Assignment #4

Last names beginning with A - G: Moral Relativism
1. Paragraph: Explain in your own words what Moral Relativism is—what do people who hold this view believe?

Moral Relativism is a belief where an individuals view of right and wrong are interpreted as being equal amongst the society. In other words, there are no one correct solution or answer to a situation. People who holds this view believe that although there are different point of views constructed from different culture and behavior backgrounds, with moral relativism they are all treated as equally valid.

2. Paragraph & Link: Find one online resources related to this topic—not Wikipedia. Explain in a brief paragraph what you learned about this topic through the resource you found; include the link at the end of your paragraph.

The web page in which i found explained what moral relativism is and how this interferes with ethics. This page states that no moral judgment can be better than another. Because the views are subjective, some may believe that moral relativism is interfering with ethical questions. It is believed that moral relativism has a tendency to disrupt the thought of choosing a rational conclusion to a situation. Relativists are viewed as those who believe that everyones judgments are equal but if we all view each others opinions or views as being equal, than how can we tell which argument is more rational than the other? Ethics is a subject where you are constructing arguments to defend your position or conclusion in order to seek out which argument appears to be stronger than the other. Some feels that moral relativism permits us from doing so because they feel that no ones argument can be better than the other.

http://www.importanceofphilosophy.com/Evil_MoralRelativism.html


3. Argument: Compose a short argument, in “argument elements” form. I’ll provide the arguable issue; you provide the rest. Make sure each of your premises is a complete sentence, and that your argument doesn’t break any of the rules listed in the first chapter of the Rulebook for Arguments:

Arguable Issue: The arguable issue is whether or not Moral Relativism is a good view to hold.
Conclusion: Moral Relativism is not a good view to hold.
Premises: Moral Relativism is not a good view to hold because:
(1) It denies us from choosing a rational argument.
(2)It prevents us from constructing moral decisions.
(3)No laws can be enforced if we feel our views are equal.



The Role of the Majority View

1. Paragraph: Explain in your own words what a Majority View is. Cite your sources.

A majority view is when most of the society believes in a specific situation as being right or wrong. Although there may be a higher percentage of individuals who's views are immoral or moral, this does not make the situation right or wrong. Due to their being no argument in a majority view, we can not rely on a percentage because there is no way of telling who may be knowledgeable of the particular situation. There can be those within the percentage that have no experience or knowledge about the view. For example voting for or against a gun law. Just because the majority may vote for or against the law, there could be a good percentage of those who are not knowledgeable about guns or the statistics of crime conflicted with them. Some people may even vote towards this situation based on what a friend or parent believes rather than using their own judgment. Therefore a majority view may not be the best solution to make moral decisions.

2. Argument: Compose a short argument, in “argument elements” form. I’ll provide the arguable issue; you provide the rest. Make sure each of your premises is a complete sentence, and that your argument doesn’t break any of the rules listed in the first chapter of the Rulebook for Arguments:

Arguable Issue: The arguable issue is whether or not the Majority View is a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Conclusion: The Majority View is not a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Premises: The Majority View is not a reliable basis for ethical decision-making because:
(1) Not everyone will be knowledgeable to make the ethical decision.
(2)You can not compare arguments through a percentage.
(3)You are not able to defend and persuade others of your view.

The Role of Feelings

1. Paragraph: Explain in your own words what feelings are. Cite your sources.

Feelings are expressed through our emotions. When we share our feelings with others we are showing off our personality and how we perceive life as an individual. Our feelings is what we use in most cases when deciding if a situation is right or wrong. The book explains that although feelings can sometimes be good when making moral decisions, we tend to ignore the feelings of others. This does not allow us to view other aspects of a situation which is not helpful when constructing an argument.

2. Argument: Compose a short argument, in “argument elements” form. I’ll provide the arguable issue; you provide the rest. Make sure each of your premises is a complete sentence, and that your argument doesn’t break any of the rules listed in the first chapter of the Rulebook for Arguments:

Arguable Issue: The arguable issue is whether or not our feelings are a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Conclusion: Our feelings are not a reliable basis for ethical decision-making.
Premises:Our feelings are not a reliable basis for ethical decision-making because:
(1)This prevents us from being open minded of others feelings.
(2)Our feelings do not appear to stay constant so our decision-making will frequently change.
(3)An individuals preference may battle with what may be right.

The ability to express yourself in your own words is essential in this class. Did you put everything in your own words this time?
Throughout this assignment, I wrote using my words. I analyzed the three systems of ethical decision-making to the best of my ability and applied my knowledge of the material from the information.

What was easiest / hardest about this assignment?
The easiest part to this assignment was reading the chapters. I got a better understanding of moral relativism, a majority view, and feelings, when it comes to making a moral decision. The hardest part of this assignment would have to be coming up with three premises to go along with my conclusion. It is sometimes hard for me to come up with three different reasons for my conclusion due to the amount of rules behind them.

How will you apply what you learned through this assignment to your everyday life?

Now that I have realized how these three systems work when making an ethical decision, I can use this towards my everyday life. I can use this to better understand the importance of strong arguments. These systems don't appear to be strong when making moral decisions, therefore I can better my arguments by understanding the mistakes of these systems. For example, using my feelings to evaluate what I believe as right and wrong should not always be used because I will not be as open minded of others.

How well do you think you did on this assignment? Explain.

I believe I did well on this assignment because I followed the directions thoroughly. I read through all the chapters and feel that I analyzed the material to the best of my ability. I was clear with my responses and my grammar should be good. Overall I believe that I did well with constructing my responses as well as arguments.

Blog Assignment #3

1. Explain what “to give an argument” means in this book.

"To give an argument" is defined in this book as "to offer a set of reasons or evidence in support of a conclusion." The book shows us the steps needed in order to have a well developed argument. First we must brainstorm ideas of strong evidence or reasons that support our conclusion because without them, we will not be able to explain as to why we may agree or disagree on a topic. The book also tells us that an argument needs to be well organized. By making the argument well organized, we would need to set up our ideas in order, so that our readers can thoroughly follow our argument. These two steps along with others described amongst the first chapter, shows us how we should construct or give an argument.

2. What are the reasons Weston gives in support of his claim, “arguments are essential”?

Weston explains that arguments are essential because it allows us to look at different views. Based on these different views, we can construct our conclusion of whether we disagree or agree on an issue. Weston also believes that arguments are essential because it allows us to give our reasons or evidence in support of our conclusions . This is important because this gives us the opportunity to defend our conclusions through arguments. In conclusion, arguments are important because they can help us establish our conclusions by analyzing different views, as well as help us defend our conclusions with our reasoning or evidence.

3. Explain why many students tend to “write an essay, but not an argument”.

Many students tend to write an essay rather than an argument. This is because when writing an essay students don't appear to be giving explanations as to why or how they came up with their conclusion. Although a student may give reasons or evidence in support of their conclusion, they may not include why they believe their reasoning or evidence is substantial from other views. If you state your reasoning without giving a good incentive as to how you came up with your conclusion, than your paper will be more of an ordinary essay rather than an argumentative essay. In order to give an argument, there must be evidence that supports your judgment of a situation but also supports your evidence against different views. This will make your conclusion stronger than others because your paper will appear to be an argumentative essay.

4. Construct two short arguments (one "for" and one "against") as modeled in the Week 3 Assignment section in Blackboard. Put each one in "elements form".

For-
Arguable issue: Whether or not you should shower daily
Conclusion: You should shower daily
Premises: You should shower daily because

(1) you will have good hygiene,
(2) it is relaxing, and
(3) this allows you to become more confident when interacting with others.

Against-
Arguable issue: Whether or not you should shower daily
Conclusion: You should not shower daily
Premises: You should not shower daily because

(1) it takes up time during your day
(2) you would be wasting water, and
(3) there will be less of a probability of you slipping while taking a shower.

5. Review the seven rules in chapter one. Briefly discuss how your argument demonstrates that each rule was applied, in the construction of your arguments above.


The first rule within chapter one is to distinguish between premises and the conclusion. I did this by stating three reasons in support of my conclusion. The second rule is presenting your ideas in order, which I did by first introducing my conclusion then having my three reasons to follow. The third rule is to start from reliable premises, which I have done by using reasons that are strong enough to support my conclusion. The fourth rule is to be concrete and concise, which my short argument seems to be because my reasoning is clear and easy to understand. The fifth rule is avoiding loaded language, which my short argument does not have because it was short and precise. The sixth rule is to use consistent terms, which my arguments has by me using the same flow towards each of my arguments. Finally, the seventh rule is to stick to one meaning for each term, which I have also done because my reasoning for each of my arguments have one meaning and that is to support whether I was for it or against it.

6. Review the three rules in the appendix named, “Definitions”. In your own words, discuss how you took these rules into consideration as you constructed your arguments.

As I constructed my arguments I took into consideration the first definition which is being specific when your terms are unclear. As I thought of my conclusion along with my reasoning I was made my argument clear and to the point by cutting my conclusion to become more specific. My arguments were clear and fit with the conclusion, by the help of the second definition, which is to construct an argument that is clear. My arguments were also constructed with the thought of using arguable reasons for my argument rather than using definitions to support my conclusion, like the third definition explains.

7. Good posts demonstrate:
Sincere reflection, effort, and analysis
Answers that are substantial (at least one large paragraph each)
Consistent mention, citation, and integration of the assigned readings
Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Correctly titled posts!How many points do you honestly feel your post this week deserves? Justify your answer.

I believe that I deserve the full amount of points because I put a lot of effort into this assignment. My responses were well developed with full paragraphs, my post is titled correctly, and my grammar should be good. Overall I feel that I have followed the instructions towards this blog correctly and therefore I should be eligible for the full amount.

Blog Assignment #2

1. Were the questions on the Moral Sense Test difficult to answer (psychologically, emotionally, conceptually, technically, etc.)? Why or why not? Do you think your responses to the Moral Sense Test questions were consistent? Does this matter?

The questions on the Moral Sense Test appeared to be difficult for me. Although the questions were well-organized, technically speaking, the questions became emotionally difficult for me to answer. When it was time for me to rate the situations I found myself struggling with the moral aspect of it. It was hard for me to rate on whether I felt the issue was immoral or moral. I felt that my responses to the questions were mostly consistent, but if there were more details to the questions it would have been easier for me to respond. This test is important because it helps me figure out how I may analyze a situation based on whether it may be moral or immoral to me.

2. Should people always follow the law? Why or why not? When might one be justified in NOT following the law? Give examples.

I believe that mostly everyone should follow the law because this system was set up to protect the people. I believe that it is very important for everyone to follow laws like traffic laws in order to prevent accidents from happening, such as stopping at stop signs or traffic lights, staying within the speed limit, as well as not driving under the influence. On the other hand, there can be some exceptions, depending on the situation. One situation may include a passenger who may have had an accident in the car. They have no time to spare by waiting on an ambulance to get to the specific location so they speed to get to the nearest hospital because it is a life or death situation. They end up breaking the law by going over the speeding limit. I feel in a situation like this he/she can be justified in not following the law.

3. In your own words, explain what "social convention" means. Give examples.

Social convention is when a majority of the population comes together to construct moral behavior that they abide by. Their standards are more behavioral based and are not actual laws but rules. For example, when going in for an interview you enter a building that is seven stories high. You explain to an employee that you are there for an interview and ask where someones office may be. For some reason they don't seem to like you, so instead of telling you the third floor (where the office is), they tell you to go to the fifth floor. By the time you have reached the fifth floor, you finally notice that it is the wrong floor and you are now late to your interview. This situation is related with social convention because the employee may have broken a behavioral standard by lying. Although they may have broken a standard or rule within the social convention they did not commit a crime.

4. Should people always follow the conventions of their society? Why or why not? Give examples.

I don't believe that people should always follow the conventions of their society because they are not laws, but behavioral rules or standards that society feels is necessary in behavior. There may be some people who may not abide by these standards because of personal reasons such as religion and cultural beliefs. Everyone has their own opinion with how someone should behave. So unless you agree with every standard, you should not always follow the conventions of the society.

5. Should people always follow their own principles? Why or why not? Give examples.

I feel that mostly everyone should follow their own principles in life because this is what makes up the individual. Their principles relies on their upbringing or background, personality, as well as their experiences in life. This allows the individual to have their own opinion on how they view life, not just by a verbal stand but through experiences. For example, if someone feels that it is important to give respect, than he/or she would show their respect by listening to others and giving them the time to speak. Although following your own principles is important to me, it does not mean that everyone should follow them. If those who follow their own principles by violence, abuse, or any other physical harm to themselves or others, than they need extra help with their principles and they should not use them!

6. Explain in your own words the difference between socially acceptable, legally acceptable, and morally acceptable.

Socially acceptable is when your appearance, behavior, thoughts, and actions become more important with how the society perceives you as an individual. In order to be socially acceptable, you would need to show the overall features in such a way, where you would become socially fit amongst the society. Legally acceptable has to do with establishing laws of what is legal and what is illegal. Morally acceptable is when people view situations or behaviors as moral or immoral.

7. Out of 25 points, how many points do you feel your work on this assignment deserves? Justify your answer.

I believe that I deserve to be within twenty to twenty-five points because my grammar should be good, I gave examples, and I did my best to explain my reasoning. I believe that my responses are thought out appropriately and should be organized correctly. I also feel I gave good bodied responses which meets the requirement of being more than two sentences. ;)

Blog Assignment #1

1. How would you have explained the meaning of the term "ethics", before taking this class?

I would have explained ethics as a study of morality. I believe that ethics is a widely used subject that relates to everyday decision-making. Whether it may be a moral decision amongst a friendship or a situation developed within the work place, ethics can allow someone to interpret a situation logically by being open minded. I believe that ethics can also be a controversial subject because what may seem wrong to a group of people may not appear to be substantial to others.

2. What are some of your deepest held values?

Some of my deepest held values would have to be respect, trust, and honesty. You should always treat others the way that you would want to be treated, in other words to give respect. I feel that everyone deserves the right to be respected even if the particular person does not respect you. Either way, you will turn out to be a better person. On the other hand, trust is different from respect. Although you may show some respect towards someone, it does not mean that you may trust them. Some people gain trust towards others once they are proven worthy of their trust. I believe that everyone can be trusted with little things like a small secret, until proven wrong. I feel this way I am not viewing others in a negative light or seeing people as cruel before they are proven guilty. Another important value to me is honesty. Without honesty their can be no trust.

3. What are some main principles you try to live your life by?

Some main principles that I live by is to not take everything too seriously and when or if you experience a down turn in your life, to view it as a tool that will make you stronger. I believe that once someone views everything too seriously, there will be a build up of anxiety, stress, tension, and you will appear to be worried frequently. If you just relax and have fun during the process of whatever it may be, you will not be burdened with too much stress. I feel that because everyone only lives once, make the best out of it and live life to the fullest. Although you might have experienced a break up or divorce, a death in the family, or anything else that might of been a bad experience for you, it can only make you stronger. You live and learn from your experiences.

4. What moral qualities do you look for in others?

I look for others to be respectful of those surrounding you. I feel that if I treat someone with respect they should be able to give the same amount of respect back. I believe that honesty is another important quality others should have because without it, I would not be able to understand where someone is coming from when speaking their mind.

5. How were your values and principles developed?

My values and principles were developed through experiences that I have encountered throughout my life. When I was younger my father was in the military so we moved from Florida, to California, Pennsylvania, and back to Florida. I grew up living in areas for about four years at a time, trying to settle in with new schools, friends, and neighbors. I learned to be friendly, to be open minded of my surroundings, to be honest with the making of new friends, and learned quickly as to which friend I could trust. Living in different areas made me become more observant of my surroundings. I also would visit my grandparents during the summer where I was taught that life is too short and to not take life so seriously.

6. How have your values and principles changed throughout your life so far?

My values and principles have not changed much throughout my life. I am still young and I have plenty more experiences to encounter. I can say that through growing up, I got a better understanding of what respect, trust, and honesty really means to me. I learned how to respect others by listening to their comments or opinions as well as using manners. I learned that once someone loses your trust it is extremely difficult to gain the trust back. I also learned that honesty is very important within relationships and without it there will always be trust issues.

7. Out of 25 points, how many points do you feel your work on this assignment deserves?

I think that I probably deserve the 25 points because I put in much thought as to what I was writing. I also think that because this assignment is based off of who you are as a person and what your morals are, there could be no right or wrong answers.