Chapter 1 What Does This Have To Do With Mein The Process Of Doing ✓ Solved

Chapter 1 - What does this have to do with me? In the process of doing so, spend a solid couple of paragraphs discussing how you think philosophy relates to aspects of your personal or professional life (current or future). Feel free to bring up philosophical discussions you have had with others and/or explain how you might use the concepts we will look at in your career. Please use specific references to the ideas and concepts in the text. Your initial post should be at least 2-3 solid paragraphs (10-15 sentences).

Quoted material is fine, as long as you explain what you quoted in your own words following the quotation. However, quoted material does not count toward the required number of paragraphs or sentences - only your words do. Paraphrasing is actually preferred - if you are not familiar, Google how to do it. Chapter 2: Is there an enduring self? After reading the second chapter's required readings, please use the information from the text, the facts listed below, and your own intuition to argue for or against the notion of "an enduring self".

Or, in other words, is there something that makes you, you - throughout your life? And, if so, what is it? Or, is the notion of an enduring self just an antiquated one? Either way you choose to argue, please reference information from the text in supporting your argument. Your initial post should be at least 2-3 solid paragraphs (10-15 sentences).

Quoted material is fine, as long as you explain what you quoted in your own words following the quotation. However, quoted material does not count toward the required number of paragraphs or sentences - only your words do. Paraphrasing is actually preferred - if you are not familiar, Google how to do it. Some added facts to think about before you start 1) Every 7-10 years we are alive, we essentially become new people. All of our cells have been replaced.

Yes, even all our brain cells. 2) Apart from certain personality tendencies, we actually have very little in common with "ourselves" over long periods of time. A human being at age 3, for instance, has very little in common with themselves at age 45, and that person very little with themselves at age 90. Obviously, two identical twins share much more in common than a single person does with themselves over long time spans. 3) Brain injuries routinely shed light on how personalities can change very drastically in a instant.

A person can go from passive to aggressive, introverted to extroverted, etc. Chapter 3: Do human beings have free will? Do human beings have free will? If so, using the information you have read explain how. If not, using the information you have read, explain why not.

Finally, explain how your own worldview (outlook on your life) would shift if you changed your mind regarding the subject. Your initial post should be at least 3 solid paragraphs (at least one per question part). Remember to reference material from the text (properly) to support your post - e.g. "as Hume said in the text concerning _____, The case is that ____ is true" Chapter4: Do good and evil exist? Do "good" and "evil" exist, or are they simply made up terms used to put a label on things we "approve of" and "disapprove of"?.

Either way you choose to argue, make sure you support your argument from the material in the text (or outside scholarly resources) Your initial post should be at least 3 solid paragraphs (at least one per question part). Remember to reference material from the text (properly) to support your post - e.g. "as Hume said in the text concerning _____, The case is that ____ is true"

Paper for above instructions

Chapter 1: What Does This Have To Do With Me?

Philosophy, often perceived as an abstract discipline distant from reality, impacts both my personal and professional life profoundly. Engaging with philosophical principles invites critical thinking and self-reflection, vital skills in today's complex world. For instance, my understanding of ethics and morality, shaped by philosophical discourse, influences not just my decisions but also my interactions with colleagues. Concepts from utilitarianism, discussed in our reading, prompt me to consider the broader implications of my choices. In a professional setting, this translates to evaluating whether actions lead to the greatest good for the greatest number (Mill, 1863). When I have to make tough decisions concerning project funding or resource allocation, applying these principles helps me weigh the impacts, nudging me toward a more empathetic approach.
Moreover, discussions on existential philosophy have prompted me to contemplate the purpose and meaning behind my career. The question of "What does this have to do with me?" becomes particularly tangible as I navigate career transitions. I often engage in dialogues with friends and mentors about the significance of pursuing a job that aligns with one’s values and passion. A thought-provoking point made by Sartre (1943) is that existence precedes essence, implying that our actions define us. This understanding encourages me to be proactive in shaping my career path rather than passively accepting predetermined roles. By adopting a philosophical lens, I find myself more equipped to tackle professional challenges, fostering resilience and a stronger sense of agency in my identity as a developing professional.

Chapter 2: Is There an Enduring Self?

The concept of an enduring self is complex and has bred extensive debate among philosophers. On one hand, there are compelling arguments suggesting that no singular self exists over time. As noted in our readings, every 7 to 10 years, we undergo significant cellular changes, leading us to essentially become new people (Parfit, 1984). This biological perspective challenges the notion of a consistent self, suggesting that our identities, as rooted in physical continuity, are fluid rather than fixed. More poignantly, the idea that our personalities can undergo drastic changes through experiences or brain injuries (Damasio, 1994) emphasizes the instability of selfhood. The case of someone shifting from passive to aggressive behavior due to a brain injury exemplifies how the essence of 'who we are' is contingent upon intangible factors rather than a steadfast core.
However, an alternative argument posits that there exists what philosopher John Locke (1689) terms the “sameness of consciousness.” This notion suggests that what unites us throughout our lives is our continuous narrative and experiences, despite the changing biological matter. It is our memories, values, and subjective experiences that shape our identities. Thus, while the physical self may evolve, the narrative continuity provides a semblance of an enduring self, even as our worldviews and personalities adapt. In my own life, recalling past experiences allows me to maintain a connection with my earlier self, creating a personal narrative that enriches my core identity, even if aspects of my personality have transformed.

Chapter 3: Do Human Beings Have Free Will?

The question of free will wades into deep philosophical waters with varied opinions drawn from historical and contemporary theorists. Classic determinists like Spinoza and Hume argue that every action or decision we make is merely a culmination of prior causes and conditions (Hume, 1739). This perspective implies that our choices are not genuinely ours but instead dictated by external circumstances or biological predispositions. Conversely, libertarian theorists advocate for the existence of free will, asserting that individuals can act independently from determinism (Kane, 1996). This dichotomy prompts deep reflection regarding my own belief system: I oscillate between recognizing my agency and grappling with the factors that may bind me.
If I were to accept the deterministic view, I fear it might diminish my sense of accountability and personal agency. It could transform my worldview, leading me to adopt a more passive approach toward life, attributing my failures and successes solely to external circumstances. However, embracing the notion of free will invites responsibility for my actions. It empowers me to recognize that my decisions shape my future, instilling a belief in the potential for change and growth. This balance—acknowledging influences while asserting my agency—creates a harmony in my understanding of life and my role within it.

Chapter 4: Do Good and Evil Exist?

When exploring the existence of good and evil, one must ponder whether these concepts are inherent qualities or social constructs. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant posits that moral law is grounded in rationality and universalizability, implying that actions can be categorically deemed as 'good' based on their motives and adherence to moral law (Kant, 1785). However, critics, including moral relativists, argue that moral standards are merely social constructs subject to cultural fluctuations and individual perceptions (Rachels, 1997). This relative nature of morality recognizes that what one society deems 'good' may be perceived as 'evil' in another context.
I lean toward a synthesis of these viewpoints. While certain universal values, such as empathy and fairness, may underpin the definition of good, the expression of these values is shaped by cultural contexts. For instance, practices celebrated in one tradition may be viewed as unethical in another, illustrating the complex interplay of societal norms. Thus, while I believe in a general framework of good and evil as guiding principles, I acknowledge the necessity to recognize and appreciate the diversity of moral perspectives. This duality enrichens my understanding of human behavior and enhances my capacity for empathy toward differing viewpoints.

References

1. Damasio, A. R. (1994). Descartes' Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain. New York: Penguin Books.
2. Hume, D. (1739). A Treatise of Human Nature. London: John Noon.
3. Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
4. Kane, R. (1996). The Significance of Free Will. New York: Oxford University Press.
5. Locke, J. (1689). An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. London: Thomas Basset.
6. Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. London: Parker, Son, and Bourn.
7. Parfit, D. (1984). Reasons and Persons. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
8. Rachels, J. (1997). Elements of Moral Philosophy. New York: McGraw-Hill.
9. Sartre, J.-P. (1943). Being and Nothingness. New York: Philosophical Library.
10. Sophocles. (500 BC). Antigone (translated by multiple sources). New York: Various Publishers.
In summation, philosophy not only anchors our identities but also directs our moral compass, influencing how we perceive ourselves and our actions in the world. Through a philosophical lens, we can better understand and navigate the complexities of existence, morality, and free will.