Update

I apologize for my tardiness today (Tuesday). I talked to a number of students (still in the class) about the quiz this Thursday: Chapters 7 and 8. Revise the topics and go over the questions asked in class.

Second phase of the paper

I’m reading your papers (not done yet). This is what I find (and these are general problems that concern most of the class). Papers are one-sided; the interaction of points of view is limited, too much insistence on religious arguments; lack of proper research, etc. I’m going to ask you for the second revision (which is due April 14) to fix those problems. 1- Add about six more paragraphs to the existing paper, 2- Try to embroider better the opposing sides, 3- Take your essay to a place where you can either give it a conclusion or leave it close to that point. If you have any questions, let’s talk it in class.

Topics for Quiz #2

Chapter 7
Informed Consent, Polygraph Tests: Purpose of PT
Major assumptions: Personality tests, what are they good for?
Drug Testing; 4 remarks
Day Care and Maternity Leave

Chapter 8
Conflict of Interest: ExamplesInsider Trading
Trade secret: Examples
Bribes, Kickbacks, Gifts: Seven rules p. 398
Obligations to third parties
Whistle blowing: examples: Five guidelines p. 402

Chapter 9
Meaning of job discrimination
Affirmative action
Supreme Court’s Position
Arguments in favor and against affirmative action
Sexual Harassment: Explain the three different kinds of harassment discussed in the text

PHI 2604 / Wednesday Night (paper)

I'm beginning to discuss how I want this paper to look like. 1- First choose a theme; preferably one you feel strongly in favor or against (we want the paper to be fun). 2- Research this topic throroughly, that is, not only of arguments for the position you defend, but also research the arguments for the position you oppose (remember: the more you know your enemy's point of view, the better your paper will look). 3- Now, flesh out the arguments by embroidering the two points of view, giving a few sentences to each, so the reader has time to understand both). When you have this ready. You can go ahead and write the exercise. I think that eight paragraphs is enough to embroider both points of view for now. I don't want a conclusion yet. Just warm up and mix the ingredients. Let's leave the conclusion for the next exercise. Tips: You could use phrases like this: "My thesis is that" or "I believe that" or "With this paper I would like to show that," etc. When you want to mix both arguments you move to "on the other hand," "one could retort that" or "against soandso one could add that," etc. Any questions? Post them! The deadline for this exercise is Wednesday March 21.