Identify historical beginnings of philosophy and contemporary positions concerning the nature of knowledge and reality. Distinguish the basic concepts of moral and political philosophy. Evaluate arguments for and against the existence of God. Evaluate various approaches to the mind-body problem.

/in /by

Goal: A deeper understanding of the chosen topic.

Course Objective(s):

CO1: Identify historical beginnings of philosophy and contemporary positions concerning the nature of knowledge and reality

CO3: Distinguish the basic concepts of moral and political philosophy

CO4: Evaluate arguments for and against the existence of God

CO5: Evaluate various approaches to the mind-body problem

Task:
This 1200 – 1600 word (not to exceed 2000 words) Philosophical Essay you will be writing due Week 7 is designed to be a thoughtful, reflective work. The word count does not include the works cited page (or the cover page if you choose APA formatting). It will be your premier writing assignment focused on the integration and assessment relating to the course concepts.

Your paper should be written based on the outline you submitted during week 4 combined with your additional thoughts and instructor feedback.
You will use at least three scholarly/reliable resources with matching in-text citations and a Works Cited (References) page.

All essays are double spaced, using either a 12 point New Times Roman or Arial font containing a proper header and title and all paragraphs indented six spaces (1/2 inch).

Description:
You will pick one of the following topics only to do your paper on:
Why according to Socrates, must one NOT heed popular opinion about moral matters? Does Socrates accept the fairness of the laws under which he was tried and convicted? Would Socrates have been wrong to escape? Finally, how does the notion of a social contract apply to Socrates’ reasoning? (CO3)?

[You must use and cite the Crito in completing this paper.]

Socrates asks Euthyphro, “Are morally good acts willed by God because they are morally good, or are they morally good because they are willed by God?” (1) How does this question relate to the Divine Command Theory of morality? (2) What are the philosophical implications associated with each option here? Finally, (3) which position do you feel is correct and why?

Explain (1) the process by which Descartes uses skepticism to refute skepticism, and (2) how he concluded that whatever is clearly and distinctly perceived cannot be doubted. (3) Explain why this project was important for Descartes to accomplish in light of Mediation VI. Finally, (4) discuss at least one problem his conclusion presents. (CO1, CO5)

Using several theories from weeks three and four justify the claim that it is or is not possible to have objective knowledge of the world in which we live. Be sure to discuss the nuances of the theories you are using. (CO1)

Pick at least three moral theories (i.e. Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue, etc) from weeks six and seven and, after describing the theories in modest detail, discuss how you could use each theory to justify extending rights to non-human animals and nature. Alternatively, discuss how each can be used to deny rights to either animals, nature, or both. (CO3)

Research at least two positions (philosophers) concerning social contract theory. Discuss the different conceptions and identify any differences between the theories. Then defend the notion that America is or is not currently operating under some form of a social contract. (CO 3)

Pick a contemporary, popular movie and then discuss how various plots demonstrate some theory of any philosopher covered in this class (feel free to look at the last few weeks to see names and theories we have not discussed yet). (COs1-6)

Your paper will be written at a college level with an introduction (one that indicates what would be covered and in what order), body paragraphs, a conclusion, along with in-text citations/Works Cited page in MLA or APA formatting.

Remember – any resource that is listed on the Works Cited page must have an in-text citation in the paper to match or this is considered plagiarism.

[Note, depending on your degree area, you may be more familiar with APA. You can use either one, just be consistent.]

Read the texts, visit the websites of Ansel Adams and Ernst Haas, and write a 300 word reflection about what you notice about their work, how it differs or is the same, what you think about your work now you’ve looked through your own images, and how understanding the technical aspects of photography might inspire you to find a new voice.

/in /by

Thinking Photography- thinking technically

We are reflex photographers, and the more we shoot, the more we find we have visual preferences.

Look through your camera roll, and make a list of what colour is predominant, what subject is predominant, if there are a lot of macro/ close up shots, or a lot of landscapes or portraits.

What we notice defines who we are, and what we notice about what we’ve noticed and photographed is the first step in making ourselves better photographers.

Task: Read the texts, visit the websites of Ansel Adams and Ernst Haas, and write a 300 word reflection about what you notice about their work, how it differs or is the same, what you think about your work now you’ve looked through your own images, and how understanding the technical aspects of photography might inspire you to find a new voice!

Url – https://www.anseladams.com/

Is this absolutely necessary- can we challenge preconceptions and our viewers when they look at our work?

/in /by

Importance of composition and pre-visualisation

http://www.iconofgraphics.com/Alexey-Brodovitch/

The idea of composition is based on the organisation of information in a tangible way that makes sense and allows the viewer to ‘read’ the image clearly.

Is this absolutely necessary- can we challenge preconceptions and our viewers when they look at our work?

Look at how Alexey Brodovitch made images come alive, and then find one image online, or one of your own, and compare it with Brodovitch’s work and write a 300 word reflection on your process of discovery concerning the importance of composition and pre-visualisation.

Is Lorde correct about the call for unity across difference? Do you agree with Lorde’s position? Or are women’s movements more effective only when they focus and draw on sexuality?

/in /by

Feminism

Essay Question:

Is Lorde correct about the call for unity across difference? Do you agree with Lorde’s position? Or are women’s movements more effective only when they focus and draw on sexuality? Be sure to carefully explain Lorde’s position. In defending your position, be sure to consider the strongest possible objection and how you would respond to it.

Write an essay on why we should create a personal sexual ethic?

/in /by

Sexual ethics

Why should we create a personal sexual ethic? (make certain your essay is at least 5 paragraphs and includes information we discussed in class) Philosophy -140 choose the title in sexual ethics.

What have you learned from the post below, and what have they omitted that you would include?

/in /by

Philosophy – utilitarianism and solar energy

Make a substantive comment of at least 250 words on the actual content of the essay below. in which you do a brief peer review of the other student’s post. What have you learned from the post below, and what have they omitted that you would include? Students will also be encouraged to respond to any student’s responses to their own posts. In other words, students are expected to read the responses to their posts, and respond in kindly. You should not simply repeat what you already said in your essay (recent order abut utilitarianism and solar energy)

Chose any one or more philosophers and apply that philosophy to the 21st century. Chose any topic related to any philosopher, and discuss that philosopher(s) and his/their concept(s) in whatever context you wish.

/in /by

Writer’s Choice

Political Philosophy Class:

Read the instructions below carefully! A lot is left up to the writer.

Plato, Locke, Hegel and Marx have different views on the proper role and place regarding property. Plato opposes property ownership by the guardians, and Marx opposes private property. Locke sees the protection of property as one of the main goals of government, while economic activity and property are essential elements of ethical life for Hegel.

1. Construct an argument about which philosopher has the most convincing theories of property by comparing and contrasting Plato, Locke, Hegel, and Marx any two or more of the philosophers. This can include real-world results from their ideas, strength, and consistency of their arguments, or process of elimination by poking holes in the arguments of the other men leaving your choice as the last man standing.

2. Chose any one or more philosophers and apply that philosophy to the 21st century.

3. Chose any topic related to any philosopher, and discuss that philosopher(s) and his/their concept(s) in whatever context you wish.

Remember, have a strong introduction, revised last to reflect what the paper accomplished, and a strong conclusion consisting of lessons learned based on what is presented and documented in the body.

Carefully articulate and analyze how panpsychism and autoimmunity can be utilized to illuminate an understanding of substance dualism.

/in /by

Write between 2000 and 2500 words on any two (2) questions hereunder:

1. 1. Carefully articulate and analyze how panpsychism and autoimmunity can be utilized to illuminate an understanding of substance dualism. (30 marks)

2. 2. Defend why Plato should be charged for the mind and body problem in philosophy and offer your solution(s) to the problem. (30 marks)

3. 3. Gordon Gallup Jr. argued in “Chimpanzees: Self-Recognition”, 1970, that chimpanzees had self-awareness based on the Mirror Test conducted by him. Do you think the ascription of mind to animals is another way to resolve the problem of other minds in philosophy? Argue your answer. (30 marks)

4. 4. Explain and analyze the connection between Leibniz’s monadology and artificial intelligence. (30 marks)

5. 5. Advance four arguments to prove the relevance of philosophy of mind to Jamaica by highlighting its utility to various facets of the Jamaican society in general, and culture in particular. (30 marks)

Is it possible for the cinematic element in a fictional movie to play a significant role in conveying philosophical ideas? Or are films just good thought experiments?

/in /by

Argumentative essay about philosophy and fim

It should be an argumenttative essay of 1300 words , discussing following arguments.
Is it possible for the cinematic element in a fictional movie to play a significant role in conveying philosophical ideas (In a similar way as literature can)? Or are films just good thought experiments?

I think Film is nevertheless valuable in showing how a relatively abstract problem can have meaning to us as human beings. But One could argue that films focus on delivering these ideas in a more speculative and read between the lines kind of way. Films are also informed and conditioned by completely different interests and approaches. It becomes less about an argued philosophical position than exploring the question that resonates with the audience on a more personal and emotional level. Whereas what we think of true “philosophy” works are mostly concentrated on explicit knowledge in an essentially intellectual and maximally even-headed way.

From Chapter 3, explain what the moral minimum adds to the economic model, and give an argument as to why it should be added. From chapter 4, explain the difference between effective leadership and ethical leadership, and give an example of how an effective leader might fail to be an ethical leader.

/in /by

There are three 3 questions. The first two (2) questions are short responses, and your answer should be approximately one long paragraph. The final
question which is question 3 is an essay question. You do not need to provide citations. What I expect from Essay Question is Introduction, 3 Body Paragraphs, Counterclaim and Conclusion.

Question One (One Long Paragraph) : From Chapter 3, explain what the moral minimum adds to the economic model, and give an argument as to why it should be added. (Give philosophically adequate arguments. Give an accurate analysis of the arguments presented and to give well-constructed arguments. Lastly, give an accurate account of the theories and terms presented in the reading).

 

Question Two (One Long Paragraph) : From chapter 4, explain the difference between effective leadership and ethical leadership, and give an example of how an effective leader might fail to be an ethical leader.

Question Three (Essay Question – 550 words) : A theme throughout the course has been how merely meeting legal standards may not be sufficient for to act ethically. Use examples from DesJardins, An Introduction to Business Ethics, to discuss this idea. Please only use the book that I will provide in the files and only the book. DO NOT GOOGLE the answers or write anything from the internet!!

Extra Question (One Long Paragraph) : From chapter 11, explain the difference between equal opportunity and affirmative action