Ethics-Talk: The Greatest Good of Man is Daily to Converse About Virtue
185 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingSocrates said that talking about virtue and the good life is one of the most important things a human being can do. That's where "Ethics-Talk" fits in. Born in 2009 in the Department of Philosophy Religion at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan), on May 18, 2020, Ethics-Talk was re-branded and re-launched under the auspices of the Cora di Brazzà Foundation as "Virtues of Peace." To learn more, visit us at http://www.virtuesofpeace.com and http://www.coradibrazza.com.
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Episodes
Creativity & Educating for Personal & Social Responsibility
October 06, 2009 23:00 - 59 minutes - 13.6 MBThis past weekend, the EthicsTalk crew attended and presented at a conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The experience was incredible and transformational. The conference, entitled, Educating for Personal & Social Responsibility, was sponsored by the Association of American Colleges & Universities where hundreds of university faculty, administrators and students shared ideas about the university’s role in cultivating character and promoting moral development. We discuss our presentation and ...
Learning Styles & The Theory of Multiple Intelligences
September 29, 2009 23:00 - 59 minutes - 13.6 MBIn this show, we discuss the theory of learning style or “multiple intelligences.” Among the questions that we will explore are: Is there such a thing as a “learning style”? How many learning styles are there? How do you know which learning style you have, and how can you accommodate yourself when you are forced to learn against your own style? What is the current research saying about learning styles? What are some schools/learning environments doing to accommodate various learning styles?
Walter Ong: Ramus, Method and the Decay of Dialogue
September 22, 2009 23:00 - 1 hour - 14.1 MBThis show continues the unfinished and fascinating discussion that we had with Dr. Thomas Farrell on the philosophy of Walter Ong (Check our archives, the show aired on 9/11/09). Ok, so this picture is not of Ong, but of PETRUS RAMUS. Don’t know who he is and why he matters? Listen. But here it a hint -- he was a philosopher/logician who transformed the way that logic is taught. Ramus was the subject of Ong’s masterpiece, Ramus, Method and The Decay of Dialogue. This is a hard book, but Dr. T...
Virtue, Study and Academic Integrity
September 15, 2009 23:00 - 1 hour - 13.9 MBIn this show, we discuss the issue of academic integrity and why it matters. Why bother with studying for a class that one will “never use”? We will explain why and we will also discuss, why, in our view, cheating happens. After all, Aristotle claims that “all men by nature desire to know.” If that is true, why do “paper mills” exist? Why do students cheat? Hint: we think it has something to do with a flawed and dangerous conception of ‘success’ that looms large in the consciousness of studen...
The Technologizing of the Word: The Philosophy of Walter Ong, S.J.
September 08, 2009 23:00 - 59 minutes - 13.7 MBIn this show, we discuss the fascinating and profound ideas of Walter Ong, S.J. with Dr. Thomas J. Farrell, a renowned Ong scholar. Author of numerous articles on Ong as well as the critically acclaimed, Walter Ong’s Contributions to Cultural Studies: The Phenomenology of the Word and I-Thou Communication, Dr. Farrell will discuss Ong's philosophy about the relationship amongst the spoken word (primary orality), the written word (literacy) and technology (secondary orality). We will introduce...
The Splendor of Solitude
September 01, 2009 23:00 - 1 hour - 13.8 MBSolitude can be a very frightening thing to some people. Many people feel lost or lonely when they are left without companionship, even if it’s only for a brief period of time. In tonight’s show we’ll be discussing some of the possible reasons for this fear as well as ways one can find enjoyment out of their solitude. There are several things people can do to make their alone time meaningful to them; the key is finding out what those things are for the individual. In this show, we discuss not...
Digital Virtue: Best Practices in Using The Internet & Social Media
August 26, 2009 23:00 - 1 hour - 13.9 MBIn this show, we build upon the conversation of last week’s show that addressed the promises and perils of the marriage between higher education and technology. In several of Plato’s dialogues the claim is made that a “dependent” or “conditional” good is a good that that can be harmful if not used with knowledge. Plato also claims that virtue is knowing how to use a conditional good in a beneficial, rather than harmful way. Digital virtue is therefore the use of technology in a way that promo...
Anya Kamenetz: Hacking Education (Higher Education in the Digital Age)
August 19, 2009 23:00 - 1 hour - 13.9 MBJoin us for a conversation with journalist and author Anya Kamenetz, author of “Generation Debt: Why Now Is the Worst Time To Be Young” (Riverhead, 2006) and the forthcoming book “Hacking Education” (Chelsea Green, 2010). In this show, Ms. Kamenetz discusses her most recent article for Fast Company, entitled “How Web-Savvy Edupunks Are Transforming American Higher Education.” We will discuss how technology and the internet are shaping higher education, both for the better and for the worse.
Mission Accomplished: Completing the Bar Exam Marathon
August 12, 2009 23:00 - 59 minutes - 13.6 MBIn this show, recent bar exam takers Anderson Duff, John DiGiacomo, and Hope May, all graduates of Michigan State University College of Law, discuss their recent experience taking the Bar Exam. Anderson took the NY bar, and John and Hope took the Michigan bar. Virtually every state’s bar exam is an academic marathon -- a two day long exam. In Michigan, the first “event” is a five hour day devoted to essays (Michigan’s exam has 15); whereas in NY the first event is a 6.5 hour long exam that in...
Michigan’s Defining Moment: Organizing Community for a Common Ground
August 05, 2009 23:00 - 57 minutes - 13.1 MBIn these dire economic times, especially here in Michigan, it can be hard to remain optimistic about this state’s future. Today, we will be discussing Michigan’s Defining Moment (MDM) a group made up of a wide spectrum of Michigan Citizens. This group is building a network of Michigan communities to work together to come up with a common ground agenda in order to provide a vision to guide the actions of Michigan citizens, community leaders, and legislators. MDM is premised on the idea that by...
Women in Politics: A Discussion on the White House Project
July 29, 2009 23:00 - 59 minutes - 13.6 MBThis week we will be discussing a non-profit organization called the White House Project (WHP). Founded by Marie Wilson, the WHP’s goal is to educate women on how to become involved in the political world. Each year, the White House Project holds training conferences around the country which teach women the “ins and outs” of politics. They cover issues like how to start your campaign, how to finance, how to present your platform and how to carry yourself throughout the campaign. Emily Hagen, ...
Love and Relationships in College
July 22, 2009 23:00 - 1 hour - 13.8 MBIn this show, we will be discussing relationships during the college years. We as human beings are social animals. We need a sense of connection and meaning with other people. Romantic relationships can be complex and wonderful. They take time and effort. Can relationships be beneficial during these hectic college years? What makes a good relationship? Should one “search out” true love during college? And how much sacrifice should we make during this time of our lives? We will be taking calle...
Studying For the Bar Exam: Barbri and Beyond
July 15, 2009 20:05 - 1 hour - 13.9 MBIn last week’s show, we discussed studying for the Bar exam: one of the milestones in becoming an attorney. The responses to that show indicated that our listeners wanted more, so we continue the discussion this week. Once again, three recent law school graduates: Nathan Backus, John DiGiacomo, and Hope May will discuss their experience studying for the Michigan bar exam as well as their experience with "Barbri" -- the national bar review course. We will also be joined by a special guest, Dan...
The Path to Becoming an Attorney: Studying for the Bar Exam
July 08, 2009 20:05 - 58 minutes - 13.5 MBIn this show, three recent law school graduates who will take the Michigan Bar Exam at the end of July will discuss their experience studying for this exam. All three guests are enrolled in the national standard bar review course known as “BarBri,” and have been studying since mid-May. Joining in the discussion are Nathan Backus, graduate of Wayne State Law School, John DiGiacomo, graduate of Michigan State University College of Law, and Hope May, also a graduate of MSU College of Law. Nathan...
Free School, Free Culture
July 01, 2009 20:05 - 54 minutes - 12.4 MBIn this show, we will interview Lindsey Merkel, one of the founding members of the Mount Pleasant “Free Store” and the Mount Pleasant Free School (MPFS). The MPFS provides a forum in which people can come together to share ideas, skills, and knowledge, the Mount Pleasant Free School holds lectures and discussions, provides hands-on workshops, and offers alternative avenues for learning. We will discuss mission of the free school and the emerging “free” movement throughout the country in the f...
Meaning and Compassion in Death and Dying: Remarks from a Hospice Director
June 24, 2009 23:00 - 59 minutes - 13.6 MBIn this show, we are going to be joined by Deanna Heath, the Executive Director of Woodland Hospice in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Deanna will discuss the nature of hospice care, how her role has hospice director contributes to the meaning within her life, and what brought her into the field. On a broader level, and to connect to previous shows, we will discuss how to find meaning in one’s illness. Is this possible? How is it done? How do hospice workers strive to accomplish this goal (if at all)?
A Philosophical Discussion about Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning
June 17, 2009 20:04 - 59 minutes - 13.5 MBViktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" is one the classic books about survival. Frankl, who died in 1997, was a survivor of Nazi Concentration camps. When he was liberated from the camps, he had lost everything, including his parents and his young wife. Yet, Frankl, who had been exposed to powerfully practical philosophical ideas in his youth, was able to endure such tragic circumstances with a powerful message for humanity. In this show, we discuss the wisdom of Frankl's message and the ...
Philosophy & The Humanities in the Digital Age
June 10, 2009 23:00 - 58 minutes - 13.5 MBThis show continues our discussion from last week about the practical value of the humanities. In addition to humanities needing to justify its worth because of the recession, some critics charge that the traditional university needs to justify its worth because its functions have been largely supplanted by the internet and the sea of information that one has at one’s fingertips. This week, we take up that charge. Are there things that go on within the traditional university -- and by humanit...
The Practical Value of Philosophy and The Humanities
June 03, 2009 23:00 - 58 minutes - 13.5 MBThis focuses on the personal and professional value of philosophy and the humanities. Michael Strong, author of "Be the Solution" and "The Habit of Thought" and co-founder of FLOW -- an innovative non-profit aimed at promoting entreprenurial solutions to the world's problems, talks about the importance of philosophy and meaninfgul education. In Michigan, which has been especially hard hit by the recession (with GM’s bankruptcy dealing another blow), humanities and philosophy majors are few ...
A Philosophical Discussion about Life Coaching
May 27, 2009 23:00 - 58 minutes - 13.5 MBHaving recently participated in a life coaching workshop, we focus this week's show on the coaching movement. A life coach is a certified instructor who works with clients to help motivate them in reaching some goal or overcoming some obstacle. There are several different approaches to life coaching, but they all aim at teaching the client basic life skills such as goal setting and attainment, confidence, and self-esteem. These services are becoming more and more popular, especially in the co...
Intrinsic Motivation and Higher Education
May 20, 2009 23:00 - 58 minutes - 13.4 MBIn this show, we will be discussing the reasons why we do what we do when making educational, professional, and life decisions. What sort of motivation is behind our goals and ends, and how does higher education mold the content of our goals? We are concerned because much of the motivation and message behind modern university education is career oriented. This ultimately seems to be producing a generation of citizens focused on monetary or status-oriented ends. The message is that one ought t...
Steering Past the Quarterlife Crisis
May 13, 2009 23:00 - 59 minutes - 13.7 MBIn this show, we discuss the “quarterlife crisis.” The quarterlife crisis is an identity crisis that is said to afflict twentysomethings -- especially college graduates. Many college grad who emerge from the “structured cocoon” of education suffer angst and malaise about their life. Lack of fulfillment, lack of direction and lack of focus are common symptoms of the QL crisis. In this show, we discuss the quarterlife crisis and provide concrete suggestions on how to avoid it.
Philosophical Dimensions of Luck, Chance, Responsibility, Happiness & Human Flourishing
May 06, 2009 23:00 - 1 hour - 14 MBIn this show, we discuss the philosophical dimensions of luck and chance and the role that chance plays in happiness and human flourishing. For the past few weeks, our team has been discussing a modern approach to human flourishing in which self-concordance figures prominently. While we have been focusing on the inner resources necessary for self-concordance, in this show we discuss the external factors or "ecology" that contributes to flourishing, spefically, luck, chance and fortuity. Wha...
The Developmental Preconditions of Human Flourishing and Happiness: Part 2
April 29, 2009 23:00 - 59 minutes - 13.7 MBThis show continues our discussion from 4/22/09 that focused on the contemporary relevance of Aristotle's view of flourishing, which is the subject of a forthcoming book by Dr. Hope May entitled “Aristotle’s Ethics: Moral Development and Human Nature” (Continuum, 2009). In that earlier show, we began discussing how Aristotle views flourishing as a specific type of goal oriented activity, and, specifically, a goal oriented activity that one is intrinsically motivated to pursue. We connected th...
Self-Concordance, Autonomy & Human Flourishing: Aristotle Modernized
April 22, 2009 23:00 - 59 minutes - 13.7 MBThis show will focus on the contemporary relevance of Aristotle's theory of flourishing. We will focus on the concept of self-concordance, a notion found within self determination theory. Self concordance is a highly specific goal oriented activity that aligns with an individual's fundamental values and interests. We discuss self-concordance, how it is developed and cultivated, and its deep connection to Aristotle's theory of flourishing and happiness. We discuss these ideas with Hope May, pr...
Education & Motivation: Part Two
April 08, 2009 23:00 - 59 minutes - 13.6 MBIn our show this week, we will continue the discussion of motivation in education by discussing further some of the different ways in which education is moving. We will examine specific things that broaden understanding, for example through interactive experiences like service learning and also other methods, including alternative education and homeschooling. We will explore these creative and nurturing approaches at every level beginning with preschool all the way through college.
Lindsay Hyde - Social Entrepreneur, Founder of Strong Women, Strong Girls
April 02, 2009 23:00 - 59 minutes - 13.6 MBWhen she was a high school student, Lindsay Hyde was already honing on skills as a social entrepreneur (thanks to a philosophy class she had!). Realizing the need for programs that nurture and cultivate the self-esteem of girls, in 2000 (her freshman year at Harvard), Lindsay founded “Strong Women, Strong Girls,” an innovative after school program. In addition to supporting the development of young girls, Strong Women, Strong Girls also emphasizes the leadership and growth of the college wo...
Michigan Election Law & Student Voting
March 25, 2009 23:00 - 1 hour - 13.8 MBMichigan Representative Rebekah Warren (D. 53rd) joins us for a discussion about Michigan Election Law and how it affects College Students. Representative Warren has introduced legislation seeking to overturn Rogers's Law, which imposes burdens on student voters.
Happiness & Human Flourishing: A Buddhist Perspective
March 18, 2009 23:00 - 1 hour - 13.8 MBIn this week’s show we focus on the concept of happiness and human flourishing with an emphasis on the Buddhist perspective. What does it mean to happy? What does it take for a human being to flourish? What does the Buddhist tradition tell us about happiness? What is spiritual enlightenment? What is the significance of the practice mindfulness meditation? What does empirical research say to support this “science of the mind” type approach that Buddhism employs? How does the Buddhist approach ...
Private Speech & Executive Function
March 04, 2009 21:02 - 58 minutes - 13.4 MBIn this show we focus on the concept of private speech and its relationship to the “executive function.” Private speech is a form of communication in which the individual uses language to speak to him or herself for the purpose of comfort, guidance, and/or direction. Private speech is linked to the development of the executive function, which is a cognitive ability responsible for goal setting and realization. We will discuss the importance of private speech and executive function in adulthoo...
Educating Motivation
February 26, 2009 00:00 - 59 minutes - 13.6 MBIn our show today, we’re going to be discussing the issue of inspiration and motivation in education. We're going to explore what's going right and what's going wrong. What is our role as students? How are we empowered? What should teachers be doing, and what are good teachers doing? We will address these questions using constructive criticism, personal experience, and working solutions.
Depression and Anxiety
February 19, 2009 00:00 - 59 minutes - 13.7 MBIn this show, we'll be discussing the impacts of depression for college students. Amanda Benarroch, a psychology major at University of Minnesota, will be sharing her knowledge on the issue.
First Year Law Experience
February 12, 2009 00:00 - 1 hour - 13.8 MBThis week on Ethics talk we will have two first year law students, on the air. They will be explaining their trials and tribulations of transitioning from undergrads to full-time law students. If you are considering law school this will serve as an informational dialogue that you can engage in!
Procrastination & Academic Integrity
February 03, 2009 00:00 - 59 minutes - 13.6 MBToday "students for integrity" will be discussing procrastination and the role it takes in academic integrity. There will also be information on ways to combat procrastination. Our major source of material for the show comes from Dr. Timothy A. Pychyl of Carlton University. We encourage callers to share their questions and/or struggles with procrastination.
Education, Self-Esteem and Academic Integrity
January 23, 2009 00:00 - 59 minutes - 13.6 MBIn this show, we explore some of the ideas found within Tal Ben-Shahar's doctoral thesis (Harvard, 2004). Ben-Shahar, internationally acclaimed author of "Happier" and master teacher, argues that there are two components of self-esteem: dependent self-esteem and independent self esteem. Students working with the Center for Professional at Personal Ethics at Central Michigan University discuss these concepts and their relevance to academic integrity.