Philosophy Courses - Assignment Blog

Article: Religious organizations, health care coverage, birth control, and ethics!

2012-02-16T09:59:00.001-05:00

Birth Control, Bishops and Religious Authority by Gary Cutting

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/birth-control-and-the-challenge-to-divine-authority

This appeared in a section titled "The Stone" in the New York Times. The Stone features contemporary philosophers writing on issues both timely and timeless. The series moderator is Simon Critchley, who teaches philosophy at The New School for Social Research in New York.

Not Contraception, but Free Enterprise by Lenny Curry

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/letters-readers/2012-02-16/story/not-contraception-free-enterprise

This appeared in the Times Union, here in Jacksonville. Check out the comments section in response to each article. Do you see any fallacies, avoidance tactics, personal attacks, and so on in any of the comments? I found tons of 'em! Sometimes all in the same comment!

Authority as a source of Ethics

2012-02-11T18:39:00.003-05:00

TED Video: http://www.ted.com/talks/philip_zimbardo_on_the_psychology_of_evil.html

Why do some people follow commands issued by authority, even when the commands are morally questionable?

Some experiments that address this question

- The BBC Prison Study experiment (2001)
- The Stanford Prison experiment (Stanford, 1971)
- The Blue-eyed, brown-eyed exercise (1968)
- The Third Wave experiment (Cubberley High School, 1967)
- The Milgram experiment (Yale, 1963)

Some movies that address this question

- "Compliance" (2012)
- "The Experiment" (2010)
- "Das Experiment" (2001)

Intro to Philosophy this summer (FSCJ's Kent campus)

2012-02-07T13:42:00.002-05:00

I'm teaching Introduction to Philosophy this summer @ KENT campus (FSCJ)
PHI 2010 ... Tuesdays & Thursdays ... 10 am - 12:25 pm

Yay! Critical Thinking!

2012-02-01T09:24:00.002-05:00

“College graduates who scored in the bottom 20th percentile on a critical thinking test were three times more likely to be unemployed straight out of college than the test’s top 20 percent” (Hultgren, 2012).

“College should prepare students not only for the job market, but also for life. Spoon - feeding information to students, never requiring them to do any critical thinking, and then throwing them into the world is like throwing a kitten into the lion’s den” (Hultgren, 2012).

Hultgren, K. (n.d.). Arizona Daily Wildcat :: UA, colleges must teach critical thinking skills. Arizona Daily Wildcat. Retrieved February 1, 2012, from http://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/index.php/article/2012/01/ua_colleges_must_teach_critical_thinking_skills

"Philosophy--what's the use?"

2012-01-27T08:36:00.002-05:00

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/25/philosophy-whats-the-use/

How to get the most out of studying

2012-01-22T21:50:00.004-05:00

Watch these videos. You'll be glad you did! http://www.samford.edu/how-to-study

Required Books for Spring 2012

2012-01-03T19:20:00.000-05:00

Required for Introduction to Applied Ethics at FSCJ

A 21st Century Ethical Toolbox (3rd Ed)
By Anthony Weston
The 3rd edition!
Students who buy the wrong edition are held solely responsible for the consequences

Required for Introduction to Philosophy at Jacksonville University

Ultimate Questions: Thinking about Philosophy (3rd Ed)
By Nils. Ch. Rauhut
The 3rd edition!
Students who buy the wrong edition are held solely responsible for the consequences

Should you take this class with me?

2012-01-03T17:10:00.002-05:00

(If you are a former student, feel free to post, and add any expectations I may have forgotten!)

If you take this class with me face-to-face:

Expect lots of highly interactive small-group activities / discussions during class sessions. Only during class, though. I never assign outside-of-class group work.

Expect that I will write on the board often, and that I will frequently illustrate concepts, and relationships between concepts, through on-the-spot stick figure drawings and charts. In other words, I never use PowerPoint.

Expect to take lots of notes, every class session. Expect me to discuss effective note-taking strategies.

Expect the Socratic Method. I use it to challenge students' lines of reasoning (arguments). Plus, I show students how to use the method, and I expect them to use it on me and their classmates.

Expect high standards when it comes to assignments, discussions, in-class activities, and course policies. Expect me to follow all policies, as they are outlined in the syllabus, to a "t". Expect me to direct you to the syllabus / blog if you have questions that are already answered there.

Expect to write in ways that are probably brand new to you--expect to write philosophically / analytically. I will show you how to do this, through detailed assignment blueprints.

Expect to be held solely responsible for the actions and decisions you choose in response to this course. My job is creating learning opportunities and tools. Your job is to respond to each of those appropriately; expect to be held responsible for your choices.

If you take this class with me online:

Expect to compose one thorough assignment post each week, two thorough responses to classmates each week, and one thorough Reflection post each week. That's all. No term papers, mid-terms, or finals in this course. Once you get used to the format, which is highly consistent each and every week, you will discover, as most students who don't drop the class right away do, that the workload is spread very evenly throughout the course--in other words, you won't feel frazzled at the middle or end with the added burden of mid-terms, finals, term papers, etc.

Expect the Socratic Method. I use it to challenge students' lines of reasoning (arguments). Plus, I show students how to use the method, and I expect them to use it on me and their classmates.

Expect high standards when it comes to assignments, discussions, and course policies. Expect me to follow all policies, as they are outlined in the syllabus, to a "t". Expect me to direct you to the syllabus if you have questions that are already answered there.

Expect to write in ways that are probably brand new to you--expect to write philosophically / analytically. I will show you how to do this, through detailed assignment blueprints.

Expect to be held solely responsible for the actions and decisions you choose in response to this course. My job is creating learning opportunities and tools. Your job is to respond to each of those appropriately; expect to be held responsible for your choices.

"You Are Not So Smart"

2011-12-25T09:37:00.001-05:00

The Misconception: You celebrate diversity and respect others’ points of view.

The Truth: You are driven to create and form groups and then believe others are wrong just because they are others.

http://youarenotsosmart.com/2011/08/21/the-illusion-of-asymmetric-insight/
Discuss. :)

More seeking Philosophy degrees as basis for careers

2011-11-21T09:46:00.001-05:00

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_19380646

March 31, 2012: UNF Student Philosophy Conference

2011-11-08T14:58:00.001-05:00

UNF’s Department of Philosophy invites paper submissions from undergraduate or graduate students for the 15th Annual Northeast Florida Student Philosophy Conference:

“Philosophy and Media”

March 31st, 2012, Jacksonville, Florida

Plenary Speakers:
Christopher Grau (Clemson)
Vance Ricks (Guilford College)

Call for Papers / Directions: Submit both (i) a cover sheet that includes your name, the title of your paper, your university affiliation, your e-mail address, and a 150-word abstract, and (ii) a copy of your paper – 3000 words or less, prepared for blind review (i.e., omitting any information that might allow a referee to identify you) – to Mitch Haney.

Note: Papers on any topic of philosophical interest will be considered, although papers related to media or the following areas are preferred: Social Philosophy, Social Epistemology, Aesthetics, Applied Ethics

Deadline for Submissions: Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

Notifications: Authors of papers accepted for the conference will be notified by February 29th, 2012.

Google Documents

2011-07-22T10:36:00.004-04:00

For students interested in learning how to use Google documents (what I use for all assignments).

With Google docs, you can create and edit a Word document right in your browser, for instance. You never have to worry about forgetting a paper at home! You can just log in to your Google account while you are at school (or elsewhere), and there it is!

Here are two relevant YouTube video. The FIRST one explains how to set Google Docs up. The SECOND one gives an overview of Google Docs.

For more "how to" videos, simply search for "Google Documents" in YouTube.

Show & Tell

2011-06-02T19:00:00.007-04:00

Suppose you find a neat philosophy video, or your band has a show coming up. Share those kinds of things, here, if you want. Comments without a first / last name will not be posted.

Intro to Philosophy: course questions

2011-06-02T18:00:00.003-04:00

Post comments that are related to the course, but not related to specific assignments, here.

Ethics: course questions

2011-06-02T17:59:00.001-04:00

Post comments that are related to the course, but not related to specific assignments, here.

Contemporary Issues by chapter

2011-05-23T14:23:00.008-04:00

ALERT! None of the resources below are required reading. This is simply an informal repository for ethical issues I may highlight in connection to particular chapters. This collection could also serve as an idea generator for Framework papers and presentations. Feel free to browse through these resources...or not.

Chapter 1
Shareable Terms as a source of ethical standards
Basic needs & legitimate expectations (LEBN)

Chapter 2
Feelings, Culture, Self, Ego as sources of ethical guidance
Flying by Instinct, Rationalizing, Relativism, Egoism, Dogmatism

More fallacies and "avoidance" techniques

Chapter 3
Authority as a source for ethical standards and guidance
Shareable Terms, Independent thinking, Stories as discussion starters

Chapter 6
Moral Values (shareable terms) as ethical standards
Values, Moral Values, Moral Values in action

Chapter 7
Respect for Persons as a (shareable) ethical standard
Rights, Duties, Obligations, Autonomy, Reason, Freedom

Chapter 8
Happiness as a (shareable) ethical standard
Happiness, Happiness Maximized, Cost Benefits analysis, Rights as instrumental

Selling virginity
Actors in Med school tests (video)
Simulated patients
The Ford Pinto case
Cannibalism at Sea
Ethics of synthetic meat
"In Vitro meat" (Wikipedia) Cultured Meat
"Justice & Cannibalism" ... Sandel on Colbert

Chapter 9
Ideals (character traits) and Essential Function as (shareable) ethical standards
Ideals, Essential function, Golden Mean, Best Practices, Developing good habits

Chapter 10
Relationships as a (shareable) ethical standard
Care, community, relationships

Kids gone wild

Chapter 11
Critical Thinking

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ISSUES REPOSITORY

IntroPhil - Final Presentation

2011-05-02T15:26:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Final Presentation - prep template"

HANDOUTS
All items below will be linked to actual documents, once the semester begins.

Template
Cover Sheet
Composition Handout
Plagiarism Recovery Worksheet

IF YOU MISSED CLASS
You're required to get notes from a classmate. Students who skip getting notes from a classmate will be held solely responsible for the consequences.

QUESTIONS?
If you have general questions ("Do you want us to...") about the assignment, after a class session is over, you are required to post it below to receive an answer.

If you email me instead, about a general question, I'll respond with "I'll be happy to answer that, once I see it on the blog". Save us both time by posting here first.

Intro Phil: Readings

2011-05-01T14:00:00.000-04:00

Euthyphro
Plato
Print PDF: here

Meditations on First Philosophy
Rene Descartes
http://www.filepedia.org/meditations-on-first-philosophy

On Liberty
J.S. Mill
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/34901

Additional commentary, readings, resources

http://atheistethicist.blogspot.com/2011/08/regarding-penn-jillettes-libertarianism.html

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RELATED ISSUES, READINGS, RESOURCES
(optional!)

Chapter 3: Knowledge
- http://stephenlaw.blogspot.com/2011/09/but-i-just-know.html
- Epistemology (Stanford Encyclopedia)
- The Analysis of Knowledge (Stanford Encyclopedia)

Chapter 4: Free Will
- "Free Will and the Science of the Brain" (NPR interview w/ Gazzanigna)
- Right vs. Left Brain (YouTube video)
- Who's to Blame?
- Compatibilism
- Free Will (Stanford Encyclopedia)
- Moral Responsibility (Stanford Encyclopedia)
- Compatibilism (Stanford Encyclopedia)
- Incompatibilism (Stanford Encyclopedia)
- "Science or Philosophy?"

Chapter 5: Identity
- Parasitic twins
- Twins share a brain
- Baby born with two heads

Chapter 6: Mind Body problem
- "Gaining weight to cure depression"
- Baby born with two heads

Ethics - Assignment 1

2011-04-10T12:20:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Ethics Reflection Project - part A"

HANDOUTS
See the syllabus for details

IF YOU MISSED CLASS
You're required to get notes from a classmate. Students who skip getting notes from a classmate will be held solely responsible for the consequences.

QUESTIONS?
If you have general questions ("Do you want us to...") about the assignment, after a class session is over, you are required to post it below to receive an answer.

If you email me instead, about a general question, I'll respond with "I'll be happy to answer that, once I see it on the blog". Save us both time by posting here first.

Ethics - Assignment 2

2011-04-09T12:28:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Template Workshop"

*** REMEMBER TO BRING 3 NEWSPAPER ARTICLES TO THE WORKSHOP!

HANDOUTS

Ethics - Assignment 3

2011-04-08T12:32:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Ethical Issues Profiles"

*** REMEMBER TO BRING THREE NEWSPAPER ARTICLES TO THE WORKSHOP!

HANDOUTS

Ethics - Assignment 4

2011-04-07T12:34:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Foundations Profile"

HANDOUTS

Template

Ethics - Assignment 5

2011-04-06T12:36:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Animal Ethics Paper"

HANDOUTS
All items will be linked to actual documents once the semester begins.

Template
Cover Sheet
Composition Handout
Plagiarism Recovery Worksheet

Ethics - Assignment 6

2011-04-05T18:07:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Framework Topic Proposal"

HANDOUTS
All items will be linked to actual documents once the semester begins.

Template
Cover Sheet
Composition Handout
Plagiarism Recovery Worksheet

Ethics - Assignment 7

2011-04-04T18:21:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Professional Code Workshop"

HANDOUTS
All items will be linked to actual documents once the semester begins.

Template
Cover Sheet
Composition Handout
Plagiarism Recovery Worksheet

Ethics - Assignment 8

2011-04-03T12:38:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Framework Workshop"

HANDOUTS
All items will be linked to actual documents once the semester begins.

Template
Cover Sheet
Composition Handout
Plagiarism Recovery Worksheet

Ethics - Assignment 9

2011-04-01T18:26:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Ethics Reflection Project - part B"

HANDOUTS
See syllabus for details

IF YOU MISSED CLASS
You're required to get notes from a classmate. Students who skip getting notes from a classmate will be held solely responsible for the consequences.

QUESTIONS?
If you have general questions ("Do you want us to...") about the assignment, after a class session is over, you are required to post it below to receive an answer.

If you email me instead, about a general question, I'll respond with "I'll be happy to answer that, once I see it on the blog". Save us both time by posting here first.

Ethics - Assignment 10

2011-03-31T18:27:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Framework Paper"

HANDOUTS
All items will be linked to actual documents once the semester begins.

Template
Cover Sheet
Composition Handout
Plagiarism Recovery Worksheet

Ethics - Assignment 11

2011-03-30T18:32:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Final Presentation"

HANDOUTS
All items will be linked to actual documents once the semester begins.

Template
Cover Sheet
Composition Handout
Plagiarism Recovery Worksheet

Ethics - Bonus Opportunities

2011-03-30T12:43:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
Bonus Points Opportunities

HANDOUTS
Links will appear as due date draws closer...

Grade Tally
Portfolio

IntroPhil -- Assignment 1

2011-03-20T12:42:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Template Workshop Prep"

HANDOUTS

IntroPhil -- Assignment 2

2011-03-19T12:44:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Logic Tools Profile"

HANDOUTS

Template
See "Handouts" page for Cover sheet

IF YOU MISSED CLASS
You're required to get notes from a classmate. Students who skip getting notes from a classmate will be held solely responsible for the consequences.

QUESTIONS?
General questions ("Do you want us to...") about this assignment, outside of class, must be submittedbelow to receive an answer. If you email me general questions instead, I'll remind you of this policy, and wait for you to post to the blog. Save us both time by posting here first.

IntroPhil -- Assignment 3 and 4

2011-03-18T09:51:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Knowledge Paper" Workshop (assignment 3)
"Knowledge Paper" (assignment 4)

The template contains instructions for both assignments connected to the "Knowledge paper" ... check the syllabus to understand when each part is due.

HANDOUTS

Template
See "Syllabi & other resources" page for Cover sheet

IF YOU MISSED CLASS

You're required to get notes from a classmate. Students who skip getting notes from a classmate will be held solely responsible for the consequences.

QUESTIONS?
General questions ("Do you want us to...") about this assignment, outside of class, must be submitted below to receive an answer. If you email me general questions instead, I'll remind you of this policy, and wait for you to post to the blog. Save us both time by posting here first.

IntroPhil -- Assignment 5 and 6

2011-03-17T09:55:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Existence Paper" Workshop (assignment 5)
"Existence Paper" (assignment 6)

The template contains instructions for both assignments connected to the "Existence paper" ... check the syllabus to understand when each part is due.

HANDOUTS

Template
See "Handouts" page for Cover sheet

IF YOU MISSED CLASS
You're required to get notes from a classmate. Students who skip getting notes from a classmate will be held solely responsible for the consequences.

QUESTIONS?
General questions ("Do you want us to...") about this assignment, outside of class, must be submitted below to receive an answer. If you email me general questions instead, I'll remind you of this policy, and wait for you to post to the blog. Save us both time by posting here first.

IntroPhil -- Assignment 7 and 8

2011-03-16T09:59:00.000-04:00

ASSIGNMENT TITLE
"Existence of God Paper" Workshop (assignment 7)
"Existence of GodPaper" (assignment 8)

The template contains instructions for both assignments connected to the "Existence of God paper" ... check the syllabus to understand when each part is due.

HANDOUTS

Template
See "Handouts" page for Cover sheet

IF YOU MISSED CLASS
You're required to get notes from a classmate. Students who skip getting notes from a classmate will be held solely responsible for the consequences.

QUESTIONS?
General questions ("Do you want us to...") about this assignment, outside of class, must be submitted below to receive an answer. If you email me general questions instead, I'll remind you of this policy, and wait for you to post to the blog. Save us both time by posting here first.