Chapter 1
1- Necessary and sufficient conditions p.11
2- Socratic method
3- Scientific Method
4- Logical impossibility, causal impossibility and law of non-contradiction
5- Argument, premise, conclusion p.21
6- Deductive arguments: valid/invalid, sound, unsound
7- Inductive arguments: strong/weak, cogent
8- Enumerative Induction, Analogical Induction and IBE (Hypothetical Induction)
9- Criteria of adequacy (you should know each element)
10- Fallacies: (What you should know is what each one is about) Begging the Question, False Dilemma, Appeal to Person, Appeal to the masses, Appeal to Ignorance, Hasty Generalization
11- Thought experiment, counterexample, test implication p.37
12- The difference between conceivability and possibility
Chapter 7
1- Knowledge by acquaintance, performative knowledge, propositional knowledge
2- A priori, a posteriori
3- Theories of truth: Correspondence, Pragmatic Theory and Coherence Theory of Truth. Provide examples of each of these and their differences.
4- Foundationalism p.495
5- Sense data, Direct Realism, Locke’s Representative Realism: primary and secondary qualities p.501
6- Phenomenalism; Berkeley’s “esse ist percipii”
7- Standard account of knowledge
8- Gettier’s job seekers or Triff’s dental appointment
9- Defeasibility Theory (Lehrer’s demented Mrs. Grabit); Causal Theory (Goldman’s fake barns) p.515
10- Reliability Theory (Lehrer’s Human Thermometer)
11- Explanationist Theory of Knowledge
Monday, January 30, 2006
Friday, January 27, 2006
PHI 2604 Homework Chapter 3
1. Define:
a) Freedom
b) Equality
c) Rights
2. “Justice” is usually defined as fairness. Is there a more detailed explanation based on today’s affairs?
3. What is the best way to cut the fiscal pie? Explain.
4. How would utilitarians do it? Cite Mill’s example of “talented workers.”
5. What would “worker participation” and “greater equality of income” mean for Mill?
6. What is the libertarian approach to justice? Define Nozick’s “entitlement theory.”
7. Explain Nozick’s other two principles.
8. Clarify Rawls’ idea of justice. Cite his two main principles.
9. Within Rawl’s theory, define:
a) Nature of choice
b) Veil of Ignorance
c) Choosing principles
a) Freedom
b) Equality
c) Rights
2. “Justice” is usually defined as fairness. Is there a more detailed explanation based on today’s affairs?
3. What is the best way to cut the fiscal pie? Explain.
4. How would utilitarians do it? Cite Mill’s example of “talented workers.”
5. What would “worker participation” and “greater equality of income” mean for Mill?
6. What is the libertarian approach to justice? Define Nozick’s “entitlement theory.”
7. Explain Nozick’s other two principles.
8. Clarify Rawls’ idea of justice. Cite his two main principles.
9. Within Rawl’s theory, define:
a) Nature of choice
b) Veil of Ignorance
c) Choosing principles
Thursday, January 19, 2006
PHI 2604 Syllabus
Dr. Alfredo Triff
Room 3604-40 (Building #3)
Tel. 305.237.7554
E-mail: atriff@mdc.edu
Office Hours: Posted
Text: Moral Issues in Business (9th Edition) by William H. Shaw and Vincent Barry
Objectives
* To understand the scope and purpose of business ethics, normative theories, the idea of justice and distribution.
* To explore the idea of ethics within the context of corporations.
* To comprehend the organization of the workplace, its challenges in regard to conduct, honesty
and the idea of moral choice. Responsibility and obligations.
* To investigate the idea of job discrimination and sexual harassment.
* To look at the relevance of the consumer and the issue of advertising.
* To analyze the impact of the environment and its ethical consequences.
* To create and stimulate a spirit of open debate and conversation, as well as emphasizing the ethics of dialogue.
* To further critical thinking strategies and tools in order to deal with the challenges posed by the workplace.
Methodology
1. Doing critical thinking means examining problems in a detached manner; allowing objectivity, reason, and plurality becoming the ground on which to base our judgment. This spirit needs to be defined and stimulated.
2. Critical thinking is a way of reasoning. It analyzes the world with tools that in principle constitute our building blocks to make sense of the world. These tools need to be identified and refined.
3. Once we gain a minimum of philosophical rudiments, we'll be able to implement this know-how in concrete situations in the workplace. This course is geared to confront actual contexts, and not just abstractions, which is a common misconception about philosophy.
Evaluation
1. Three tests: A quiz, a midterm and a final exam. Grades are A, B and C, which stand for outstanding, good and average respectively. D is below average. F means not enough work to justify credit for the course. Tests count for 85% of the final grade as such Q (15%) + Midterm (35%) + Final Exam (35%) + Class participation and effort (15%). Be clear that this breakdown is not strictly numerical, since I tend to curve the tests already in order to help you.
2. Attendance is expected. Three non-excused absences are permitted. Each absence thereafter will lower the participation grade. You must have a doctor's note for a justified absence in a test.
Policies
1. Plagiarism is an offense. I'll interview the students to make sure of the originality of the reports (if any).
2. Cheating is a serious academic transgression, and will be penalized according to college policy.
3. I expect a minimum of class demeanor. Courtesy and respect are important.
Some suggestions
1. I will conduct my classes from the readings of the textbook and other texts. It's important to see critical thinking as a growing discipline with an impact in our daily lives. The consequences of critical thinking are far too reaching and complex.
2. You should ponder the readings in each chapter carefully. I want to discuss each issue from an analytical point, until the themes are understood, but you should be ready to make the discussions meaningful by participating in the debates. Listening is important. Learning the ethics of discussion takes time and effort.
3. Send me e-mails if you have questions, problems, suggestions or criticisms… I will respond promptly. Letter exchange is a great philosophical tool. Let’s use it!
Calendar
Chapter 1 The Nature of Morality: Moral vs. non-moral standards. Moral Principles. The Limits of Conscience. Ethical Relativism. Individual Integrity and Responsibility.
Chapter 2 Normative Theories of Ethics: Consequentialism vs. Non-consequentialisms. Egoism. Utilitarianism. Deontology. Moral Decision Making.
Chapter 3 Justice and Economic Distribution: The Nature of Justice. The Utilitarian View. The Libertarian Approach. Rawl’s Theory of Justice.
QUIZ
Chapter 4 The Nature of Capitalism: Key Features. Moral Justifications of Capitalism. Critics of Capitalism. Economic Challenges.
Chapter 5 Corporations: Limited-Liability Agency. Corporate Moral Agency. Corporate Responsibility. Institutional Ethics Within Corporations.
Chapter 6 The Workplace. Basic Issues: Civil Liberties. Personnel Procedures. Unions.
MIDTERM
Chapter 7 Challenges Within the Workplace: Obtaining Information Working Conditions. Redesigning Work.
Chapter 8 Moral Choices Facing Employees: Obligations to Firm. Abuse of Positions. Bribes and Kickbacks. Gifts and Entertainment.
Chapter 9 Job Discrimination: Evidence of Discrimination. Affirmative Action: The Legal Context. Affirmative Action and Moral Issues. Comparable Worth. Sexual Harassment.
Chapter 10 Business and Society: Consumers. Product Safety. Deception in Advertising. The Debate Over Advertising.
Chapter 11 The Environment: Business and Ecology. Environmental Protection. Cost Allocation. Environmental Ethics.
FINAL (Not Cumulative)
Room 3604-40 (Building #3)
Tel. 305.237.7554
E-mail: atriff@mdc.edu
Office Hours: Posted
Text: Moral Issues in Business (9th Edition) by William H. Shaw and Vincent Barry
Objectives
* To understand the scope and purpose of business ethics, normative theories, the idea of justice and distribution.
* To explore the idea of ethics within the context of corporations.
* To comprehend the organization of the workplace, its challenges in regard to conduct, honesty
and the idea of moral choice. Responsibility and obligations.
* To investigate the idea of job discrimination and sexual harassment.
* To look at the relevance of the consumer and the issue of advertising.
* To analyze the impact of the environment and its ethical consequences.
* To create and stimulate a spirit of open debate and conversation, as well as emphasizing the ethics of dialogue.
* To further critical thinking strategies and tools in order to deal with the challenges posed by the workplace.
Methodology
1. Doing critical thinking means examining problems in a detached manner; allowing objectivity, reason, and plurality becoming the ground on which to base our judgment. This spirit needs to be defined and stimulated.
2. Critical thinking is a way of reasoning. It analyzes the world with tools that in principle constitute our building blocks to make sense of the world. These tools need to be identified and refined.
3. Once we gain a minimum of philosophical rudiments, we'll be able to implement this know-how in concrete situations in the workplace. This course is geared to confront actual contexts, and not just abstractions, which is a common misconception about philosophy.
Evaluation
1. Three tests: A quiz, a midterm and a final exam. Grades are A, B and C, which stand for outstanding, good and average respectively. D is below average. F means not enough work to justify credit for the course. Tests count for 85% of the final grade as such Q (15%) + Midterm (35%) + Final Exam (35%) + Class participation and effort (15%). Be clear that this breakdown is not strictly numerical, since I tend to curve the tests already in order to help you.
2. Attendance is expected. Three non-excused absences are permitted. Each absence thereafter will lower the participation grade. You must have a doctor's note for a justified absence in a test.
Policies
1. Plagiarism is an offense. I'll interview the students to make sure of the originality of the reports (if any).
2. Cheating is a serious academic transgression, and will be penalized according to college policy.
3. I expect a minimum of class demeanor. Courtesy and respect are important.
Some suggestions
1. I will conduct my classes from the readings of the textbook and other texts. It's important to see critical thinking as a growing discipline with an impact in our daily lives. The consequences of critical thinking are far too reaching and complex.
2. You should ponder the readings in each chapter carefully. I want to discuss each issue from an analytical point, until the themes are understood, but you should be ready to make the discussions meaningful by participating in the debates. Listening is important. Learning the ethics of discussion takes time and effort.
3. Send me e-mails if you have questions, problems, suggestions or criticisms… I will respond promptly. Letter exchange is a great philosophical tool. Let’s use it!
Calendar
Chapter 1 The Nature of Morality: Moral vs. non-moral standards. Moral Principles. The Limits of Conscience. Ethical Relativism. Individual Integrity and Responsibility.
Chapter 2 Normative Theories of Ethics: Consequentialism vs. Non-consequentialisms. Egoism. Utilitarianism. Deontology. Moral Decision Making.
Chapter 3 Justice and Economic Distribution: The Nature of Justice. The Utilitarian View. The Libertarian Approach. Rawl’s Theory of Justice.
QUIZ
Chapter 4 The Nature of Capitalism: Key Features. Moral Justifications of Capitalism. Critics of Capitalism. Economic Challenges.
Chapter 5 Corporations: Limited-Liability Agency. Corporate Moral Agency. Corporate Responsibility. Institutional Ethics Within Corporations.
Chapter 6 The Workplace. Basic Issues: Civil Liberties. Personnel Procedures. Unions.
MIDTERM
Chapter 7 Challenges Within the Workplace: Obtaining Information Working Conditions. Redesigning Work.
Chapter 8 Moral Choices Facing Employees: Obligations to Firm. Abuse of Positions. Bribes and Kickbacks. Gifts and Entertainment.
Chapter 9 Job Discrimination: Evidence of Discrimination. Affirmative Action: The Legal Context. Affirmative Action and Moral Issues. Comparable Worth. Sexual Harassment.
Chapter 10 Business and Society: Consumers. Product Safety. Deception in Advertising. The Debate Over Advertising.
Chapter 11 The Environment: Business and Ecology. Environmental Protection. Cost Allocation. Environmental Ethics.
FINAL (Not Cumulative)
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
PHI 2604 Chapter 2 Homework (for two weeks)
Part one:
1.What's the difference between consequentialist and nonconsequentialist (or deontological)theories?
2. Define "Egoism." Provide examples.a) What are some of the misconceptions about Egoism?
3. Identify the term "Psychological Egoism"? In which way is P.E. different from Ethical Egoism described in 2. above?
4. Enumerate the problems presented by Egoism.
5. Explain "Utilitarianism." Provide examples.
6. Go over the six points addressing utilitarianism as they appear on pp. 61, 62.
7. Go over some of the critiques of Utilitarianism.
8. In what sense is business practice "utilitarian" according to Adam Smith (while fostering self-interest?).
Part two:
1. What's the meaning of "good will" according to Kant?
2. Define Kant's catergorical imperative.
3. Explain the difference between a categorical and a hypothetical prescription.
4.What does Kant mean by "universal acceptability"?
5. State Kant's second formulation. Why is a person an "end" rather than a "means to an end"?
6. Go over some of the critical inquires of Kant's theory.
7. What is a prima facie duty?
8. Following W.D. Ross, establish a hierarchy of prima facie duties.
9. What is a right?
10. Establish the difference between positive and negative rights.
11. Can human rights be justified?
1.What's the difference between consequentialist and nonconsequentialist (or deontological)theories?
2. Define "Egoism." Provide examples.a) What are some of the misconceptions about Egoism?
3. Identify the term "Psychological Egoism"? In which way is P.E. different from Ethical Egoism described in 2. above?
4. Enumerate the problems presented by Egoism.
5. Explain "Utilitarianism." Provide examples.
6. Go over the six points addressing utilitarianism as they appear on pp. 61, 62.
7. Go over some of the critiques of Utilitarianism.
8. In what sense is business practice "utilitarian" according to Adam Smith (while fostering self-interest?).
Part two:
1. What's the meaning of "good will" according to Kant?
2. Define Kant's catergorical imperative.
3. Explain the difference between a categorical and a hypothetical prescription.
4.What does Kant mean by "universal acceptability"?
5. State Kant's second formulation. Why is a person an "end" rather than a "means to an end"?
6. Go over some of the critical inquires of Kant's theory.
7. What is a prima facie duty?
8. Following W.D. Ross, establish a hierarchy of prima facie duties.
9. What is a right?
10. Establish the difference between positive and negative rights.
11. Can human rights be justified?
Thursday, January 5, 2006
PHI 2604 Homework: Chapter 1
Have the answers to these questions ready for our next meeting on Wednesday.
1- Discuss the different meanings of “Ethics”?
2- Establish the distinction between “moral” and “non-moral” standards.
3- What’s the difference between morality and etiquette. Think of one example.
4- Point to the differences between “morality” and “law.” Think of one example.
5- Where do moral standards come from?
6- Is religion necessary for morality? Explain why or why not.
7- Define “ethical relativism.” Go over some of the counterarguments explore in the text. Do you have any other possible objections to this position?
8- (On page 13) Is it true that “business” has its own kind of ethics as Albert Carr argues for?
9- How reliable is our conscience when it comes to acting morally? Comment on Huck example (page 15).
10- Regarding individual responsibility within a corporation, what was David Frew’s discovery? (page 18)
11- What is a defensible moral judgment?
12- Discuss the requirements for moral judgments?
1- Discuss the different meanings of “Ethics”?
2- Establish the distinction between “moral” and “non-moral” standards.
3- What’s the difference between morality and etiquette. Think of one example.
4- Point to the differences between “morality” and “law.” Think of one example.
5- Where do moral standards come from?
6- Is religion necessary for morality? Explain why or why not.
7- Define “ethical relativism.” Go over some of the counterarguments explore in the text. Do you have any other possible objections to this position?
8- (On page 13) Is it true that “business” has its own kind of ethics as Albert Carr argues for?
9- How reliable is our conscience when it comes to acting morally? Comment on Huck example (page 15).
10- Regarding individual responsibility within a corporation, what was David Frew’s discovery? (page 18)
11- What is a defensible moral judgment?
12- Discuss the requirements for moral judgments?
Tuesday, January 3, 2006
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