Assignment 1
Relationship Between Laws and Ethics
1. Paragraph:
- Laws and ethics are very much related in major ways. Laws are basically positive ethical decisions decided by a group rather than just one person. All laws really depend on a group of ethical views to either get rid of or make up a law. Without laws those people who are not as wise and dont make morally right decisions would have no punishment to stop them from making those wrong decisions. So laws are morally right decisions, decided by a select group of individuals.
2. Paragraph & Link:
- I learned from the site that not all laws are morally right. Laws dont always cover unethical decision making. For example; lying, not keeping a promise, or not giving right information isnt illegal, but yet lying to an official, or hiding evidence is illegal.
http://members.tripod.com/~ansteadsue/ethics.htm
3. Arguable Issue: Whether or not we need ethics, given that we already have laws.
Conclusion: Yes we need ethics, though we are given laws already
Premises:
(1) Laws dont cover all unethical decisions
(2) Laws are decided upon selected officials, and doesnt always agree to everyones morals
(3) People will usually make a decision based on there morals, rather than following the law
Assignment 2
The Role of the Majority View
1. Paragraph:
- A majority view means the larger similar thought process made by a group of people. So in a group the larger selection have all seen and understand that view from all different positions or statues.
2. Arguable Issue: Whether or not the Majority View is a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Conclusion: A majoity view is not a reliable basis for ethical decision-making
Premises:
(1) Not everyones morals are the same
(2) The majority would not understand any personal feelings maybe involved
(3) Not all majority views are always the right decision
The Role of Feelings
1. Paragraph:
- Feelings are an individuals status. Feelings are what give us the ability to be so diverse from one another. Feelings are sensations of emotions that change depending on what feeling is occuring at that moment.
2. Arguable Issue: Whether or not our feelings are a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Conclusion: Feelings should be a reliable basis for ethical decision-making
Premises:
(1) It can help to support in making even better decisions
(2) Each decision should be decided by that individuals own personal choice, which typically involves feelings or emotions
(3) Personal decisions usually make the individual feel more comfortable with that decision
Assignment 3
The ability to express yourself in your own words is essential in this class. Did you put everything in your own words this time?
-Yes I thought up each answer on my own, only time I did look up something was for assignment two paragraphs, I only needed the definition of majority and feelings to guide me in the right direction for an answer.
What was easiest / hardest about this assignment?
- This assignment I would have to say was easy at times, since I just got to put whatever popped in my head first, and other times it was hard, because trying to come up with premises got a bit harder each time, then I had to make sure each premises followed the guidelines.
How will you apply what you learned through this assignment to your everyday life?
- Well even before this assignment, or even learned of these terms I was already adding it into my everyday life. Making choices on a group vote, and making choices off of feelings are very common in our society. Then knowing that not all laws are meant to restrict, gives me a bit more freedom in my decision-making.
How well do you think you did on this assignment? Explain.
- I am going to say i deserve a 23 out of 25, or atleast a "B" for this assignment. I answered each question in my own words, followed the 7 guidelines for each argument element form, and I answered each question about a paragraph each.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Blog Assignment #3
1. Explain what “to give an argument” means in this book.
- The book defines "to give an arguments" as "to offer a set of reasons or evidence in support of a conclusions." In others words, Weston wants us to view giving arguments as supporting details, or premises towards our own view.
2. What are the reasons Weston gives in support of his claim, “arguments are essential”?
- Weston claims arguments are essential because there are no such thing as pointless arguments. He reasons that views are totally different from one another, and are never evenly argued. Arguments use detailed views to reason why one view is better than the other. Once your down to the conclusion, the arguments is what gives reasons and details bout your conclusion.
3. Explain why many students tend to “write an essay, but not an argument”.
- Students tend to write an essay instead of an argument essay is mainly because they do not understand the small difference between a simple essay and an argumentive essay. Students are accustomed to always use straight up facts into essays, but in an argumentive your own personal reasons is what makes an argumentive essay argue.
4. Construct two short arguments (one "for" and one "against") as modeled in the Week 3 Assignment section in Blackboard. Put each one in "elements form".
- Against
Arguable Issue: Should hybrid classes be permitted for high schoolers?
Conclusion: Hybrid classes should not be allowed for high schoolers.
Premises: Hybrid classes should not be allowed for high schoolers because;
(1) It can cause more problems concerning of plagerism, and cheating,
(2) It can cause students to slack off more and become lazy, and
(3) Not everyone has access to the internet, or a computer.
- For
Arguable Issue: Should hybrid classes be permitted for high schoolers?
Conclusion: Hybrid classes should be allowed for high schoolers.
Premises: Hybrid classes should be allowed for high schoolers because;
(1) Gives students a more flexible schedule,
(2) Gives students more experience on computers and internet, and
(3) Can give students a break from the usual pencil and paper work.
5. Review the seven rules in chapter one. Briefly discuss how your argument demonstrates that each rule was applied, in the construction of your arguments above.
- I reviewed each of the seven rules and added it correctly into my 2 short arguments. Rule #1 is distinguishing premises and conclusion, I have that rule clearly labeled above. Rule #2 is to present my ideas in natural order, my "against" section is in natural order, but my "for" section doesnt have much of an order, because the premises dont unfold as easily. Rule #3 is having reliable premises, and my premises are fairly good reasons. Rule #4 is be concrete and concise, my arguments are pretty straight forward. Rule #5 is avoiding loaded language, and like I said for the last rule, mine is pretty straight forward. Rule #6 is using consistent terms are evenly used. Finally Rule #7 is sticking to the meaning of each term, and also like I said before, mine is pretty straight forward.
6. Review the three rules in the appendix named, “Definitions”. In your own words, discuss how you took these rules into consideration as you constructed your arguments.
- I took these rules and constructed my argument a bit better. I didnt use over loaded words but I was still specific enough to make it clear to the reader without contesting the term. I also didnt use definitions to explain everything to my readers, I clearly stated that for both "for" and "against."
7. Good posts demonstrate:
Sincere reflection, effort, and analysis
Answers that are substantial (at least one large paragraph each)
Consistent mention, citation, and integration of the assigned readings (explained in YOUR own words, though)
Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Correctly titled posts!
How many points do you honestly feel your post this week deserves? Justify your answer.
- I honestly feel i deserve a 23 out of 25, or atleast a "B". I put almost everything into my own words, and also added my own personal reasonings into each answer. Most of my answers are atleast a paragraph long, or somewhat extended and detailed senteneces, I might have missed acouple of grammar and punctuation, that where some points will probably be marked off. Im also pretty sure I have the right title.
- The book defines "to give an arguments" as "to offer a set of reasons or evidence in support of a conclusions." In others words, Weston wants us to view giving arguments as supporting details, or premises towards our own view.
2. What are the reasons Weston gives in support of his claim, “arguments are essential”?
- Weston claims arguments are essential because there are no such thing as pointless arguments. He reasons that views are totally different from one another, and are never evenly argued. Arguments use detailed views to reason why one view is better than the other. Once your down to the conclusion, the arguments is what gives reasons and details bout your conclusion.
3. Explain why many students tend to “write an essay, but not an argument”.
- Students tend to write an essay instead of an argument essay is mainly because they do not understand the small difference between a simple essay and an argumentive essay. Students are accustomed to always use straight up facts into essays, but in an argumentive your own personal reasons is what makes an argumentive essay argue.
4. Construct two short arguments (one "for" and one "against") as modeled in the Week 3 Assignment section in Blackboard. Put each one in "elements form".
- Against
Arguable Issue: Should hybrid classes be permitted for high schoolers?
Conclusion: Hybrid classes should not be allowed for high schoolers.
Premises: Hybrid classes should not be allowed for high schoolers because;
(1) It can cause more problems concerning of plagerism, and cheating,
(2) It can cause students to slack off more and become lazy, and
(3) Not everyone has access to the internet, or a computer.
- For
Arguable Issue: Should hybrid classes be permitted for high schoolers?
Conclusion: Hybrid classes should be allowed for high schoolers.
Premises: Hybrid classes should be allowed for high schoolers because;
(1) Gives students a more flexible schedule,
(2) Gives students more experience on computers and internet, and
(3) Can give students a break from the usual pencil and paper work.
5. Review the seven rules in chapter one. Briefly discuss how your argument demonstrates that each rule was applied, in the construction of your arguments above.
- I reviewed each of the seven rules and added it correctly into my 2 short arguments. Rule #1 is distinguishing premises and conclusion, I have that rule clearly labeled above. Rule #2 is to present my ideas in natural order, my "against" section is in natural order, but my "for" section doesnt have much of an order, because the premises dont unfold as easily. Rule #3 is having reliable premises, and my premises are fairly good reasons. Rule #4 is be concrete and concise, my arguments are pretty straight forward. Rule #5 is avoiding loaded language, and like I said for the last rule, mine is pretty straight forward. Rule #6 is using consistent terms are evenly used. Finally Rule #7 is sticking to the meaning of each term, and also like I said before, mine is pretty straight forward.
6. Review the three rules in the appendix named, “Definitions”. In your own words, discuss how you took these rules into consideration as you constructed your arguments.
- I took these rules and constructed my argument a bit better. I didnt use over loaded words but I was still specific enough to make it clear to the reader without contesting the term. I also didnt use definitions to explain everything to my readers, I clearly stated that for both "for" and "against."
7. Good posts demonstrate:
Sincere reflection, effort, and analysis
Answers that are substantial (at least one large paragraph each)
Consistent mention, citation, and integration of the assigned readings (explained in YOUR own words, though)
Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Correctly titled posts!
How many points do you honestly feel your post this week deserves? Justify your answer.
- I honestly feel i deserve a 23 out of 25, or atleast a "B". I put almost everything into my own words, and also added my own personal reasonings into each answer. Most of my answers are atleast a paragraph long, or somewhat extended and detailed senteneces, I might have missed acouple of grammar and punctuation, that where some points will probably be marked off. Im also pretty sure I have the right title.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Blog Assignment #2
1. Were the questions on the Moral Sense Test difficult to answer (psychologically, emotionally, conceptually, technically, etc.)? Why or why not? Do you think your responses to the Moral Sense Test questions were consistent? Does this matter?
- Well I think only a couple of the senerios were difficult to find a reasonable answer for, some of the senerios passed through boundries of religion, cultures, and personal opinions, so finding the punishment for those senerios were somewhat difficult to answer, because it really does just depend on where and when that senerio was based on.
I believe acouple of my responses were consistant, usually with the question about whether the senerio was a bad or good, most of my answer were on the bad side. It does very much matter, and shows that I am very conservative and understand that bad is bad and usually ends up with punishment.
2. Should people always follow the law? Why or why not? When might one be justified in NOT following the law? Give examples.
- No, but it should be followed the majority of the time. Self-defense is a good prime example of not following the law, doing the harm to someone is against the law, but once someone is undergoing an attack, sometimes to survive one must attack back.
3. In your own words, explain what "social convention" means. Give examples.
- I would define social convention as different customs that arent formed by law, but formalized by customs of that culture. Im not 100% if that is right, but i believe an examplu would be like, we wave to say hello and goodbye, but in the east side they bow to each other to show respect. another example would be some times here in the U.S. we pray before we eat dinner, other countries do a tribal dance or recite quotes before they feast for dinner.
4. Should people always follow the conventions of their society? Why or why not? Give examples.
- Like I said before its not law to follow, but well respected if followed in that community. People should follow conventions really depending on what society they happen to be in at that time. Some societies believe in human sacrafices, and some believe in every life is valuable and should be treasured. So depending on what conventions your acustomed to, and what customs you planning to follow, will give you an idea if you really want to follow or not.
5. Should people always follow their own principles? Why or why not? Give examples.
- Yes i believe everyone should all have there own personal principles and which ones they are willing to cross and ones they will refuse to cross. Without principles, people wouldnt know what to believe in and what is right or wrong. Like when it comes to deciding whether you should keep something you found on the ground with no one around to possibly claim it to or give the something to the nearest community or person.
6. Explain in your own words the difference between socially acceptable, legally acceptable, and morally acceptable.
- I would define socially acceptable as an behavior or manner acceptable in a specific society, because all socities are different even behavior wise. Legally acceptable really pertains to law, being legally acceptable I would define as reaching the requirements needed to be passed in that society. Morally acceptable is the decisions, either good or bad, that is made to become passed in the society.
7. Out of 25 points, how many points do you feel your work on this assignment deserves? Justify your answer.
- I feel i deserve a 20 out of 25, because my answers were not as exact as I wanted it to be, and feel that my answer are far off subject sometimes. I also most likely have some grammer and spelling problems in here somewhere.
- Well I think only a couple of the senerios were difficult to find a reasonable answer for, some of the senerios passed through boundries of religion, cultures, and personal opinions, so finding the punishment for those senerios were somewhat difficult to answer, because it really does just depend on where and when that senerio was based on.
I believe acouple of my responses were consistant, usually with the question about whether the senerio was a bad or good, most of my answer were on the bad side. It does very much matter, and shows that I am very conservative and understand that bad is bad and usually ends up with punishment.
2. Should people always follow the law? Why or why not? When might one be justified in NOT following the law? Give examples.
- No, but it should be followed the majority of the time. Self-defense is a good prime example of not following the law, doing the harm to someone is against the law, but once someone is undergoing an attack, sometimes to survive one must attack back.
3. In your own words, explain what "social convention" means. Give examples.
- I would define social convention as different customs that arent formed by law, but formalized by customs of that culture. Im not 100% if that is right, but i believe an examplu would be like, we wave to say hello and goodbye, but in the east side they bow to each other to show respect. another example would be some times here in the U.S. we pray before we eat dinner, other countries do a tribal dance or recite quotes before they feast for dinner.
4. Should people always follow the conventions of their society? Why or why not? Give examples.
- Like I said before its not law to follow, but well respected if followed in that community. People should follow conventions really depending on what society they happen to be in at that time. Some societies believe in human sacrafices, and some believe in every life is valuable and should be treasured. So depending on what conventions your acustomed to, and what customs you planning to follow, will give you an idea if you really want to follow or not.
5. Should people always follow their own principles? Why or why not? Give examples.
- Yes i believe everyone should all have there own personal principles and which ones they are willing to cross and ones they will refuse to cross. Without principles, people wouldnt know what to believe in and what is right or wrong. Like when it comes to deciding whether you should keep something you found on the ground with no one around to possibly claim it to or give the something to the nearest community or person.
6. Explain in your own words the difference between socially acceptable, legally acceptable, and morally acceptable.
- I would define socially acceptable as an behavior or manner acceptable in a specific society, because all socities are different even behavior wise. Legally acceptable really pertains to law, being legally acceptable I would define as reaching the requirements needed to be passed in that society. Morally acceptable is the decisions, either good or bad, that is made to become passed in the society.
7. Out of 25 points, how many points do you feel your work on this assignment deserves? Justify your answer.
- I feel i deserve a 20 out of 25, because my answers were not as exact as I wanted it to be, and feel that my answer are far off subject sometimes. I also most likely have some grammer and spelling problems in here somewhere.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Blog Assignment #1
1. How would you have explained the meaning of the term "ethics", before taking this class?
- To be honest, the first time I ever remember seeing the word "ethics" was in the movie "Billy Madison" with Adam Sandler right after the he made everyone dumber speech. I don’t remember a word the actor said in the movie, let alone know what the word meant back then. I didn’t really find the meaning of the term, till the end of my high school year and I described it as during a time of decision, the ethic a person's choice depended on his or her own personal views of the problem, whether it's good or bad.
2. What are some of your deepest held values?
- My deepest values would have to be my family, education is also pretty important and trust.
3. What are some main principles you try to live your life by?
- Well I really try to live by honesty, which is really hard to accomplish when keeping a promise to keep a secret and never lying collide. I also try to be hard-working all the time, and to keep everyone I know to the best of my ability.
4. What moral qualities do you look for in others?
- It would really depend for me, whether it’s becoming friends, or working together. In general, I believe I would look for that there honesty, hardworking, and at least mostly friendly.
5. How were your values and principles developed?
- They were all mostly developed from past bad experiences, which later taught me lessons, including on principles I search for in others. Honesty is a major for me, being cheated, lied, and deceived can greatly affect how someone views the world.
6. How have your values and principles changed throughout your life so far?
- Greatly! I use to believe that everyone was good at the start, and never intentionally meant to cause harm to someone else. So everyone I met, I believed and trusted everything they said.
7. Out of 25 points, how many points do you feel your work on this assignment deserves? Justify your answer.
- I'm going to go with 22 out of 25. I rambled on a bit more than I was probably suppose to, and I also probably have some kind of grammar or spelling error in here that I missed.
- To be honest, the first time I ever remember seeing the word "ethics" was in the movie "Billy Madison" with Adam Sandler right after the he made everyone dumber speech. I don’t remember a word the actor said in the movie, let alone know what the word meant back then. I didn’t really find the meaning of the term, till the end of my high school year and I described it as during a time of decision, the ethic a person's choice depended on his or her own personal views of the problem, whether it's good or bad.
2. What are some of your deepest held values?
- My deepest values would have to be my family, education is also pretty important and trust.
3. What are some main principles you try to live your life by?
- Well I really try to live by honesty, which is really hard to accomplish when keeping a promise to keep a secret and never lying collide. I also try to be hard-working all the time, and to keep everyone I know to the best of my ability.
4. What moral qualities do you look for in others?
- It would really depend for me, whether it’s becoming friends, or working together. In general, I believe I would look for that there honesty, hardworking, and at least mostly friendly.
5. How were your values and principles developed?
- They were all mostly developed from past bad experiences, which later taught me lessons, including on principles I search for in others. Honesty is a major for me, being cheated, lied, and deceived can greatly affect how someone views the world.
6. How have your values and principles changed throughout your life so far?
- Greatly! I use to believe that everyone was good at the start, and never intentionally meant to cause harm to someone else. So everyone I met, I believed and trusted everything they said.
7. Out of 25 points, how many points do you feel your work on this assignment deserves? Justify your answer.
- I'm going to go with 22 out of 25. I rambled on a bit more than I was probably suppose to, and I also probably have some kind of grammar or spelling error in here that I missed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
