In your own words, explain what idea/concept you think the Directors (the Wachowskis) were trying to express by using a quick cut highlight of the book in this scene? In other words, how does Baudrillard’s book add to or help develop the story line?

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Ancient philosophers

To explore connections between ancient and contemporary philosophy/philosophers. Your responses must be at least 200 words all together. Put a word count at the end of your post or you will lose 5 points.

DIRECTIONS

  1. 1. Spend a little time researching connections (Links to an external site.) between Jean Baudrillard’s book Simulacra and Simulation and the 1999 film The Matrix. Baudrillard’s book was used in a scene in the film.
  • If you are unfamiliar with The Matrix (the original 1999 film), look up some reviews so you understand the plot and characters.
  • In your own words, explain what idea/concept you think the Directors (the Wachowskis) were trying to express by using a quick cut highlight of the book in this scene? In other words, how does Baudrillard’s book add to or help develop the story line?
  • Is Baudrillard’s basic idea of reality/hyper reality in any way different from Plato’s Allegory of the Cave?
  • Jean Baudrillard died in 2007 (Links to an external site.)

 

Consider the Markkula case study, “Confronting a Fetal Abnormality,” do you think Dr. Fox should have told Mrs. Ansari the truth about her fetus against Mr. Ansari’s wishes? Or do you think Dr. Fox’s behavior was culturally insensitive? Why or why not?

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Week 2: Cultural Relativism Options Menu: Forum

Part One:

This week, you are reading James Rachels’ article on Cultural Relativism. According to Rachels, what are some of the benefits and drawbacks of Culturally Relativistic approaches to ethical decision making? Consider this video on “cultural competency” in a healthcare setting? Do you think that Cutural Relativistic ethical thinking could be beneficial for patient care? If so, how? If not, why not? Tell us in 100 words or more.

Part Two:

Consider the Markkula case study, “Confronting a Fetal Abnormality,” do you think Dr. Fox should have told Mrs. Ansari the truth about her fetus against Mr. Ansari’s wishes? Or do you think Dr. Fox’s behavior was culturally insensitive? Why or why not?

Part Three:

Describe Mack Lipkin’s argument concerning the “impossibility” of telling patients the truth. In your opinion, “do simplified ‘truths’ still count as truths?” Why or why not? What would you have wanted if you were Mrs. Ansari? Would Dr. Fox have failed Mrs. Ansari by not communicating all that he knew about her case? Lastly, if you were Dr. Fox, what would you have done in this case?

Part Four:

Make sure to respond to a classmates’ post in at least 100 words or more. You can respond with questions, comments, critical observations, or points of disagreement as long as they are offered in a respectful tone!

Imagine that you are one of Socrates accusers and write a paper explaining why Socrates is guilty of the charges against him.

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Socrates case study

Imagine that you are one of Socrates accusers and write a paper explaining why Socrates is guilty of the charges against him.

size 12 font (times new roman), double spaced

What is the main purpose of the argument? Is it inductive? Deductive? Are there any fallacies being used? If so, which ones?

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Part 1:

Find an argument to analyze. Be creative! Some suggestions are to use a commercial, letter to the editor (or op/ed piece). Analyze the argument you choose.

What is the main purpose of the argument?
Is it inductive? Deductive?
Are there any fallacies being used? If so, which ones?

Part 2:
Does the argument align with a philosophical theory or theorist? Choose one philosophical theory or theorist and explain – from that perspective – what you would change to make the argument better. Think about the steps that you could use to improve the argument. For example, if you pick Socrates as a theorist think of how Socrates would reflect upon and engage the argument for change.

 

Reflect and write 500 words on why you think we are starting this semester with Paulo Freire and Pedagogy of the Oppressed. In other words, why do you think its important to learn about Paulo Freire and the Pedagogy of the Oppressed?

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Reflection on Freire

Reflect and write 500 words on why you think we are starting this semester with Paulo Freire and Pedagogy of the Oppressed. In other words, why do you think its important to learn about Paulo Freire and the Pedagogy of the Oppressed?

Write a short reflection paper on the “first definition of the philosopher,” see below, as documented in Obenga’s essay. What resonates, what stands out, what should we be thinking about more carefully when it comes to talking about philosophy in ancient KMT (Kemet)?

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First definition of the Philosopher.

Write a short reflection paper on the “first definition of the philosopher,” see below, as documented in Obenga’s essay. What resonates, what stands out, what should we be thinking about more carefully when it comes to talking about philosophy in ancient KMT (Kemet)?

The ancient Egyptians meant by rekh or sai a ‘‘wise human being’’ or ‘‘philoso pher.’’ It was not just a question of words. Two thousand years ago in ancient Egypt, without a doubt, the ‘‘inscription of Antef’’ gave the first clear and distinct statement conveying the fundamental meaning of a ‘‘philosopher.’’ This is a demonstrable fact. The German Egyptologist Hellmut Brunner translates the ‘‘inscription of Antef,’’ which gives the definition of a ‘‘philosopher,’’ as follows: [He is the one] whose heart is informed about these things which would be otherwise ignored, the one who is clear-sighted when he is deep into a problem, the one who is moderate in his actions, who penetrates ancient writings, whose advice is [sought] to unravel complications, who is really wise, who instructed his own heart, who stays awake at night as he looks for the right paths, who surpasses what he accomplished yesterday, who is wiser than a sage, who brought himself to wisdom, who asks for advice and sees to it that he is asked advice. (Inscription of Antechof, 12th Dynasty, 1991–1782 bc).

 

Why is it important not to simply find several examples of piety but to analyze one idea that made things pious or impious?

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Why is it important not to simply find several examples of piety but to analyze one idea that made things pious or impious?

Be very specific answering the question

Using arguments derived from course readings, as well as outside research, present a three-paragraph analysis that takes a position on the question, “What is the value of philosophy today; does it have great, little, or no value?”

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The Importance of Philosophy

Using arguments derived from course readings, as well as outside research, present a three-paragraph analysis (#1Introduction/thesis, #2 argument/evidence, and #3 counterargument/response) that takes a position on the question, “What is the value of philosophy today; does it have great, little, or no value?”

Instructions
Each philosophical position paper should be 500-800 words and written in a format appropriate for a philosophy essay (see below). It is okay to go over this limit, if you need the space:

Part 1: Introduction/Thesis: Take this first part of the paper to introduce information that sets up the reader for your thesis statement. That is, take the introduction to lay out any context, details, or background that you find necessary for the position you take. Your thesis statement should be a concise and clear statement about where you fall with regard to the question.

Part 2: Argument/Evidence: In this second part of the paper, bring in evidence to support your claim. This is where you solidify and strengthen your argument.

Part 3: Pay special attention to this section as it should take the bulk of your work: Critically evaluate your argument. In other words, provide a counter argument to your argument (i.e. what another author, or someone who disagrees with you, might say in response to your argument), Then, provide your rejoinder or response (i.e. what do you say back, to defend your original argument?)

You are required outside research for this paper. Some news articles and other publications discuss questions similar to this prompt, feel free to use those sources to help you build your essay. Outside research is a great way to find counter arguments to your position, if you struggle to come up with some on your own. Be sure to cite all your sources, both in class sources and outside sources.

What mantra did O’Brady keep repeating to himself as he pushed through his intense mountain climb? What type of injury occurred to him while on a trip to Thailand? Was the injury minimal or significant?

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1) What mantra did O’Brady keep repeating to himself as he pushed through his intense mountain climb?

2) What type of injury occurred to him while on a trip to Thailand? Was the injury minimal or significant?

3) O’Brady’s mother arrived into the hospital room a few days later. Did her presence inspire him in various ways? In what ways?

4) A year and a half after his accident, what event did he sign up for, and win first place against all medical odds?

5) He describes the Explorer’s Grand Slam. Describe what kind of expedition this is, what it entails, and how much mental strain you think this requires.

6) Describe Mount Everest’s “Death Zone” and why it is such a dangerous place on Earth. How do you think the physical strain influences mental capabilities?

7) What strengthened O’Brady’s steps as he approached the summit of Mount Everest? If you were in a similar situation, what/who would you think of?

8) Once Jenna calls her husband, O’Brady, what new challenge did she bring up with her words “Colin, I need you to put your boots back on?” Would you have pushed back the hike to another time, or push through as Colin did in order to win another record?

9) Why does O’Brady carry a rock with him everyday? What recommendations does he give to harden mental resolve, set goals, and climb your own Mount Everest?

10) Personal Commentary Question: Each of us deals with hardships each day, placing mental barriers between ourselves and our goals. We all strive to push through these thoughts, as some of the Manifest Destiny explorers/adventurers/migrants did (think of the Oregon Trail type of expeditions).

Describe your understanding of mental fortitude and its influence on our daily lives, goals, long-term accomplishments, and more.

In what ways do you practice “pushing forward” with your goals? Do you ever encounter obstacles, and if so, how do you respond? Discuss freely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo_lZiytsMw

 

Describe which approach the anecdotes seem to rely on. Explain how you would evaluate the evidence for that topic using an empirical/scientific.

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Alternative medicine

Evaluating arguments and evidence.

For this week’s discussion board, you will examine the dangers of beliefs based on non-empirical ways of learning about the natural world. First, review the “Ways of Knowing” document to gain an understanding of how the empirical/scientific approach compares to other ways of knowing what is true about the natural world. Then, visit the website (http://whatstheharm.net) to see the possible negative outcomes of beliefs that are not based on an empirical/scientific approach to knowledge.

For your post, do the following:

  • Read the anecdotes for one of the topics listed on the website.
  • Describe which approach the anecdotes seem to rely on (i.e., empirical, reason, authority, intuition).
  • Explain how you would evaluate the evidence for that topic using an empirical/scientific.
  • Be aware that this website needs some updating and that not all topic areas have active