Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and exercises for Philosophy and ethics for University

The Philosophy of Law

The Philosophy of Law is the application of philosophical thinking to determine the nature of law by describing its specific features and processing its inherent problems.

Perdomo (1991): Fundamental Principles

Perdomo (1991) defines it as the theoretical science of the fundamental principles, first causes, and ultimate effects of law. These principles relate to:

• Ontology: The concept of law.
• Epistemology: Interpretation, knowledge, and application of law by iusfilosoficas schools.
• Ethics: Legal action.

Key issues arising from this include Justice, Equity, Common Good, and Legal Security.

Ross (1977): Law as Method

Ross (1977) argues that the philosophy of law is not a deduction from principles of reason, nor an extension of science....

Cultural Relativism

A. One common moral theory covered by Gensler is Cultural Relativism. Many people fall back on this position when confronted about ethical dilemmas. Define “good” according to Cultural Relativism (2 pts.). Explain how someone would employ Cultural Relativism in addressing an ethical dilemma by giving a concrete example (3 pts.). Gensler presents several counterarguments against Cultural Relativism, however. Present one of those arguments in detail as you understand it (5 pts.).

Definition of 'Good' (2 pts.)

1. According to Cultural Relativism, “good” is what is socially approved.

Concrete Example (3 pts.)

2. Concrete example = My girlfriend and I want to move in together but my parents are very religious and don’t believe...

Types of Negotiation

Applications of Negotiation

• Business negotiation: Develops in the workplace and involves representation of the company and workers.
• Commercial negotiation: Not only carried out by commercial professionals, but people use it regularly; for example, negotiating prices of items.

Strategies

• Integrative / cooperative: Based on the interests of both parties; it aims to secure benefits for all in the development of the negotiation.
• Distributive / competitive: Based on the taking of positions by the parties, which makes it a power struggle between them.
• Joint: This type of negotiation converges cooperative bargaining characteristics and competitive characteristics.

Number of Parties

• Bilateral negotiation: Only two negotiating parties involved.

International Cultural Heritage Protection

Since the end of World War II, nations have collaborated to protect global heritage and ensure its future. Its unique character provides a timeless, universal value that requires collective protection by all states. The 1954 Hague Convention addressed the increasing threats to heritage posed by war, natural disasters, pollution, and conflict. Consequently, global copyright protection and the collective rights of developing communities became essential. UNESCO has spearheaded major legislative initiatives over the last 50 years to address these universal concerns.

UNESCO: Principles and Legal Framework

Created in 1946 in Paris, UNESCO is inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. As a UN organization,...

Theme 5: Virginia Woolf

A very simple definition of feminism would emphasize that it's about having women’s voices heard, their ideas taken seriously, and having their demands for equality and basic rights incorporated into everyday “democratic” life.

Her Story: A Feminist Perspective

The early history of feminism can be seen in the existence of a cliché word which helps to express this, known as the problem of her story. It may be something of an overused term, but it’s a useful starting point. History needed, needs, and will need to be balanced by her story.

Lana Rakow has distinguished between four feminist approaches to popular culture:

1. The recovery and reappraisal approach
2. The images and representations approach
3. The reception and experience

Alderfer’s ERG Theory

Alderfer’s ERG theory identifies three types of needs:

• Existence: Material security.
• Relatedness: Good relationships, love, and friendship.
• Growth: Opportunities for self-development.

All needs can be present simultaneously. The frustration-regression hypothesis states that the more the satisfaction of higher-level needs is frustrated, the more important lower-level needs become.

Situational Leadership and Task Maturity

Situational characteristics, specifically the ability and willingness of subordinates, determine the level of task maturity. This results in four leadership groups:

• Telling: Employee is incapable, unwilling, and unconfident.
• Selling: Employee is incapable, willing, and confident.
• Supporting: Employee is capable,

Understanding Collective Labor Disputes

In the field of labor relations, discrepancies often arise between the subjects involved in the workplace. When a conflict occurs between parties with an individual work contract—specifically between a worker and an employer—it is classified as an individual labor conflict, which is resolved through specific procedures laid down in labor law.

In contrast, when a conflict involves a group of workers and an entrepreneur, it is defined as a collective conflict. The fundamental difference lies in the object of the controversy: collective disputes affect collective interests, representing the general interests of the workforce.

Types of Collective Conflict Resolution

Within collective conflicts, we differentiate...

As the title makes plain, Thomson argues that abortion is not impermissible. More precisely, she argues for the conclusion that abortion is sometimes permissible; she grants that there are scenarios in which obtaining an abortion would be immoral. What is especially novel is the manner in which Thomson constructs her argument. She begins the essay by pointing out that the debate over abortion seems to many people to hinge on whether or not the fetus is a person. Most feel that if we could only determine the answer to that puzzle, the implications for abortion would be clear; namely, that if fetuses are persons then abortions must be impermissible, and that if fetuses are not persons then abortions must be permissible. Thomson, though, thinks

The Family as the Foundation of Human Experience

According to Nathan W. Ackerman, the family is the basic unit of development, experience, performance, and failure. Ackerman, a child psychiatrist who transitioned into family therapy through child psychiatry, founded the Family Institute in New York and the journal Family Process. He famously stated: "Fundamentally, the family does two things: ensuring physical survival and the essentially human constructs of man."

The Matrix of Shared Experience

The matrix for these qualities is the familiar experience of being together. This union is represented by the bond between mother and son and is subsequently reflected in the sense of identity of the individual, the family, and the wider community. The...

Plato's Forms of Government and Political Hierarchy

True Forms of Government (Rule for the Whole)

• Kingship
• Aristocracy

False Forms of Government (Rule for Themselves)

• Oligarchy
• Tyranny
• Democracy

Plato's Political Hierarchy and Ruling Elements

Plato outlines a hierarchy of political systems, correlating them with the ruling element of the soul:

1. Kingship / Aristocracy: The best form, ruled by philosopher kings (the rational element).
2. Timocracy: The honor-spirited element is ruling. This form is proposed as the balance between the ultimate best and the ultimate worst.
3. Oligarchy: Ruled by necessary appetites (wealth).
4. Democracy: Ruled by unnecessary appetites (excessive freedom).
5. Tyranny: The worst form, ruled by unlawful and unnecessary appetites; it enslaves