Showing papers in "Teaching Philosophy in 2004"

Argument Maps Improve Critical Thinking

Abstract: Computer-based argument mapping greatly enhances student critical thinking, more than tripling absolute gains made by other methods. I describe the method and my experience as an outsider. Argument mapping often showed precisely how students were erring (for example: confusing helping premises for separate reasons), making it much easier for them to fix their errors.

Reading Philosophy with Background Knowledge and Metacognition

Abstract: This paper describes how and why I help students learn how to read philosophy. I argue that explicit reading instruction should be part of lower level philosophy courses. Specifically, students should be given metacognitively informed instruction that explicitly discusses relevant background knowledge. In the postscript, I note that student reactions to this type of instruction verify its necessity. The appendix contains a “How to Read Philosophy” handout that I use in my classes.

Terrorism and International Justice

Abstract: The articles in this timely collection share a conviction that references and responses to terrorism need clarification and critique. The contributors agree on little else, however. They work out of different specialties, pursue different agendas, and in effect disagree about how to subject the concept to serious scholarly analysis. Several see terrorism as a leitmotif to guide legitimate military action. Several others concentrate on ways in which it serves as a suspect tool of militaristic propaganda. Between fall the other writers, who focus on the need to contextualize the concept of terrorism by relating it to relevant religious or secular world views or to international law. The latter approach is mined most assiduously by Professor Sterba, who adds considerable gravity to this work both in his own article and in his introductory commentary. By virtue of his meticulous efforts, the book lives up to its titular linkage with international justice.

Two Practical Exercises for Teaching Business and Professional Ethics

Abstract: L'auteur presente deux exercices pratiques qu'il a concus et qui placent les eleves dans des situations de prises de decisions auxquelles les cadres et autres professionnels doivent faire face dans le quotidien de leur vie professionnelle. Ces situations les obligent a affronter des dilemmes ethiques et a prendre des decisions difficiles...

Finding Phronimos: Making a Place for Practical Wisdom in the Classroom

Abstract: L'auteur discute de la maniere dont il tente de rehabiliter la pensee d'Aristote en cours de philosophie, concernant notamment le concept de sagesse pratique telle qu'Aristote le definissait...

Why We Fight: Moral Clarity and the War on Terrorism, by William J. Bennett

Abstract: Will reading habit influence your life? Many say yes. Reading why we fight moral clarity and the war on terrorism is a good habit; you can develop this habit to be such interesting way. Yeah, reading habit will not only make you have any favourite activity. It will be one of guidance of your life. When reading has become a habit, you will not make it as disturbing activities or as boring activity. You can gain many benefits and importances of reading.