Course Outline
Click here to open your Course Outline.
Welcome to Philosophy...
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A musical excerpt from Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
Bertrand Russell's Message to the Future
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Click on Bertrand Russell's image to view his "Message to the Future" as filmed by the BBC in 1959.
Click here for an online resource to read "The Value of Philosophy" our first reading to prepare for next class. Here is the powerpoint from class.
Questions (from p.25 of Pojman's text):
1. What do many scientific and practical people think of philosophy?
2. What is Russell's assessment of their views of philosophy? Why does he think that their prejudice occurs?
3. What are the aims of philosophy?
4. Where does Russell think that the value of philosophy is to be sought?
5. What effect can philosophy have on the instinctive person? What are the fruits of philosophical interpretation?
6. How does Russell define knowledge?
7. What does Russell think of the view that "man is the measure of all things?"
Click here for an online resource to read "The Value of Philosophy" our first reading to prepare for next class. Here is the powerpoint from class.
Questions (from p.25 of Pojman's text):
1. What do many scientific and practical people think of philosophy?
2. What is Russell's assessment of their views of philosophy? Why does he think that their prejudice occurs?
3. What are the aims of philosophy?
4. Where does Russell think that the value of philosophy is to be sought?
5. What effect can philosophy have on the instinctive person? What are the fruits of philosophical interpretation?
6. How does Russell define knowledge?
7. What does Russell think of the view that "man is the measure of all things?"
Ethical Philosophy Selector
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Want to know which philosopher supports your ethical perspective?
Click here to complete the survey - no need to login - but try to save or print your results as they may assist with your summative.
Are you a moral absolutist or a moral relativist? Take this survey to help you find out.
Click here to complete the survey - no need to login - but try to save or print your results as they may assist with your summative.
Are you a moral absolutist or a moral relativist? Take this survey to help you find out.
Rhetoric and Reasoning:
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Introduction to Argument Mapping & the Apollo Moon Landings of 1969Click on the link from the Moon Landing photo on the left to read the article distributed in class.
Here is the link to AusThink's website, tutorials and quizzes to practice. |
An Ode to Joy for taking the "Arrrrh" out of Argument Mapping
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Click on Tomayto -Tomahto for Ode to Joy.
For Argument Mapping (the TDSB's Smart Ideas is also helpful):
Bubblus
Popplet
For Argument Mapping (the TDSB's Smart Ideas is also helpful):
Bubblus
Popplet
The Origins of Ancient Greek Philosophy
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Carl Sagan and The Pre Socratic Philosophers Part 1, Part 2
Philosophy - A guide to happiness - Socrates
Socrates - Encyclopaedia Channel
Prep for Socrates on Trial - The Apology by Plato
Philosophy - A guide to happiness - Socrates
Socrates - Encyclopaedia Channel
Prep for Socrates on Trial - The Apology by Plato
Plato's Allegory of the Cave
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Animated version (to be shown in class Monday, don't view yet class!)
Syllogisms, Syllogisms and more Syllogisms!
I usually never refer to Wiki as a reputable source, but there is a first for everything. Check out this link that clearly describes syllogisms and their many forms WikiHelp with Syllogisms
Here is also the link to the Syllogisms Aptitude Test recommended earlier this year.
Here is also the link to the Syllogisms Aptitude Test recommended earlier this year.
Metaphysics:
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Brain in a Vat
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Homework for next class is the answer the following questions:
1) Am I a Brain in a Vat?
2) If I hold my hand up in front of my face how do I know that it is my hand?
3) What is my mother's maiden name?
Brain-in-a-Vat Video
Nick Bostrum's, Swedish Philosopher's Abstract "Are you Living in a Computer Simulation?"
1) Am I a Brain in a Vat?
2) If I hold my hand up in front of my face how do I know that it is my hand?
3) What is my mother's maiden name?
Brain-in-a-Vat Video
Nick Bostrum's, Swedish Philosopher's Abstract "Are you Living in a Computer Simulation?"
Scientists Ask: Are We All Part of the Matrix?
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Thanks to Mio, here is an article to ponder:
Scientists Ask: Are We All Part of the Matrix?
Scientists Ask: Are We All Part of the Matrix?
Canadian In 'Vegetative State' Communicates to Scientists
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Watch CBC report here. For a bit of Mind/Brain Materialist/Idealist pondering.
The Terrifying Story of a Man Who Was Misdiagnosed as a "Vegetable" for More than a Decade
Again, another article that should get us all thinking about the Mind/Body question Click on date: Jan 15, 2015
Article written by "Ghost Boy," Martin Pistorius for Daily Mail (about his experiences).
Trailer for his book is here.
Article written by "Ghost Boy," Martin Pistorius for Daily Mail (about his experiences).
Trailer for his book is here.
What the Bleep Do We Know?
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Click here for a link to the website What the Bleep Do We Know?
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The Double Slit Experiment
Click on image to left to watch 5 minute clip of interest.
Thank you to Axel for sharing.
Click on image to left to watch 5 minute clip of interest.
Thank you to Axel for sharing.
Readings for Descartes and Ryle
Rene Descartes - Cartesian Doubt and the Search for Foundational Knowledge
Reading 1- Meditation One: Concerning Those Things That Can Be Called Into Doubt & Meditation Two: Concerning the Nature of the Human Mind: That The Mind Is More Than The Body (from "page 66" it leaps to our second reading from Descartes about the piece of wax), Meditation Three: On the Separation of the Mind From the Body (pages 96-97 then leap to pages 99 (2nd paragraph) to page 101 (1st paragraph).
Gilbert Ryle - Exorcising Descartes' Ghost in the Machine Reading
Reading 2 - The Official Doctrine
Reading 1- Meditation One: Concerning Those Things That Can Be Called Into Doubt & Meditation Two: Concerning the Nature of the Human Mind: That The Mind Is More Than The Body (from "page 66" it leaps to our second reading from Descartes about the piece of wax), Meditation Three: On the Separation of the Mind From the Body (pages 96-97 then leap to pages 99 (2nd paragraph) to page 101 (1st paragraph).
Gilbert Ryle - Exorcising Descartes' Ghost in the Machine Reading
Reading 2 - The Official Doctrine
Logical Fallacies
The Writing Center at University of North Carolina
Stephen's Guide to Logical Fallacies
The Nizkor Project and Logical Fallacies
The Fallacy Project Video of some examples
Stephen's Guide to Logical Fallacies
The Nizkor Project and Logical Fallacies
The Fallacy Project Video of some examples
Free Will vs. Determinism - RSA Animate about "Choice"
Philosophy of Religion - Defining the Terms
ALERT - each class had teacher feedback (and in some cases corrections/clarifications) regarding each term in class - it was up to the student presenters to revise and correct the term online if there was an error - therefore it is your responsibility to confirm that the definition on these slides is indeed correct.
Here is the link to the HZT4U-01 google docs powerpoint of defined terms.
Here is the link to the HZT4U-02 google docs powerpoint of defined terms.
Here is the link to the HZT4U-01 google docs powerpoint of defined terms.
Here is the link to the HZT4U-02 google docs powerpoint of defined terms.
Metaphysics and the Existance of a Supreme Being
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Group #1 Cosmological: Aquinas The First Way - the Argument from Change
Argument Explained - Explanation of the First Way by Philip A. Pecorino
Argument Criticized - The Cosmological Way by Gordon C. Clark
Group #2 Cosmological: Aquinas The Second Way - the Argument from Causation
Argument Explained - Arguments for the Existence of God by Curtis Brown
Argument Criticized - Can you find a good source?
Group #3 Cosmological: Aquinas The Third Way - the Argument from Contingency
Argument Explained - The Third Way by Christopher F. J. Martin
Argument Criticized -
Aquinas the Fourth Way: The Argument From Excellence
Argument Explained -
Argument Criticized -
Group #4 Teleological: Aquinas The Fifth Way - the Argument from Contingency
Argument Explained -
Argument Criticized - The Fifth Way by Christopher F. J. Martin
Group #5 Ontological
Argument Explained -
Argument Criticized - Ontological Arguments by Graham Oppy
Argument Explained - Explanation of the First Way by Philip A. Pecorino
Argument Criticized - The Cosmological Way by Gordon C. Clark
Group #2 Cosmological: Aquinas The Second Way - the Argument from Causation
Argument Explained - Arguments for the Existence of God by Curtis Brown
Argument Criticized - Can you find a good source?
Group #3 Cosmological: Aquinas The Third Way - the Argument from Contingency
Argument Explained - The Third Way by Christopher F. J. Martin
Argument Criticized -
Aquinas the Fourth Way: The Argument From Excellence
Argument Explained -
Argument Criticized -
Group #4 Teleological: Aquinas The Fifth Way - the Argument from Contingency
Argument Explained -
Argument Criticized - The Fifth Way by Christopher F. J. Martin
Group #5 Ontological
Argument Explained -
Argument Criticized - Ontological Arguments by Graham Oppy
Battleground God
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Click here for link to Battleground God - an game of rational consistency.
Click here for a link to Get the Chip out of my Brain - game of free will, determinism and moral responsibility.
Click here for Do-it-yourself-deity - game of constructing the perfect god.
Click here for Staying Alive - a Personal Identity game; just stay alive!
Click here for a link to Get the Chip out of my Brain - game of free will, determinism and moral responsibility.
Click here for Do-it-yourself-deity - game of constructing the perfect god.
Click here for Staying Alive - a Personal Identity game; just stay alive!
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The Sunset Limited (2011)
Click on image to left to complete watching.
Click on image to left to complete watching.
Artificial Intelligence - The Turing Test
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Click here for the trailer to "The Imitation Game" starring Benedict Cumberbatch
Click here to UofT link about the Turing Test and some Chatterbots.
Turing Test Game VIdeo.
Conway's Game of Life (Thank you Robert!)
Talk to a Chatterbot:
A.L.I.C.E
Cleverbot
Elbot the Robot
Evie
Click here to UofT link about the Turing Test and some Chatterbots.
Turing Test Game VIdeo.
Conway's Game of Life (Thank you Robert!)
Talk to a Chatterbot:
A.L.I.C.E
Cleverbot
Elbot the Robot
Evie
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Searle's Response to Turing
John Searle's The Chinese Room
John Searle's The Chinese Room
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Artificial Intelligence -
Interesting Articles and Ideas:
Bill Gates is worried about The Rise of the Machines - Fiscal Times 01/28/15
Superintelligence - Review of book by Nick Bostrum about the dangers of AI - 07/24/2014
The End of Humanity - Ted Talk by Nick Bostrum
Falling in Love with Artificial Intelligence - CBC Spark Audible 09/12/13
Building a Better Brain: the Future of AI - CBC Spark 6/10/12
Artificial Intelligence: The Answer to Cosmic Loneliness CBC Listen 7/26/13
Forget Jeopardy: This is the Real Test of AI CBC Listen 2/18/2011
Watch BigdogRobotics here and here.
8 Robots that will apparently haunt you
Click on poster for Her to see trailer.
Heard about Spritz? Try it here.
Implications for reading, learning...
Listen to Iamus Computer - "Hello World" or Iamus at the Alan Turing Memorial Concert
YouTube states: "Hello World! is arguably the first piece completely composed and notated by a computer without any human intervention. All of Iamus compositions are written in a fully-fledged score notated using conventional music notation, available in PDF or MusicXML file formats. Iamus computer, located at the Universidad de Málaga, is a powerful computer cluster that has been specifically built to fully exploit the potential of Melomics technology. Melomics employs an evolutionary approach to music composition.
Hello World! was premiered 15th October, 2011 at the Keroxen Music Festival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain)."
Interesting Articles and Ideas:
Bill Gates is worried about The Rise of the Machines - Fiscal Times 01/28/15
Superintelligence - Review of book by Nick Bostrum about the dangers of AI - 07/24/2014
The End of Humanity - Ted Talk by Nick Bostrum
Falling in Love with Artificial Intelligence - CBC Spark Audible 09/12/13
Building a Better Brain: the Future of AI - CBC Spark 6/10/12
Artificial Intelligence: The Answer to Cosmic Loneliness CBC Listen 7/26/13
Forget Jeopardy: This is the Real Test of AI CBC Listen 2/18/2011
Watch BigdogRobotics here and here.
8 Robots that will apparently haunt you
Click on poster for Her to see trailer.
Heard about Spritz? Try it here.
Implications for reading, learning...
Listen to Iamus Computer - "Hello World" or Iamus at the Alan Turing Memorial Concert
YouTube states: "Hello World! is arguably the first piece completely composed and notated by a computer without any human intervention. All of Iamus compositions are written in a fully-fledged score notated using conventional music notation, available in PDF or MusicXML file formats. Iamus computer, located at the Universidad de Málaga, is a powerful computer cluster that has been specifically built to fully exploit the potential of Melomics technology. Melomics employs an evolutionary approach to music composition.
Hello World! was premiered 15th October, 2011 at the Keroxen Music Festival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain)."
Let's Get Ready to AI Tag Team Tussle!!!!!!!!!!!!
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General Introduction for ALL:
What is Artificial Intelligence
What is AI video #1, #2, #3***. (2016 updated)
How Smart is Today's AI? (2016 updated)
Listen and View Anna Maria Tremanti talk to Philosopher Nick Bostrum about AI on The Current
Arguments for AI:
Consciousness in Human Minds and Robots
Other Bodies, Other Minds
Artificial Intelligence, and Robot Wisdom
Arguments Against AI:
What Robots Can and Can't Be
Me Robot, What Robots Can and Can't Do
Why Robots Won't Rule the World
Debate Prep Chart
What is Artificial Intelligence
What is AI video #1, #2, #3***. (2016 updated)
How Smart is Today's AI? (2016 updated)
Listen and View Anna Maria Tremanti talk to Philosopher Nick Bostrum about AI on The Current
Arguments for AI:
Consciousness in Human Minds and Robots
Other Bodies, Other Minds
Artificial Intelligence, and Robot Wisdom
Arguments Against AI:
What Robots Can and Can't Be
Me Robot, What Robots Can and Can't Do
Why Robots Won't Rule the World
Debate Prep Chart
The Robot Will See You Now - The Atlantic Article
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Click here to read an article from The Atlantic about how "technology is about to interrupt health care."
Hello Class...Meet IBM's Watson!
Visit the AI Nursery here.
TED Talks about AI videos are here.
Jeremy Howard: The Wonderful and Terrifying Implications of Computers That Can Learn
Hello Class...Meet IBM's Watson!
Visit the AI Nursery here.
TED Talks about AI videos are here.
Jeremy Howard: The Wonderful and Terrifying Implications of Computers That Can Learn
Ted Talk AI Contest Evaluation
The Philosophers Assignment
Graphing the History of Philosophy.
Exceptional Infographic on the Comprehensive History of Philosophy
Exceptional Infographic on the Comprehensive History of Philosophy
Introduction to Epistemology...(Cats in a Basket)
The Pursuit of Truth - Homework Questions
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Choose one of the following questions to research and return to class on Thursday prepared to discuss.
1. Who currently owns the top 5 Global or American/Canadian media companies? What implications do your finding have on the pursuit of knowledge or truth?
2. Who originally was responsible for the creation of the world wide web/internet and for what purpose was it created?
Additionally, here is the link to today's class discussion on the Jessica Lynch story. Here is the Military Video located on youtube.
Jessica sets the record straight.
1. Who currently owns the top 5 Global or American/Canadian media companies? What implications do your finding have on the pursuit of knowledge or truth?
2. Who originally was responsible for the creation of the world wide web/internet and for what purpose was it created?
Additionally, here is the link to today's class discussion on the Jessica Lynch story. Here is the Military Video located on youtube.
Jessica sets the record straight.
Top Ten Countdown to the Truth
Here are some interesting video links regarding truth: Video 1, Video/Article #2,
Truth Truth Truth
Epistemology: Theories of Truth
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Here is the link to the Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy for locating some reading material to familiarize yourself with your theory.
PowerPoint of Truth and Paradoxes
PowerPoint of Truth and Paradoxes
Intro to Paradoxes - Theseus' Ship
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Video to Round and Round by the Sugababes circa 2002
Video to Round and Round by the Sugarbabes circa 2007
Video to Need You Tonight by INXS crica 1987
Video to Pretty Vegas by INXS crica 2005
Video to Round and Round by the Sugarbabes circa 2007
Video to Need You Tonight by INXS crica 1987
Video to Pretty Vegas by INXS crica 2005
Occam's Razor
How Stuff Works description and video about Occam's Razor but this one is great too
Introduction to Ethics
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Philosophy Experiments: A Version of The Trolley Problem
View TEDTalk Sam Harris: Science can answer moral questions
View TEDTalk Sam Harris: Science can answer moral questions
Philosophy of Ethics Video's
Can a Good Deed be Selfless? Joey and Phoebe from Friends
Can Morality Exist Without God? Sharpton/Hitchens Debate
Can Morality Exist Without God? Sharpton/Hitchens Debate
Peter Singer on Altruism
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Click on the link to the left to watch Peter Singer speak at TEDtalk about Altruism
NOTE: Starting at 0:30, this talk contains 30 seconds of graphic footage.
NOTE: Starting at 0:30, this talk contains 30 seconds of graphic footage.
Moving on from the Stanford Experiment and Milgram's Research:
Six Principles to Guide Social Sciences Research
Click here to view the Oxford University website and list.
Also, here is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services "Informed Consent Checklist."
Canadian Centre for Ethics and Corporate Policy website - check it out!
The Canadian Society for the Study of Practical Ethics.
Also, here is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services "Informed Consent Checklist."
Canadian Centre for Ethics and Corporate Policy website - check it out!
The Canadian Society for the Study of Practical Ethics.
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THE MATERIAL ABOVE HAS BEEN COVERED TO DATE.
THE ITEMS BELOW ARE OUT OF DATE OR HAVE NOT BEEN TAUGHT (YET...).
Philosophy, Art & Aesthetics
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Perspectives and Art Excerpt - Aesthetics and Values Film Festival Trailer
How Much Truth Can Art Bear? A thought provoking gallery if you browse through the brochure at the bottom of the page from Duke University's Kenan Institute for Ethics.
10 Art Prodigies You Should Know, scroll to videos at bottom to see the variety of talent (?) you decide...
Watch Akiane paint "Wonder" in 4 minutes.
Neil Gaiman's 2012 Commencement Speech - Make Good Art
How Much Truth Can Art Bear? A thought provoking gallery if you browse through the brochure at the bottom of the page from Duke University's Kenan Institute for Ethics.
10 Art Prodigies You Should Know, scroll to videos at bottom to see the variety of talent (?) you decide...
Watch Akiane paint "Wonder" in 4 minutes.
Neil Gaiman's 2012 Commencement Speech - Make Good Art
2014*Reminder* Test #2 -
Revision Powerpoint Click Here and Revision Sheet
Test #2 - 2013
Click here for revision sheet and revision powerpoint.
Revision 2012
Revision sheet here. Revision Powerpoint here.
Philosophy Test Friday April 7th (Day 1/3) & Monday April 10th (Day 2/3)
Revision Sheet Here.
Scroll down for accompanying lesson sources/materials but remember, the bulk of the material is covered in class. You must attend class to get the full experience of the course as it is not an online one.
Philosophy Test #1 - Friday October 25th
Revision Sheet here.
Are you Past-Oriented or Future-Oriented? - An Animated Discussion
Changing Education Paradigms - Ken Robinson AnimatedHere is a link to the Boston High School Teacher whose Boston Teachers Commencement Speech created a buzz last year; defeating or inspiring? You decide.
Sunscreen - A few words of wisdom with graduation knocking on your door...
Changing Education Paradigms - Ken Robinson AnimatedHere is a link to the Boston High School Teacher whose Boston Teachers Commencement Speech created a buzz last year; defeating or inspiring? You decide.
Sunscreen - A few words of wisdom with graduation knocking on your door...
The Zen of Essay Writing - Paper Due June 6th & 7th
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For Argument Mapping and Essay Writing Organizers:
Bubblus
Popplet
MindMUp
Smart Ideas on the TDSB computers is even easier too
To Avoid "Begging the Question;" Watch THIS
For Essay Writing Outlines:
Template for Argumentative Philosophy Essay
Template for Compare & Contrast Philosophy Essay
For Building your Works Cited List:
Citation Machine
EasyBib
Purdue University MLA vs. APA Chart
The Rubric for your Philosophy Paper
Turnitin Accounts
Click here to link to Turnitin.com
HZT-01 Day 1/3, ID: 12194706 P/W: theredpill
HZT-02 Day 2/4, ID: 12194712 P/W: thebluepill
Bubblus
Popplet
MindMUp
Smart Ideas on the TDSB computers is even easier too
To Avoid "Begging the Question;" Watch THIS
For Essay Writing Outlines:
Template for Argumentative Philosophy Essay
Template for Compare & Contrast Philosophy Essay
For Building your Works Cited List:
Citation Machine
EasyBib
Purdue University MLA vs. APA Chart
The Rubric for your Philosophy Paper
Turnitin Accounts
Click here to link to Turnitin.com
HZT-01 Day 1/3, ID: 12194706 P/W: theredpill
HZT-02 Day 2/4, ID: 12194712 P/W: thebluepill
Philosophy 30% Summative:
Seminar, Paper and Advisory Board Guidelines
Seminar Schedule posted in class! Thesis Proposal due 5th and 6th of May