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

Philosophical Critiques of Descartes' "Cogito Ergo Sum"

Huet's Challenge to Cartesian Evidence

A critique, often attributed to Pierre Daniel Huet, questions the Cartesian "Cogito ergo sum." It posits that we cannot accept the existence of reason as self-evident if its establishment as the rule of evidence could have been manipulated by an evil genius.

Descartes' Answer: Descartes counters that reason is an intuitive truth that reveals itself; it does not merely validate a rule of evidence established on a provisional basis. On the contrary, finding that the existence of reason is an irrefutable truth is, in fact, legitimized by the rule of evidence (though, Descartes concedes, ultimately legitimized only by God).

Hume's Empiricist Critique of the

Power and Authority

• How is it used?
• What effects do the people in power have on others?
• What effect does it have on someone who has none?
  • Tituba
  • Does not having any power and authority make you an easy victim?
• How does fear increase the court's power?

Thesis

By exposing how power is protected through the scapegoating of the innocent, The Crucible critiques the way fear is weaponized to uphold authority and suppress dissent.

Supporting Arguments

• Thomas Putnam’s search for power by accusing people to get their land.

Control and Suppression

• Parris: "There is a faction that is sworn to drive me from my pulpit. Do you understand that?" (Miller 10)
• Those in power often use their authority to suppress opposition and protect their status.
• Parris is more concerned

While some argue that zoos help protect endangered species, their conservation efforts are often *ineffective*.

Ineffective Conservation Efforts

• Only a small percentage of animals in zoos are part of genuine breeding programs for endangered species.
• Even fewer are ever released back into the wild.

If zoos truly wanted to protect endangered species, they would focus on reintegrating animals into their natural habitats instead of keeping them in enclosures. In many cases, zoos prioritize popular animals that attract visitors rather than those that need urgent conservation efforts.

Prioritizing Profit Over Protection

Instead of keeping animals in captivity, resources should be directed toward:

• Protecting their natural habitats.
• Enforcing anti-poaching

Defining the Security Dilemma

The Security Dilemma is a situation where the increase in one state’s security (e.g., military strength) leads other states to fear for their own security. Consequently, it can lead to an escalation of tension (war/conflict) involving one or more parties, producing an outcome which no party truly desires.

Butterfield: Fear as the Ultimate Source

Herbert Butterfield argued that “the greatest war of history can be produced without the intervention of criminals; it could be produced between two powers.” He mentioned several propositions:

• The ultimate source is fear leading states to protect themselves, deriving from the “universal sin of humanity.”
• It requires uncertainty over others' intentions.
• Its origin is

Importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are essential for promoting innovation, creativity, and economic growth. The importance of IPR can be understood from the following points:

• Encourages Innovation: IPR incentivize individuals and businesses to invest in research and development, leading to new products, services, and technologies.
• Creates Jobs: IPR protection can lead to the creation of new industries, jobs, and economic opportunities.
• Increases Competitiveness: IPR help businesses to differentiate themselves from competitors and establish a unique market presence.
• Protects Intellectual Property: IPR safeguard the rights of creators, inventors, and innovators, ensuring that their work is not copied

Marx's Solution to Industrialization and Urbanization

Karl Marx argued that the moral and practical problems caused by the bourgeoisie during industrialization and urbanization would ultimately be addressed through a workers' revolution.

He posited that eventually, the proletariat (the working class) would rise up and seize the means of production. This revolutionary act would lead to workers receiving an equal share of the profits, thereby resolving the inherent inequalities of the capitalist system.

The Role of the Hegelian Dialectic in Societal Progress

According to Marx, society progresses through class struggle, a dynamic process rooted in the Hegelian dialectic. This conflict ultimately results in the overthrow of the old economic system... Continue reading "Marx's Dialectic, Class Struggle, and Hermeneutic Interpretation of Text" »

Corporate Governance: The Board of Directors

Purpose and Functions of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is a group of people who jointly oversee the activities of a company. Their primary functions include:

• Representing the interests of the shareholders and the company stakeholders.
• Determining dividend policy and distribution to shareholders.
• Approving annual budgets.
• Supporting the CEO (or hiring/replacing top executives).
• Hiring and firing top executives.
• Deciding on executive compensation.

Who Appoints the Board of Directors?

The shareholders of a public company choose the members of the Board of Directors. This selection process may vary depending on the type of business structure.

Executives Reporting to the Board

The CEO and the President... Continue reading "Board Roles, Corporate Bylaws, and Franchise Operations Essentials" »

Doxa: In Plato's theory of knowledge, doxa is the lowest level of knowledge. Through the five senses, we obtain information about the Physical World in which we live. Episteme: In Plato's theory of knowledge, episteme is the highest level of knowledge. Through the faculty of reason, we gain knowledge of the Forms in the World of Forms. Allegory of the Cave: A metaphor used by Plato to explain how, through knowledge and education, we can escape the Physical World and reach the World of Forms.

Aristotle's Knowledge

Sensory knowledge (Aristotle): Through the knowledge provided by the five senses, we understand the accidental characteristics of beings: position, colour, weight, etc. These characteristics are related to matter (hyle). Rational knowledge

Concepts of God and Proofs of Existence

Here we define fundamental theological and philosophical concepts related to the nature and existence of God.

Deism

Deism posits that God exists and can be known through reason, but He is entirely detached from human affairs. This God neither intervenes in the world nor requires prayer. He is simply a necessary element to explain the world's existence and its inherent order.

Theism

Theism asserts that God exists and can be known through reason, but especially through faith. This God creates the world and actively cares for His creation. This is the God found in most religions.

Ontological Argument

The Ontological Argument is a proof of God's existence based on the idea of God we hold in our minds. We conceive... Continue reading "Essential Philosophical & Theological Concepts: Nietzsche, Augustine, Ancient Greek Ideas" »

Features of Cooperative Societies

Cooperative societies are characterized by voluntary membership, democratic management, limited liability, a service motive, and a focus on mutual benefit rather than profit maximization. Here are the key features of cooperative societies:

1. Voluntary and Open Membership

   Cooperative societies are open to anyone who uses and benefits from their services and is willing to accept the responsibilities of membership. Membership is voluntary, meaning individuals are free to join or leave. There are no restrictions on membership based on race, gender, religion, or economic status.

2. Democratic Management

   Cooperative societies are managed democratically, with members having a say in the organization's affairs. The principle