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Human understanding occurs in the soul, or mind, for Locke.  What are the processes that he describes from which understanding emerges? 

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Which psychological processes were assigned to the mind and to the body according to Descartes? 

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Contrast Descartes’ view of the mind with that of Hobbes. Include a discussion of thinking, imagining, dreaming, and willing. Do not neglect any arguments offered by these philosophers on behalf of their beliefs. Which of these views is correct?

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Compare and contrast the ethical theories of Rights and Utilitarianism. Do you think that the two theories are compatible with each other? Why or why not? Also, consider that we often use different ethical theories depending on the context of our moral concerns. Try to give an example of when our concern for Rights is in proportion to our concern for the general welfare of everyone involved. This example can come from any moral issue that you’re familiar with, or from a current event that you find morally problematic. (500 words)

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What is Plato’s opinion of the craftspeople, both morally and intellectually?

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Purpose:  This discussion will provide an opportunity to synthesize information learned in this module into your own original ideas that are based on evidence and observations from previously published works. 

The goals are:        1. To gain a deeper understanding early accounts of human endurance running.

2. To practice critical thinking by creating a logical progression of ideas supported by peer reviewed evidence/observations.

3.  To practice writing clearly with correct grammar.

Task:  You are required to write a paragraph about how endurance running impacted a individuals in the culture we read and lectured on.  Your post should be your own original interpretation of the information we reviewed.  You are required to use 1 reference/quotation.  There is no required format for this citation, but should state something like "according to title of the paper or the lecture".

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Where do you think you'd fit in Plato's ideal republic? What do you think this says about your soul?

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Discrimination in Today's Society

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Module 3 - SLP
KANT, MILL, AND ETHICS
Find a moral problem in your place of employment. Tell me about it. What really bothers you and why? It need not be actually happening. The moral problem could be a potential problem, no matter how likely. Be creative. If you can't think of a real problem you will likely face, make one up.

Tell me what your position on the problem is, and what the relevant utilitarian and deontological considerations are. Who is being, or will be, hurt? Who is being, or will be, benefited? Why, overall, do you think your position on the issue is for the greatest good over the long haul? Whose rights are involved? Who has special duties?

Here are some possible topics:

Privacy in employment tests
Privacy in genetic tests
Privacy in e-mail—should your boss be allowed to read your e-mail?
Safety issues
Fair employment practices (e.g., pay, hiring/firing, benefits)
Racism
Sexism
Discrimination on any unfair basis
SLP Assignment Expectations
If you can't think of anything good, well, ask! I'll help you find something fun and interesting.

Write a paper of at least 2 pages and upload it by the end of this module.

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Module 4 - SLP
DESCARTES AND PHENOMENOLOGY
NYU Professor Thomas Nagel (1974) asked a rather unusual question. Read his article "What Is it Like to Be a Bat?"

After reading Professor Nagel's article, tell me:

Do animals think?
SLP Assignment Expectations
Please write a 3- to 5-page paper answering this rather general question. Use Nagel's article, and material on the nature of consciousness from the background information, to help make out your answer. Do not refer to personal experience, only the academic material. Upload it by the end of this module.

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Module 3 - Case
KANT, MILL, AND ETHICS
Case Assignment
Let's see if we can use what we've learned. We don't have much time, so we are going to go practical.

Should hospitals test pregnant women for drug use without their consent?
Assignment Expectations
Answer this moral question in terms of the utilitarian considerations, who will be helped and who hurt over the long term, and the matters of rights for all involved (e.g., the right to privacy, warrantless search and seizure). Use the basics of utilitarian and deontological reasoning, set out in the background information, in order to make your point.

Write a 3- to 5-page paper and upload it by the end of this module. Use Foubister, V. (2001; see Background page) or click here: Drug tests of non-consenting pregnant women quashed.

Abstract: The Supreme Court has ruled that physicians and other employees of public hospitals cannot perform drug tests on pregnant women without their consent and report the results to the police. The policy for testing pregnant women developed by the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston violates the Fourth Amendment.