SCANTRON FORM FOR QUIZ

All students in my PHI classes need to bring a small rectangular green or bluish scantron sheet. Do not get any red ones. They don't work. You can purchase these ParSCORE test forms at MDC Wolfson bookstore. I don't provide those at the time of the quiz. You have to bring them with you. Please, don't come to take the quiz without your scantron form. If you have any questions ask me.

LINK TO "DOING PHILOSOPHY" WEBSITE

This is the Doing Philosophy Website you should access. Find the different chapters and there are tons of excercises. Make it a favorite and keep visiting it. I think it's going to help you a lot to understand this course.

PHI 2604 TOPICS FOR QUIZ

Topics for PHI 2604 QUIZ

Chapter 1

Moral vs. non-moral standards
Morality and etiquette
Morality and Law
Where do marl standards come from?
Religion and Morality (differences between the two)
Ethical relativism, Cultural Relativism. Critiques: (a) Moral dissent, (b) artificial vs. deep values in the culture, (c) Logical contradictions
Defensible Moral Judgments; Requirements for Moral Judgments

Chapter 2

Consequentialist and non-Consequentialist Theories
Egoism; Misconceptions about Egoism; Psychological Egoism; Problems with Egoism (3 arguments)
Utilitarianism; (Six points about Utilitarianism)
Critical Inquiries of Utilitarianism (3 arguments)
Kantian Ethics: Good Will, The Categorical Imperative; Universal Acceptability and Second Formulation (humanity as an end)
Critical Inquiries of Kant’s Ethics (3 arguments)
W.D. Ross’s Prima Facie Principles (you must know all and in the said hierarchy)
Moral Rights; Distinction between Moral, Legal and Human Rights
Positive and Negative Rights
V.R. Ruggiero’s Obligations, Ideals and Effects (p.79)

Chapter 3

Fairness (as a complex of Rights, Freedoms and Equality)
Rivals Principles of Distribution
The Utilitarian View (Worker Participation, Greater Equality of Income)
The Libertarian View: Nozick’s Theory (include Libertarian definition of Liberty, Markets and Property Rights)
Rawls’ Theory of Justice (Original Position, Nature of Choice, Veil of Ignorance)
Rawls’ Two Principles
Triff’s Comparative Chart of 20th century Political/Economic Theories

TOPICS FOR QUIZ: PHI 2010 (REGULAR CLASS)

Below, find the topics for my Quiz coming up. This one is for my regular classes. This Thursday I'll talk to you about it. For my Tuesday night class (5:40-8:10pm) we'll finish chapter 7 and review next Tuesday. Make flash cards and start the process of learning all these concepts (each one separately). Remember you should know the counterexamples to each theory of knowledge in chapter 7.

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: 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- Standard account of knowledge
7- 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
8- Reliability Theory (Lehrer’s Human Thermometer)
9- Explanationist Theory of Knowledge

PHI 2010 HONORS: TOPICS FOR QUIZ

TOPICS FOR QUIZ

These are the topics for our upcoming quiz. I recommend that you make flash cards of each topic. Study each one separately. Try to come up with examples in your mind. You must know the counterarguments to each theory by name.

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: 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

PHI 2604

Philosophy 2604

Chapter Four

1. Provide a quick background of the historic phases of capitalism.
2. What are the key features of capitalism? Explain each one.
3. Addressing moral justifications for capitalism, defend:
a) The Natural Right to Property
b) Adam Smith's Invisible Hand
4. Addressing criticisms of under capitalism, articulate:
a) Inequality
b) Human nature and capitalism (economic creatures vs. moral creatures)
c) Capitalism breeds oligopolies
d) Competition is not a good
e) Marx's "exploitation" and "alienation."
5. What are some ot today's economic challenges for capitalism?

PHI 2604 Home Work
Chapter 3

Part one

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

PHI 2604 (Syllabus)

Phi 2604 Syllabus


Alfredo Triff, Ph.D.
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. Critical thinking means examining problems in a detached manner; allowing objectivity, reason, and plurality becoming the ground on which to base our judgment. We need to nurture and stimulate this thinking approach.

2. Critical thinking is a way of reasoning. Our judgments must be grounded in facts and justified moral standards. Morality can be fine-tuned and work for us, not against us.

3. Once we gain a minimum of philosophical rudiments, we'll be able to implement this know-how in concrete situations in the workplace and in our lives. This course is geared to confront actual contexts, and not just abstractions, which is a common misconception about philosophy.

Evaluation

1. Three tests: one quiz, one midterm and one final exam with grades 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. Both tests carry same weight.

2. Graded assignments and/or tests count for 85% of the final grade. Class participation and effort count for the remaining 15%.

3. Attendance is expected. Three non-excused absences are permitted. Each absence thereafter will lower the participation grade. Missing deadlines must be justified by a doctor’s note or the equivalent. Please, feel free to contact me if you have a serious problem with or in the class.


Policies

1. Plagiarism is an offense. I'll interview the students to make sure of the originality of the reports.

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

* Ponder the readings in each chapter carefully. We want to discuss issues from an analytical point of view, but you should be ready to make the discussions lively and meaningful by participating in our discussions. Listening and talking are important.

* If you have questions, suggestions or criticisms drop an email or leave a comment in this blog. I'll respond as fast as I can.

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.

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)