Readings on Morals, Ethics, and Philosophy
NOTE TO STUDENTS: In order to access these readings, you will need an LCCC email address and password. When you click on the links below, you will be prompted to log in to the Bass Library system in the same way you log in to MyCampus and Canvas. Some of these links will take you directly to a PDF or HTML version of the reading selection. Other links will take you to the library’s catalogue page for the selection where you will have to use the “Full Text Finder” link to access the reading in a different database. You can read the selections online or print them, and many are available to download.
Dan Ariely, “Why We Lie”
Reading Questions:
- A fundamental idea by Ariely is that one can cheat a little bit and still be a good person. Do you think that this is a type of rationalization? Is it a defense? If we accept that we can cheat/lie a little, where do we draw the line? How much is too much?
- Many of us judge the worth of cheating against the possible punishment if we are caught. What view does Ariely offer on this? Do you agree or disagree?
Writing Questions:
- Compose a Summary and Response Essay in which you summarize Ariely’s article, including claims, main ideas, and important examples. Then, compose a response in which you share you own perspective on the ethics of lying. In particular, consider the question or whether or not there are legitimate reasons to lie–for example, to maintain privacy or to protect another person’s feelings.
Solomon E. Asch, “Opinions and Social Pressure”
Writing Questions:
- Solomon E. Asch’s article explores the effects of others’ opinions on our own. A larger implication of Asch’s question concerns authenticity: if one’s ideas, opinions, or worldviews are are significantly shaped by others, how authentic is they? If that idea, opinion, or worldview is an important part of one’s identity, how “authentic” is that identity? Since various forms of social media allow for smooth and instantaneous communication of opinions–as well as fluid systems for comparison of ideas–there seems to be endless opportunities for exposure to influence. Write an Analysis Essay in which you critically analyze how social media use has influenced your opinion on an idea or an issue, and reflect on how “authentic” your current position on that idea or issue is.
Paul Bloom, “The Baby in the Well”
Writing Questions:
- Paul Bloom’s article concludes claiming that “[i]f a planet of billions is to survive [. . .] we’ll need to take into consideration the welfare of people not yet harmed–and, even more, of people not yet born.” Compose a Summary and Response Essay in which you summarize Bloom’s article, including his claim, main ideas, and most important examples. Then, respond by discussing an issue that does not impact your generation, but that could impact future generations. What are challenges around this issue that future generations might face? Is this there current work being done to address this issue? If not, why? What can be done to prevent or mitigate the challenges this issue might bring?
Rose Pfeffer, “Eternal Recurrence in Nietzsche’s Philosophy”
Writing Questions:
- Philosophical theories offer different lenses through which we can see and think about our worlds and lives. In “Eternal Recurrence in Nietzsche’s Philosophy”, Rose Pfeffer offers a reading of the titular “eternal recurrence” concept as not only an important element of Nietzsche’s philosophical history, but also as a critique of Platonic-Christian philosophical traditions–traditions that are, arguably, significant influences of many Western cultures. After reading Pfeffer’s essay, write an Analysis Essay that applies Pfeffer’s reading and your own interpretation of Nietzsche’s “eternal recurrence” to an element of United States cultural tradition, habit, practice, or belief. What new ways can we think about or see this cultural element through this unique theoretical lens? Does such a view reveal problematic aspects of this tradition, habit, practice, or belief?
Peter Singer, “Speciesism and Moral Status”
Writing Questions:
- Peter Singer’s essay and “speciesism” concept can be controversial, yet the feelings of controversy can sometimes reveal to us our own biases. After reading Singer’s essay, write your own Analysis Essay that applies Singer’s “speciesism” concept to your own relationship with nonhuman animals. How do you justify your own relationship with nonhuman animals–whatever that relationship might be? How does “speciesism” play a role in this relationship, if at all?
Additional Readings on Food and Eating
- David Brooks, “The Follower Problem”
- Randy Cohen, “No Edit”
