30 Questions
What is one potential environmental consequence of introducing genetically engineered crops, as observed in the Philippines?
The introduction of a new species can have devastating effects on the environment, as seen with the introduction of the golden snail in the Philippines.
What is an example of a harmful effect of genetically engineered crops on beneficial insects?
The poisoning of beneficial and harmless insects such as lacewings or monarch butterfly larvae.
What is an example of a vigorous superweed that has been created through genetic modification?
Triple herbicide-tolerant canola weeds, which resulted from the field release of genetically modified canola in Canada.
How can genetically engineered crops contaminate non-genetically engineered seeds and crops?
Through cross-pollination, where contaminated pollen is carried by wind, or when seeds spread out in the environment, or are mixed up during handling.
What is the process by which genes can move about between bacteria, potentially spreading genetically engineered traits?
Horizontal gene transfer, where bacteria take up genetic material and exchange it with other bacteria either in the soil or in the gut.
Why is it challenging to avoid genetically engineered foods and crops, even for those who intentionally choose to do so?
Because of the potential for contamination of seeds and crops through cross-pollination, seed spread, or handling errors.
What concept does Aristotle draw attention to in his Ethics related to weakness of the will?
akrasia
According to Aristotle, what is required to live a truly happy life that only a few people engage in?
intellectual contemplation
How does Aristotle suggest that the natural disposition towards pursuing great pleasure can be cured?
through training
What did Aristotle believe was the ultimate perfection of human nature that involves rational reflection?
intellectual curiosity
In terms of character cultivation through education, what two components does Aristotle emphasize?
theoretical and practical
How does Aristotle metaphorically relate the improvement of virtue to archery?
A clumsy archer may get better with practice as long as he keeps aiming for the target.
What is the main idea of ethical hedonism?
Seeking pleasure or pleasure is the only thing worth seeking.
How do psychological hedonists describe human behavior?
As seeking pleasure only.
What is the main difference between desire-satisfaction theories and life-satisfaction theories of happiness?
Desire-satisfaction theories focus on satisfying central desires, while life-satisfaction theories focus on meeting standards or goals for one's life.
Explain the relationship between standards, goals, desires, and happiness according to life-satisfaction theories.
Standards and goals for life lead to desired satisfaction, which contributes to happiness.
How do desire-satisfaction theories define happiness?
As the satisfaction of certain central desires.
Do life-satisfaction theories and desire-satisfaction theories differ significantly?
No, they are difficult to distinguish from each other.
What is an important aspect to consider when evaluating a website for currency and relevance?
Check if the links are up-to-date, if the topics explored are in depth, and if the provided links are reliable.
How can you determine if a website is objective?
Check if the information is presented with any particular bias, if it tries to sway the audience, and if the site's advertising conflicts with the content.
Why is it essential to verify the accuracy of information on a website?
To ensure reliability and assess the author's affiliation with a known and respectable institution.
What should you consider when evaluating a website for currency?
Check the dates the information was first written, placed on the web, and last revised.
What is a sign of a potentially unreliable website?
Dead references or links to sites that have been moved
How can you determine if a website is biased?
Check if the information tries to inform, explain, persuade, or sell something.
What factors should be considered when evaluating a website for its purpose?
Factors like whether the purpose is clear, if it is supported by the content, if it caters to a specific audience, and if it is focused and organized.
What should you look into when assessing a website's coverage?
Whether the site claims to be comprehensive or selective, if topics are explored in depth, the value of information compared to similar sites, and if the links go to outside sites.
What does the currency of a website refer to?
The currency of the site refers to how current the information is being presented.
Why is it important to check if the purpose of a website is supported by its content?
To ensure that the information presented aligns with the intended purpose of the website.
How can the purpose of a website be indicated by its URL?
The purpose of a website may be hinted at by keywords or phrases in its URL.
What aspect of coverage should be compared when evaluating a website?
The value of the information provided should be compared to similar sites.
Study Notes
Effects of Genetically Engineered Crops on the Environment
- Genetically engineered crops can be invasive and alter the environment, as seen in the introduction of the golden snail in the Philippines.
- Documented harmful effects of GE crops include:
- Leaching of toxins into the soil
- Poisoning of beneficial and harmless insects, such as lacewings and monarch butterfly larvae
- Creation of vigorous superweeds
- Example: Field release of genetically modified canola in Canada resulted in the creation of triple herbicide-tolerant canola weeds.
Contamination of Seeds and Crops
- Cross-pollination and seed mixing can lead to contamination of non-GE stocks with GE crops.
- Horizontal gene transfer allows genes to move between bacteria in the soil or in the gut, potentially spreading GE traits.
Theories of Happiness
- Aristotle's concept of akrasia, or weakness of the will, can lead to prioritizing short-term pleasure over long-term happiness.
- Aristotle advocates for education and virtue cultivation to overcome this weakness.
- Intellectual contemplation is a key component of a happy life, as it allows for rational reflection and the pursuit of knowledge.
Evaluating Websites
- Criteria for evaluating websites include:
- Currency: Is the information up-to-date and regularly maintained?
- Objectivity: Is the information presented with bias or objectively?
- Accuracy: Is the information reliable and supported by credible sources?
- Purpose: Is the purpose of the site clear and supported by its content?
- Coverage: Is the information comprehensive and in-depth?
Currency Evaluation
- Consider the date of creation, last update, and link currency.
- Ask if the links are up-to-date, topics are explored in depth, and the site is regularly maintained.
Objectivity Evaluation
- Look for bias in the information presented.
- Ask if the site is trying to sway the audience, advertise, or persuade.
Accuracy Evaluation
- Check the author's credentials and affiliation with a reputable institution.
- Verify references and sources cited.
Purpose Evaluation
- Identify the purpose of the site (e.g., inform, persuade, entertain).
- Ask if the purpose is supported by the content and if the site is focused and organized.
Coverage Evaluation
- Consider the depth and comprehensiveness of the information.
- Ask if the topics are explored in depth and if outside links are relevant.
Explore Aristotle's views on achieving happiness by focusing on our future goals, rather than just momentary pleasures. Delve into the concept of akrasia, or weakness of the will, as highlighted in Aristotle's Ethics.
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