QUESTION
-
-
refelctions essay
LM Reflection Essay Topic
In this essay, you should defend a thesis on the subject of whether or not "Applied Philosophy" is, in the words of Richard T DeGeorge, a "Contradiction in Terms" (pg 9, The Origins of Applied Philosophy: in Philosophers at Work.) After briefly reviewing the DeGeorge article, distinguish between what he calls Applied and Theoretical approaches to philosophy. With the arguments from the Cohen and Russell articles in mind, defend a thesis that argues that either philosophy does or doesn't have practical, applied, value. Your essay should include at least three citations (viz., The Cohen article, the Russell article, and the DeGeorge article.
Your paper should include:
A short introductory paragraph, with a clear thesis statement (e.g., I shall argue that Plato's argument is ... because ...). Your thesis should almost always be the last sentence of your introductory paragraph.
A short, charitable reconstruction of the argument as presented by the philosopher whose position you rely on (you may, but need not, use standard premise / conclusion form).
An brief explanation, in your own words, of the position that you're describing (such as the Categorical Imperative, Justice as Fairness, etc.)
An original argument, in which you make the case that answers the question, based on the philosophical position under investigation.
A suitable concluding paragraph.
Make reference to, and discuss meaningfully, at least two of the philosophers that we've read so far in the course.
At least two sources, and at least as many non-internet sources as internet sources (Read that sentence again to be sure you understand it).
No direct quotations. It is never necessary to directly quote any author. When it is important to rely on someone else's ideas, simply explain the position which he/she is defending. It is, however, necessary to cite all authors whose ideas you reference. Thus, if you begin a sentence with, e.g., "According to Plato...", you should end that sentence with a citation. Essays that include "direct quotations" will not receive a grade higher than a D. (Read that sentence again, too, to be sure you understand it).
A clear and complete bibliography
Your paper will be evaluated according to the following criteria:Papers must demonstrate an understanding of the arguments being discussed.
Papers must demonstrate a mastery of the relevant concepts regarding the philosophical problem.
Don't worry about getting the 'right' answer. Rather, concentrate on the quality of reasoning used in your evaluation.
Your grade will reflect the degree to which these rules and general requirements have been observed.
Papers with frequent grammatical or spelling errors, or which otherwise do not reflect good quality academic writing, will be returned with no grade. If you don't know the difference between `their' and `there', or the correct use of the semicolon, make an appointment with the writing center before you submit your paper. http://irsc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/Current/Catalog/Academic-and-Support-Services/Academic-Support-Center
It is a violation of Academic Integrity Policy to submit assignments, or parts of assignments, for two separate courses without permission from both instructors. I do not give permission. Thus, all parts of this assignment must be uniquely written for this course, and not submitted for any purpose to any other course.
All papers should be double spaced, between 500-600 words, and submitted as a doc or docx file. Include a bibliography or references section. Format citations according to APA or MLA citation style.
-
| Subject | Essay Writing | Pages | 5 | Style | APA |
|---|
Answer
Applied Philosophy
Introduction
In the previous years, philosophers from different perspectives have intelligently criticized the assumption that the foundations of moral discourse precede ethics, which is complex and the best source for moral philosophers. Focusing more on applied ethics as well as the facts associated with the moral experience, scholars have concluded that not only regulations and consequences are vital but also virtues and personality as well. Asserting that character and virtues also play a significant role, there are a variety of ethical theories that could be rendered inapplicable, which Richard DeGeorge considers as a contradiction in terms. According to De George, there are ethical theories that are applicable in a modern society whose words, when applied, generate opposite ambiance. Using De George's arguments, I shall argue that the elements of an absolute practical theory have to complement each other.
Charitable Reconstruction
When developing an ethical theory, scholars have to ensure that there is coherence in its application. To ascertain coherence, the philosopher should ensure that their ethical theories form a complete system, are relatively consistent, and their elements are interrelated. The most effective way of attaining such coherence is focusing on one basic and vital standard, for example, the theory of utility that guides, directs as well as determines the rudiments, hence assuring consistency, and inter-relationship and mutual fit. Conventional ethical theories, such as Theory of Morality by Russell, have focused mainly on this type of logic. The essence of using coherence is that it enables theorists to justify their arguments by showing the limitations present in other theories (Russell, 24). Increasing the erudition of these theories has widened the gap between mainstream ethical theories and applicable moral issues. De George suggests that applied theories that contradict their elements tend to ignore the concept of morality and general experience.
Brief Explanation
I concur that the major characteristic of practical theories that have contradictions is the bias applicability. In other words, these theories have different conceptions, and those who apply them choose certain conditions to justify their means. A good example of a theory that has shortcomings is the Utilitarian view (Schmid, 233). According to a utilitarian, an individual’s actions can be justified if they produced maximum happiness and well-being. In most cases, a Utilitarian will resort to actions that conform to his/her mode of happiness at the expense of another. For instance, if an individual makes a promise-breaking that would increase happiness, then he/she is, according to the act of utilitarianism, allowed to break the promise regardless of the victim’s expectations. Even though Kant’s theory considers the concept of virtues, it does not account for the diversity and richness of all moral obligations.
Original Argument
Lack of relevance between applied and non-applied philosophy indicates that the developed theory would have contradictions. According to De George, a practical philosophy that focuses on ethics should not only analyze the objectivity but also the subjectivity of the actions to represent the absolute correlation (George, 41). For example, morality is not a philosopher’s invention since it also exists in the physical world. Theories, such as Utilitarianism, assume that virtue is only applicable in the social world hence attracting contradictions. Those that relate morality to both the social and the natural world, such as Cohen and Russell’s moral philosophy, show coherence between the theoretical and practical perceptions.
In conclusion, studies indicate that applied philosophies that are considered relevant have specified conception, which De George refers to as “contradictions” in them. For an idea to be specific, its theoretical element should correlate with practical elements. However, there are others like the utilitarian theory that have contradictory perspectives. Achieving a balance between the two requires philosophers to implement coherence between moral and general experience on specific beliefs.
References
|
De George, Richard T. "Ethics and coherence." The American Philosophical Association Centennial Series (2013): 717-732. Schmid, Peter A. "Hermann Cohen’s Theory of Virtue." Hermann Cohen’s Critical Idealism. (2005). 231-257. Russell, Bertrand. Philosophy and politics. Cambridge University Press, (2016). |