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February 27, 2008
Presentation #2: Global Warming
1. Who/what is the largest cause of Global Warming? Should we do something to control these sources?
2. Will attempting to stop Global Warming have a worse result than letting it continue?
3. Are there any benefits to Global Warming?
4. How does Global Warming affect us as individuals? as a species? as a planet?
Posted by seschmid at 02:26 PM | Comments (19)
February 18, 2008
Presentation #1: Legalizing Marijuana
1. What are the potential benefits of legalizing marijuana?
2. What are some reasons against the legalization of marijuana?
3. What, if any, health factors might contribute to the decision to legalize marijuana?
4. Is the government justified in keeping marijuana illegal when alcohol consumption is legal?
5. Should marijuana use be legal?
Posted by seschmid at 12:35 PM | Comments (23)
February 17, 2008
Cultural Relativism
The reading for the next class, "What's Culture Got To Do With It?," can be a difficult piece to read.
What are your initial reactions to the practice of female circumcision?
Do you ever think that right and wrong actions are determined by a society or culture? If so, then do you think that practices like female circumcision ought to continue? What justification can you give for continuing this practice?
We often hear that we ought to be tolerant of other cultures? Should we be tolerant of all of a culutre's actions? Are some practices really not ethically significant and we should practice tolerance in these cases? Do you have any examples?
Also, if you were wondering how current this issue is, the New York Times published an article recently on female circumcision in Egypt. The link is here.
Posted by seschmid at 08:46 PM | Comments (7)
February 12, 2008
Ethics without God--Is it possible?
Here's a debatable question: Can one live an ethical and moral life without God? Can one find meaning in one's life without appeal to religion and religious faith?
What do you think? What does Kai think?
Posted by seschmid at 06:29 PM | Comments (6)
February 06, 2008
Questions on Euthyphro and the Divine Command Theory
Euthyphro is a very wise man, or so he thinks. What is Socrates trying to learn from him?
What is Euthyphro's answer?
Substitute for “piety” the word “just” or “good”. And for “impiety” substitute “unjust” or “bad”. In essence, the dialogue is about what makes for the good or bad.
Suppose God were to say it is permissible to torture babies for fun? Would torturing babies for fun really be permissible? How must Euthyphro answer this question?
On top of that, which god and religion is the authority for determining moral behavior? Check out this web site for a list of some of the major religions.
Posted by seschmid at 11:22 AM | Comments (2)