PHIL 1130 Personal Ethics
From this class I gained a basic understanding of the major ethical theories and how each one determines what they consider morally good or bad. This was especially helpful in understanding the theory behind some of the issues that seem to divide people, such as abortion and same sex marriage. From this class and the assigned readings I gained a deeper understanding of morallity in general and will think much more critically of it in the future. I feel I have a much deeper understanding about morality and the reasoning behind the theories.
From this class and our discussions I was most interested in Utilitarianism and that way of thinking about morality. I have posted a research paper just below here.. The paper is about Utilitarianism and it's contemporary counter part or proposed improvement called rule utilitarianism.I think that what I have gained from this class will help me in my other classes and throughout the rest of my education.
ECON 1010 Economics as a Social Science
This was a great class, very interesting to learn the meaning behind the terms commonly used to describe the meltdown. Learning the basic structure and function of our economy is required to be effective in business. The visit and tour of the Salt Lake City Branch of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco was a rewarding and enlightening experience.
I have included a copy of my book report assignment you can find below this text. "Freedom to Choose" by Milton and Rose Friedman. This was a great book if you want to know his view point on inflation, government, consumer protection etc. It really opened my eyes to some of our economic problems. I should say that after reading this book, I do agree with Friedman on the runaway size of government. I am skeptical about the market naturally protecting consumers.
PHIL 1000 Intoduction to Philosophy
This was a great class that covered the history of philosophy and some of the most influential philosophers. I enjoy the challenge of reading and understanding philosophy. I find the history particularly interesting and the different theories proposed to explain existence, mind, morality and so on. I feel like this class will help me think more objectively and logically about social issues, business, and my personal life.
I found the section on Greek philosophers particularly fascinating. I find it surprising how influential the philosophy of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle has been in our own society two thousand years later. The amazing concepts that were concieved and the fact that some of them remain unchanged is a testiment to their itelligence. I researched the mind-body problem and wrote a paper on the subject that you can find below.
BIOL 1090 Human Biology
Biology was a great class. Learning about the human body and the way that different cells work together to accomplish different body functions was intrigueing. By far the most interesting part of the class was the lecture and discussion about human evolution. The last biology class I took twenty years ago, the theory wasn't even mentioned. I found the idea that the mitochondria was consumed by another cell and a symbiosis was born that really paved the way to our existence particularly fascinating.
Similar to geology, I found that many of the problems with accepting evolution stem from our concept of time. To imagine the amount of time required for a human being to evolve from a single cell organism into the complex intelligent being we are today is unimaginable. I think the evidence is overwhelming and the theory only makes sense.
I have posted my assignments called "Taking Sides" in PDF format below this paragraph. The assignment was to read and analyze both sides of a polarized social issue. One is about stem cell research and the other is on anabolic steroid use.
FA 1080 Basic Metal Sculpting
I have included a picture of my metal sculpture project. Metal turned out to be a difficult medium to work with. The metal itself can be very unforgiving. I had hoped to do more than one project, but it also turned out to be time consuming as well.
