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

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

... Continue reading "Philosophical Concepts: Knowledge, Worldviews, and Theories" »

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

... Continue reading "Cooperative Societies: Principles & Forensic Accounting: Benefits" »

Key Developments in 1984

• What does Julia believe about the rocket bombs that has never occurred to Winston before? Julia believes the rocket bombs are deployed by the government of Oceania against its own citizens.
• What does Winston argue about with Julia and eventually convince her of? Winston argues with Julia and eventually convinces her that Oceania was at war with Eastasia, not Eurasia, until four years ago.
• What does Winston tell Julia that she thinks is “brilliantly witty”? Winston tells Julia that she is “only a rebel from the waist downwards.”
• On whom does Winston think the Party is most successful in imposing its worldview? Winston thinks the Party is most successful in imposing its worldview on people who are unable to actually

... Continue reading "1984: Key Plot Developments and Character Interactions" »

Nursing Ethics, Law, and Professional Practice

1. Professional Nursing Bodies and Morality

• Professional nursing bodies.
• Morality and care are at the heart of nursing.
• Nurses justify and defend their positions.
• All correct. All correct.

2. Philosophical Study of Morality

• Philosophical study of morality.
• The question of what is right or wrong.
• Applied ethics.
• Ethical dilemma.
• Moral distress.
• Ethical theory.
• A value.
• Professional value.
• Utilitarianism.
• Theory patterns and behaviors.
• Ethical principles.
• Suggested standards of moral behavior and independent end.
• Autonomy.
• Feminine ethics.
• Relational ethics.
• Moral Indigenous people.

3. Virtue, Morality, and Decision-Making

• Virtue and morality in nurses.
• Framework and guide.
• Provide safe care.
• Promote and respect decision-making.

... Continue reading "Nursing Ethics, Jurisprudence, and Professional Standards" »

Core Theories of Human Nature

• Dualism: Human beings consist of both matter and spirit.
• Materialist Monism: Human beings consist solely of matter.
• Spiritualist Monism: Human beings consist solely of spirit.

Plato: Metaphysical Dualism

Plato proposed a dualistic view consisting of two worlds: the higher world of absolute standards and concepts, and the lower world of physical, particular things encountered through the body.

Aristotle: Matter and Form

Aristotle argued that humans are composed of matter and form. The body is matter, while the soul (psyche) is the immaterial form that organizes that matter. He identified three types of soul:

• Vegetative soul: Found in plants; governs nutrition, growth, and reproduction.
• Sensitive soul: Found in animals; allows

... Continue reading "The Evolution of Human Nature in Western Philosophy" »

Understanding Adverbial Clauses

Clauses of Time

They are often introduced by subordinators such as after, before, since, until, when, while, as soon as, and once.

Example: When I first met you, you were still studying.

Clauses of Place

They are introduced by where or wherever.

Example: They always went for their holidays wherever they could afford to go.

Clauses of Condition and Concession

This category includes two related types:

• Conditional Clauses: These express the dependence of one set of circumstances on another.

Example: If you are late, I will have gone away.

Concessive Clauses: These imply a contrast between two circumstances; the main clause is surprising in light of the subordinate one.

Example: Although I was late, she waited for me.

Specific

... Continue reading "Mastering Adverbial Clauses: Types, Subordinators, and Usage" »

1. C. Thi Nguyen: Echo Chambers and Epistemic Bubbles

Understanding Epistemic Bubbles

• Missing opposing views through omission.
• Caused by algorithms, selective exposure, and homogeneous friend networks.
• Effects: Poor informational coverage and inflated confidence.
• Solution: Adding missing information; exposure typically works.

The Nature of Echo Chambers

• Opposing views are actively discredited.
• Members hear outside information but reject it due to systemic distrust.
• Uses cult-like strategies: "outsiders = corrupt/evil"; "insiders = only trustworthy."
• Evidential pre-emption: Criticism is reframed as "proof" of a conspiracy.
• Much harder to escape; facts often backfire.

The Role of Trust

• Modern knowledge requires trusting experts, which creates inherent vulnerability.

... Continue reading "Modern Ethics: Information, Media, and Social Justice" »

Decision Making and Career Development

• Decision Making: A wise decision, be faced with, feel uncertain about, give priority to, have the freedom to, lose out, reach a decision, settle on, struggle, take advice, think over, weigh up.
• Professional Terms: Account, current, hands-on, invest, get a foot in the door, on the lookout, result in, suit.
• Career Path: Growing industry, pension plan, reference letter, starting salary, vacant position, be made redundant, be self-employed, get a promotion, health insurance, perks of the job, work overtime, be fired, board, lead, set, fold, point.

Financial Literacy and Time Management

• Finance: Allowance, balance, blessing, debit card, donate, fortune, income, live on, repay debt, savings, small change, wealthy.

... Continue reading "Essential English Vocabulary for Professional and Personal Success" »