READINGS
Ruggiero: CH 5, Comparing Cultures
ASSIGNMENT
The two questions below are from the title section, at the beginning of chapter five, in the Ruggiero text. Please answer them in prose (written out) form, in your own words, to the best of your ability. Use what you learned from the assigned readings to construct your answers. You must provide at least one full paragraph each, and an example, and then you must put your answer in equation form. I will model both the equation form and the conclusion this time (you choose which conclusion suits your position); you must fill in the premises (as many as you consider enough).
Try to base your conclusion on at least one premise that consists of a moral principle, as in “X should always Y” or “X is good” or “We ought to X”. In other words, “X should always Y” is the symbolic form of a statement like, “We should always tell the truth”. Or the claim, “We should always respect other cultures”. And so on.
QUESTION #1: If an action that is praised in one culture may be condemned in another, would it be correct to say that all moral values are relative to the culture they are found in?
ANSWER 1A:
Yes, I believe that moral values are indeed relative to the cultures they are found in. Moral values differing from culture to culture is called multiculturalism. An interesting display of multiculturalism has the be the Britsh invading India. The British take overtake many areas and turned them into colonies but India was the most recetn to throw off the Imperial crown. While there the British tryed to stop a number of practices they saw as immoral like the practice of thugee or suttee. Thugee is when a group of men would atack the people who would travel through an area and the area would see it as legal since it was the men's area. This is like gangs or the mafia to Americans. Suttee is the practice of a widow to throw herself on the burning funeral pyre of her dead husband. These moral values have some serious flaws when matched to other cultures. These practices hurt others and that is my main basis for the difference in these moral values.
ANSWER 1B:
P: multiculturalism effects the moral values of an area
P: different societies create different value systems
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C: Therefore, it is correct to say that all moral values are relative to the culture they are found in.
QUESTION #2: Isn’t it a mark of ignorance to pass judgments on other cultures or to claim that one culture is better than another?
ANSWER 2A:
This question is a little bit harder to decide. Usually it would be seen as ignorant to make judgments on another culture. However, if a person knows the history and perhaps the reasoning behind certain values then maybe they are not ignorant to pass these judgements. Another way to look at this question would be to see how the other culture intersects with a person's own culture. For instance the Indian practices that I brought up in the last question greatly intersect with our own culture. A widow killing herself out of custom is hard not to judge on. Also the custom of robbing people since they are on your turf is greatly frowned upon in our own culture its no wonder I myself fidn this and the practice of suttee a horrible outdated custom.
ANSWER 2B:
P: The role of some customs in a culture can be greatly out of date
P: People who claim that they're culture is superior are usually ignorant themselves
-------------------------------
C: Therefore, it is a not mark of ignorance to pass judgments on other cultures
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Blog Assignment #4
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ASSIGNMENT PART ONE
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1. Paragraph:
Moral Relativism is a general overview of ethical issues, moral problems, and also questions the right and wrong of a situation. Since moral situations are relative they deal with the views of a cultural area. This means that morals may not be the same to everyone. Morals tend to change from area to area. Hopefully everyone can decide the difference from right and wrong for themselves but usually this is not the case. The people who support Moral Relativism believe that there is no set absolute for questions in this ethical way of thinking. The decision is made by the individual. Moral Relativism can be faulty with this and may be disliked by people who have a strong religious way of dealing with morals.
2. Paragraph & Link:
moral-relativism.com is the site which I have used to better define Moral Relativism. The site simply states that, "Moral relativism is the view that ethical standards, morality, and positions of right or wrong are all culturally based." The first part of the statement covers general ethics but the rest mentions the decision is culturally based. To further Moral Relativism is to mention that a person who believes in it makes the moral decisions for themselves. Thus a right and wrong absolute changes from person to person. The site also has some examples of the more religious ethical tact that morals followed in the past. Moral Relativism is the common way of deciding answers but it is not as neutral as other ways of thinking.http://www.moral-relativism.com/ is the link for the website.
3.
Arguable Issue: The arguable issue is whether or not Moral Relativism is a good view to hold.
Conclusion: Moral Relativism is a good view to hold.
Premises:
(1) Since morals are different for everyone the answers for them should also be different.
(2)The answers to right and wrong are not set in stone.
(3)People should take responsibility for their own actions.
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ASSIGNMENT PART TWO
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The week 4 readings cover two chapters in the Ruggiero book, The Role of the Majority View, and the Role of Feelings. Each student must complete BOTH of the following assignments.
The Role of the Majority View
1. Paragraph:
Majority Views, to go along the same lines of the book, is the vote of at least 51% percent of a group of random people to represent the whole. This way of coming to decision does not seem like a very good tactic. Not to offend anyone lets look at American Idol. The book would classify this type of show as "tabloid television". People call in and vote for their favorite singer but it is never said how many times a person can vote. Also the country does not watch or vote on such meaningless things.Taking those votes to represent the who country is wrong. Most people only watch the show to see idiots make a fool of the themselves. I highly doubt anyone puts much stock into this Majority View system for more important issues. This system would be effective if the nation were informed voters.
2.Arguable Issue: The arguable issue is whether or not the Majority View is a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Conclusion: Majority View is not a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Premises:
(1) People who vote are not always informed about an issue.
(2) This system would leave out people without the means to vote who can contribute to the decision.
(3) This system is not reliable against fraud while polling people.
The Role of Feelings
1. Paragraph: Explain in your own words what feelings are. Cite your sources.
I agree with the book that feeling will always have a place in ethical issues but there should be a guideline to follow when enter feelings into the mix. The example with the cone interrupter is not a great example of having your feelings influence you. Those are more likely urges than actual feelings towards a subject. Feelings about abortion are a more better example because the issue is so complex. Also people are not robots, feelings are among us to help us better know our surroundings. A persons feelings are like an internal magnet which effects a person's moral compass and points them in their own directions.
2.Arguable Issue: The arguable issue is whether or not our feelings are a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Conclusion: Feelings are a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Premises:
(1) When under guidelines feelings back up ethical decisions.
(2) Feelings control our personal views.
(3) Feelings keep people and their decisions unique.
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ASSIGNMENT PART THREE
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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, and what I did quote was cited.
What was easiest / hardest about this assignment?
The question about Majority Views is easy decide on but is also the hardest to write about without hurting a person's feelings.
How will you apply what you learned through this assignment to your everyday life?
I will look at ethical problems and think "I wonder how others would view this situation?"
How well do you think you did on this assignment? Explain.
I believe I completed this assignment to the fullest with comprehension of the topics covered. My answers were researched and put into my own words and I answered the questions with my own ethical views in mind.
ASSIGNMENT PART ONE
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1. Paragraph:
Moral Relativism is a general overview of ethical issues, moral problems, and also questions the right and wrong of a situation. Since moral situations are relative they deal with the views of a cultural area. This means that morals may not be the same to everyone. Morals tend to change from area to area. Hopefully everyone can decide the difference from right and wrong for themselves but usually this is not the case. The people who support Moral Relativism believe that there is no set absolute for questions in this ethical way of thinking. The decision is made by the individual. Moral Relativism can be faulty with this and may be disliked by people who have a strong religious way of dealing with morals.
2. Paragraph & Link:
moral-relativism.com is the site which I have used to better define Moral Relativism. The site simply states that, "Moral relativism is the view that ethical standards, morality, and positions of right or wrong are all culturally based." The first part of the statement covers general ethics but the rest mentions the decision is culturally based. To further Moral Relativism is to mention that a person who believes in it makes the moral decisions for themselves. Thus a right and wrong absolute changes from person to person. The site also has some examples of the more religious ethical tact that morals followed in the past. Moral Relativism is the common way of deciding answers but it is not as neutral as other ways of thinking.http://www.moral-relativism.com/ is the link for the website.
3.
Arguable Issue: The arguable issue is whether or not Moral Relativism is a good view to hold.
Conclusion: Moral Relativism is a good view to hold.
Premises:
(1) Since morals are different for everyone the answers for them should also be different.
(2)The answers to right and wrong are not set in stone.
(3)People should take responsibility for their own actions.
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ASSIGNMENT PART TWO
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The week 4 readings cover two chapters in the Ruggiero book, The Role of the Majority View, and the Role of Feelings. Each student must complete BOTH of the following assignments.
The Role of the Majority View
1. Paragraph:
Majority Views, to go along the same lines of the book, is the vote of at least 51% percent of a group of random people to represent the whole. This way of coming to decision does not seem like a very good tactic. Not to offend anyone lets look at American Idol. The book would classify this type of show as "tabloid television". People call in and vote for their favorite singer but it is never said how many times a person can vote. Also the country does not watch or vote on such meaningless things.Taking those votes to represent the who country is wrong. Most people only watch the show to see idiots make a fool of the themselves. I highly doubt anyone puts much stock into this Majority View system for more important issues. This system would be effective if the nation were informed voters.
2.Arguable Issue: The arguable issue is whether or not the Majority View is a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Conclusion: Majority View is not a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Premises:
(1) People who vote are not always informed about an issue.
(2) This system would leave out people without the means to vote who can contribute to the decision.
(3) This system is not reliable against fraud while polling people.
The Role of Feelings
1. Paragraph: Explain in your own words what feelings are. Cite your sources.
I agree with the book that feeling will always have a place in ethical issues but there should be a guideline to follow when enter feelings into the mix. The example with the cone interrupter is not a great example of having your feelings influence you. Those are more likely urges than actual feelings towards a subject. Feelings about abortion are a more better example because the issue is so complex. Also people are not robots, feelings are among us to help us better know our surroundings. A persons feelings are like an internal magnet which effects a person's moral compass and points them in their own directions.
2.Arguable Issue: The arguable issue is whether or not our feelings are a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Conclusion: Feelings are a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Premises:
(1) When under guidelines feelings back up ethical decisions.
(2) Feelings control our personal views.
(3) Feelings keep people and their decisions unique.
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ASSIGNMENT PART THREE
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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, and what I did quote was cited.
What was easiest / hardest about this assignment?
The question about Majority Views is easy decide on but is also the hardest to write about without hurting a person's feelings.
How will you apply what you learned through this assignment to your everyday life?
I will look at ethical problems and think "I wonder how others would view this situation?"
How well do you think you did on this assignment? Explain.
I believe I completed this assignment to the fullest with comprehension of the topics covered. My answers were researched and put into my own words and I answered the questions with my own ethical views in mind.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Blog Assignment #3
1. Explain what “to give an argument” means in this book.
The book states that "to give an argument" means to give a certain amount of complete examples to support the conclusion that a person is presenting. A person can't just say "I think blue is the best color," and call the sentence an argument. A person has to give reasons why they feel so strongly to support the statement.
2. What are the reasons Weston gives in support of his claim, “arguments are essential”?
Weston says arguments are essential because it is great way to figure out which views are more sound than others. Weston goes on to state that "not all views are equal." Making arguments for different conclusions gets a person thinking about the arguments to see which ones really support the conclusions.
3. Explain why many students tend to “write an essay, but not an argument”.
Usually when an project is assigned for a subject most students think that the assignment is to report on the subject in general. For an argument the student would have to present different pieces of evidence to support a hypothesis or conclusion for the subject and most students take the simple way out.
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".
Element Argument for skateboarding on campus
Arguable issue: Whether or not students should be allowed to skateboard on campus
Conclusion: Students should be allowed to skateboard on campus
Premises: Students shoulb be allowed to skateboard on campus because,
1) doing so gets the rider to their classes faster,
2) doing so will keep the rider's teacher happy because the rider is on time for class, and
3) doing so will give the rider exercise
Equation Argument against skateboarding on campus
p: skateboard wheels destroy the concrete they role over and will ruin the campus' sidewalks
p: skateboarding is dangerous to the rider and the people around them
p: skateboarding disturbs classes in progress because the wheels are too loud on walkways
c: Therefore, students should not be allowed to skateboard on campus
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.
My arguments have shown all the qualities discussed in the first chapter. Each have three premises and a conclusion each. The premises are organized in a natural order. My terms are not vague and I get my points across.
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.
As I have stated above my terms were clear and pretty specific. My premises used a in a clear order. Also I did not use any definitions so I don't have to worry about them being left to explain a certain premise.
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 believe that I deserve the full points for this assignment because I have met all the criteria needed for a great post.
The book states that "to give an argument" means to give a certain amount of complete examples to support the conclusion that a person is presenting. A person can't just say "I think blue is the best color," and call the sentence an argument. A person has to give reasons why they feel so strongly to support the statement.
2. What are the reasons Weston gives in support of his claim, “arguments are essential”?
Weston says arguments are essential because it is great way to figure out which views are more sound than others. Weston goes on to state that "not all views are equal." Making arguments for different conclusions gets a person thinking about the arguments to see which ones really support the conclusions.
3. Explain why many students tend to “write an essay, but not an argument”.
Usually when an project is assigned for a subject most students think that the assignment is to report on the subject in general. For an argument the student would have to present different pieces of evidence to support a hypothesis or conclusion for the subject and most students take the simple way out.
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".
Element Argument for skateboarding on campus
Arguable issue: Whether or not students should be allowed to skateboard on campus
Conclusion: Students should be allowed to skateboard on campus
Premises: Students shoulb be allowed to skateboard on campus because,
1) doing so gets the rider to their classes faster,
2) doing so will keep the rider's teacher happy because the rider is on time for class, and
3) doing so will give the rider exercise
Equation Argument against skateboarding on campus
p: skateboard wheels destroy the concrete they role over and will ruin the campus' sidewalks
p: skateboarding is dangerous to the rider and the people around them
p: skateboarding disturbs classes in progress because the wheels are too loud on walkways
c: Therefore, students should not be allowed to skateboard on campus
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.
My arguments have shown all the qualities discussed in the first chapter. Each have three premises and a conclusion each. The premises are organized in a natural order. My terms are not vague and I get my points across.
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.
As I have stated above my terms were clear and pretty specific. My premises used a in a clear order. Also I did not use any definitions so I don't have to worry about them being left to explain a certain premise.
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 believe that I deserve the full points for this assignment because I have met all the criteria needed for a great post.
Wednesday, January 14, 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?
I do not think the questions were hard in the ways listed above because the questions to me did not all seem to questions morals. I also believe that my answers for the test were basically consistent. I also do believe that a persons answers to that type of test should stick to the same pattern.
2. Should people always follow the law? Why or why not? When might one be justified in NOT following the law? Give examples.
In most events I believe that people should follow the law. Laws are put in place to protect the people who abide them. However, there are rare instances that a person who breaks a law does it for a justified reason. For example if a persons dog is well trained and not a threat to the people outside and also the dog follows its owner then breaking the leash law would be okay. googl
3. In your own words, explain what "social convention" means. Give examples.
Social conventions are generally accepted standards that a large group of the population follow together. For example the question about a man with the flu sneezing into a person wine glass is not immoral but it does break a social convention. That specific social convention would be invading a persons personal space and attacking them with your flu germs. Another convention it breaks is that the person was gross.
4. Should people always follow the conventions of their society? Why or why not? Give examples.
For the most part following the conventions of a society does tend to keep people out of social speculation. On the flip side of following social conventions, if a society is perhaps twisted or has social conventions that are out of date then a individual should not follow them.
5. Should people always follow their own principles? Why or why not? Give examples.
Depending on the principles the person has then people could follow their own. If a person's principles effect other people then they shouldn't be followed. For instance, if a person is racist then their principles would deal with ostracizing people different from them. Those principles should not be followed.
6. Explain in your own words the difference between socially acceptable, legally acceptable, and morally acceptable.
Socially acceptable deals with social conventions and other set rules agreed upon by a society.
Legally acceptable things deal with the laws that are written in a society and if they are broken a person would be punished for it.
Morally acceptable instances are the problems that a person has to decide whats right or wrong for them.
7. Out of 25 points, how many points do you feel your work on this assignment deserves? Justify your answer.
25, I believe I deserve complete points because I took the time and answered the questions fully and elaborated on each answer.
I do not think the questions were hard in the ways listed above because the questions to me did not all seem to questions morals. I also believe that my answers for the test were basically consistent. I also do believe that a persons answers to that type of test should stick to the same pattern.
2. Should people always follow the law? Why or why not? When might one be justified in NOT following the law? Give examples.
In most events I believe that people should follow the law. Laws are put in place to protect the people who abide them. However, there are rare instances that a person who breaks a law does it for a justified reason. For example if a persons dog is well trained and not a threat to the people outside and also the dog follows its owner then breaking the leash law would be okay. googl
3. In your own words, explain what "social convention" means. Give examples.
Social conventions are generally accepted standards that a large group of the population follow together. For example the question about a man with the flu sneezing into a person wine glass is not immoral but it does break a social convention. That specific social convention would be invading a persons personal space and attacking them with your flu germs. Another convention it breaks is that the person was gross.
4. Should people always follow the conventions of their society? Why or why not? Give examples.
For the most part following the conventions of a society does tend to keep people out of social speculation. On the flip side of following social conventions, if a society is perhaps twisted or has social conventions that are out of date then a individual should not follow them.
5. Should people always follow their own principles? Why or why not? Give examples.
Depending on the principles the person has then people could follow their own. If a person's principles effect other people then they shouldn't be followed. For instance, if a person is racist then their principles would deal with ostracizing people different from them. Those principles should not be followed.
6. Explain in your own words the difference between socially acceptable, legally acceptable, and morally acceptable.
Socially acceptable deals with social conventions and other set rules agreed upon by a society.
Legally acceptable things deal with the laws that are written in a society and if they are broken a person would be punished for it.
Morally acceptable instances are the problems that a person has to decide whats right or wrong for them.
7. Out of 25 points, how many points do you feel your work on this assignment deserves? Justify your answer.
25, I believe I deserve complete points because I took the time and answered the questions fully and elaborated on each answer.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Blog Assignment #1
ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS.
1. How would you have explained the meaning of the term "ethics", before taking this class?
The term ethics covers the part of philosophy which deals with morals and right and wrong choices in a persons life.
2. What are some of your deepest held values?
Some of my deepest values have been to not to lie, to not steal, and other integrity driven morals.
3. What are some main principles you try to live your life by?
I try to stay positive and also try not to look down on others.
4. What moral qualities do you look for in others?
I tend to gravitate to people who share the same moral qualities that I have. People who can tell right from wrong and who can steer their moral compass in the right direction are what I look for to fill my life.
5. How were your values and principles developed?
My parents have imposed some of these values on me throughout my life and some I have picked up on my own. Morals are woven into almost everything a kid comes in contact with so I had to pick mine up somehow.
6. How have your values and principles changed throughout your life so far?
I think that for the most part the values I was taught have stayed with me but I'm not quite sure if they've changed. If they have changed then I believe they have become stronger.
7. Out of 25 points, how many points do you feel your work on this assignment deserves? Justify your answer.
24.999.I believe that I've answered all the questions, but since these questions don't have definite answers I've left room for error.
1. How would you have explained the meaning of the term "ethics", before taking this class?
The term ethics covers the part of philosophy which deals with morals and right and wrong choices in a persons life.
2. What are some of your deepest held values?
Some of my deepest values have been to not to lie, to not steal, and other integrity driven morals.
3. What are some main principles you try to live your life by?
I try to stay positive and also try not to look down on others.
4. What moral qualities do you look for in others?
I tend to gravitate to people who share the same moral qualities that I have. People who can tell right from wrong and who can steer their moral compass in the right direction are what I look for to fill my life.
5. How were your values and principles developed?
My parents have imposed some of these values on me throughout my life and some I have picked up on my own. Morals are woven into almost everything a kid comes in contact with so I had to pick mine up somehow.
6. How have your values and principles changed throughout your life so far?
I think that for the most part the values I was taught have stayed with me but I'm not quite sure if they've changed. If they have changed then I believe they have become stronger.
7. Out of 25 points, how many points do you feel your work on this assignment deserves? Justify your answer.
24.999.I believe that I've answered all the questions, but since these questions don't have definite answers I've left room for error.
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