Sorites paradox

Originating from soros, the Greek word for “heap,” sorites arguments utilize statements with miniscule differences which are centered around vague keywords to arrive at very paradoxical conclusions. For instance, one would typically be able to agree with the following statements: 1. A man with no hairs on his head is bald. 2. A bald man, if given one more hair, is still bald. These two statements, however, can be used to say that everyone is bald. For example, consider a man with no hairs on his head. He is, by definition of statement 1, bald. When he is given one hair, he is still bald by definition of statement 2. This process can be repeated over and over again, to the point that we are able to conclude that a man with 10,000 hairs is bald,…

The mere mention of martyrdom may arouse an array of reactions because of its association with killing, violence and/or death in everyone who is familiar with the practice; and although martyrdom is not limited to any person, religion, or society and often, we find ourselves faced with a moral dilemma. But at what cost, are we willing to sacrifice in order to be happy and/or to find what we consider true happiness? Many like to say true happiness is dependent upon various circumstances and/or…

In certain extracts of John Stuart Mill’s “Utilitarianism,” he argues, “that the only ends of human life are pleasure and the avoidance of pain, so that anything else is bound ultimately to turn in some way on these ends” (Mill 127). Essentially this means that Mill believes that pleasure and the avoidance of pain are the guiding source when it comes to making decisions regarding moral dilemmas. This claim also involves stating that utility is the ultimate source for decision making. Utility is…

The primary experimental features of my piece pertain to tone and narrative voice. Mainly, this is evident in the story’s third person stream of consciousness narration, and innately contradictory tone. In undertaking such experiments, my writing exists within, but also develops and challenges, broader social, cultural, and literary frameworks. Thus, to contextualise my project, it is necessary to examine influences on my thematic approach, and the technical intricacies of my writing. Firstly,…

Othello’s alleged affair with his wife, Emelia. Honest to a fault, Iago embodies the paradox of a truthful man who is an even more cunning manipulator because of it, which contradicts a core human idea that honest people are the most righteous or virtuous. Iago rightfully earns his reputation for honesty by being honest in the face of consequences…

In the case stated, there are several possible ethical dilemmas. The ethical dilemmas that are relating to this case consist of, Hiding or divulging information, taking an unfair advantage, giving or allowing false impressions, condoning false impressions, balancing ethical dilemmas, and buying influence. The manufacturers of the “infant baby walker” stated that at the age of four months a baby would be able to indulge in upright movements, well before their cognitive skills will allow them to…

First and foremost, I want to clarify that a paradox has two separate meanings. Firstly, a paradox can be a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true; and secondly, it is something, such as a situation, that is made up of two opposite things and that seems impossible but is true or possible. Both definitions, although close to each other are much different upon closer look. I argue that the gray zone is more in line with the second definition…

1) Paradox-“When two contradictory processes exist in the same reality” (Kane, Paradox Lecture Video). An example of a paradox might apply when it comes to a doctor providing medicine for his/her patients with the intention of treating a certain ailment, however side effects from the medication might arise. As we know there are many people in the United States that take medication for certain medical conditions. However, in the process of the medication treating one ailment, the medication that…

Analyzing ethical dilemmas in the work place can be very difficult. Companies outsourcing jobs is high on the list of ethical dilemmas. The video offers some educational points on both the good and bad sides of this. I have chosen to take a teleological theory to this ethical dilemma of outsourcing. “Teleological ethical theories which describe our responsibilities and obligations in terms of our attainment of certain goals, or ends” (Sullivan, S. & Peceroni, P. (2002). Looking at the situation…

Situational irony is a method of writing in which something has an effect that is opposite from what is expected. Situational irony can trigger many different emotions in the reader, such as humor, sympathy, dejection, etc. The authors Guy de Maupassant and O. Henry uses situational irony to evoque different emotions in the readers. Guy de Maupassant creates sympathy by using situational irony in “The Necklace.” Mathilde wants to be very rich and famous, but ends up poor. Mathilde already has a…