Click on the item for more information or for the assignment for that module.

INSTRUCTIONS for PREPARING and SUBMITTING WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

MODULE 0 Orientation and Training

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 Assignments for MODULE 0 Orientation and Training  means to

COMPLETE ALL the TEN STEPS TO START OFF

For the fully online class YOUR NEXT STEPS  TEN STEPS

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Written Assignment for Module 1

MODULE 1. What is an argument? What are its essential parts?

Clearly indicate the main conclusion or principal thesis if any of these 4 are arguments

(1) Is this an argument? Pizza is the best snack food there is. 

 If yes, what are the premises and what is the conclusion?

(2)Is this an Argument: 

 A) I am sick  B) my nose is running and I am coughing

If yes, what are the premises and what is the conclusion?

(3) Is this an argument ? Larry  thinks Hochul is a better candidate for Governer than Zeldin, Lucy says its Zeldin

If yes, what are the premises and what is the conclusion?

(4) Friendship is a great element in a happy life.

If yes, what are the premises and what is the conclusion?

(5) Is this an argument?  Lester was arrested for the 56th time for shoplifting. He has been diagnosed as a kleptomaniac who cannot resist the urge to take things that are not his.  He will most likely be deemed not guilty by reason of mental illness.

If yes, what are the premises and what is the conclusion?

MODULE 1. Fallacies  IDENTIFY THE FALLACY IN EACH OF THE SELECTIONS BELOW. 5 points

1-5 correct 1pt: 6-10 correct 2pts: 11-15 correct 3pts: 16-20 correct 4pts: 21-25 correct 5pts

Use the answer sheet supplied or in an email message space just list numbers 1 to 25 each followed by a letter from a to e

SELECT THE BEST CHOICE FROM THE OPTIONS PRESENTED .

1. We haven't made a case against Sleazer that will stand up in court so far, but if he refuses to testify it follows that a jury will see that he must have some thing to hide. That'll prove that he is guilty.

a) hasty generalization b) begging the question c) appeal to consequences d) appeal to ignorance e) division

 2. A personal computer is a very complicated piece of machinery and very difficult to understand how exactly it works. This mouse attachment is part of the computer so it must be difficult to understand and too complicated for me to attach or adjust or to work.

a) converse accident b) division c) composition d) amphiboly e) sweeping generalization - accident

3. Brazilian government official speaking with an American official from the State Department: So Americans would like to criticize our policy of developing our domestic resources by reducing the size of our rain forests and relocating some of our original inhabitants. Tell me what government was it who destroyed much of the North American environment and forcibly relocated the original peoples of that land?

a) complex question b) begging the question c) hasty generalization d) ad hominem attack - tuo quoque variety e) big lie

4. When your friend asks you how you like his new girlfriend you should tell him your true opinion because lying is wrong.

a) amphiboly b) red herring - diversion c) division d) accident -sweeping generalization e) false dilemma

5. More CUNY students have become graduates than ever before in NYC history. This finding is based upon statistics reported in the NYC Yearly Review. The periodical reported that the number of graduates is up 10% over 1980. CUNY must be doing a good job.

a) biased statistics -select sample b) unknowable statistics c) small sample d) suppressed evidence e) accidental correlation

6. Genetics could be the reason some people become addicted to cocaine and others don't. Dr. Adelaide Sandiford, NY State Board of Regents, has stated that 80% of the crack cocaine addicts in a recent study were black. She has theorized that the melanin in the bodies of blacks predisposes one to addiction.

a) biased statistics b) unknowable statistics c) small sample d) data of a different quality e) accidental correlation

7. After speaking with over one hundred people and finding that most of them (83%) prefer to live in New York, I can only conclude that New York State is one of the most popular places in which to live in the world.

a) biased statistics- select sample -unrepresentative sample b) unknowable statistics c) small sample d) data of a different quality e) accidental correlation

8. I must admit that the one hundred people in the survey mentioned above were all New York State residents. This feature of the survey reveals the survey to be:

a) biased sample b) unknowable statistics small sample d) data of a different quality e) accidental correlation

9. Two out of three illegal aliens eventually resort to committing violent crimes. Such a claim might well be an example of:

a) biased statistics b) unknowable statistics c) small sample d) data of different quality e) accidental correlation

10. We cannot prove conclusively with rational argument that GOD-supreme being- exists. But those who are stubborn and refuse to believe in the existence of GOD will soon enough feel the wrath of the eternal fires.

a) accident b) appeal to force -consequences c) false dilemma d)post hoc - false cause e) equivocation

11. It's clear that the US attack on Iraq was unjustified because there were not sufficient reasons to support the US making such a move.

a) false cause b) begging the question - circular argument c) big lie d)accident sweeping generalization e) appeal to ignorance

12. The grand Jury report on Tawana Brawley is a sham. After all, the state of New York, who paid for it, is not really interested in the truth. Even the report admits that it can not account completely for her whereabouts during the entire four day period. The conclusion that there was no evidence that she had been raped is obviously wrong.

a)appeal to authority b) appeal to pity c) appeal to ignorance d) hasty generalization - converse accident e) tuo quoque - ad hominem

13. Jim: Bush undertook a lot of politically risky actions for what he believed to be for the good of the country, such as the actions in Panama and in Iraq. You have got to give him credit for the courage to do that.

John: No, I don't! I'm a Democrat and I'll give him credit for nothing.

John's position is an example of:

a) tuo quoque b) ad hominem - psychological attack c) appeal to authority d) provincialism e) accent

14. When asked why he was intoxicated the painter told the homeowner, "Well sir, you told me to paint the wall when thoroughly plastered." The painter's response provides an example of:

a) tuo quoque b) amphiboly c) equivocation d) ad hominem e) accident

15. The books in the library are stored in an orderly fashion. The desks and tables are orderly. So it is throughout the library. The library, therefore, as a whole is an orderly place.

a) division b) appeal to tradition c) composition d) beard e)appeal to ignorance

16. They forecast a big snow storm for Atlanta. So, when he left Logan Airport in Boston. Charlie had his boots and heavy clothing with him. Charlie's behavior is based on the error:

a) division b) composition c) false analogy d) equivocation e) accident

17. The National Football League (NFL) is a well known group.

Lance Brown is a member of the NFL. Therefore, Lance Brown is well-known.

a) division b) composition c) false analogy d) equivocation e) accident

18. A recent survey shows that the homeless are on the whole much heavier uses of drugs than those who have homes. So, being homeless leads to drug use.

a) appeal to tradition b) appeal to pity c) ad hominem d) biased statistics e) false cause - post hoc

19. The establishment of employment quotas based upon race and ethnicity is what you can expect if the affirmative action laws, policies and rulings are maintained. There will be no more hiring based upon merit . Once the policies are in effect for a few years there will no longer be competency criteria.

a) straw person b) appeal to consequences c) appeal to authority d) appeal to tradition e) false dilemma

20. "Let's face it. You either stand up to tyrants like Sadam Hussein with force or you will give them the green light to expand his aggression and tyranny."

a) appeal to the people b) tuo quoque - ad hominem attack c) false dilemma d) inconsistency e) doubtable statement

21. Ad: ALL CLEAR reduces nasal congestion up to 80% Get a package today. Don't delay only to suffer unnecessary pain and discomfort.

a) appeal to the people b) doubtable statement c) false dilemma d) accident e) composition

22.Letter in reply to an editorial criticizing the US intervention in the Persian Gulf.

"Are you a tyrant lover? Would you have supported Hitler? Would you let those barbarians go on butchering innocent people and seizing their neighbors' land and oil? You typify the cowardly liberal left."

a) black-white thinking b) ignoratio elenchi- diversion c) loaded phrases d) ad hominem abusive attack e) all of the above

23. African American race activists have criticized the first jury in the Rodney King beating trial in light of testimony concerning what had preceded the filmed events and the LA PD guidelines and training. The same activists insist that the videotape of the beating of the truck driver, Reginald Denny, during the events in LA following the verdict must be seen in the perspective of repressed anger over the injustices, inequities and lack of power.

a) appeal to the people b) big lie c) appeal to tradition

d) inconsistent - special pleading e ) appeal to authority

24. Look, a Haitian immigrant. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world. So That Haitian alien must be one of the poorest people in the world.

a) composition b) division c) accident d) converse accident e) big lie

25. Your friend has asked you to promise not to reveal a confidence and you do. Then she reveals that she is about to end her life. You believe that you must observe your promise and tell no one.

a.) big lie b) hasty generalization c) sweeping generalization d) tuo quoque-ad hominem e) false dilemma

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Written Assignment for Module 2 Arguments for the Existence of a deity, a god.

There have been several proofs or arguments for the existence of a deity or god developed over the centuries.  Each one of them has been closely examined and criticized and weaknesses have been disclosed. Some have more problems than others. Some seem more attractive and some stronger than others. This written assignment requires that you demonstrate two basic understandings: 1) an understanding of the significance or importance of the arguments and of their weakness as revealed through dialectical thinking and 2) an understanding of one argument in particular and how it is constructed and what problems there are with it.

Step One (1) On the question of whether or not there is a deity, a god, what is your position and your arguments to support your position?  You may select any one (1) and only one (1) of the following seven (7) arguments (Ontological, Teleological, Cosmological, Miracles, Mystical Experiences, Direct Experiences, Psychic Phenomena) or select the position of atheism.

What is the argument or proof that you have selected?  STATE the EXACT REASONING in steps. Be exact and complete. Each argument has premises and a conclusion.  What are they?

The ______ Argument for the Existence or non-Existence of a Deity

Premise:  Reason that supports the conclusion

Premise:  Reason that supports the conclusion

Premise:  Reason that supports the conclusion

......

......

......

Conclusion:

Step Two (2) Why are believers attracted to this argument or proof that you have selected?

Step Three (3)What are the problems with the argument? What are the criticisms of this argument?

Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations from texts or textbook to support your answers.

Step Four  (4) How do the defenders of the argument that you have selected respond to the specific criticisms?

-indicate that you have done some reading and thinking in your answer 

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Written Assignment for Module 3

The Problem of EVIL in Philosophy

With this assignment you are required to evidence dialectical thinking. As with many things it becomes easier to do dialectical thinking as you practice.

Preliminary: Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers.

Be sure that you understand what the Problem of Evil in Philosophy is as it relates to the concept of the existence or nature of a deity.  Be exact and complete.  Describe just what is the Problem of Evil in Philosophy as it relates to the existence or nature of a deity? Be exact and complete. STATE the EXACT REASONING in steps. Be exact and complete-indicate that you have done some reading and thinking in your answer.  Use quotations.  Cite your sources. In all parts of this assignment you must indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers.

Be sure that you understand what the Problem of Evil in Philosophy is as it relates to the concept of the existence or nature of a deity.  Be exact and complete.

Some believe that the Problem of Evil can not be solved. They think that the resolution of the conflict between certain characteristics of a deity, such as traditionally thought of the deity of the West, and the existence of evil can only result in denying the existence of the deity altogether or the changing of the properties of the deity or a recasting of the idea of evil itself so that it really is not evil at all. So, there are  four possible responses to the problem advanced over two millennia:

• 1. deny that there is a god : atheism
• 2. change the idea of god : post modern ideas e.g., process theology
• 3. change the idea of evil
• 4. attempt to explain how an all perfect god and evil can exist at the same time using the free will defense or the testing defense  or some other defense that is part of Theodicy.

You are required to complete these five steps of the process and LABEL each step so it is clear what you are doing.  Make it very clear for each of the five steps.

Step One (1) You will describe the problem of evil and then select one of the four positions on the Problem of Evil in Philosophy.  State which position you have chosen. Select the  one that you can reason as the strongest or the one that has the least problems or makes the most sense and has reason and evidence to support it. Be as exact as you can be.  You will then need to defend it using the dialectical process in steps 2,3,4,5. 

The Problem of Evil involves the following:___________________________________

My position on the Problem of Evil is that of __________________________

Step Two (2) Provide the reasons (premises) why you think this position is better defended by reason and evidence than are the alternative positions.  Take your position and defend it using reasoning in support of the judgment you have made as to what position you have chosen (conclusion of the argument).

Use the argument format:

Premises:  Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)

Premises:  Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)

Premises:  Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)

Premises:  Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)

......

......

......

Conclusion:  Therefore I take this position on the Problem of Evil..........

CAUTION: You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes.   Philosophers have offered such reasons and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position. Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers. 

Step Three (3) State the reasons why you found the other 3 positions flawed or less defensible than the one you are defending  Provide a reason for each one of the three you have rejected.

I reject position #  because ........

I reject position #  because ........

I reject position #  because ........

Step Four (4) State the criticisms of your position from each of the three other positions you did not choose.

Those who take position #     criticize my position for these reasons  

Those who take position #     criticize my position for these reasons

Those who take position #     criticize my position for these reasons

Step Five  (5) Respond to the criticisms- rebuttal- from each of the three positions that you did not choose.  Defend your position in light of those criticisms

I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position #     for these reasons  

I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position #     for these reasons

I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position #     for these reasons

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Written Assignment for Module 4

Reality  Metaphysics

 BEWARE:  Read the note below before you do this assignment. Keep in mind that the meaning of reality in this assignment is "what is real" and the sum of all that is real and NOT a person's view of or opinion about or perspective on what is real.  This question and assignment deals with Reality1= the sum total of all that is real.  

There are several different theories concerning reality and what makes something real or what exists.  There are at least four of those theories or positions on this issue of the REAL. What is your position?

You are required to complete these five steps of the process and LABEL each step so it is clear what you are doing.  Make it very clear for each of the five steps.

Step One (1) You will select one of the several positions on the nature of REALITY in Philosophy.  State which position you have chosen. Select the one that you can reason as the strongest or the one that has the least problems or makes the most sense and has reason and evidence to support it. Be as exact as you can be.  You will then need to defend it using the dialectical process in steps 2,3,4,5. 

My position on the nature of Reality is that of __________________________

Step Two (2) Provide the reasons (premises) why you think this position is better defended by reason and evidence than are the alternative positions.  Take your position and defend it using reasoning in support of the judgment you have made as to what position you have chosen (conclusion of the argument).

Use the argument format:

Premises:  Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)

Premises:  Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)

Premises:  Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)

Premises:  Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)

......

......

......

Conclusion:  Therefore I take this position on the nature of Reality..........

CAUTION: You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes.   Philosophers have offered such reasons and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position. Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers. 

Step Three (3)  State the reasons why you found the other positions flawed or less defensible than the one you are defending  Provide a reason for each one of those you have rejected.

I reject position #  because ........

I reject position #  because ........

I reject position #  because ........

Step Four (4) State the criticisms of your position from each of at least three other positions you did not choose.

Those who take position #     criticize my position for these reasons  

Those who take position #     criticize my position for these reasons

Those who take position #     criticize my position for these reasons

Step Five  (5) Respond to the criticisms- rebuttal-of each of the three positions that you did not choose.  Defend your position in light of those criticisms

I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position #     for these reasons  

I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position #     for these reasons

I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position #     for these reasons

NOTE:  Be sure you read the chapter and in particular the Overview to understand the meaning of "reality" as in this chapter and assignment.  http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/SocialSciences/ppecorino/INTRO_TEXT/Chapter%204%20Metaphysics/OVERVIEW.htm

• This meaning of reality in this assignment is "what is real" and the sum of all that is real and NOT a person's view of what is real.  This question and assignment deals with Reality1= the sum total of all that is real.   By this is meant the total sum of all things that exist and are experienced no matter what or where they are.  These would be real things meaning as opposed to imaginary or illusory.
• This is not about meanings Reality 2 or Reality 3.
• This question is asking if there can be more than one total reality-the sum of all that is real and NOT a person's view of what is real..
• It is not asking about whether or not people can have different experiences or views of the same reality.
• This question is asking whether there can be more than one entire reality -the sum of all that is real and NOT a person's view of what is real -(universe or universes) at the same time.
• Granted that people have different experiences and different views what are they of?
• Is there a single reality that people have different views of?
• or, are there as many realities as there are different views?
• Is it possible that there is one reality-the sum of all that is real and NOT a person's view of what is real- and some people have correct views of it and other people have wrong or incorrect views of it?
• Or are there many realities and each group of people can have their own reality-the sum of all that is real.?
• What becomes of the "reality" of other groups? Are they no longer real?

Written Assignment for Module 5 Knowledge-- Epistemology

There are Four (4)  types of claims of knowledge indicating the four types of knowledge: SEMANTIC, SYSTEMIC, LOGICAL and EMPIRICAL.  If knowledge is a justified true belief and if justification means having a warrant or a relevant basis for the making the claim to have knowledge then how are claims of having knowledge warranted?  Four types of claims that can be made of knowing something would involve four types of warrants.  How are these different types of claims warranted or supported that determines whether or not the claim to know something should be accepted?  What supports a each type of claim?

What supports/warrants/proves a SEMANTIC claim? 

What supports/warrants/proves a SYSTEMIC claim? 

What supports/warrants/proves a LOGICAL claim?

What supports/warrants/proves an EMPIRICAL claim?

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Written Assignment for Module 6   Truth

Answer all parts

Part A) 

1.      What do you think of the theory that there can be simultaneous multiple truths concerning claims? 

2.      Does the theory of simultaneous truths apply to claims that are semantic, systemic, logical or empirical?   Comment on each type. Be sure you do think about each of these four types of claims. Can there be simultaneous multiple truths for each type of claim?   For any type of claim? 

3.      We understand and accept that what one person believes may not agree with another person’s belief and so what may be believed to be true to one person may not be believed to be true to the second person.  Does this mean that they are both correct? 

4.      Do you think that each group and each person is entitled to their own truth?

5.     Does this apply to all types of claims: semantic, systemic, logical or empirical?   Explain what this might mean. Explain and defend your position on this question with reasons. If you think that there can be more than one truth about the same claim at the same time then be sure to explain how there can be more than one truth about the shape of the planet earth and who is the current president of this college and the sum of 2 and 7 and the number of angles in a triangle AT THE SAME TIME.  Be sure you READ this material on TRUTH:

6.     What is to be done when there is a conflict between two different "truths" concerning claims that are semantic, systemic, logical or empirical? Does the outcome of the conflict determine what the truth is? 

7.     For the EMPIRICAL claims only there are the four different theories concerning the determination of the truth of empirical claims:   Of the four which is the theory you hold as the one that best supports the truth of claims about empirical matters?

·       A. Correspondence theory of truth

·       B. Coherence theory

·       C. Pragmatist theory

·       D. Scientific Theory

8.     Why do you reject alternate theory 1 ?

9.     Why do you reject alternate theory 2 ?

10.  Why do you reject alternate theory 3 ? 

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Written Assignment for Module 7 Free will FREEDOM and DETERMINISM PROBLEM

Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers in all parts of this assignment.

Take a position on this question or issue  Do Humans have free will, if so, how free is it? Are all human actions determined, if so how so? to what degree?  Which of these three theories do you think is most accurate in describing the human condition and why do you think so?  

a.  Take a position on this question or issue: only ONE of these options:

• DETERMINISM
• LIBERTARIANISM
• COMPATIBILISM

Be sure that you understand what the Free Will Question is.  Be exact and complete. .

You are required to complete these five steps of the process and LABEL each step so it is clear what you are doing.  Make it very clear for each of the five steps.

Step One (1) You will select one of the four positions on the Free Will Question/Problem.  State which position you have chosen. Select the one that you can reason as the strongest or the one that has the least problems or makes the most sense and has reason and evidence to support it. Be as exact as you can be.  You will then need to defend it using the dialectical process in steps 2,3,4,5. 

My position on the Free Will Question/Problem is that of __________________________

Step Two (2) Provide the reasons (premises) why you think this position is better defended by reason and evidence than are the alternative positions.  Take your  position and defend it using reasoning in support of the judgment you have made as to what position you have chosen (conclusion of the  argument).

Use the argument format:

Premises:  Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)

Premises:  Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)

Premises:  Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)

Premises:  Your reasons in support of your position (conclusion)

......

......

......

Conclusion:  Therefore I take this position on the Free Will Question/Problem.........

CAUTION: You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes.   Philosophers have offered such reasons and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position. Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers. 

Step Three (3) State the reasons why you found the other positions flawed or less defensible than the one you are defending  Provide a reason for each one of the others you have rejected.

I reject position #  because ........

I reject position #  because ........

I reject position #  because ........

Step Four (4) State the criticisms of your position from each of the other positions you did not choose.

Those who take position #     criticize my position for these reasons  

Those who take position #     criticize my position for these reasons

Those who take position #     criticize my position for these reasons

Step Five  (5) Respond to the criticisms- rebuttal- from each of the other positions that you did not choose.  Defend your position in light of those criticisms

I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position #     for these reasons  

I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position #     for these reasons

I reject the criticism of my position from those who take position #     for these reasons

CAUTION:  Read the textbook first.  This is not about freedom from consequences.

CAUTION: This is NOT about FATE or DESTINY or agents of any kind that have predetermined all events.

 Indicate clearly each of these steps from 1 to 5 in your submission.  Label the steps from 1 to 5.

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Written Assignment for Module 8 The Moral GOOD Ethics

Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers in all parts of this assignment.

Step One (1). Take a position on this question or issue   Which of the theories/principles concerning the MORAL GOOD do you think is the theory/principle that is most acceptable to you: the most acceptable Ethical Principle for the moral GOOD to serve as the basis for a moral order in a society in which you would want to live? Principles include: Ethical Egoism, Utility, Natural Law, Categorical Imperative, Maxi-Min Principle, Existentialism, Feminism. You would be led to the selection based on your values.

NOTE: NORMATIVE ETHICAL RELATIVISM is not a theory but an anti theory claiming there can be no absolute or general or universal basis for ethics.  You cannot select this theory as the basis for a moral order. 

My preferred Ethical Principle is_______________________

Step Two (2).  I have selected the Ethical Principle of_______________ for these reasons that support my position on this matter.   Provide the reasons involving your human values why you think this theory is better defended by reason and evidence than are the alternative positions. 

Your position is to be defended using reasoning in support of the judgment/selection you have made (conclusion of the argument).  You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes.   Philosophers have offered such reasons (ethical principles and human values) and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position.

Step Three (3)

I have rejected the Ethical Principle of _________________ because

I have rejected the Ethical Principle of _________________ because

I have rejected the Ethical Principle of _________________ because

I have rejected the Ethical Principle of _________________ because

State the reasons why you found the other principles flawed or less defensible than the one you are defending in terms of the human values you hold.  Provide the weaknesses or problems with each of the principles you have rejected.

Step Four (4) State the criticisms of your position/ your chosen ethical principle or answer "Just what are the weaknesses or problems with the principle you choose?"

Step Five (5) Respond to the criticisms- rebuttal- how do you defend your position in light of those criticisms.

VERY IMPORTANT!! If no one theory of ethics or ethical principle seems to be what you would want to use then argue for more than one or for a consideration of all of them in support of what values you seek to realize and support when you make moral judgments or realize that you are an Ethical Egoist wanting in each case of a moral dilemma for the moral good action to be what is pleasing to you or serving your purpose.

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Written Assignment for Module 9    Political Philosophy

Step One (1) I take the position that the form of government that would address disparities in wealth and income would be _________________ that would operate based on the principle of Distributive Justice I have previously adopted of_______________.

Step Two (2) .DEFENSE

 You need to defend your position using reasoning in support of the your judgment (your judgment as the best position is the conclusion of the  argument).  You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes.   Philosophers have offered such reasons and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position.  Use your notion of Distributive Justice (from those supplied in the reading) and your notion of the justification for and proper form of government  (from those supplied in the reading) in support of your position.

The reasons why I think that this is the best approach are that......

Step Three (3) .CRITICISMS and ALTERNATIVES to your position

There are those who do not share my position.  They think that.................   Their reasons include..........................   They criticize my approach by making these claims and charges............

Step Four (4) 4.REBUTTAL of those CRITICISMS and ALTERNATIVES

 Consideration of alternative positions to and criticisms of your own position and the reasons for the rejection of those alternatives in favor of the judgment made for the reasons given in support of your position which employ reasoning and evidence.

Step Five (5) I respond to those who do not share my position with these claims and reasons................

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Written Assignment for Module 10  What is Philosophy?

This is a low stakes assignment and whatever you answered will be acceptable but you are required to answer all parts. Answer each of the questions below and submit

1.Which of the philosophical issues covered this semester has been the most important and why so?

2. Which of the philosophical issues covered this semester has meant anything to you personally and why so?

3.Why do you think that the philosophical issues this course has covered have been issues and have remained issues for so long?

4. Why do you think these issues have been associated with Philosophy and not some other discipline?

5. Why is it that most of these issues have not been so evident as issues in our contemporary culture? Why are not more people aware of these troublesome questions, issues or problems?

6. Why were not you more aware of these philosophical issues than you were at the start of this course?

7. Now that you have been educated as to these issues in Philosophy in what way will they have any consequence in your life?

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BONUS POINTS CULMINATING ACTIVITY

This is a BONUS ASSIGNMENT and it is OPTIONAL.  If you choose to do it please se sure to do each part of three(3) Parts for 5 points

PART I.  ABOUT THE COURSE: FINAL EXERCISE 

Item 1: What did you like best about this course? 

Item 2: What specific things do you think could be improved in the structure or design of the course and learning activities? 

Item 3: How would you improve the quality and participation in course discussions/interactions? 

Item 4:   What changes would you suggest be made to the pacing or sequence of the content and activities for this course? (e.g., were the due dates doable for you? Were the course materials sequenced well?) 

Item 5:  What changes would you suggest be made to the quantity of work required for this course? 

Item 6:  How could the course be improved in terms of my interaction, participation, and management of the course? 

Item 7:  What other suggestions, comments, or recommendations would you have for the instructor?

Item 8:  What advice do you offer to students who would be just entering the class at the very start of the semester?

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PART 2.  COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course has six objectives on a scale of 0 to 5 with 5 as the highest level. How well do you think that you have achieved these objectives?

DISCIPLINE-SPECIFIC LEARNING OBJECTIVES

a. Identify some of the basic content in the field of Philosophy (vocabulary, concepts, theories)
b. Identify traditional and current Issues in Philosophy;  
c. Communicate awareness of and understanding of philosophical issues.
d. Demonstrate familiarity with the main areas of philosophic discourse and be able to state what major schools of thought there are that have contributed to the ongoing discussion of these issues  
e. Develop skills of critical analysis and dialectical thinking.  
f. Analyze and respond to the comments of other students regarding philosophical issues.

Score 0 to 5   a.____  b. ______ c._______  d.________ e.______ f.________

PART 3. DIALECTICAL REASONING

Select which of your submitted work represents your estimate of your best effort at dialectical reasoning and submit it again to me.   Just copy and paste any of the written assignments that you have already done that you think is your BEST WORK that follows all the steps for dialectical thinking and presenting a position on an issue or question and defending it.

 Steps for presenting an  argument or a defense of a position using dialectical reasoning

1. STATEMENT

State your Position on the issues or question and do so quite clearly.  Be as exact as you can be.  Be precise in your use of language.

2.DEFENSE

 Position defended using reasoning in support of the judgment (conclusion of the  argument).  You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes.   Philosophers have offered such reasons and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position.

3.REBUTTAL of CRITICISMS and ALTERNATIVES

 Consideration of alternative positions to and criticisms of your own position and the reasons for the rejection of those alternatives in favor of the judgment made for the reasons given in support of your position which employ reasoning and evidence.

I suggest that you create your assignments using your word-processing program and spell checker ,
then SEND FILE to the instructor or by email with the text inside the email message window. DO NOT send attachments .

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Research in Philosophy on the Internet.

Free tutorial on doing research in Philosophy on the Internet.

http://www.humbul.ac.uk/vts/philosophy/index.htm

As for the search engine, you would enter:

problem of evil + Augustine

existence of god + teleological argument

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You may want to print this part of this document out.

INSTRUCTIONS for PREPARING and SUBMITTING WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

• Do not violate academic integrity! 
• Do not plagiarize!
• Students must include citations and references and quotations.
• Students must type or keyboard their papers and essays.
• No more than two typographical, grammatical or syntactical errors per page.
• Late papers and essays will NOT be accepted.

Assignments are intended to provide for an assessment of the learner's achievement and progress. Assignments and parts of assignments are intended to assess the learner's motivation, reading comprehension, critical thinking skills and appreciation of philosophy. 

Composing your assignment:  Normally, you should compose your response using your word processor or on paper. This will give you the opportunity to revise, proofread, and spell check. When you have completed your assignment document be sure to spell check it .

Make sure to read the directions for each assignment carefully for details, due dates, and any thing else that may be specific to the assignment.

Format For Submitting Written Assignments to Professor Pecorino 

Whether you are in an ONLINE CLASS or a traditional class or a hybrid class you must submit the assignments by EMAIL Philip.Pecorino@ncc.edu   Do not send attachments!!!   Copy and paste your text from the word processor directly into the message window of the email.  In the subject line put: first name , last name, NCC PHIL101OLA SU24 and then assignment#

Evaluations:  The evaluation for your assignment will appear directly in your document or with your document when returned to you by email directly to you by the instructor.  Evaluations are private and can only be read by the student and professor.

OBSERVE THE DUE DATES!!   Check on due dates:

In all cases the written work must show evidence of the author’s awareness of the materials made available in the online textbook and through the related Internet links found in the Online Textbook that is part of the course.   Proper citations and accreditation are to be made evident in the body of the work. The learners are required to provide evidence of research and scholarship and to AVOID Plagiarism!

Criteria for evaluation of the written assignments is given under Course Information document titled ” How you will be evaluated.” 

I will go over returned written assignments with students.  Before I do any student requesting a discussion of their work must first look over the rubric below and offer an explanation of how it is that I might have taken points off of a maximum score.  If no explanation is offered then there will be no discussion.  Students must understand what is expected of them in this learning activity. Reviewing the criteria in the rubric and assessing your own work aids in understanding.

Guidelines and Requirements for WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

1.       Must be submitted by email or else not accepted

2.       Must be on time or else not accepted

3.       Must not have more than two spelling or grammar or syntax errors per page or else not accepted

4.       Must have all parts completed.

5.       Must present clear evidence of having done the reading or else not accepted.

6.       Must evidence some careful thinking

7.       Must NOT have any evidence of PLAGIARISM or other form of Academic Integrity Violation or else not accepted and a report filed with the Dean of Students

RUBRIC for Assessment of Critical Thinking in the form of Dialectical Thinking

You are to label the parts of the assignment with the letters a to e to make very clear that you have done each part.

Dialectical thinking

• a. Take a position on this question or issue Be as exact as you can be.  Be precise in your use of language.  Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers.
• b.  Provide the reasons why you think this position is better defended by reason and evidence than are the alternative positions Position defended using reasoning in support of the judgment (conclusion of the  argument).  You state the reasons why the position you take makes sense and has evidence and reasons to support it other than your feelings or personal preference or your opinion or what you were brought up to believe or what just about everyone you know thinks or believes.   Philosophers have offered such reasons and evidence for the positions they have taken and you should consider them and if you agree you can and should so state them in support of your own position. Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers.
• c.  State the reasons why you found the other positions flawed or less defensible than the one you are defending  Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers.
• d.  State the criticisms of your position Please indicate your familiarity with the readings in your answer -this means use some quotations to support your answers.
• e.   Respond to the criticisms- rebuttal- how do you defend your position in light of those criticisms

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