Philosophy without borders: latest posts, 7-14 january 2019.

Dear Philosopher or Philosophically-Minded Person,

Launched in May 2017, PHILOSOPHY WITHOUT BORDERS, aka PWB, is an  
online mega-project for creating and sharing EIGHT different kinds of  
original philosophy, all of them freely available to anyone, anywhere,  
world-wide.

We’re reaching out to academic philosophers and independent  
philosophers, and to other critically thoughtful, insightful,  
reflective people, everywhere.

PWB is home-based on Patreon, here—
https://www.patreon.com/philosophywithoutborders

Here are our latest posts—

My New Year’s Irresolution One Week Later, Or, The Philosophy of Narcissism.
https://againstprofphil.org/2019/01/07/my-new-years-irresolution-one-week-later-or-the-philosophy-of-narcissism/

Philosophy Ripped From The Headlines!, Issue #16, 1 (January 2019): Is  
Human Nature Fundamentally Bad?
https://againstprofphil.org/2019/01/04/philosophy-ripped-from-the-headlines-issue-16-1-january-2019-is-human-nature-fundamentally-bad/

The Political Aesthetics of Outer Space.
https://againstprofphil.org/2019/01/02/the-political-aesthetics-of-outer-space/

And here are our two journals—

BORDERLESS PHILOSOPHY
https://www.cckp.space/

CONTEMPORARY STUDIES IN KANTIAN PHILOSOPHY
https://www.cckp.space/

***

Again, PHILOSOPHY WITHOUT BORDERS is home-based on Patreon, here—
https://www.patreon.com/philosophywithoutborders

Please consider becoming a patron!

BARACK OBAMA AND IMMIGRATION: THESE ARE THE ACTUAL STEPS PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA PROPOSED ON CREATING A NEW, AND BETTER, POLICY ON IMMIGRATION. (FROM THE TRANSCRIPT OF HIS SPEECH ON IMMIGRATION REFORM).

To Finish up on this Topic, Analysis of President Obamas Speech on Immigration Reform, here are a few more Direct Quotes that can give us the Desired Direction he has in mind to Solve Some of the Problems included in the Controversy.

"First, we’ll build on our progress at the border with additional resources for our law enforcement personnel so that they can stem the flow of illegal crossings, and speed the return of those who do cross over."

COMMENT-  I really don't see how much more can be done through additional resources, if this is just another way of saying 'Spend More Money.'  It would seem that a change in Strategy and Tactics is the real key.  Proper Deployment of Existing Assets would be much more Beneficial.

"Second, I’ll make it easier and faster for high-skilled immigrants, graduates, and entrepreneurs to stay and contribute to our economy, as so many business leaders have proposed."

COMMENT-  In other words, it is Foolish to Treat every Single Illegal Immigrant the same way, when there are those who can make Real and Substantial Contributions to this Country.  Pure Common Sense, and an Excellent Point, that is very hard to Refute.

"Third, we’ll take steps to deal responsibly with the millions of undocumented immigrants who already live in our country..."

"...focusing enforcement resources on actual threats to our security. Felons, not families. Criminals, not children. Gang members, not a mom who’s working hard to provide for her kids. We’ll prioritize, just like law enforcement does every day."

COMMENT-  This is Basically, as I suggested above, using existing Tools already in place more effectively.  Again, not treating every Violation the same way.

FINALLY, THERE IS THIS...

"If you’ve been in America for more than five years; if you have children who are American citizens or legal residents; if you register, pass a criminal background check, and you’re willing to pay your fair share of taxes -- you’ll be able to apply to stay in this country temporarily without fear of deportation. You can come out of the shadows and get right with the law. That’s what this deal is."

COMMENT-  This is the Bottom Line, at least until Opponents try to Destroy what it is trying to Accomplish.  Here The Important Elements:

-  Keeping Families Together is a Priority, if done under the Right Conditions.

-  This includes registering with the Government, to become A TEMPORARY RESIDENT, NOT A CITIZEN.

-  Criminals are TREATED DIFFERENTLY.

-  Registering will mean one more thing;  That Place of Employment will become known, and any Income will become Taxable.  This is no Small Consideration.

If you Disagree with any, or all, of the Presidents Proposals, you should at least understand why.  We are Mostly a Nation of Immigrants...

...AND WE OWE IT TO THE MEMORIES OF OUR ANCESTORS, TO GIVE OTHERS THE SAME CHANCE THEY HAD.

APA CONNECT- General Discussion Digest for January,10, 2019.

General Discussion

Jan 10, 2019 Started yesterday, Mike Morris (7 replies) Writing assignments for undergrad philosophy courses   1.  There is, of course, no way to answer this... William Behun 2.  An effective writing assignment is one allowing... Susan Hill 3.  From Gonzalo Munevar, Professor Emeritus,... Gonzalo Munevar 4.  In class writing assignments. Uses: (1)... Anthony Birch 5.  "Apply X to your life." For years I've assigned... Jonathan Cohen 6.  Hello, The past few years, I have selected a... Kristen Zbikowski 7.  I have had the best luck with what I call a ...  Charles Cardwell Original Message: Sent: 01-09-2019 21:43 From: Mike Morris Subject: Writing assignments for undergrad philosophy courses. An APA member who wishes to remain anonymous asks the following: What's the most effective kind of writing assignment for an undergraduate philosophy course? ------------------------------ Mike Morris Deputy Director The American Philosophical Association ------------------------------ 1. Re: Writing assignments for undergrad philosophy courses Jan 10, 2019 11:53 AM William Behun There is, of course, no way to answer this without a lot more information. What sort of course? What sort of school? What's the goal of the assignment? The most effective assignment for my students in an upper division class at Penn State is going to be very different from the most effective assignment for my Intro students at McHenry County College. I've used a variety of structures from quick freewrites in class to extended research papers and everything in between. Some work better than others but so much depends on a range of variables. ------------------------------ Will Behun McHenry County College Crystal Lake, IL USA @wbehun ------------------------------ 2. Re: Writing assignments for undergrad philosophy courses Jan 10, 2019 11:53 AM Susan Hill An effective writing assignment is one allowing students to be creative yet demonstrate their knowledge of course material in a fun way.  One example, when I was an undergrad in a metaphysics course, our writing assignment was to use our course material to support or refute the following claim: I am a rock, I am an island.  The material covered in the course came various sources, from Aristotle to Descartes, Kripke to Nozick.  It was great fun to write with the freedom to be creative and yet demonstrate knowledge of material.  (When I had my chance to pose such an assignment I did something similar, it was great to see the students demonstrate what they had learned from the course and how they interpreted some of the works.) ------------------------------ Susan Hill Owner Hill Therapy Services Doylestown PA ------------------------------ 3. Re: Writing assignments for undergrad philosophy courses Jan 10, 2019 11:53 AM Gonzalo Munevar From Gonzalo Munevar, Professor Emeritus, Lawrence Technological University. This excerpt is typical of what I required from student papers in philosophy.  I hope it will be helpful. Requirements: 3-5 pages of text, double-spaced, normal margins, no extra spaces between paragraphs, normal font, size 12, APA style (that means you have to write an abstract – for that and other points on APA style refer to the back of your copy of The Nuts and Bolts of College Writing). Format of the body of the paper: 1.  At the end of the first (and short) paragraph place your thesis statement.  Use "bold" on your thesis statement, so we will know for sure what you aim to prove in the rest of your paper.  Remember, your thesis statement is not an announcement about what you will discuss in your paper; it is a non-trivial statement that you will support in the rest of the paper.  Indeed, the rest of the paper will be written for the sole purpose of supporting (or proving) that thesis statement. 2.  The second paragraph should provide a list of the main reasons you will offer in support of your thesis statement. 3. Subsequent paragraphs will elaborate on those reasons.  Do not have more than one main reason per paragraph, although you could devote several paragraphs to only one reason. 3. Bring up the main objections that a reasonable person would have against your view.  Refute the objections. 4. Conclude gracefully. 5. The required table of references will not count against the 5 pages maximum. 5. Re: Writing assignments for undergrad philosophy courses Jan 10, 2019 11:53 AM Jonathan Cohen "Apply X to your life." For years I've assigned an ethics "journal" in which students seek to apply an ethical theory or theories to a situation in their own lives, past or present (promising them confidentiality). But it works in courses other than ethics as well, and can include locating a philosophical idea or problem in a cultural artifact (movie, book, song, artwork). ------------------------------ Jonathan Cohen Professor Univ of Maine Farmington Farmington ME ------------------------------ 6. Re: Writing assignments for undergrad philosophy courses Jan 10, 2019 11:54 AM Kristen Zbikowski Hello, The past few years, I have selected a number of articles from the APA Newsletters and asked students to make a choice from that grouping.  I try to choose a wide enough variety that there will most probably be something of interest for almost all students.  Then I give the students a worksheet which guides them into first restating the basic argument made by the article's author and then critiquing the argument. Students seem to enjoy the assignment, for the most part, and they do well with the critique.  A few students have been confused because they have been told in past classes that they aren't "allowed" to write their own observations or critique into a paper, but after reassurance, they jump right in.  I like the assignment because it brings philosophy into the current day, and showcases today's philosophical thinkers. I hope this is helpful. ------------------------------ Kristen Zbikowski Hibbing Community College Hibbing MN 7. Re: Writing assignments for undergrad philosophy courses Jan 10, 2019 11:54 AM  |    view attached Charles Cardwell I have had the best luck with what I call a "position paper."​  See attached file [Vol_XXXIV_9.pdf]. ------------------------------ Charles E.Cardwell, Professor of Philosophy Pellissippi State ------------------------------ -

BLAST FROM THE PAST... THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: IT WAS A RIGGED, NEITHER HILLARY CLINTON OR BERNIE SANDERS WOULD HAVE WON. PT 1.

...That even with the results of the 2016 Presidential Election staring them in the face, neither the REPUBLICANS OR DEMOCRATS are going to contest the BOGUS ELECTION RESULTS THAT HANDED DONALD TRUMP THE OVAL OFFICE. So, if valid and fair Elections are a priority for you, I SUGGEST WORKING VERY HARD AT THE LOCAL AND STATE LEVELS, TO ENSURE THAT RESULTS ARE AUDITED, COMPUTER RESULTS ARE CHECKED AND RECHECKED, AND THAT THOSE WHO ARE IN PLACE TO ENSURE HONESTY AND ACCURACY ARE INVESTIGATED FOR ANY POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST. Apparently, at the Federal Level it is not a priority. DO NOT TAKE THE WORD OF YOUR OWN PARTY, BECAUSE HONEST AND OPEN ELECTIONS MIGHT NOT BE IMPORTANT. 

Just a reminder, these results were ACHIEVED BY THE ALTERING OF THE FINAL VOTE COUNTS.  Feeding or Providing one side with information detrimental to the other, COULD HAVE INFLUENCED VOTERS BEFORE THEY ENTERED THE POLLS, BUT WOULD NOT GUARANTEE VICTORY. THERE IS NO WAY TO QUANTIFY THE AMOUNT OF INFLUENCE SUCH INFORMATION WOULD HAVE. The Final Vote counts were determined by ILLEGALLY ENTERING THE SYSTEM , AND ENSURING THAT THE TOTALS GAVE DONALD TRUMP VICTORY.

Along the same lines; It is hilarious that Democrats are still turning on one another, ATTEMPTING TO EXPLAIN THE DONALD TRUMP VICTORY AT THE POLLS.

GUESS WHAT?: IT WAS A RIGGED ELECTION, NEITHER HILLARY CLINTON OR BERNIE SANDERS WOULD HAVE WON. TRY LOOKING FOR ACTUAL SOLUTIONS, INSTEAD OF GIVING DONALD TRUMP AN OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT DEMOCRATIC PARTY DISUNITY, SO HE CAN AVOID TALKING ABOUT THE UNMITIGATED DISASTER HIS ADMINISTRATION HAS BECOME.