Jon Ayre

Salt Lake City Community College

Philosophy 1120: Ethics and Values

E-portfolio Review

1. Reflect on the moral ethical theories we discovered at the beginning of the semester. What

did you think of the ideas of utilitarianism? I see how and why utilitarianism came about and why

it appeals to so many. However, I think it is trying to apply a kind of logical, numerical system to

something that cant be calculated.

2. Reflect on the moral ethical theories we discovered at the beginning of the semester. What

did you think of the ideas of Divine Command Theory? The idea that our morality is demanded

of us or instilled in us by some G-god is reductive and can only prevent the necessary process

required to be moral.

3. Reflect on the moral ethical theories we discovered at the beginning of the semester. What

did you think of the ideas of Deontology/Kantianism? I love the idea of morality as duty. Its

shows that morality is the onus of the individual. It underlines the key to morality is choosing to

be moral, the act of choosing is where being moral is or isnt. Chosen or not.

4. Reflect on the moral ethical theories we discovered at the beginning of the semester. What

did you think of the ideas of Virtue Ethics? Again, I like that morality is a process, one that can

and should be actively worked on ether through restraint or hard work.

5. Reflect on the moral ethical theories we discovered at the beginning of the semester. What

did you think of the ideas of Cultural Relativism? Acknowledgment of cultural relativism is the

only way to watch and prevent making value judgment of others and hopefully helps tern the

skeptical eye inward to interrogate ones own culture.

6. Reflect on the moral ethical theories we discovered at the beginning of the semester. What

did you think of the ideas of Ethical Egoism? Acting ethically and morally on behalf of oneself is

the only way one can care for anyone else.

7. How has your perspectives on abortion been impacted by this course, if any at all? Ive

become more motivated to talk about abortion with others and be more attentive when others

speak about it. I have always been very pro-choice but have learned more about the argument

against abortion and why it should always be up to the individual.

8. How has your perspectives on stem cell research been impacted by this course, if any at all?

My perspective has been reinforced. I believe if the donors are voluntary it is ethical if not

morally correct to pursue the many different uses for stem cells.

9. How has your perspectives on cloning been impacted by this course, if any at all? Most of the

arguments against cloning seem far-fetched fear mongering. If the cloned individuals have the

same rights as all others, reasonable regulations would follow and the public would most likely

be disillusioned by the idea.

10. How has your perspectives on designer babies and genetic engineering of people been

impacted by this course, if any at all? With smart attentive regulation, genetic engineering will

have a healthy place in our society. However, engineering for aesthetics or anything other than

the health of the individual should be illegal.

11. How has your perspectives on GMO and genetic engineering of animals and plants been

impacted by this course, if any at all? Always be skeptical of any fanaticism! GMO can mean

hundreds of thousands of things, some great and some apocalyptic. I think in the near future we

will distinguish into sub groups of sub groups individual modifications.

12. How has your perspectives on the death penalty been impacted by this course, if any at all?

Ive become the most conflicted on this issue. I believe individuals that have been found

absolutely guilty of heinous crimes should be put to death. However, I dont think we can be
absolutely certain. I think our justice system and maybe all systems are to unreliable to trust to

murder justly.

13. How has your perspectives on punishment and the prison system been impacted by this

course, if any at all? I dont think my view has changed but been reinforced. The system just

seem vindictive, not interested in educating or reforming but satiating the rage of the privileged.

14. How has your perspectives on euthanasia been impacted by this course, if any at all? I think

the young and healthy shouldnt be able to dictate the wishes of the elderly and sick to fit their

ideal of life. As long as the individual is conscious and understands the consequences there

should be a better system in place to choose the way you die.

15. How has your perspectives on the health care system in the united states been impacted by

this course, if any at all? I believe in universal health-care. If theres anything worthy of pooling

the resources of society for, its health care for all. Obamacare is the less of two evils, still evil,

but less and hopefully a step closer on the spectrum to good health care.

16. How has your perspectives on gender identity and transgender been impacted by this

course, if any at all? Only a little more concerned. Some of the comments in class were a little

disheartening. I believe that restricting the right of individuals to represent themselves however

they like goes against the inter-reliant nature of liberty in America.

17. How has your perspectives on same sex rights and marriage been impacted by this course,

if any at all? We didnt really get them in class. I was one of the first few hundred to get married

when it became legal. The respect its granted my husband and I cannot be overstated. From

medical emergencies, to the way family regards us. Its afforded us opportunities my straight

siblings have taken for granted.

18. How has your perspectives on reading and following the news been impacted by this course,

if any at all? Its heard to say whether the class has effected the way I consume news or the

political environment outside of class. The power of the news is no longer about truth but about
who conceders what to be true. Britbart is now important news, not because its true but

because people think it is.

19. How has your perspectives on global ethical issues and dilemmas in general been impacted

by this course, if any at all? To always be open to learn from the way other people deal with

human issues, watch for value judgments and stay empathetic to those different form myself.

20. Overall, what has stuck with you the most after taking this course. Your (Anandas) ability to

seem totally un-biased! Fanaticism stands in the way of empathy, effectiveness and truth.