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

Transitions are words or phrases that connect two ideas. Transitions help your reader follow your line of thought. You can use transitions to add information, contrast ideas, or show cause and effect. A transition usually connects two sentences or independent clauses. When it connects two sentences, use a period. When it connects two independent clauses, use a semicolon (;). When it begins a sentence or clause, use a comma after the transition.

Adding Information with Transitions

You can use transitional words such as the conjunctive adverbs also and furthermore to add information to a statement.

More people are being born than are dying. Also, people are living longer. The building will have 180 floors; furthermore, it will have stores and cinemas....

Main Features of Philosophy

Philosophy is a radical “Why?”. It faces the basis of our world and existence. “Radical” means everything can be put into question, even philosophy itself (its own foundation). There are no prejudices allowed. For philosophy, nothing is taken for granted.

• Rational: No dogmas are allowed; it is based on logical arguments and experience.
• Systematic: Its assertions are related and hierarchical, ordered systematically without contradictions.
• Critical: Everything has to be examined by reason, even the simplest thing.

Philosophy is a problematizing discipline. Its value lies in its peculiar way of addressing problems more than in how it solves them. The questions, more than its answers, are valuable. It is a universalist

Advantages and Disadvantages of Starting Your Own Business

Some people contemplate starting their own business at some point in their lives. Like everything in life, owning a business has its advantages and disadvantages, its securities and risks. But perhaps, not having a job also has risks. The wonderful adventure of starting a business is something worth experiencing. In this essay, we will discuss the arguments in favor of and against this issue.

Advantages of Owning a Business

On the one hand, there are many advantages, such as:

• Economic independence
• Freedom of time
• The possibility to work where you like
• Leaving an inheritance
• Planning your holidays

A study by... shows that 40 percent of people have benefited from owning their own business, 50...

Essential Literary Vocabulary and Definitions Glossary

This comprehensive glossary provides key terms, synonyms, and definitions, structured alphabetically, to enhance comprehension of complex texts and literary works.

A-Z Vocabulary List

Advice

Suggestion, recommendation.

Alone

By yourself, on your own.

Apothecary

Chemist, pharmacist.

To Approach

To come nearer.

To Argue

To disagree, to quarrel.

To Banish

To exile, to deport.

To Be Involved

To be part of.

Blind

Sightless.

Brave

Courageous.

Cell

A small room where a friar lives.

To Challenge

To dare (desafiar).

To Continue

To go on, to keep on.

Crows

Raven (corb/cuervo).

Dagger

A small sword.

Darkness

Obscurity.

Desperate

Hopeless.

Dove

The bird that represents love and peace.

To Drop

To let fall.

To Enter

To come into.

Fields

Cultivated

Inspirational Perspectives

"Even one book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world." — Malala Yousafzai (Opening of Birmingham Library, September 3rd, 2013)

"But for each of us, isn't life about determining your own finish line? This journey has always been about reaching your own other shore no matter what it is, and that dream continues." — Diana Nyad (Swam from Hawaii to Miami)

Instructor Information

Ken Derry
Office: North Building 152
Office Hours:

• Tuesday: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM (Library)
• Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (NE152)

Course Concepts

Identify the qualities that the instructor suggests the following have in common with religion: Malala Yousafzai, “Royals,” the “Abused Goddesses” campaign, Diana Nyad, “Odyssey...

The Essence of Romantic Relationships

People commonly ask: "Why get involved in a romantic relationship? What benefits do they offer?" These are crucial questions when faced with the decision of getting involved with someone.

The Foundation of Lasting Love: Friendship

Friendship is the bedrock that makes love endure. The camaraderie brings two people closer together. A romantic partner is someone in whom to confide, and with whom to share life's great problems. They are there to console and comfort in hours of need. When a couple starts out as friends, they build a stronger alliance, which is often why romance blossoms from friendship.

The Importance of Courtship and Appreciation

Courtship plays a vital role in romantic relationships. Partners need...

Positivism and Transcendentalism: A Philosophical Comparison

1. Defining Truth and Reality

Positivism's View of Truth

• Truth is derived entirely from the senses.
• Only empirical sources are valid for constructing scientific theory.
• Rejects non-empirical methods of knowledge, such as Theology, Religion, and Metaphysics.

Transcendentalism's View of Truth

• The empirical appearance of things is secondary; it merely wraps objects.
• The spiritual essence is paramount.
• The world is viewed as a vast symbol conveying a spiritual or divine message.

2. Methods of Acquiring Knowledge

Positivist Methodology

• Knowledge must begin with empirical information gathered from the material appearance of things.
• Hypotheses must be rigorously tested and demonstrated.

Transcendentalist

Legal Philosophy: Justice, Validity, and Efficacy

The relationship between justice, validity, and the effect (efficacy) of law is central to legal philosophy.

Some argue that if a legal standard does not comply with justice, it should not be compulsory, and therefore should not be considered valid. However, this argument is often rejected by those who state that the validity or enforceability of the law is independent of its justice or injustice. They assert that the law is valid simply because the standard has been created by man, usually under the authority of the State.

Alongside these notions is Efficacy (or effectiveness), which means that the legal standard is met in practice. This occurs either because the addressee of the rule obeys it...

Justice as the State's Purpose: Plato

Some thinkers believe the State's main function is to ensure justice, a view held by Plato. However, discrepancies arise when defining justice.

Justice: A Virtue of the Soul

Plato believed humans are composed of body and soul. The soul has three parts:

• Rational (knowledge)
• Volitional (ambition and will)
• Appetitive (desires)

Each part has a specific virtue:

• Rational: Wisdom/Prudence
• Volitional: Strength/Courage
• Appetitive: Temperance

According to Plato, justice exists when each part of the soul fulfills its respective virtue.

Justice and Social Order in Plato's Republic

Plato's Republic describes a just state analogous to the human soul, with three classes:

• Philosopher-Rulers (wisdom)
• Guardians/Warriors (courage)
• Producers