8. IT'S GOLDEN!

 

Most of us know it as the Golden Rule:  “Do Unto Others…”

Many philosophers refer to it as the Law of Reciprocity…

Kant called it the Categorical Imperative…

Fundamentally, it is a universal principle of Ethics, which keeps us from harming others at least, and at best, tells us to embrace the humanity of everyone---equally.

Go to page 292 in our text.  There are seven major Religions listed and their interpretation of the Rule.

Discuss how adherence to this principle keeps humankind in balance and open to acceptance to others and their viewpoints. 

7. The Truth is Out There---But What is it?

Whether you believe in UFOs and "little green men" or not, it's difficult to ignore all of the speculation, media hype and even docu-dramas touting or denying the existence of other intelligent life in our universe.  This blog invites you to read three viewpoints on the issue of the existence of Unidentified Flying Objects.

Your task is to read the three brief essays in our text  by researchers of this phenomena. Their credentials are listed at the beginning of the articles.  Read pages 126-130.  Then on page 131, use question number 1 as YOUR blog prompt. Respond on the basis of these two articles, and not from outside reading, tv specials or the like.   Please keep your response to 90-100 words.

6. Horse Sense!

The story Silver  Blaze demonstrates Critical Thinking in action. You know the story and the world’s  famous detective, Sherlock Holmes.  This tale  is an exercise in deductive reasoning.  Write about the clues that Holmes pulled together to solve the mystery of Silver Blaze.  What was the final solution of the events?  What almost  happened to Silver Blaze?  Who killed the trainer—how and why?  What particular clues did Holmes explain to the others?

5. Cognitive Errors

Cognitive errors, errors in logical reasoning such as an irrational thought, can disrupt the life of the most ordinary person.  Read the entry on page 117 in our text and respond to question number 1  in 75-100 words.

Discuss why/how ordinary people may "fall into" such beliefs. What circumstances could contribute to irrational beliefs? What are some methods to help yourself or someone else dispel these types of beliefs?  Feel free to give your opinion on any and all options. 

4. Consequences of Following Misappropriated Authority

ANSWER EITHER A or B in approximately 75-100 words.  Give reasons or explanations for your particular suggestions. Also, think of how your suggestions may “backfire”  and tell what the consequences might be.

A.     A.  Imagine that you are a participant in Milgram’s study of obedience. What would you have done if you had protested and the experimenter in charge answered, “The experiment requires you to continue?”

B.     B.  What options or other choices might have been available to  the  experimental  student “prisoners”  in the Stanford University 1971 experiment  where students assumed roles of “guards and prisoners?”