Written Assignments Fall 2022 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XavTW-386m0 INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY Written Assignments Fall 2022
OBSERVE THE DUE DATES!! Check on the COURSE CALENDAR for the due dates:
Click on the item for more information or for the assignment for that module.
INSTRUCTIONS for PREPARING and SUBMITTING WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
MODULE 0 Orientation and Training
MODULE 1 Introduction to the Course
MODULE 3 Proof for the Existence of a Deity
MODULE 6 Epistemology: Knowledge
MODULE 8 Mind Body: Nature and Origin of Consciousness
MODULE 9 Free Will or Determinism
MODULE 10 Ethics: The Moral GOOD
MODULE 11 Social Philosophy: Distributive Justice
MODULE 12 Political Philosophy: What works better?
MODULE : CULMINATING ACTIVITY: BONUS EXERCISE
This Philosophy Class is a Writing Intensive (WI) Class.
CRITERIA FOR WRITING INTENSIVE (WI) CLASSES
A. Writing
All WI Classes shall meet all of the following criteria:
1. Throughout a semester, students spend a portion of their class time writing in the service of learning course material. This writing may be informal and un-graded.
The written assignments satisfy this criteria. The last assignment is informal and low stakes.
2. A minimum of 10 pages of formal writing will be assigned and will be achieved by assigning several short papers, one short paper plus a longer one, or one longer paper assigned in stages that are each guided and responded to by the faculty member.
This minimum is more than met by the written assignments.
3. These 10 pages are responded to and returned to the student by the faculty member so that the student has the opportunity to revise before a final grade for the assignment is given.
The instructor returns the formal written assignments indicating where they may have lost points. Students will have 48 hours to revise and resubmit.
4. The faculty member regularly discusses student writing in class.
The instructor goes over the assignment and provides a sample of a submission that serves as a model.
5. Each time a writing assignment is given, the faculty member discusses and clarifies the assignment and his or her expectations for it.
The instructor goes over the assignment and provides a sample of a submission that serves as a model
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Assignments for MODULE 0 Orientation and Training means to
COMPLETE ALL the TEN STEPS TO START OFF
For the fully online class TEN STEPS for PHIL101 FALL 2022
Written Assignment for Module 1
Clearly indicate the main conclusion or principal thesis if any of these 4 are arguments
(1) Is this an argument? Pizza is the best snack food there is.
If yes, what are the premises and what is the conclusion?
(2)Is this an Argument:
A) I am sick B) my nose is running and I am coughing
If yes, what are the premises and what is the conclusion?
(3) Is this an argument ? Larry thinks Hochul is a better candidate for Governer than Zeldin, Lucy says its Zeldin
If yes, what are the premises and what is the conclusion?
(4) Friendship is a great element in a happy life.
If yes, what are the premises and what is the conclusion?
(5) Is this an argument? Lester was arrested for the 56th time for shoplifting. He has been diagnosed as a kleptomaniac who cannot resist the urge to take things that are not his. He will most likely be deemed not guilty by reason of mental illness.
If yes, what are the premises and what is the conclusion?
Written Assignment for Module 2
MODULE 2. Fallacies IDENTIFY THE FALLACY IN EACH OF THE SELECTIONS BELOW. 5 points
1-5 correct 1pt: 6-10 correct 2pts: 11-15 correct 3pts: 16-20 correct 4pts: 21-25 correct 5pts
Use the answer sheet supplied or in an email message space just list numbers 1 to 25 each followed by a letter from a to e
SELECT THE BEST CHOICE FROM THE OPTIONS PRESENTED .
1. We haven't made a case against Sleazer that will stand up in court so far, but if he refuses to testify it follows that a jury will see that he must have some thing to hide. That'll prove that he is guilty.
a) hasty generalization b) begging the question c) appeal to consequences d) appeal to ignorance e) division
2. A personal computer is a very complicated piece of machinery and very difficult to understand how exactly it works. This mouse attachment is part of the computer so it must be difficult to understand and too complicated for me to attach or adjust or to work.
a) converse accident b) division c) composition d) amphiboly e) sweeping generalization - accident
3. Brazilian government official speaking with an American official from the State Department: So Americans would like to criticize our policy of developing our domestic resources by reducing the size of our rain forests and relocating some of our original inhabitants. Tell me what government was it who destroyed much of the North American environment and forcibly relocated the original peoples of that land?
a) complex question b) begging the question c) hasty generalization d) ad hominem attack - tuo quoque variety e) big lie
4. When your friend asks you how you like his new girlfriend you should tell him your true opinion because lying is wrong.
a) amphiboly b) red herring - diversion c) division d) accident -sweeping generalization e) false dilemma
5. More CUNY students have become graduates than ever before in NYC history. This finding is based upon statistics reported in the NYC Yearly Review. The periodical reported that the number of graduates is up 10% over 1980. CUNY must be doing a good job.
a) biased statistics -select sample b) unknowable statistics c) small sample d) suppressed evidence e) accidental correlation
6. Genetics could be the reason some people become addicted to cocaine and others don't. Dr. Adelaide Sandiford, NY State Board of Regents, has stated that 80% of the crack cocaine addicts in a recent study were black. She has theorized that the melanin in the bodies of blacks predisposes one to addiction.
a) biased statistics b) unknowable statistics c) small sample d) data of a different quality e) accidental correlation
7. After speaking with over one hundred people and finding that most of them (83%) prefer to live in New York, I can only conclude that New York State is one of the most popular places in which to live in the world.
a) biased statistics- select sample -unrepresentative sample b) unknowable statistics c) small sample d) data of a different quality e) accidental correlation
8. I must admit that the one hundred people in the survey mentioned above were all New York State residents. This feature of the survey reveals the survey to be:
a) biased sample b) unknowable statistics small sample d) data of a different quality e) accidental correlation
9. Two out of three illegal aliens eventually resort to committing violent crimes. Such a claim might well be an example of:
a) biased statistics b) unknowable statistics c) small sample d) data of different quality e) accidental correlation
10. We cannot prove conclusively with rational argument that GOD-supreme being- exists. But those who are stubborn and refuse to believe in the existence of GOD will soon enough feel the wrath of the eternal fires.
a) accident b) appeal to force -consequences c) false dilemma d)post hoc - false cause e) equivocation
11. It's clear that the US attack on Iraq was unjustified because there were not sufficient reasons to support the US making such a move.
a) false cause b) begging the question - circular argument c) big lie d)accident sweeping generalization e) appeal to ignorance
12. The grand Jury report on Tawana Brawley is a sham. After all, the state of New York, who paid for it, is not really interested in the truth. Even the report admits that it can not account completely for her whereabouts during the entire four day period. The conclusion that there was no evidence that she had been raped is obviously wrong.
a)appeal to authority b) appeal to pity c) appeal to ignorance d) hasty generalization - converse accident e) tuo quoque - ad hominem
13. Jim: Bush undertook a lot of politically risky actions for what he believed to be for the good of the country, such as the actions in Panama and in Iraq. You have got to give him credit for the courage to do that.
John: No, I don't! I'm a Democrat and I'll give him credit for nothing.
John's position is an example of:
a) tuo quoque b) ad hominem - psychological attack c) appeal to authority d) provincialism e) accent
14. When asked why he was intoxicated the painter told the homeowner, "Well sir, you told me to paint the wall when thoroughly plastered." The painter's response provides an example of:
a) tuo quoque b) amphiboly c) equivocation d) ad hominem e) accident
15. The books in the library are stored in an orderly fashion. The desks and tables are orderly. So it is throughout the library. The library, therefore, as a whole is an orderly place.
a) division b) appeal to tradition c) composition d) beard e)appeal to ignorance
16. They forecast a big snow storm for Atlanta. So, when he left Logan Airport in Boston. Charlie had his boots and heavy clothing with him. Charlie's behavior is based on the error:
a) division b) composition c) false analogy d) equivocation e) accident
17. The National Football League (NFL) is a well known group.
Lance Brown is a member of the NFL. Therefore, Lance Brown is well-known.
a) division b) composition c) false analogy d) equivocation e) accident
18. A recent survey shows that the homeless are on the whole much heavier uses of drugs than those who have homes. So, being homeless leads to drug use.
a) appeal to tradition b) appeal to pity c) ad hominem d) biased statistics e) false cause - post hoc
19. The establishment of employment quotas based upon race and ethnicity is what you can expect if the affirmative action laws, policies and rulings are maintained. There will be no more hiring based upon merit . Once the policies are in effect for a few years there will no longer be competency criteria.
a) straw person b) appeal to consequences c) appeal to authority d) appeal to tradition e) false dilemma
20. "Let's face it. You either stand up to tyrants like Sadam Hussein with force or you will give them the green light to expand his aggression and tyranny."
a) appeal to the people b) tuo quoque - ad hominem attack c) false dilemma d) inconsistency e) doubtable statement
21. Ad: ALL CLEAR reduces nasal congestion up to 80% Get a package today. Don't delay only to suffer unnecessary pain and discomfort.
a) appeal to the people b) doubtable statement c) false dilemma d) accident e) composition
22.Letter in reply to an editorial criticizing the US intervention in the Persian Gulf.
"Are you a tyrant lover? Would you have supported Hitler? Would you let those barbarians go on butchering innocent people and seizing their neighbors' land and oil? You typify the cowardly liberal left."
a) black-white thinking b) ignoratio elenchi- diversion c) loaded phrases d) ad hominem abusive attack e) all of the above
23. African American race activists have criticized the first jury in the Rodney King beating trial in light of testimony concerning what had preceded the filmed events and the LA PD guidelines and training. The same activists insist that the videotape of the beating of the truck driver, Reginald Denny, during the events in LA following the verdict must be seen in the perspective of repressed anger over the injustices, inequities and lack of power.
a) appeal to the people b) big lie c) appeal to tradition
d) inconsistent - special pleading e ) appeal to authority
24. Look, a Haitian immigrant. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world. So That Haitian alien must be one of the poorest people in the world.
a) composition b) division c) accident d) converse accident e) big lie
25. Your friend has asked you to promise not to reveal a confidence and you do. Then she reveals that she is about to end her life. You believe that you must observe your promise and tell no one.
a.) big lie b) hasty generalization c) sweeping generalization d) tuo quoque-ad hominem e) false dilemma
Written Assignment for Module 3 Arguments for the Existence of a deity, a god.
There have been several proofs or arguments for the existence of a deity or god developed over the centuries. Each one of them has been closely examined and criticized and weaknesses have been disclosed. Some have more problems than others. Some seem more attractive and some stronger than others. This written assignment requires that you demonstrate two basic understandings: 1) an understanding of the significance or importance of the arguments and of their weakness as revealed through dialectical thinking and 2) an understanding of one argument in particular and how it is constructed and what problems there are with it.
Step One (1) On the question of whether or not there is a deity, a god, what is your position and your arguments to support your position? You may select any one (1) and only one (1) of the following seven (7) arguments (Ontological, Teleological, Cosmological, Miracles, Mystical Experiences, Direct Experiences, Psychic Phenomena) or select the position of atheism.
What is the argument or proof that you have selected? STATE the EXACT REASONING in steps. Be exact and complete. Each argument has premises and a conclusion. What are they?
The ______ Argument for the Existence or non-Existence of a Deity
Premise: Reason that supports the conclusion
Premise: Reason that supports the conclusion
Premise: Reason that supports the conclusion
......
......
......
Conclusion:
Step Two (2) Why are believers attracted to this argument or proof that you have selected?
Step Three (3)What are the problems with the argument? What are the criticisms of this argument?
Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations from texts or textbook to support your answers.
Step Four (4) How do the defenders of the argument that you have selected respond to the specific criticisms?
-indicate that you have done some reading and thinking in your answer
Written Assignment for Module 4
The Problem of EVIL in Philosophy
With this assignment you are required to evidence dialectical thinking. As with many things it becomes easier to do dialectical thinking as you practice.
Preliminary: Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers.
Be sure that you understand what the Problem of Evil in Philosophy is as it relates to the concept of the existence or nature of a deity. Be exact and complete. Describe just what is the Problem of Evil in Philosophy as it relates to the existence or nature of a deity? Be exact and complete. STATE the EXACT REASONING in steps. Be exact and complete-indicate that you have done some reading and thinking in your answer. Use quotations. Cite your sources. In all parts of this assignment you must indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers.
Be sure that you understand what the Problem of Evil in Philosophy is as it relates to the concept of the existence or nature of a deity. Be exact and complete.
Some believe that the Problem of Evil can not be solved. They think that the resolution of the conflict between certain characteristics of a deity, such as traditionally thought of the deity of the West, and the existence of evil can only result in denying the existence of the deity altogether or the changing of the properties of the deity or a recasting of the idea of evil itself so that it really is not evil at all. So, there are four possible responses to the problem advanced over two millennia:
You are required to complete these five steps of the process and LABEL each step so it is clear what you are doing. Make it very clear for each of the five steps.
Step One (1) You will describe the problem of evil and then select one of the four positions on the Problem of Evil in Philosophy. State which position you have chosen. Select the one that you can reason as the strongest or the one that has the least problems or makes the most sense and has reason and evidence to support it. Be as exact as you can be. You will then need to defend it using the dialectical process in steps 2,3,4,5.
The Problem of Evil involves the following:___________________________________
My position on the Problem of Evil is that of __________________________
Step Two (2) Provide the reasons (premises) why you think this position is better defended by reason and evidence than are the alternative positions. Take your position and defend it using reasoning in support of the judgment you have made as to what position you have chosen (conclusion of the argument).
Use the argument format:
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
......
......
......
Conclusion: Therefore I take this position on the Problem of Evil..........
CAUTION: You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes. Philosophers have offered such reasons and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position. Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers.
Step Three (3) State the reasons why you found the other 3 positions flawed or less defensible than the one you are defending Provide a reason for each one of the three you have rejected.
I reject position # because ........
I reject position # because ........
I reject position # because ........
Step Four (4) State the criticisms of your position from each of the three other positions you did not choose.
Those who take position # criticize my position for these reasons
Those who take position # criticize my position for these reasons
Those who take position # criticize my position for these reasons
Step Five (5) Respond to the criticisms- rebuttal- from each of the three positions that you did not choose. Defend your position in light of those criticisms
I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position # for these reasons
I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position # for these reasons
I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position # for these reasons
Written Assignment for Module 5
Reality Metaphysics
BEWARE: Read the note below before you do this assignment. Keep in mind that the meaning of reality in this assignment is "what is real" and the sum of all that is real and NOT a person's view of or opinion about or perspective on what is real. This question and assignment deals with Reality1= the sum total of all that is real.
There are several different theories concerning reality and what makes something real or what exists. There are at least four of those theories or positions on this issue of the REAL. What is your position?
You are required to complete these five steps of the process and LABEL each step so it is clear what you are doing. Make it very clear for each of the five steps.
Step One (1) You will select one of the several positions on the nature of REALITY in Philosophy. State which position you have chosen. Select the one that you can reason as the strongest or the one that has the least problems or makes the most sense and has reason and evidence to support it. Be as exact as you can be. You will then need to defend it using the dialectical process in steps 2,3,4,5.
My position on the nature of Reality is that of __________________________
Step Two (2) Provide the reasons (premises) why you think this position is better defended by reason and evidence than are the alternative positions. Take your position and defend it using reasoning in support of the judgment you have made as to what position you have chosen (conclusion of the argument).
Use the argument format:
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
......
......
......
Conclusion: Therefore I take this position on the nature of Reality..........
CAUTION: You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes. Philosophers have offered such reasons and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position. Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers.
Step Three (3) State the reasons why you found the other positions flawed or less defensible than the one you are defending Provide a reason for each one of those you have rejected.
I reject position # because ........
I reject position # because ........
I reject position # because ........
Step Four (4) State the criticisms of your position from each of at least three other positions you did not choose.
Those who take position # criticize my position for these reasons
Those who take position # criticize my position for these reasons
Those who take position # criticize my position for these reasons
Step Five (5) Respond to the criticisms- rebuttal-of each of the three positions that you did not choose. Defend your position in light of those criticisms
I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position # for these reasons
I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position # for these reasons
I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position # for these reasons
NOTE: Be sure you read the chapter and in particular the Overview to understand the meaning of "reality" as in this chapter and assignment. http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/SocialSciences/ppecorino/INTRO_TEXT/Chapter%204%20Metaphysics/OVERVIEW.htm
Written Assignment for Module 6 Knowledge-- Epistemology
There are Four (4) types of claims of knowledge indicating the four types of knowledge: SEMANTIC, SYSTEMIC, LOGICAL and EMPIRICAL. If knowledge is a justified true belief and if justification means having a warrant or a relevant basis for the making the claim to have knowledge then how are claims of having knowledge warranted? Four types of claims that can be made of knowing something would involve four types of warrants. How are these different types of claims warranted or supported that determines whether or not the claim to know something should be accepted? What supports a each type of claim?
What supports/warrants/proves a SEMANTIC claim?
What supports/warrants/proves a SYSTEMIC claim?
What supports/warrants/proves a LOGICAL claim?
What supports/warrants/proves an EMPIRICAL claim?
Written Assignment for Module 7 Truth
Answer all parts
Part A)
1. What do you think of the theory that there can be simultaneous multiple truths concerning claims?
2. Does the theory of simultaneous truths apply to claims that are semantic, systemic, logical or empirical? Comment on each type. Be sure you do think about each of these four types of claims. Can there be simultaneous multiple truths for each type of claim? For any type of claim?
3. We understand and accept that what one person believes may not agree with another person’s belief and so what may be believed to be true to one person may not be believed to be true to the second person. Does this mean that they are both correct?
4. Do you think that each group and each person is entitled to their own truth?
5. Does this apply to all types of claims: semantic, systemic, logical or empirical? Explain what this might mean. Explain and defend your position on this question with reasons. If you think that there can be more than one truth about the same claim at the same time then be sure to explain how there can be more than one truth about the shape of the planet earth and who is the current president of this college and the sum of 2 and 7 and the number of angles in a triangle AT THE SAME TIME. Be sure you READ this material on TRUTH:
6. What is to be done when there is a conflict between two different "truths" concerning claims that are semantic, systemic, logical or empirical? Does the outcome of the conflict determine what the truth is?
7. For the EMPIRICAL claims only there are the four different theories concerning the determination of the truth of empirical claims: Of the four which is the theory you hold as the one that best supports the truth of claims about empirical matters?
· A. Correspondence theory of truth
· B. Coherence theory
· C. Pragmatist theory
· D. Scientific Theory
8. Why do you reject alternate theory 1 ?
9. Why do you reject alternate theory 2 ?
10. Why do you reject alternate theory 3 ?
Written Assignment for Module 8 THE MIND BODY PROBLEM
Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers in all parts of this assignment. What is the Mind Body Problem or what was the Mind Body Problem? Why was it a problem? What has it become now in this time that we know so much more about human brains?
With this assignment you are required to attempt doing dialectical thinking for the first time in this course. As with many things it becomes easier as you practice.
Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers.
You are required to complete these five steps of the process and LABEL each step so it is clear what you are doing. Make it very clear for each of the five steps.
Step One (1) You will select one of the positions on the Mind Body Problem or Origins of Consciousness. State which position you have chosen. Select the one that you can reason as the strongest or the one that has the least problems or makes the most sense and has reason and evidence to support it. Be as exact as you can be. You will then need to defend it using the dialectical process in steps 2,3,4,5. process. Be sure to provide evidence of having done the reading. Indicate clearly each of these steps Label the steps from 1 to 5.
Please keep in mind that the Mind Body Problem for many has been transformed into the problem of explaining the origins of consciousness and intentionality (choice and decision making). Both the dualists and the materialist need to account for these phenomena.
My position on the Mind Body Problem or Origins of Consciousness is that of __________________________
Step Two (2) Provide the reasons (premises) why you think this position is better defended by reason and evidence than are the alternative positions. Take your position and defend it using reasoning in support of the judgment you have made as to what position you have chosen (conclusion of the argument).
Use the argument format:
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
......
......
......
Conclusion: Therefore I take this position on the Mind Body Problem or Origins of Consciousnessl..........
CAUTION: You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes. Philosophers have offered such reasons and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position. Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers.
Step Three (3) State the reasons why you found the other positions flawed or less defensible than the one you are defending Provide a reason for each one of the others you have rejected.
I reject position # because ........
I reject position # because ........
I reject position # because ........
Step Four (4) State the criticisms of your position from each of the other positions you did not choose.
Those who take position # criticize my position for these reasons
Those who take position # criticize my position for these reasons
Those who take position # criticize my position for these reasons
Step Five (5) Respond to the criticisms- rebuttal- from each of the other positions that you did not choose. Defend your position in light of those criticisms
I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position # for these reasons
I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position # for these reasons
I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position # for these reasonsWritten Assignment for Module 9 Free will FREEDOM and DETERMINISM PROBLEM
Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers in all parts of this assignment.
Take a position on this question or issue Do Humans have free will, if so, how free is it? Are all human actions determined, if so how so? to what degree? Which of these three theories do you think is most accurate in describing the human condition and why do you think so?
a. Take a position on this question or issue: only ONE of these options:
Be sure that you understand what the Free Will Question is. Be exact and complete. .
You are required to complete these five steps of the process and LABEL each step so it is clear what you are doing. Make it very clear for each of the five steps.
Step One (1) You will select one of the four positions on the Free Will Question/Problem. State which position you have chosen. Select the one that you can reason as the strongest or the one that has the least problems or makes the most sense and has reason and evidence to support it. Be as exact as you can be. You will then need to defend it using the dialectical process in steps 2,3,4,5.
My position on the Free Will Question/Problem is that of __________________________
Step Two (2) Provide the reasons (premises) why you think this position is better defended by reason and evidence than are the alternative positions. Take your position and defend it using reasoning in support of the judgment you have made as to what position you have chosen (conclusion of the argument).
Use the argument format:
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
Premises: Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)
......
......
......
Conclusion: Therefore I take this position on the Free Will Question/Problem.........
CAUTION: You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes. Philosophers have offered such reasons and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position. Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers.
Step Three (3) State the reasons why you found the other positions flawed or less defensible than the one you are defending Provide a reason for each one of the others you have rejected.
I reject position # because ........
I reject position # because ........
I reject position # because ........
Step Four (4) State the criticisms of your position from each of the other positions you did not choose.
Those who take position # criticize my position for these reasons
Those who take position # criticize my position for these reasons
Those who take position # criticize my position for these reasons
Step Five (5) Respond to the criticisms- rebuttal- from each of the other positions that you did not choose. Defend your position in light of those criticisms
I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position # for these reasons
I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position # for these reasons
I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position # for these reasons
CAUTION: Read the textbook first. This is not about freedom from consequences.
CAUTION: This is NOT about FATE or DESTINY or agents of any kind that have predetermined all events.
Indicate clearly each of these steps from 1 to 5 in your submission. Label the steps from 1 to 5.
Written Assignment for Module 10 The Moral GOOD Ethics
Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers in all parts of this assignment.
Step One (1). Take a position on this question or issue Which of the theories/principles concerning the MORAL GOOD do you think is the theory/principle that is most acceptable to you: the most acceptable Ethical Principle for the moral GOOD to serve as the basis for a moral order in a society in which you would want to live? Principles include: Ethical Egoism, Utility, Natural Law, Categorical Imperative, Maxi-Min Principle, Existentialism, Feminism. You would be led to the selection based on your values.
NOTE: NORMATIVE ETHICAL RELATIVISM is not a theory but an anti theory claiming there can be no absolute or general or universal basis for ethics. You cannot select this theory as the basis for a moral order.
My preferred Ethical Principle is_______________________
Step Two (2). I have selected the Ethical Principle of_______________ for these reasons that support my position on this matter. Provide the reasons involving your human values why you think this theory is better defended by reason and evidence than are the alternative positions.
Your position is to be defended using reasoning in support of the judgment/selection you have made (conclusion of the argument). You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes. Philosophers have offered such reasons (ethical principles and human values) and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position.
Step Three (3)
I have rejected the Ethical Principle of _________________ because
I have rejected the Ethical Principle of _________________ because
I have rejected the Ethical Principle of _________________ because
I have rejected the Ethical Principle of _________________ because
State the reasons why you found the other principles flawed or less defensible than the one you are defending in terms of the human values you hold. Provide the weaknesses or problems with each of the principles you have rejected.
Step Four (4) State the criticisms of your position/ your chosen ethical principle or answer "Just what are the weaknesses or problems with the principle you choose?"
Step Five (5) Respond to the criticisms- rebuttal- how do you defend your position in light of those criticisms.
VERY IMPORTANT!! If no one theory of ethics or ethical principle seems to be what you would want to use then argue for more than one or for a consideration of all of them in support of what values you seek to realize and support when you make moral judgments or realize that you are an Ethical Egoist wanting in each case of a moral dilemma for the moral good action to be what is pleasing to you or serving your purpose.
Written Assignment for Module 11
Distributive justice
In the world and in the USA there is a great disparity in wealth and income among the people. Many see this as a problem as it is not sustainable and so it should be altered. Such a process would involve ideas about distributive justice. There are several ideas about what constitutes distributive justice, among them are:
Step One (1). My position on the matter of Distributive Justice is to adopt the principle of_______________
State your own position on the issue of the distributive justice
Step Two (2). I have selected Principle of_______________ for Distributive Justice for these reasons that support my position on this matter ____________
Step Three (3)
I have rejected the Distributive Justice Principle of _________________ because
I have rejected the Distributive Justice Principle of _________________ because
I have rejected the Distributive Justice Principle of _________________ because
I have rejected the Distributive Justice Principle of _________________ because
Step Four (4) CRITICISMS and ALTERNATIVES to your position There are those who do not share my position. They think that................. Their reasons include.......................... They criticize my approach by making these claims and charges............
Step Five (5) . I reply to the CRITICISMS and ALTERNATIVES to my position. I respond to those who do not share my position with these claims and reasons................
Written Assignment for Module 12
Political Philosophy
Step One (1) I take the position that the form of government that would address disparities in wealth and income would be _________________ that would operate based on the principle of Distributive Justice I have previously adopted of_______________.
Step Two (2) .DEFENSE
You need to defend your position using reasoning in support of the your judgment (your judgment as the best position is the conclusion of the argument). You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes. Philosophers have offered such reasons and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position. Use your notion of Distributive Justice (from those supplied in the reading) and your notion of the justification for and proper form of government (from those supplied in the reading) in support of your position.
The reasons why I think that this is the best approach are that......
Step Three (3) .CRITICISMS and ALTERNATIVES to your position
There are those who do not share my position. They think that................. Their reasons include.......................... They criticize my approach by making these claims and charges............
Step Four (4) 4.REBUTTAL of those CRITICISMS and ALTERNATIVES
Consideration of alternative positions to and criticisms of your own position and the reasons for the rejection of those alternatives in favor of the judgment made for the reasons given in support of your position which employ reasoning and evidence.
Step Five (5) I respond to those who do not share my position with these claims and reasons................
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Written Assignment for CULMINATING ACTIVITY: BONUS EXERCISE
This is a BONUS ASSIGNMENT and it is OPTIONAL. If you choose to do it please se sure to do each part of FOUR (4) Parts for 5 points
PART I.
This is a low stakes assignment and whatever you answered will be acceptable but you are required to answer all parts. Answer each of the questions below and submit
1.Which of the philosophical issues covered this semester has been the most important and why so?
2. Which of the philosophical issues covered this semester has meant anything to you personally and why so?
3.Why do you think that the philosophical issues this course has covered have been issues and have remained issues for so long?
4. Why do you think these issues have been associated with Philosophy and not some other discipline?
5. Why is it that most of these issues have not been so evident as issues in our contemporary culture? Why are not more people aware of these troublesome questions, issues or problems?
6. Why were not you more aware of these philosophical issues than you were at the start of this course?
7. Now that you have been educated as to these issues in Philosophy in what way will they have any consequence in your life?
PART 2.ABOUT THE COURSE: FINAL EXERCISE
Item 1: What did you like best about this course?
Item 2: What specific things do you think could be improved in the structure or design of the course and learning activities?
Item 3: How would you improve the quality and participation in course discussions/interactions?
Item 4: What changes would you suggest be made to the pacing or sequence of the content and activities for this course? (e.g., were the due dates doable for you? Were the course materials sequenced well?)
Item 5: What changes would you suggest be made to the quantity of work required for this course?
Item 6: How could the course be improved in terms of my interaction, participation, and management of the course?
Item 7: What other suggestions, comments, or recommendations would you have for the instructor?
Item 8: What advice do you offer to students who would be just entering the class at the very start of the semester?
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PART 3. COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course has six objectives on a scale of 0 to 5 with 5 as the highest level , how well do you think that you have achieved these objectives?
DISCIPLINE-SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES
a. Identify
some of the basic content in the field of Philosophy (vocabulary, concepts,
theories)
b. Identify traditional and current Issues in Philosophy;
c. Communicate awareness of and understanding of philosophical issues.
d. Demonstrate familiarity with the main areas of philosophic discourse and be
able to state what major schools of thought there are that have contributed to
the ongoing discussion of these issues
e. Develop skills of critical analysis and dialectical thinking.
f. Analyze and respond to the comments of other students regarding philosophical
issues.
Score 0 to 5 a.____ b. ______ c._______ d.________ e.______ f.________
CUNY PATHWAYS Objectives
As of Fall 2013 according to CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein and Vice Chancellor Alexandra Logue the learning outcomes must be as indicated below
|
II.D Individual and Society |
Expected Student Outcomes and Objectives |
|
a. Gather, interpret, and assess information from a variety of sources and points of view. |
Students will understand philosophical texts effectively through readings in the textbook and ancillary documents and articles on a diversity of philosophical perspectives |
|
b. Evaluate evidence and arguments critically or analytically. |
Students will critically evaluate philosophical theories |
|
c. Produce well-reasoned written or oral arguments using evidence to support conclusions. |
Students will construct written essays, responses, and/or papers demonstrating the use of evidence-based information in drawing conclusions about issues in philosophy. |
| d. Identify and apply the fundamental concepts and methods of a discipline or interdisciplinary field exploring the relationship between the individual and society |
Students will identify the fundamental concepts and methods of philosophy and how these can be used to better understand the relationship between the individual and society. |
|
e. Articulate and assess
ethical views and their underlying premises.
|
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the appropriate use of philosophical methods in analyzing different ethical perspectives. |
|
f. Identify and engage with local, national, or global trends or ideologies,and analyze their impact on individual or collective decision-making. |
Students will draw conclusions about societal institutions and individual beliefs based on the methods of philosophical analysis. |
|
g. Communicate effectively through reading, writing, listening and speaking |
a. Students demonstrate
understanding of b. Students read relevant
philosophical c. Students will indicate
how philosophical methods are applied to various problems and issues. |
|
h. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions |
a. Students discuss
theories, concepts, and debates in philosophy b. Students analyze and
critique philosophical arguments and positions c. Students identify
relevance of philosophy to everyday life and career interests d. Students will analyze examples from other disciplines to illustrate how concepts from philosophy apply. |
|
i. Differentiate and make informed
decisions about issues based on multiple value systems |
a. Students discuss
applications of philosophical theory to other fields of inquiry. b. Students identify
relevance of philosophy to everyday life and career interests c. Students will analyze
examples from other disciplines to illustrate how concepts from
philosophy apply. d. Students will select topics in philosophy to use as themes in other courses. |
Score 0 to 5 a.____ b. ______ c._______ d.________ e.______ f.________g_______h_________i__________
PART 4. DIALECTICAL REASONING
Select which of your submitted work represents your estimate of your best effort at dialectical reasoning and submit it again to me. Just copy and paste any of the written assignments that you have already done that you think is your BEST WORK that follows all the steps for dialectical thinking and presenting a position on an issue or question and defending it.
Steps for presenting an argument or a defense of a position using dialectical reasoning
1. STATEMENT
State your Position on the issues or question and do so quite clearly. Be as exact as you can be. Be precise in your use of language.
2.DEFENSE
Position defended using reasoning in support of the judgment (conclusion of the argument). You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes. Philosophers have offered such reasons and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position.
3.REBUTTAL of CRITICISMS and ALTERNATIVES
Consideration of alternative positions to and criticisms of your own position and the reasons for the rejection of those alternatives in favor of the judgment made for the reasons given in support of your position which employ reasoning and evidence.
I suggest that you create your
assignments using your word-processing program and spell checker ,
then SEND FILE to the instructor or by email with the text inside the email
message window. DO NOT send attachments .
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Research in Philosophy on the Internet.
Free tutorial on doing research in Philosophy on the Internet.
http://www.humbul.ac.uk/vts/philosophy/index.htm
As for the search engine, you would enter:
problem of evil + Augustine
existence of god + teleological argument
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You may want to print this part of this document out.
INSTRUCTIONS for PREPARING and SUBMITTING WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
DIALECTICAL THINKING
In this course you are directed to take a position on a topic or question and then to use dialectical thinking to defend or support your position using dialectical thinking. What is dialectical thinking? It is the form of critical thinking associated with Philosophy. But what is it?
Here is a representation on what dialectical thinking involves. It will use the metaphor that Plato provided concerning the selection of a raft.
“For he should persevere until he has attained one of two things: either he should discover or learn the truth about them; or, if this is impossible, I would have him take the best and most irrefragable of human notions, and let this be the raft upon which he sails through life-not without risk, as I admit, if he cannot find some word of God which will more surely and safely carry him. "(Plato PHAEDO (85C)
In that statement he implies that truth is important for living a worthwhile life and that if the truth is unattainable one should be guided by the best truth available although it will involve the risk that comes from uncertainty.
So think of life as a journey and the path that you must travel has rivers to cross. These rivers are the challenges, the problems, the issues that you will face. You need to cross the rivers and continue on your journey. At the bank of the river you reach there are many rafts of different types that you can use to cross the river. These rafts are possible positions or answers or solutions that humans have devised. You want the best possible raft with which to cross safely. There are no perfect rafts. No ideal rafts. You need to select the best one for crossing the river.
Using this metaphor it could be said that Plato indicated that the purpose of Philosophy was knowing how to select the best raft or in life how to select the best option when deciding how to live a “good” life. The method is applied by Philosophers to questions or "rivers" such as :
What is knowledge?
What is truth?
What is the “good”?
What is beauty?
So, just what is the method? At the bank of the river you would look carefully to find as many rafts as you can and then examine each one to determine which is the best. You would select based upon the purpose it is to serve. You would not select based on which is the biggest or the most popular or the most expensive or even based on your favorite color. None of that is relevant to the purpose. Such criteria are not relevant. You need the best raft for crossing the river and that is not necessarily the biggest or most popular or the most expensive. You need the raft that will get you across safely. It needs to have been well assembled. It should have few or no leaks or tears in the ropes that bind the logs of the raft together.
You select one after having “good” reasons to reject the others. You find fault with them. They have leaks. You select the one least likely to leak or come apart and most likely to get you across the river.
You must also respond to those who are selecting other sorts of rafts and using other methods of selection. They will criticize your selection. They may say you should have picked the most expensive or the biggest or the red one or the one most others have. “Don’t you want to be one of us? “ You respond to the criticisms indicating why the critics are wrong. e.g., they are using criteria not relevant to the buoyancy and dependability of the raft.
With the dialectical process you use reason and hold your passions and emotions in check and choose the best based on reason and evidence. You don’t select on appeals to loyalty or popularity or prestige.
Steps for presenting an argument or a defense of a position using dialectical reasoning
1. STATEMENT
Select your raft- the position you think best defended by reason and evidence of the options available.
State your Position on the issues or question and do so quite clearly. Be as exact as you can be. Be precise in your use of language.
2.DEFENSE
Now defend your selection of the raft you think better than any other raft.
Defend the position you have chosen using reasoning in support of the judgment (conclusion of the argument) you have made. You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes.
Philosophers have offered such reasons and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position.
3.REBUTTAL of CRITICISMS and ALTERNATIVES
Defend your selection of your raft against the criticisms coming from those who have selected other rafts and think there is something wrong with your selection.
Consideration of alternative positions to and criticisms of your own position and the reasons for the rejection of those alternatives in favor of the judgment made for the reasons given in support of your position which employ reasoning and evidence.
======================================================
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
Each student is requested to submit the following assignments according
to the schedule for the semester. Check on the
COURSE CALENDAR
for the due dates. Remember to
Assignments are intended to provide for an assessment of the learner's achievement and progress. Assignments and parts of assignments are intended to assess the learner's motivation, reading comprehension, critical thinking skills and appreciation of philosophy. Assignments may be revised. Assignments for modules 1 to 6 may be revised and resubmitted any number of times up to one month before the end of the semester. Assignments for modules 6 to 8 may be revised and resubmitted up to the date of the last scheduled class.
Composing your assignment
Normally, you should compose your response using your word processor or on paper. This will give you the opportunity to revise, proofread, and spell check. When you have completed your assignment document be sure to spell check it .
Make sure to read the directions for each assignment carefully for details, due dates, and any thing else that may be specific to the assignment.
Format For Submitting Written Assignments to Professor Pecorino
Whether you are in an ONLINE CLASS or a traditional class or a hybrid class you must submit the assignments by EMAIL ppecorino@qcc.cuny.edu Do not send attachments!!! Copy and paste your text from the word processor directly into the message window of the email. In the subject line put:
first name , last name, QCC PHIL101 section B1 or B3, assignment#
Evaluations
The evaluation for your assignment will appear directly in your document or with your document when returned to you by email or returned directly to you by the instructor. Evaluations are private and can only be read by the student and professor.
OBSERVE THE DUE DATES!! Check on due dates:
All written assignments may be revised and
resubmitted. If at QCC you can go to
In all cases the written work must show evidence of the author’s awareness of the materials made available in the online textbook and through the related Internet links found in the Online Textbook that is part of the course. Proper citations and accreditation are to be made evident in the body of the work. The learners are required to provide evidence of research and scholarship and to AVOID Plagiarism!
Criteria for evaluation of the written assignments is given under Course Information document titled ” How you will be evaluated.”
I will go over returned written assignments with students. Before I do any student requesting a discussion of their work must first look over the rubric below and offer an explanation of how it is that I might have taken points off of a maximum score. If no explanation is offered then there will be no discussion. Students must understand what is expected of them in this learning activity. Reviewing the criteria in the rubric and assessing your own work aids in understanding.
Guidelines and Requirements for WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
1. Must be submitted by email or else not accepted
2. Must be on time or else not accepted
3. Must not have more than two spelling or grammar or syntax errors per page or else not accepted
4. Must have all parts completed.
5. Must present clear evidence of having done the reading or else not accepted.
6. Must evidence some careful thinking
7. Must NOT have any evidence of PLAGIARISM or other form of Academic Integrity Violation or else not accepted and a report filed with the Dean of Students
RUBRIC for Assessment of Critical Thinking in the form of Dialectical Thinking
You are to label the parts of the assignment with the letters a to e to make very clear that you have done each part.
Dialectical thinking
SUPPORT SERVICES If at QCC you can attempt to secure services in support of the written assignments
WRITING CENTER The QCC Center for Tutoring and Academic Support is a FREE resource that provides QCC students with tutoring assistance for reading comprehension and writing-related assignments. In order to continue providing QCC students with academic support during CUNY's response to the COVID19 pandemic, the Learning Center and the Writing is available online.
TIGERWRITE
Is TigerWrite Right for Me?
Although not interactive like a face-to-face tutoring
session in the Writing Center, TigerWrite could be
a helpful option for you if:
•
You have a full or partial draft of your paper;•
You can wait 2 days for feedback and then revise your
assignment before submitting it;•
You want writing assistance but are unable to come to
campus;
and/or
•
Your instructor has required your class to submit an
assignment to TigerWrite.
How Does TigerWrite Work?
TigerWrite is designed to be simple to use, with on-screen
instructions that guide you each step of
the way.
Here is the basic process for creating your tutoring session
in TigerWrite:
Step 1. Log into TigerWrite at
http://www3.qcc.cuny.edu/TigerWrite/
The college has an academic integrity policy and program. You may be severely penalized for violations of academic integrity. Learn about it and observe the principles. Among other things you must avoid plagiarism.
AVOIDING
PLAGIARISM |
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