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Description How does Quine use Russell’s Theory of Descriptions to propose a solution to this issue? What is Quine’s ultimate position on this question? Do you think that this is a good solution to the problem? If so, why; if not, why not?

Description The "You Decide" assignment presents a difficult and painful dilemma, with you in an imagined professional role. Go through the You Decide presentation, make the decision it calls for, meet you’re your team or partner to discuss, and compose a paper and presentation that explains your decision and your reasoning and justification for it. You are called upon to make a painful medical decision and to explain it both orally and in writing. Who benefits from what you decided, who gets denied a needed benefit, and why? You will compose an official memorandum that will be kept for the record and could potentially be read not only by your Peer Review Committee, but also by those involved in charitable fundraising, which supports hospital development, as well as by others with financial interests in the decision. You will see notice that there is time pressure in the simulated situation, so remember that you would not have the luxury to dawdle in the decision-making process, and as the decision-maker, you would not have the luxury of consulting a broad spectrum of advisors. It falls on you and your team or partner to decide! Include in the document and presentation the utilitarian ethical philosophy of John Stuart Mill (from the lecture and audio for this week) and one other ethical philosopher of your choosing that we have studied to date, and use both of those philosophies to bolster your decision. This paper will be at least 2 pages. Remember, both professional written form and potential audience, as well as tone when writing this sensitive memorandum. Outside sources are not required, but if used, must be cited properly.

Description Reading and Study Questions for Session 2 Reading and Discussion Questions for Week Two Huston Smith: The World's Religions, "Hinduism" Huston Smith points to two tortured issues about Hinduism, which he talks about but does not attempt to resolve. The first is whether Hinduism ought to be thought of as Polytheistic or Monotheistic. The other is the extent to which personal identity is preserved through the cycle of rebirths – especially at its conclusion. What is it that gives rise to each of these issues? Why does it matter which way each turns out, if it does? The mainstream Western religions certainly have nothing even remotely resembling the Hindu notion of long cycles of births, lives, deaths, and rebirths. Why is that, do you think? What is the function of that idea of Samsara in Hinduism? Do the Western Religions, with which you are familiar, have another way to satisfy this function? Huston Smith stresses that the various yogas address different types of persons, depending on their various aptitudes. Nevertheless, all have as their first step the living of a moral life? Why is that? Huston Smith is at some pains to caution against interpreting Hinduism's embrace of the "Path of Renunciation" as "life-denying". Why might it be interpreted like that? How does Smith defend it from that charge? And, finally, why is he so anxious to defend it from that charge? In discussing Hinduism, Huston Smith explicitly floats an account of the origin of religion, and its function in human life. Does that account strike you as the sort of thing that insiders (i.e. members of various faith communities) would accept or reject? Why or why not? Karen Armstrong: A Short History of Myth, “What is a Myth?” According to Armstrong: what is the source of the familiar modern disdain for myth? The so-called ‘perennial philosophy’ is mentioned again and again throughout the book. What does that idea come to? Of course an introductory chapter has to be somewhat sketchy. Still, how does Armstrong explain the origin of myth? And what is a myth supposed to be, exactly? It’s not supposed to be contrasted with “the false” – that’s a modern misstep, according to Armstrong. What then is myth supposed to be contrasted with? (i.e. ask yourself: when would you say “it’s not an x; it’s a myth.” Or: “It’s not just an X; it’s a myth.”) Apparently, “myths” are not supposed to be true in any ordinary sense; but they are supposed to be ‘true’ in some extraordinary sense? True? ANSWER QUESTION BELOW: THE TRUTH OF MYTH Apparently, for Karen Armstrong, myths are not supposed to be true in any ordinary sense, but they are supposed to be true in some extraordinary sense. True? Huston Smith on the Origin of Religion In discussing Hinduism, Huston Smith explicitly floats an account of the origin of religion, and its function in human life. Does that account strike you as the sort of thing that insiders (i.e. members of various faith communities) would accept or reject? Why or why not? LIFE-DENYING? Huston Smith is at some pains to caution against interpreting Hinduism's embrace of the "Path of Renunciation" as "life-denying". Why might it be interpreted like that? How does Smith defend it from that charge? And, finally, why is he so anxious to defend it from that charge? THE FUNCTION OF SAMSARA The mainstream Western religions certainly have nothing even remotely resembling the Hindu notion of long cycles of births, lives, deaths, and rebirths? What is the function of that idea of Samsara in Hinduism? Do the Western Religions, with which you are familiar, have another way to satisfy this function?

Description For this discussion, we will reflect on Plato’s Allegory of the Cave and relate this philosophical story to our study of the arts. (Search YouTube to hear it narrated by the great actor Orson Welles.) An allegory is a story where the elements are symbolic. What do you see as the symbolism of the cave, the shadows on the wall, the prisoners, the man who escapes, the daylight outside? Do you know of other stories that make similar points? The story assumes there are major difference between “appearances” and “reality,” and that “reality” is superior. What does this mean for the arts? Arts and letters may present “appearances” quite unlike what they are depicting. In short, the style of the arts is often not “realistic.” Does this mean that what the arts convey is always more like illusion than reality? Use an example and explain your thinking. Have you ever accepted an illusion as reality? How did you recognize that you were mistaken? Did that recognition change you in any important way, or was it more like a minor correction to your perception? Do you think that people today live in a world of “shadows”? Are we imprisoned in some way, with our minds shackled? Explain your thinking.

Description Instructions: It is all too tempting to read the Republic as an antiquated piece of fiction. I hope that students are realizing that the basic issues and challenges that all societies face do not change through time and across space; the only things that change are the unique ways particular societies confront them. The struggle to live the ethical life is a struggle relevant for all times and places; this assignment is designed to get students to see how that struggle is manifesting in contemporary culture. Students are to write a short essay relating central concepts from Plato’s Republic to contemporary culture. Essays should first present Plato’s perspective on the issue using adequate textual support. Once this is accomplished, students must relate and compare his views to those of contemporary culture. Ultimately, if contemporary culture diverges from the views offered in the Republic students should say which is preferable and why. If a student intends to show that Socrates’ views are inadequate or deficient in some manner, the student must first demonstrate that he or she fully comprehends those views by proving that he or she knows why Socrates says what he says in the context of the book. Papers that are all response without first proving you understand what you are responding to will earn minimal credit. requirement: Papers must be at minimum 3 full typed double spaced pages in 12 Times New Roman font.The quickest way to lose points is to turn in 2 ¾ pages. Students must incorporate textual support from the Republic into the body paragraphs in the form of direct quotations and cite them properly (MLA). Students must find adequate examples from contemporary culture that relate to the ideas discussed in the book. (American or International examples are both welcome.) In addition to the 3 pages, students must submit a separate works-cited page citing all sources (MLA). This is a formal paper, so I strongly suggest that you avoid personal pronouns and have at least one person edit your paper for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Make sure to MLA format these quotations and indent long quotes accordingly. There are a lot of paper topics possible. Here are a few: 1.) the role of education then vs now; 2.) the role of religion then vs. now; 3.) the myth of metals and whether or not contemporary religions adhere to its core principle; 4.) the strengths and weaknesses of democracy then vs. now; 5.) censorship then vs. now; 6.) the role of women and their right to education then vs. now (in any given part of the world, would need to be specific). Feel free to take any of these topics or come up with one of your own.

Description Assignment 1: Conflicting Viewpoints Essay – Part I Due Week 2 and worth 30 points When looking for information about a particular issue, how often do you try to resist biases toward your own point of view? This assignment asks you to engage in this aspect of critical thinking by playing the “Believing Game.” The Believing Game is about making the effort to "believe” – or at least consider – the reasons for an opposing view on an issue. In this assignment, you will first read a book excerpt about critical thinking processes: "The Believing Game and How to Make Conflicting Opinions More Fruitful" at http://www.procon.org/sourcefiles/believinggame.pdf. Next, you will review the Procon.org Website in order to gather information. Then, you will engage in prewriting to examine your thoughts. Note: In Part II of the assignment (due Week 4), you will write an essay geared towards synthesizing your ideas. Follow the instructions below for this activity. Use complete sentences and adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling. Select one (1) of the approved topics from the www.procon.org Website and state your position on the issue. From the Procon.org Website, identify three (3) premises (reasons) listed under either the Pro or Con section -- whichever section opposes your position. For each of the three (3) premises (reasons) that oppose your position on the issue, answer these “believing” questions suggested by Elbow: What's interesting or helpful about this view? What would I notice if I believed this view? In what sense or under what conditions might this idea be true?" The paper should follow guidelines for clear and organized writing: Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph. Address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences. Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Create written work utilizing the concepts of critical thinking. Use technology and information resources to research issues in critical thinking skills and informal logic. Click here to view the grading rubric.

Description its four days late on my end you must identify the parties and the moral issue(s) at stake. Then concentrate on identifying what moral virtues are at stake. Each response needs to be a minimum of a 100 words its for a discussion board. 23) Claude, a college freshman, learns that his roommate and friend is pushing hard drugs on campus. Claude is not opposed to drug use. He smokes marijuana himself, though he has never used any hard drugs. Neither does he believe that drug pushing is wrong. But he does fear for his own safety, because if his friend is discovered and their room searched, his own marijuana might be found. After removing his marijuana from his room, he slips an anonymous note under the dean’s door, informing on his roommate. 9. Cibella Borges had been a police officer in New York City for more than eighteen months when nude photographs of her appeared in a girlie magazine. (The photographs had been taken before she was appointed to the department.) She was subsequently dismissed from the department for “conduct prejudicial to the good order and effectiveness of the police department.” 10b) Is it ethical to take habit-forming drugs? Is it ethical to use a substance for which the research evidence is not yet conclusive and which might be harmful?

Description What are Plato's and Aquinas's respective positions on these three general questions: (1) Describe the relative reality of universals and particulars and describe how they are known (Plato, Republic, 476a-480a, 500b-d,505b-517d,540a-b; Aquinas, A Summary of Philosophy, pp. 26, par.3, 72-4, 80-5, 87-90; (2) what are their respective ethical theories and the reason for taking morally correct actions once known(Plato, Republic, 331b-368d, 419-421c, 433c-445b, 540a-b, 567d-592a, 608b-613e; Aquinas, On Law, Morality, and Politics, pp. 178, 183, pars. 2-5, 190-5); (3) What is the best political state and what are their respective views on private or communal property, marriage and the proper role of women, slaves, unbelievers, and treatment of the lower classes (Plato, Republic, 368c-541b-541b, & 590c-d; Aquinas, on kingship, in offprint of such and in Aquinas, On Law Morality, and Politics, pp. 102, par.7, 103-5, 115-6, 183, 190-5, 203, par.2, 207-9, 12-13; see also offprint from Aquinas, Summa Contra Gentiles, Summa Theologica, and On Kingship, pp. 152-3, 879-83, and 65-67, respectively).

Description Exercise 58 ... (For-Credit of 2 Points) (*) (1) Symbolize the following argument, (2) Establish its validity by a proof, and (3) "Evaluate" the argument as well. 1. All the beings that have wings can fly. 2. All birds have wings. C. Therefore, all birds can fly. Exercise 60 ... (For-Credit of 3 Points) (*) Symbolize & Prove the following argument: 1. All criminals are vicious. 2. Some humans are criminals. C. Thus some humans are vicious.

Description 1. Although Epicurus is a hedonist, he is clearly opposed to vulgar hedonism. Can you find additional arguments for or against the theory of vulgar hedonism? Is it not terribly “ judgmental” for us to claim that some pleasures are “higher” or “ lower” than others? Shouldn’t we just tolerate and accept differences of opinion in this area? Or does it make more sense to argue that there is a natural hierarchy of pleasures and pains? 2. Epicurus believes that fear of divine retribution is the greatest source of fear and anxiety. Do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not? 3. Epicurus argues that the best and happiest way of life is one in which one seeks to satisfy on the most basic, natural and necessary desires. Do you agree that embracing such a life of simplicity (no honor, fame, luxury or wealth) is really more conducive to happiness and tranquility than trying to “keep up with the Joneses”? If you said “yes,” then are you already taking measures to live in the Epicurean manner? 100 word minimum