Reference no: EM133503767

Problem: Philosophical Concepts Real Life Implications Reflection Essay

Question I. Clifford makes an interesting case for the moral responsibility we have to not believe anything without sufficient evidence. In fact, he states, "It is wrong everywhere for anyone to believe anything upon insufficient evidence." After reading Clifford, what do you think counts as sufficient evidence? When do we know we have done our due diligence in seeking out the required evidence for our beliefs? Finally, do you think we actually do this in life? If we do, in what situations are we most likely to seek evidence before adopting a belief?

Question II. After reading James and Clifford, who do you think has the most compelling argument for their position? Does James convince you that we must sometimes believe without evidence, or does Clifford convince you that belief without sufficient evidence is a moral and epistemic failure? Why?

Question III. You will submit your course reflection here. This reflection must address the ways in which each of the four main topics we covered played out in your daily life, how it impacted you or made you think differently. You may submit this as an essay, an audio recording, a video--whatever you choose. I do not have any length requirements--I just want to see that you've put in the effort to get something out of this class. It's your chance to be creative and tell me how the topics we covered mattered to you. And if they didn't matter to you, then tell me why.

Note: Topics covered in this course that help you write the reflection are:

What is philosophy
Aristotle on happiness
The trolly problem
Ethical Relativism
Tao Te Ching
Metaphysics
Plato's "Allegory of the Cave"

Reply to this comment:

"Based on Clifford, sufficient evidence can be having the reasoning and experiences to back up the decision you are making. When you have sufficient evidence, you are making an informed decision that is not based on quick decision making. This relates to having evidence that allows the person to know if the belief is true or false. Our emotions also impact our decision making. According to the Crash Course video, Clifford "Was guilty of accepting a belief without scientific evidence....and whether that actually leads to harm or not, he still has done wrong, epistemically and morally." We know when we have sought out the required evidence for our beliefs when we have options for adopting a belief and we know the nature of the options that can determine the moral defensibility of the beliefs that we are holding. Yes, I think we actually do this in life because we all want to know why we are doing a certain thing or action and the consequences that will result from the action we are about to take. We want to have sufficient evidence on why we are doing something to know that it is worth doing or not. The situations in which we are most likely to seek evidence is in situations that can lead to death, injury, or mental harm. Because if these things are going to happen, you want to reason with yourself if it is worth risking yourself."

Reply to this comment:

"After reading both James and Clifford the argument that was most compelling would be Clifford. Without sufficient evidence of the belief we can not be convinced it is true or false. Having evidence to your actions or beliefs sets a responsibility of what is to come. As mentioned about the captions decision to take responsibility regards of his boat and the condition it is in would be his decision to risk the passengers lives or not. Either way if he did decide to take the passions and the boat is consciousness still holds that emotional factor he has to live for the rest of his life. One great example is the submarine that exploded during travel down to the titanic. Giving enough evidence and knowledge would we know if is it safe to continue with our decision making or not. Even if we believe without evidence, it is a risk that we shouldn't take because sometimes it your own life at hand."