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

DAY 1 -Introduction & the Deal-Making Mindset 

- Negotiation : "A form of decision making in which 2 or more parties talk with one another in an effort to resolve their opposing interests" - Lewicki, Barry & Saunders (2016) (A technique for resolving conflicts and overcoming differences.

                - 3 Goals of effective negotiation

1. Achieve a wise outcome - agreement satisfies the interests of both parties, is fair, and is sustainable over time (Eg: 2 parties explore alternative payment plans or service bundles that better meet both sides' needs

2. Preserve or enhance the relationship - strengthens trust, respect & ongoing collaboration

3. Be efficient - time, energy & resources are limited - a good negotiation reached... Continue reading "Mastering Negotiation Strategy and Behavioral Psychology" »

Physics and the Limits of Perception

Physics can explain the world, but it does not explain telepathy. While the power of the mind and the bending of spoons are often considered tricks, telepathy remains difficult to verify.

The Creative Process of Cliff Dorfman

Everything in Cliff Dorfman’s life is reflected in his characters. His work, including Pulp Fiction, is deeply personal. He once spent several days alone in a forest to find inspiration.

The Science of Taste and Smell

• Our sense of taste depends heavily on smell.
• In a weightless environment, aromas are perceived differently.
• Loss of smell can be a persistent condition.
• Powdered milk is a common food staple.

Artistic Vision: Dalí and Napoleon

While looking at Germany, Dalí often incorporated... Continue reading "Fascinating Insights into Science, Culture, and Human Behavior" »

Essential English Collocations

• A wise decision: A thoughtful or sensible resolution or verdict.
• Have the freedom to choose: Have the liberty to select or decide.
• Reach a decision: Make up your mind or take a verdict.
• Take advice: Receive or accept counsel.

Key Vocabulary

• Struggle (v): Fight.
• Account (n): Consideration or explanation.
• Current (adj): Present, ongoing, or modern.
• Get a foot in the door: To have an initial opportunity.
• Hands-on (adj): Involved, active experience of something.
• Invest (v): Put money into something or provide resources.
• On the look-out: Searching for something or someone.
• Suit (v): To match or to please.

Common Phrasal Verbs

• Think over: Consider or weigh up.
• Weigh up: Consider or evaluate.
• Settle on: Accept, receive, or pick.
• Lose

Universal Human Values (UHV-II): Foundations for Harmony

The Need for the Course

The necessity for Universal Human Values education arises from pervasive issues observed at various levels of human existence:

• Individual Level: Marked by rising depression, psychological disorders, stress, insecurity, and loneliness.
• Family Level: Experiencing the breaking of joint families, mistrust, inter-generational conflict, insecurity in relationships, and divorce.
• Societal Level: Includes terrorism, communalism, casteism, racial struggles, wars, and the fear of nuclear warfare.
• Environmental Level: Concerns involve global warming, pollution, resource depletion, deforestation, and loss of soil fertility.

Value and Human Values Defined

• Value is defined as a unit'

The Ineffectiveness of Violence in Society

Violence exists in many different forms in our society. Unfortunately, many people believe that violence is the most effective way of solving problems or defending ideals. It is a horrible resolution but is usually seen as the only option. Basically, people have not yet learned from past mistakes. Violence accomplishes nothing and is a useless act that shows how many problems our society has.

Why Violence Fails to Solve Conflicts

First, violence is very useless. It is a senseless act because instead of solving conflicting situations, it results in tragedy. People just choose violence to express the intolerance felt for people that have different ideals. Our world is basically run by our society and the... Continue reading "The Futility of Violence in Modern Society" »

The Significance of April 4, 1984 in Orwell's Novel

By a strange coincidence, the first chapter of George Orwell's famous dystopian novel, 1984, begins on April 4, 1984. On this day, the hero, Winston Smith, takes the first seditious step toward independence from externally imposed structures of meaning: he starts writing a diary. When Winston begins the diary, he writes the date: April 4, 1984.

Winston Smith's Diary: An Act of Rebellion

This attempt to find his own voice symbolizes the hope of liberation, the cleansing of consciousness from imposed ideas, and the movement towards a goal, however hopeless it may seem.

The Search for Truth and Freedom

He wrote:

"Freedom is the right to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else

Metaphysical and Romantic Poetry

Key Poetic Concepts

• Conceit: A long, clever, and unusual metaphor comparing two very different things in a surprising way. Example: John Donne's "The Flea" compares a flea biting two lovers to a marriage and holy union.
• Discordia Concors: Latin for "harmony out of discord." A poet takes two things that do not belong together and forces them together; the reader is shocked but then sees a hidden likeness.
• Pattern Poetry: The shape of a poem on the page reflects its meaning. Example: George Herbert's "Easter Wings"—lines narrow to show man's fall and widen to show spiritual rise, resembling wings.

Metaphysical Themes

• The Sun Rising: Uses astronomy, geography, and economics to describe love. It discusses the sun's

Fire Insurance: Understanding Risks and Coverage

In insurance policies against fire, the risks and losses insured against typically cover all losses or damages caused by fire. However, similar to marine insurance cases, coverage may be limited based on the items insured or the cause of the accident. Many policies specifically exclude fires caused by a mob or enemies of the commonwealth. Furthermore, the policy's own provisions limit its duration.

Essential Risk Management Strategies

Risk Avoidance

While it is often impossible to completely avoid risk, the possibility should not be overlooked. For example:

• During a severe blizzard, a Car Fleet may choose not to release vehicles for travel until the weather clears, thereby avoiding the risk of auto

Vladimir: The Rational Mind in Crisis

Vladimir represents the rational part of the duo, the mind; however, despite this, he is unable to react and remains powerless. Unlike Estragon, he is more intelligent and is the one who looks after Estragon's physical well-being. He raises philosophical questions but never achieves an answer. His suffering is purely intellectual; an example of this is seen when he fails to understand why Pozzo keeps Lucky as a slave. We can observe Descartes' influence in this character through the lens of "I think, therefore I am."

Pozzo and Lucky: Power and Class Dynamics

Pozzo and Lucky may represent a capitalist-working class relationship; the former enslaves Lucky and gives him leftovers. Paradoxically, despite being... Continue reading "Existentialism and Symbolism in Waiting for Godot" »

1. Insurance Agents

An insurance agent legally represents the insurance company (principal) and acts on its behalf. Their authority stems from express, implied, and apparent authority.

2. Insurance Brokers

A broker legally represents the insured. They don't have the authority to bind the insurer but can solicit and accept insurance applications, placing coverage with a suitable insurer. Brokers receive commissions from insurers where the business is placed.

3. Exclusive Agency System

In this system, an agent represents only one insurer or a group of insurers under common ownership. Agents may be contractually restricted from representing other insurers. They don't own policy expirations or renewal rights; the agency does. Renewal commissions are... Continue reading "Insurance Entities: Agents, Brokers, and Insurer Types" »