Define the words pseudoscience and science in a fair-minded and reasoned way.

For many years the National Science Foundation (NSF) has con-ducted surveys of the public attitudes and understanding about science and scientific knowledge. The results inform policy development, legislation, and funding for scientific research and science education in the nation. NSF reports: “In 2002 the survey showed that belief in pseudoscience was relatively widespread. . . . For example 25% of the pub-lic believed in astrology . . . , at least half the people believe in the existence of extrasensory perception, . . . 30% believe that some of the UFOs are really space vehicles from other civilizations, . . . half believe in haunted houses and ghosts, faith healing, communication with the dead, and lucky numbers.” Form a small working group with one or two others in your class. Do steps 1, 2, and 5 as a group. Divide the work among yourselves for steps 3 and 4.  1.  Review the public information on the NSF Web site, particularly the public understanding of science and technology part of the NSF’s most “Science and Engineering Indicators” report.  2.  Define the words pseudoscience and science in a fair-minded and reasoned way.  3.  Survey 10 of your friends and family members about their views on astrology, extrasensory perception, and ghosts. In each case invite them to use their critical thinking skills and explain why they believe what they believe.  4.  Objectively summarize the reasons pro and con for each of the three topics.  5.  Using the Holistic Critical Thinking Scoring Rubric in Chapter 1, evaluate the quality of the thinking pros and cons for each of the three topics. Explain your evaluation.

Plato’s Allegory of the Cave

Please submit a short commentary (around 3-4 pages long) on the following passage in Plato’s Republic —

The passage, commonly known as Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, is found near the beginning of Book Seven. The passage begins on pg. 193 of your paperback book (ed. Bloom, Plato’s Republic), pg. 216 of the PDF, or the beginning of pg. 514a in the margins, “Next, then, I said, make an image of our nature in its education and want of education…” and continues to the middle of pg. 197, pg. 220 of the PDF, “… And accomplishes this object. – So it seems, he said.”, that is, the middle of pg. 518d in the margins.

Your commentary should achieve two goals.

One is descriptive. You should tell me what is happening in these paragraphs in simple language. Figure out what the views  are and describe them to me. What is the context of the discussion, or how does the passage I’ve selected relate to bigger thematic issues at work in the Republic? Perhaps you want to draw attention to thematic issues that are present in earlier or later Books as well. Aim to restate the protagonist’s view here in a few short sentences before further describing the structure and content of the passage selected. Accuracy is important, but so is recognizing when the speaker is, in fact, developing a valuable aspect of their argument. Your primary aim here is to CLARIFY the selected material. Think about what steps the discussion takes, and why it takes those steps.

The second goal is evaluative. You should tell me how strong you think SOCRATES’ argument(s) is (or are), and why. Is he persuasive? How compelling is the evidence he provides for his view(s)? Consider possible objections to your own position, and consider how you can stand up to criticisms of your EVALUATION.

Remember to use extra sign-posting! This means: tell me what you are going to say, what you are saying, and what you’ve just said. Being clear with the structure of your paper is a big asset. And remember to go over any notes you have from the reading, from the discussion board posts (where we have covered this material), from earlier class meetings, etc. Above all, engage directly with the text whenever possible. This means CITING the text. Additional secondary sources are NOT required, but are always welcome. However, if you are CITING the text, this means you will need minimally a single-entry bibliography, where you indicate the text you are citing.

explain the meaning of freedom.

Please answer three out of these eight questions. Please do not answer the topic you discuss in your final paper.

  1. In light of what we have read this semester explain the meaning of freedom.
  2. On abortion: Steinbeck bases her defense of the morality of abortion on the “interest view,” and makes a strong argument against the anti-abortionist “potentiality argument.” On the on the other hand, thinking he has overcome the “interest view” and the “potentiality argument,” Don Marquis argues that abortion is immoral. Steinbeck disagrees. Explain the issues involved in the “interest view’ and the “potentiality argument.”
  3. On the death penalty: In our discussion of the death penalty, Bright emphasized (among other reasons) the failures of the system to argue against death penalty, while Pojman focused on the importance of “retribution” and “deterrence.” Explain the argument you find more persuasive?
  4. Gun Control: Explain how the notions of right and harm affect the two views of gun control that we have seen this semester.
  5. Animal rights: Peter Singer and Posner agree that the animal industry should revise their policies regarding animal welfare but they strongly disagree regarding how we should relate to animals in general. Discuss the differences between these two authors regarding the status of animals and animal welfare.
  6. On terrorism: Explain how the definition of terrorism affects the discussion about the moral status of terrorism.
  7. On performance enhancing drugs: Explain the role that the idea of freedom plays in the discussion of the morality of PEDs (Performance Enhancing Drugs).
  8. Prostitution: Ericsson’s interpretation of prostitution is based on the contractarian liberal idea of individualism, equality and free market sexuality to sexual life, but Carole Pateman thinks that he has misunderstood the problem. Why does she say that? Answer the question using the terminology involved in the discussion.

How should we demarcate genuine science from pseudo-science?

This essay is due noon Monday 14th December.

Choose one of the questions/topics below and write a 1000-1500 word essay with at least 3 credible sources. Make sure to clearly state the question you are answering at the start of your essay. The essay will be submitted through Turnitin so no plagiarizing. Use MLA format.

Questions:

(1) What is the ‘Mary’ problem against physicalism, and how effective is it?

(2) What are philosophical zombies, and what problem are they meant to pose for physicalism? How plausible is the zombie argument?

(3) What is the argument from illusion, and how is it used to motivate indirect realism over direct realism? Is it effective?

(4) What is the problem of fiction, and how do you think one should respond to it?

(5) Can the B-series capture everything there is about the nature of time? If not, what does it leave out?

(6) What are abstract objects? Are there any?

(7) What is the most persuasive mereological account of the relationship between parts and wholes? Defend your answer.

(8) What is an indispensability argument? What problems do such arguments face?

(9) How should we demarcate genuine science from pseudo-science?

(10) Critically evaluate the merits of scientific realism by focusing on what you take to be either the strongest argument in its defense or the strongest argument against it.

(11) Why is there something rather than nothing?

(12) What is the problem of evil, and how compelling is it as an argument for God’s non-existence?

(13) Is it ever rational to have faith in God?

(14) Does immortality have any essential role to play in an account of the meaning of life?

(15) Is death necessary for one’s life to be meaningful?

(16) If all that exists is the natural world, then can life ever be meaningful?

Case Study Paper and Presentation – Choose Your Own Biomedical Ethics Case

Case Study Paper and Presentation – Choose Your Own Biomedical Ethics Case

Bauer – Bioethics

Length: approx. 1000-1500 words

Case Study – Submission:

1) Please submit your case study paper under Assignments on Blackboard.

2) Also, please post a link to your case, if you found it online, in the discussion forum for this assignment on Blackboard.  If you developed the case, post a brief summary of the case in the discussion forum.

Case Study – Paper: In this assignment, choose a case in biomedical ethics and analyze it by discussing a couple of important ethical concepts (from class) that are relevant to the case. Then, say what you believe would be ethically right in the case, given your analysis.

In this assignment:

1. Choose a biomedical ethics case of interest.

a. A “biomedical ethics case” is a specific situation inhealth care that involves an interesting ethical question.  It can also be a case that is more broadly related to human health.  It does not have to be a case from clinical medicine.

b. Find the case/issue online, in a book, or develop one yourself.  Online news sources are great places to find cases. Just search for a topic of interest.  Find a case with a few details and not too much ethical analysis, related to an issue that interests you.

c. I have listed a couple of good websites on bioethics on Blackboard’s announcement page. Remember, you may create an interesting case of your own, for example, from stories you’ve heard (with identities removed).

d. Choose a case that has not been thoroughly covered in class, or if it has been, use arguments that have not been thoroughly discussed.e. Please don’t summarize the case in the assignment.  A few critical elements of the case are fine. Instead, post the case on the discussion board for the assignment.

2. What are the important ethical issues in the case you have chosen?

a. Structure your assignment to focus on 2 or 3 of the most important or interesting ethical issues within your case.   Go into some detail in explaining how the ethical issues pertain to your case.

b. Use ethical concepts from class. * Please be clear about the connection between the case and the ethical concepts. You may use the 4 box Method or 4 Principles to identify ethical issues in your case.  Please only discuss elements that are relevant to the case.

c. Your case may provide a different way of looking at traditional ethical concepts. Alternatively, do any particular ethical concepts help reveal something interesting about your case?  In your analysis, keep these questions in the back of your mind, and address them if it is helpful.

3. Given the ethical analysis above, what is ethically right in your case?

What should be done? Why?  If you cannot take a side, what makes the ethical issues so hard?

 In Plato’s Apology, we hear Socrates’ tale of a philosopher’s efforts to bring others in his society to appreciate the value of seeking the truth.

 In Plato’s Apology, we hear Socrates’ tale of a philosopher’s efforts to bring others in his society to appreciate the value of seeking the truth.

Topic:  In Plato’s Apology, we hear Socrates’ tale of a philosopher’s efforts to bring others in his society to appreciate the value of seeking the truth.  In Plato’s Allegory of the Cave (Republic VII), we see the prisoners at the bottom of the cave entrapped and subject to error and illusion.  Explain how either or both of these works can help us understand the challenge to truth that has developed in our time.  Pay particular attention to Lynch’s concern that we’ve lost track of the sense that we “share a common reality”.

Length:  Short paper of 2-4 pages.

Format:  Very tight, traditional paper using an introduction, body, and conclusion. Guidelines will be found in the Writing Modules of this course in Course Resources.

Make sure to show familiarity with the course materials we’ve used up to this week.  Please use 2 sources in addition to the materials in our course.

topic related to chapters covered in The American Yawp

You will use some of the following critical thinking skills in this process:

  1. Choosing an appropriate topic, limiting the topic.
  2. Gathering information, summarizing sources.
  3. Analyzing and evaluating sources.
  4. Defining key terms.
  5. Synthesizing information, comparing and contrasting sources.
  6. Testing a thesis, making a historical argument, using refutation.
  7. Amassing support for a position.
  8. Documenting sources.

Because this may be a longer paper than you have written before and a complex process is involved, it is recommended that you complete this paper using the following steps:

  1. Choose a topic related to chapters covered in The American Yawp, (Chapters 16-30) that you would truly like to explore and that you are willing to spend some time on. Your chosen topic should be focused. Pose a question that you really want to answer. You may want to begin with more than one topic in mind.
  2. Do some preliminary reading on the topic(s). You may begin with the textbook, then further explore the information available. Refine your topic. Summarize your topic, your interest in the topic, the questions you want to answer, and a hypothesis you want to test.
  3. Gather information from a variety of sources. Use a minimum of four sources for your paper, and at least one must be a primary source.
    • Primary sources are contemporary to the times under investigation.
    • An example of a secondary source is our textbook, though the textbook also contains excerpts of primary sources, which you may use as a source in your paper.
  4. Outline the results of your research and the plan for your paper (you are not required to submit the outline).
  5. Write the final draft and be sure to include a Works Cited List, and use the correct MLA documentation style.

For some reason the absolute necessity of in text citing sources used in a research paper (on both directly quoted AND paraphrased material) either isn’t getting taught anymore or (and this one is my personal theory) it just isn’t sinking in anymore.  You MUST both in text cite your sources AND provide an MLA style bibliography at the end. Failing to do either/both is a form of plagiarism, whether you mean it that way or not, and it will be treated as such so please just make sure to take care of business and in text cite those sources as you go while writing the paper, and include that MLA style references/bibliography at the end of the paper. 

Grade Rubric

INTRODUCTION & THESIS: Includes a clear thesis statement, an assertion or position. The topic is original and manageable in a short research paper. /15

FOCUS AND DEVELOPMENT: Body of the essay focuses on this thesis and develops it fully, recognizing the complexity of issues and refuting arguments in opposition to the thesis. /20

SUPPORT AND SYNTHESIS: Uses sufficient and relevant evidence to support the thesis (and primary points), including facts, inferences, and judgments. Quotes, summarizes, and paraphrases accurately and effectively–appropriately introducing and explaining each quote. /25

RESOURCES: Shows a clear understanding of the sources; has evaluated each source and used it appropriately. Uses a wide variety of sources reflecting significant research. /10

CONVENTIONS: Uses MLA format correctly; includes internal citations and a Works Cited list; is free of errors. /15

CORRECTNESS AND STYLE: Introduces the topic in an interesting way; shows critical thinking and depth of understanding; uses appropriate tone; shows sophistication in language usage and sentence structure. /15

TOTAL: /100

The elements of moral philosophy

Week 4 Assignment: Greater Good Analysis

Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:

  • Textbook: Chapters 7, 8
  • Lesson
  • Minimum of 2 scholarly sources (in addition to the textbook)

EBOOK uploaded below: Rachels, S., & Rachels, J. (2019). The elements of moral philosophy (9th ed.).

Instructions
For this week’s assignment respond to one of the following options, and include Option 1, 2, or 3 as part of your heading.

Option 1: The first option is to name and describe in detail a key specific and recent healthcare technology. What are at least two key moral problems this technology creates? What are the proper moral guidelines for dealing with it in your view? Compare your approach to what an utilitarian and ethical egoist would say (each independently).

Option 2: In the second option, name and describe in detail a key specific and recent social technology. What are at least two key moral problems this technology creates? What are the proper moral guidelines for dealing with it in your view? Compare your moral approach to what an utilitarian and social contract ethicist would say (each independently).

Option 3: John Doe, Patient One, is in the late-stage of kidney disease. If he does not receive a new kidney, then he is predicted to die within a week. Doe is 45, single, and has no children. Doctors theorize that Doe damaged his kidney by not following a low-salt diet. Doe inherited one million dollars and is known for giving money to charity. Without a transplant, he will probably be forced to spend all his money searching for a kidney outside of the usual legal channels.  Patient Two is Jane Doe (no relation to John). Patient Two is a mother of two children (ages 21 and 24). She is divorced and 55 years old. She developed kidney problems due to eating a high-fat and high-sugar diet. If she does not receive a kidney within one month, doctors believe she will die.  Patient Three is an orphan. This orphan lives in a state facility. She was born with a genetic condition that constantly damages her kidney. The only known approach to her condition is to provide her with a kidney transplant every so often. She is 11 and has already undergone two kidney transplants. She will perish in two months if she does not receive another transplant.

All three patients are at the same hospital. The hospital only has one kidney to give out. The orphan’s birth parents were known to be of a religion that is opposed to organ donation. The other patients come from religions that do not oppose organ donation. Who should get the kidney?  Why should that candidate receive it over the others? Devise a course of social action and a solution for this case by using the ethics of egoism and then utilitarianism to a key moral conflict involving health care in this case. Appraise the interests of diverse populations (in terms of ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.) and how they relate to the case.

For all the options:

Cite the textbook and incorporate outside sources, including citations.

You should not be using any text you used in a discussion board or assignment for this class or any previous class.

You will submit all of the following:

  • A written report that presents one of the options above (Be sure to give equal time to each element.)
  • An oral presentation that summarizes the report and examines the ethical ideas beyond the particulars of each case.
  • The link or a scan of the article mentioning the health technology, social technology, or case you are reporting on. If you made up the case, please indicate that in your report.

You should not be using any text you used in a discussion board or assignment for this class or any previous class.

Cite the textbook and incorporate outside sources, including citations.

Writing Requirements (APA format)

  • Length: 3-4 pages (not including title page or references page)
  • 1-inch margins
  • Double spaced
  • 12-point Times New Roman font
  • Title page
  • References page (minimum of 2 scholarly sources)

Presentation Requirements

  • Length: 2-3 minutes

For the oral presentation, you need to have a minimum of six slides with an in-text citation on at least one and a reference on the sixth slide. It is also useful to add some graphic images as well.

Criteria

Oral Presentation: 30.0 pts

Oral presentation is clear, organized, and well-rehearsed. It thoroughly summarizes the report and examines the ethical ideas beyond the particulars of each case.

Assignment Content: 40.0 pts

Addresses all aspects of the questions, applying professional knowledge, and research regarding weekly concepts.

Professional Communication: 10.0 pts

Presents information using clear and concise language in an organized manner (minimal errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation).

Source Integration: 10.0 pts

Paper includes reference to 2 scholarly sources and properly integrates the sources.

APA Format: 10.0 pts

Paper meets all source requirements, and is properly formatted in APA style throughout (i.e. title page, spacing, font, in-text citations, and references.)

Discuss all the various ways you can consider culture (personal, geographic, organizational, etc.).

Discuss all the various ways you can consider culture (personal, geographic, organizational, etc.).

Who we are today is in large part defined by our cultures, societal connections, customs, and morals we learned as children. In our life journey we continually redefine our identities as we encounter more experiences and more people.

For this discussion post, discuss the concept of “culture.” Include the following:

  1. How would you define “culture”? Discuss all the various ways you can consider culture (personal, geographic, organizational, etc.).
  2. With which cultures do you most identify? What are the internal and external characteristics of your culture(s)?
  3. What cultural norms did you learn as a child? What stereotypes are connected to those cultures?

Lifespan Course Presentation – Stages of Child Development

Lifespan Course Presentation – Stages of Child Development

Picture This: You land a great job in a fabulous hospital that has just built a state-of-the-art maternity ward.  You are given the task to develop a power point presentation to educate new parents about childhood development.  This presentation will focus on the main themes surrounding physical, cognitive, and social development, as well as skills and risks that occur throughout various stages of childhood.   

The presentation is due Wednesday of Week 4.  This deadline is firm due to the amount of grading time required.  To submit your assignment, click on the title “Week 4 Assignment: Lifespan Course Presentation.” Here is what your final presentation should include:

  • Part 1 –  The First Two Years:  At least 5 slides made up of the following
    1. Highlight Physical Development
    2. Highlight Cognitive Development
    3. Highlight Social Development
    4. Highlight Skills the Child will Develop
    5. Highlight Major Risks
  • Part 2 –  Early Childhood, Ages 2 to 6: At least 5 slides made up of the following
    1. Highlight Physical Development
    2. Highlight Cognitive Development
    3. Highlight Social Development
    4. Highlight Skills the Child will Develop
    5. Highlight Major Risks
  • Part 3 –  Middle Childhood, Ages 7 to 12: At least 5 slides made up of the following
    1. Highlight Physical Development
    2. Highlight Cognitive Development
    3. Highlight Social Development
    4. Highlight Skills the Child will Develop
    5. Highlight Major Risks
  • Part 4 –  Adolescence, Ages 13 to 18: At least 5 slides made up of the following
    1. Highlight Physical Development
    2. Highlight Cognitive Development
    3. Highlight Social Development
    4. Highlight Skills the Child will Develop
    5. Highlight Major Risks

This presentation is worth 20% of your grade.

Here are the steps to upload your power point.  Follow these steps: click on Course Presentation to submit your final powerpoint presentation on Stages of Child Development, which was created using powerpoint and saved to your computer as “Lifespan Course Presentation”.  This document will then be uploaded by clicking on “Browse my Computer”.

Grading Grid

Item Description

Percent

Part 1 – The first two years 15%

Part 2 – Early childhood, ages 2 to 6 15%

Part 3 – Middle childhood, ages 7 to 12 15%

Part 4 – Adolescence, ages 13 to 18 15%

Following order of presentation – please follow the above order 10%

Creativity and graphics 10%

Written content 10%

APA Format, including 1-3 cited sources, correct spelling and grammar 10%

Total 100%