1.Be sure to place your entire FINAL on your website and when you are finished send a link of your test to your teacher directly at dlane@mtsac.edu (don't send it to any other email address, except that)
2. Make sure that it is YOUR OWN work and that if you use other authors please be sure to quote and/or cite the material appropriately. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and you will receive an "F" automatically for the examination.
3. The test is due April 22nd.
3a. Each answer should be at least two paragraphs long, if not much longer.
3b. What grade do you deserve and why?
3b. What grade do you deserve and why?
I think at least B for some reasons. First, I worked very hard on this course. I paid a lot of time watching all the materials and did my best to write every post. Second, I need a good grade to transfer, so I wish I could get good grade in this class, too.
4. What is your real name?
My name is TzuTun Liu.
5. What is your "user" name?
My user name is raffyliu.
6. What is your email address that you use for this class?
The email I use for this class is tliu44@student.mtsac.edu
7. Name and address for your website.
The name is “Philosophy 5 Essay from Raffy”.
8. Have you done all the reading for the first four weeks?
Yes, I have done all the reading in the whole semester.
9. Have you watched each of the films that were required?
Yes, I have watched all the films that were required in the entire semester.
10. Please place here all of the postings you have done for this class (you can copy and paste them)
All my posts are on my website here.
11. Why does Steven Pinker believe that evolution is important in understanding human behavior? Be specific in your answer.
The reason is human behavior is ordered by the way we grow. Seven Pinker says the learning system that was passed on from our ancestors is innate; as a result, the key to understanding it is understanding evolution. Evolutionary psychology is the study of the universal human nature. In addition, this kind of study allows people to understand what basic behavior people all share as human beings. People all share basic primitive instincts which is the language of the world in spite of race, culture, and learned morals,
Noam Chomsky called “universal grammar,” underneath all the gestures and language and typical behavior, which is probably a product of natural selection, people all share this universal language. Frankly, Pinker says “that evolutionary psychology allows them to distinguish what human behaviors are innate and due to genes, and what is learned and taken in through the environment.”
Noam Chomsky called “universal grammar,” underneath all the gestures and language and typical behavior, which is probably a product of natural selection, people all share this universal language. Frankly, Pinker says “that evolutionary psychology allows them to distinguish what human behaviors are innate and due to genes, and what is learned and taken in through the environment.”
12. In addition, why is the theory of evolution helpful in doing philosophy?
There are some reasons why the theory of evolution helps in doing philosophy. First, if people understand basic behavior and why humans act a certain way, it will give people a better understanding of why people make some of the decisions others make. Second, if people understand the theory of evolution, which is basically the process of change in the inherited traits of a population of organisms from one generation to the next, then it will give people a clue of why human behavior changes over time, either due to human environment, culture, or new values or morals which people have adopted. Finally, it will help people generate better question towards life and nature. As a result, those questions will help people navigate through life a little better.
13. Explain why Francis Crick does NOT believe in a soul.
Francis Crick does not believe in “soul” because he questions the time frame that the soul enters a body. He gives two questions; first, does the soul enter the baby at birth? Second, is it anytime during the development period? And Francis Crick makes a pretty good point because he clearer states his thought (the answer for the two questions), so it’s easy to understand.
The soul is something non living so how could it reside inside a living organism. Crick believes that the mind is the product of physical brain activity. It develops over millions of years so how can a soul just take over a body.
The soul is something non living so how could it reside inside a living organism. Crick believes that the mind is the product of physical brain activity. It develops over millions of years so how can a soul just take over a body.
14. What are some of the major issues behind a neuro-ethical argument for vegetarianism? What are its strengths? What are its weaknesses?
There are some strengths of vegetarianism. First, vegetarians have the peace of mind that goes with knowing they do not eat beings that people empathize with. Vegetarian think it is morally right because of the way animals are treated when they are slaughtered. Second, dolphins, dogs, and other beings those are highly aware. They do know if people are going to kill them.
There are some weaknesses of being a vegetarian. First of all, vegetarians still eat plants. To me, plants also have life. Second, it’s the only thing can maintain their life, but that’s not enough to balance nutrition. Third, when farming for these crops that vegetarians have to eat, farmers have to use pesticide in most cases harming the atmosphere and also killing off a mass population of insects in order to do so.
15. How do John Searle's views differ from Ken Wilber's? Who do you find more persuasive and why?
The terminology used is rather hard to understand. From what I can understand, Ken Wilber believes that there are four quadrants of thought. These four quadrants combine to form our conscious thoughts. Searle believes that consciousness is a higher level function of the brain. I find that Ken Wilber’s views are more persuasive because he explains them in a way that is very convincing and I think that his views are more in line with my beliefs.16. What is the theme behind the little movie, a GLORIOUS PIECE OF MEAT? How would a religious person argue against it?
The theme behind A Glorious Piece of Meat is that all we simply are three pounds which is our brain. There is a quote by Francis Crick, “the soul is nothing more than complex network of neurons,” in the film. Human brains are responsible for everything we do, from waking up in the morning to sleep at night. In addition, from human brain arises consciousness, but we think that because consciousness seems difference from human bodies abilities. That’s why people are much more than what science says, nothing more than a complex network of neurons.
However, a religious person might argue that point because our brain is responsible for everything we do. In addition, our brain consciousness does arise, and our brain is just three pounds of meat, but who is responsible for creating the brain, consciousness or neurons? Religious people may think it’s all God’s responsibility. However, scientists can’t prove that. They can come up with all of their scientific explanations, or all of their complex theories about neurons and consciousness, but not the God.
However, a religious person might argue that point because our brain is responsible for everything we do. In addition, our brain consciousness does arise, and our brain is just three pounds of meat, but who is responsible for creating the brain, consciousness or neurons? Religious people may think it’s all God’s responsibility. However, scientists can’t prove that. They can come up with all of their scientific explanations, or all of their complex theories about neurons and consciousness, but not the God.
17. Why is Sam Harris so critical of religion? Give his strongest arguments and where do you think his argument fails? Or, if it doesn't fail, where does it succeed?
Sam Harris is critical about religion because religious people become dangerous when they start to believe. They thought their religion is the correct religion, and that their God is the right one. This kind of fundamentalism is what is responsible for violence throughout history and today such as in Middle East and Eastern Europe, people are fighting every day simply because they have different religion.Now, many high educational people that have the possibility and the intelligence to build nuclear bombs, and use them against “infidels” because they do not believe in their God. However, I think religion gives people hope when it is needed most, but religion is not doing what it is supposed to be doing when you don’t give people a choice because you know you have the answer.
18. Explain the essence of Nietzsche's genealogy of morals. You can outline your answer here.
Nietzsche has three treaties that explain his views on genealogy of morals. First of all, Christian morality to what he calls “slave revolt in morality,” points out in Wikipedia. The nobles believe that there are good and bad. They view themselves as good and believe that they are good. The slaves view the nobles as evil and themselves as good because of what they are subjected to. They believe that because they are the good and what they have endured, that they will someday inherit the earth because they are the meek.
In addition, a pre-moral society where man may inflict harm because we are animals that are capable of memory and making promises. Finally, what Nietzsche believes is the way Christianity has manifested itself. “Nietzsche suggests that the "will to power" drives the need to hold on to the ascetic ideal in one form or another, as a surrogate for taking revenge on a hostile world,” points out from Wikipedia.
19. Why does Gandhi believe in ahimsa?
Since Gandhi is the help of the helpless and this is the only way he knows, he believes in ahimsa. He believes in this because it is what gives him the strength and courage to get through each day of his life. In addition, ahimsa comes to people in a difficult situation only when one throws himself on his mercy. You can get through everything with ahimsa on your side. Gandhi believed in that and keeps believing in it. Anyone who wanted to live a good life believed in ahimsa.
20. What is Nietzche's notion of the myth of eternal recurrence? Be sure to use the film as your guide.
Nietzsche notion of the myth of eternal recurrence is what would be like to relive life over and over again. The film shows life progressing from little embryo to child to all the major events in life. I think it would be eternal damnation to relive life over again. I think if we can start over again our life, we will take advantage of it which means we won’t be precious about our life. What would life be like if we all go up and repeated the same routine throughout our whole lives? I can’t image this because I think it may be bored such as we do something that we already knew. It doesn’t change anything.
21. What is the ironic theme in the movie Flame On? Hint: what is the movie REALLY trying to say?
The film illustrated there are so many famous and talent people from the Greek ancient time to now are homosexual. What people have thought to be truth 1,000 years ago we see today as ignorant. People were once burned at the stake for having their own ideas and being free-thinkers which is an essential characteristic in nowadays. The same will be said about homosexuals albeit we are probably seeing the beginning of it now with the legalization of gay marriages in California.
In some countries homosexuality might still be considered a defiance of God which shows that morals are different in every country. Being homosexuals doesn’t mean that they cannot be treated as normal citizens. There are many talented and successful person are homosexual, and they do need cares and love.
22. Why does Daniel Dennett favor calling himself a "bright"?
Daniel Dennett calls himself a bright because he believes there is no god. He doesn’t consider himself an atheist because he doesn’t go around telling people there is no god or trying to persuade them from what they believe. That’s why he considers an atheist to be a person that tries to get people to turn against their own beliefs and become a part of being an atheist. He does not consider himself to be one atheist because he respects those who believe there is a god and those who don’t. He believes there’s no god because there is no physical evidence to prove this theory of God’s exists.
23. Outline Bertrand Russell's a FREE MAN'S WORSHIP.
Bertrand Russell reveals that at some point in the beginning of time after the creation of earth, man created god. God was created by man to help one another deal with the unknown of the world. As human we tend to fill in the blanks to things that we don’t know because it helps us cope with things much better. Man is not free because the created of god restrained them from many things. Religion use laws to help keep one another in place and have consequences if one were to violate the rules. He believes there’s no such thing as good and evil.
He also says we fear death due to the restrained that religion has on us. The fact that we could possibly end up in heel really fears us. We don’t want to suffer and would do anything to prevent that from happening. We are not able to embrace the past if we have made a mistake. As a person if we don’t embrace the past then we are not able to move toward a better future.
24. What is the overall theme of the movie INNER VISIONS AND RUNNING TRAINS?
The overall theme I got from the movies was in difficult times or when people feel like they are in danger, they turn to our faith or beliefs to help them get through it. They turn to it only when they feel is necessary instead of doing it on a regular basis. In the film, Baba Faqir Chand turned to his beliefs and asked for help while he was in battle. I think it was about people turning to what they believe in times of desperation.
25. What does Nicholas of Cusa mean by "learned ignorance"? What are its implications for your own life?
In fact, I try to get involved in the whole concept about this film. After a little bit thinking, I got what he was trying to say. He feels that what we have been taught is somewhat not true but we are too ignorant to know the difference of what is true and what is not true. As children we believe pretty much anything that we are being taught simply because we trust what they teacher is teaching us is true. Although as we get older, we are still somewhat like children because at times we believe anything our teachers in High School say or even our professors. At times when we grow older we do become a little more aware of what we are being told and are less likely to believe what is not true. There are some people out there who still believe the earth is flat and there is no other universe out there.
Nevertheless, I agree with Solomon that he maintained that all things are difficult and unexplainable in words which also show from the film. We can’t define a lot of things just use words. Everything is multidimensional. We can’t look things in one way. In addition, my favorite sentence from the film is “The more he knows that he is unknowing, the more learned he will be.” If we are expert in everything, why do we still here to learn? We learn because we don’t know. Unknowing is not shameful; otherwise, if we pretend knowing something we don’t know, that’s woeful. Just be brave to say I don’t know when you’re struggling in your problems, and you will learn more and more from teaching
26. What does Gerald Edelman mean by Neural Darwinism and Second Nature?
Gerald Edelman thought second nature is something that just comes to people because they have been working at it for a long time which becomes parts of them. It does compared to other living organism out there while Neural Darwinism is the development of the human brain and how it comes to function the way. It is trying to attempt to be like consciousness but hasn’t come close to it yet which brings up the whole idea of second nature.
27. Why turn vegetarian? ---according to the film you saw. What arguments are there against vegetarianism? You may need to do a google search here.
After I watched the video, I was thinking if I'm "Wrong." I got sharked when I saw many disgusting pictures in the video. It talked about many reasons why people can't eat meat. One of the impressive reasons is every package of chicken, there's a little poop. The first scene in my mind is lots of poop in my stomach. Second one is it's not fair to animals. Seriously, I used to concern about why people eat meat. I knew it's cruel but just for example, if we not kill a lion in Africa prairie, it must kill me. It's natural cycle. Third, they do not want to die and see their family is killed. I agree with animals have thought. They know what is going to happen, and they feel pain when they get hurt.
In addition, I don’t think there is any argument in the film. To me, I'm not really sure if being a vegetarian is right or wrong because be or not to be will cause many problems. In my opinion, over or less is not good for the environment. The world needs balance.
In addition, I don’t think there is any argument in the film. To me, I'm not really sure if being a vegetarian is right or wrong because be or not to be will cause many problems. In my opinion, over or less is not good for the environment. The world needs balance.
28. What was the turning point in Ramana Maharshi's life?
The turning point in Ramana’s life was when he was sixteen. He had a sudden urge that he was going to die, so he panicked with fear. He dramatized the death by imitating the state of rigamortis lying stiff holding back his breath as if he was dead. This process led to his belief that after death the spirit still lives on. He was certain that he was the deathless spirit. This led to his supreme awareness of self and he was always centered within on his individual eye and union with God. He gave up playing with his friends,and it also changed the way he ate. In addition, he only wanted to go the temple to improve his highly aware self, and he gave up school.
That same year he received his liberation and proceeded forward to the sacred mountain of Arunachala. There he reached the temple where he was cared for a day. He eventually continued his journey to Tiruvannalamai and eventually he reached the Temple of Arunachala, where his journey ended. The next day he made his way to the tank where he threw in whatever possessions he had, including the money that he had; that was the last time he ever touched money. There he eventually taught about self-inquiry before becoming a revered Indian sage.
That same year he received his liberation and proceeded forward to the sacred mountain of Arunachala. There he reached the temple where he was cared for a day. He eventually continued his journey to Tiruvannalamai and eventually he reached the Temple of Arunachala, where his journey ended. The next day he made his way to the tank where he threw in whatever possessions he had, including the money that he had; that was the last time he ever touched money. There he eventually taught about self-inquiry before becoming a revered Indian sage.
29. What was Gandhi's double shame? If Gandhi lived during our era would he have a different view of that event? Why? Why not?
Gandhi’s double shame was his wife was expecting a baby, but he did not restrain himself while he was a student. In addition, while all of this was happening, his father was every ill and he left his father’s side to be with his wife. That night his father died. Gandhi never forgave himself for it. During today’s era, he might have the same view just like he did back. Because even though medicine is more advance now a days, people still want to be with their loved one as much as possible. Skype, MSN, or cell phone can’t replace the touching face to face.
30. List four distinct passages from Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico- Philosophical and explain what you think they mean.
1. The world is everything that is the case. -- I think this simply means that everything is everything, to put it a different way. Everything is just a fact. Everything is everything simply means that what is meant to be, will be, and it will come eventually.
3.02 The though contains the possibility of the state of affairs which it thinks. What is thinkable is also possible. – I think this means if one thought that we can think, it must be possible to be happened. As long as we think about it, we might do something to let it happen.
3.02 The though contains the possibility of the state of affairs which it thinks. What is thinkable is also possible. – I think this means if one thought that we can think, it must be possible to be happened. As long as we think about it, we might do something to let it happen.
4.024 To understand a proposition means to know what is the case, if it is true. -- To me this means in order to understand a proposition we must know the facts about it. We must know all the necessary details in order understand what the people or person has proposed to us. However, we don’t need to know all the details if the proposition was false.
5.6 The limits of my language mean the limits of my world. – That’s my favorite one. It simply means that what we say show what we are directly. The more we see the world, the more we expand our mind. Oppositely, the smaller the world we have, the little knowledge we get.
31. In the booklet IS MY I-PHONE CONSCIOUS what is the author's overall thesis? Why does he use the sound grenade application on the I-Phone as an illustrative example? What he is trying to demonstrate?
The thesis is whether or not we believe everything around us is conscious. It was kind of difficult to grasp because there were a lot of stories going on but the one that was most helpful was the one about the sound grenade. While watching and reading about that demonstration, it helped me understand what the moral of the book was really trying to say. He used that demonstration because in the story David lane could not hear the grenade and neither could his brother but the rest of his family could hear how it sounded and wanted it right away. The reason why it was used was because there are something’s that some people have open minds to hearing things like that, and k some people’s minds and thoughts adjust to their surroundings. That’s why they might not hear that. He was trying to demonstrate how not all things are able to be heard or listened to by everyone.
32. In the booklets IS CONSCIOUSNESS PHYSICAL? And the PHYSICS OF AWARENESS the author champions a materialistic understanding of our "I" awareness. Present a detailed outline of his arguments. Present a critique of it (pro and con).
There are some pros about understanding of our “I” awareness. First, we need to be aware of “I’ want what because we are conscious so we are moving and doing activities physically. However, in order to get there, it is our brain wakes us and our mind becomes conscious. Second, without being conscious we really would not be seeing anything. That’s why “I” awareness is very important.
There are also some cons about understanding of our “I” awareness. First, mind is an unknowingness creation. Second, brain is productive plant. This means we can’t base on “I” awareness to conclude things we physically do.
33. Explain Leo Tolstoy's confession and religious conversion. What do you think were the key elements in his radical change in philosophy? Be specific.
Leo Tolstoy’s confession is the issue of dealing with suicide and he believed there is no god. I thought the radical key elements that caused him not believe there is god was when Vladimir Milyutin announced there was no god, but he was a mere invention. When that happened Leo and his brothers started to believe all of the testimonies were falsified and each went into their own beliefs.
34. What was your favorite expert film lecture this term?
My favorite lecture was on the Universe by Lisa Randall. I thought that her theories and beliefs were fascinating. It’s very interesting how she explained them. Although I really do not like physics, I still thought that it’s interesting. How she explained about the dimensions is impressive which changed the way I saw the world.
35. What was your favorite movie this term?
My favorite movie this term was Flame on. I was so excited when I saw "Western education was formed by some philosophers who believed that homosexuality was a higher calling," on the website page. Even though I'm not lesbian, I have bunch of friends are homosexual. The film illustrated there are so many famous and talent people from the Greek ancient time to now are homosexual. I know many religions, government, or people can't tolerate homosexuality. One of the reasons is they thought homosexuality will break down the reproduction. Another reason is they thought this is not following God's rule. There are still many reasons, but in my opinion, it's not the excuse to give them the elbow. Being gay or lesbian doesn't mean they are wrong or bad person. For example, if we push M1 to love F1, but they don't love each other, what will happen? They won't get together in the end. It's the same idea about homosexuality.
In addition, in my case, most of my gay friends are genius. I believe God loves everybody. All human beings are God's sons and daughters. God gives the talented gifts to my gay friends. To be honest, I really want to see people can live peacefully one day. I wish homosexuality would be treating totally fair one day.
In addition, in my case, most of my gay friends are genius. I believe God loves everybody. All human beings are God's sons and daughters. God gives the talented gifts to my gay friends. To be honest, I really want to see people can live peacefully one day. I wish homosexuality would be treating totally fair one day.
36. What was your favorite reading?
My favorite reading was why turn vegetarian. After I watched the video, I was thinking if I'm "Wrong." I got sharked when I saw many disgusting pictures in the video. It talked about many reasons why people can't eat meat. One of the impressive reasons is every package of chicken, there's a little poop. The first scene in my mind is lots of poop in my stomach. Second one is it's not fair to animals. Seriously, I used to concern about why people eat meat. I knew it's cruel but just for example, if we not kill a lion in Africa prairie, it must kill me. It's natural cycle. Third, they do not want to die and see their family is killed. I agree with animals have thought. They know what is going to happen, and they feel pain when they get hurt.
I'm not really sure if being a vegetarian is right or wrong because be or not to be will cause many problems. In my opinion, over or less is not good for the environment. The world needs balance.
I'm not really sure if being a vegetarian is right or wrong because be or not to be will cause many problems. In my opinion, over or less is not good for the environment. The world needs balance.
37. Most unusual thing you learned this term
The most unusual thing I learned was how I saw new ideas from other people. I discovered that every philosopher had their own unique thoughts. Some of the ideas are I had never thought before. I really enjoyed reading about other peoples’ opinions even thought there might be some difference with me sometimes. I was fascinated by what others have to say and I was always up for a good debate. I learned how to handle situations when sometimes I found the disagreement.
38. Give a review of the 3 required magazines listed above that you were required to read.
The Voyage Within
“The Voyage Within” illustrates an experiment directed by researchers at a hallucinating level can result to the brain in order to see what the effects of some drugs. The drug they used in this experiment was Marijuana. When the experiment unfolded, the researcher realized that many of the individual showed the same hallucination when they were taking the drug experiment. They were seeing strange forms. Some of them appeared to be eyes just like they were seeing some weird patterns. The effects of the drug in different parts of the brain created this unreal thing. Drugs influence the sensorial part of the individual which makes people see themselves in an abnormal way.
What Would Errol Do?
I think Errol was a man’s man for some reasons. First is about how Errol thought about women. He seemed very open minded with his views on women. He did love women; however, he also showed that women sometimes made him bored. It showed he is masculine and kind of arrogant. Second, he did not seem to care what other people thought. Errol did not seem to care what people thought about him. He just believed what he believed and talked what he thought is right to him. However, this might cause some conflicts because people might have different thought from him.
The Cerebral Wave
“The Cerebral Wave” illustrated an interesting story from a Persian and his slave they were questions about if there was a God to a bunch of people they were discussing about whose faith is the best and some other ideas about beliefs and religions. Did God exist? Which religion could lead to the best place? Whose faith was the best? Everyone had different answer. That does all differ from people to people.
