1984" »

The Role of Sympathy in Economics

Adam Smith's Perspective on Sympathy

Adam Smith described sympathy as an automatic reaction that influences our economic behavior. He observed that people tend to reflect the emotions of others, feeling happiness or pain in response to the emotions displayed by those around them. However, Smith noted that sympathy has its limits, as we tend to sympathize more with those closer to us, such as family and friends, than with strangers.

For example, Smith argued that a person would be more distressed by the loss of their own finger than by an earthquake in a distant country, simply because they lack a personal connection to the victims of the earthquake. This limitation of sympathy, according to Smith, influences our... Continue reading "Sympathy in Economics: From Personal Connections to Global Markets" »

Essential Vocabulary and Definitions

Victuals

Food or provisions.

Boughs

The main branch of a tree.

Whim

A sudden desire or change of mind, especially one that is unusual or unexplained.

Plunder

To steal goods from a place or person, typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder.

Gorge

A narrow valley between hills or mountains, typically with steep rocky walls and a stream running through it.

Gloom

Partial or total darkness.

Petrels

A seabird related to the shearwaters, typically flying far from land.

Insidious

Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects.

Cast Off

To set a boat or ship free from its moorings.

Mooring lines

A line that holds an object (especially a boat) in place.

Rowlocks

A holder attached to the gunwale of a boat

Common Words and Phrases

Pannikin: a small pan or cup made of metal and used for eating or drinking.

I dare say: used for saying something is probably true, although you do not know for certain.

Scores of: lots of.

Obsolete: no longer used because something newer has replaced it.

Pedant: someone who gives too much importance to details and formal rules, especially of grammar.

An afterthought: something that you think of and say after you have finished saying something.

Vapid: showing no sign of intelligence.

Eagerness: enthusiasm.

Flittered: appeared for a very short time.

Types of Houses

Detached House

Having no wall in common with another building.

Bungalow

A small house or summer cottage.

Loft

An upper room or storage area beneath a sloping roof; attic.... Continue reading "Vocabulary and Terminology for Everyday Life" »

Understanding how words change form is crucial for mastering English grammar and expanding your vocabulary. This document provides a clear breakdown of common suffixes used to create nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs, along with examples of word transformations.

Understanding Noun Forms and Suffixes

Nouns are words that name people, places, things, or ideas. They can often be formed from other parts of speech by adding specific suffixes.

Common Noun Suffixes:

• -al (e.g., approval)
• -ing (e.g., getting, decorating)
• -ion/-tion (e.g., relation, possession, addition)
• -ism (e.g., tourism)
• -ity (e.g., similarity, ability)
• -ment (e.g., government, argument, development)
• -ness (e.g., laziness, darkness, sharpness, weakness)
• -ship (e.g., partnership, relationship)

Health: Advantages and Challenges

Nowadays, health is important for everyone. There are many reasons to take care of it, but it also presents challenges. In this essay, we will have a look at both sides of the argument.

The Benefits of Prioritizing Health

On the one hand, taking care of our bodies keeps us feeling strong and energetic. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep prevent illnesses like heart disease and obesity. Also, mental wellbeing is essential for overall health. Another advantage is that healthy habits contribute to a longer, more fulfilling life. Avoiding substances like alcohol and attending regular check-ups can increase lifespan and improve health.

Health Challenges in the Modern World

On the other hand, not... Continue reading "Health and Remote Work: Advantages & Challenges" »

Understanding Statements

What is a Statement?

A statement is a declarative sentence capable of being either true or false.

Example: "Broccoli is a good source of vitamin A."

Non-Statements

Non-statements include:

• Questions (open-ended)
• Commands
• Exclamations
• Suggestions

Example: "Is it cold outside?"

Argument Structure: Indicators

Conclusion Indicators

Words that often signal a conclusion:

• Therefore
• Thus
• Consequently
• For this reason
• So

Premise Indicators

Words that often signal a premise:

• Since
• Because
• For
• For that reason
• In that
• As
• Given that

Deductive Argument Forms

Invalid Argument Example 1

This example demonstrates a common logical fallacy:

• Premise 1: All banks are financial institutions.
• Premise 2: Wells Fargo is a financial institution.
• Conclusion: Therefore, Wells Fargo