The Price of Damned Lies

So, I was back in Business Ethics today. Guilt trip. First of all, Mr. Bearded Democratic Philosopher with a First Name That Sounds Like a Last Name (Harrison), not to be confused with "Mr. Harrison," is pretty nice (he said goodbye to me today), and good-looking as well I might add (he smiled too). Second of all, the slides that I stole, as it turns out, aren't accessible to even his students. Third, Immanuel Kant, who I supposedly like so much, would be of the opinion that stealing bread even if you are starving is still (and not any less) wrong. Setting aside my own petty theft for one moment, let's focus on the real issue. I can't like Kant AND Les Miserables?! Yes, that fact alone is truly the full extent of my guilt.

Now, on to the damned lies. You see, I'm reading this book called More Damned Lies and Statistics for my stats class. And it just so happens that my assignment due Friday ties into my little gripe against business, and my little horrah-horray for philosophy. I chose this situation that I heard about just a couple days ago as an example of what the author refers to as "missing numbers" in statistical estimations. And it involves this car:

The Ford Pinto. Now forgive me if you've heard about it before. Anyway, the story here is that back in the 70s the Ford company wanted to compete with other car manufacturers from Japan and the like, and so they made a goal that the Pinto must not be "an ounce over 2,000 lb., and not a penny over $2,000." They reached this goal, but unfortunately there was a major safety flaw in the design. The fuel tank was located behind the rear axel, which upon just over a 30 mph hit to the back of the car would cause some serious gas leakage, prone to burst the car into flames at the first spark. With rear blows of even greater forces, the doors would crush shut, and it would almost certainly lead to burn fatalities for crash victims.

Two things could have corrected the problem. One, the tank could have been put above the rear axel. Although they knew this was much safer, the reason they didn't do it was because it would drastically decrease trunk space. Apparently, trunk space was an important marketable feature. The second thing that could have been done (even after production) would have been to add a fire-prevention device in the gas tank that would cost an extra $11/vehicle. What to do?

Well, using the cost-benefit analysis they determined that the benefit of installing the device amounted to 49.5 million dollars. The cost of installing the device for each car would be 137 million dollars. So, from there the choice was obvious. But then again, how did they calculate the benefit. Did they seriously have the audacity to put a price on a human life? Well, so it would seem. And that price per individual was in the ball park of only $200,000. That's not to say that's really what they thought a life was worth, per say. The amount was calculated in reference to how much money they expected to be sued for, as well as the amount of money that the deceased victims would have earned throughout the rest of their lifetime.

At first our repulsion may be over the fact that the estimate per individual is only $200,000. But if you consider that only real dollars and cents values were considered here, we might let that go. But then an even grimmer repulsion settles in with the fact that the value of a human life didn't come into the picture AT ALL. So much for business ethics and cost-benefit analyses.

On the flip side, the parting thought of Business Ethics today was how fanatical Kant really was in defending his ethics. So much that perhaps even lying to spare a person's life is unacceptable. I find that ridiculous. Just a heavy price for another sort of damned lie.

Business Ethics?

So, I'm actually really pleased with the classes I'm facilitating so far for work this semester. Today I was excited that for the first time ever I had a philosophy class. And I also had a psychology class, a subject which I usually find very interesting. I was also thrilled that I wasn't facilitating any business classes, which I have always hated.

In fact, one time in driving by Thermal Fisher I happened to shout, very seriously, "Oh, I hate Thermal Fisher!" My sister was in the car and started laughing at the random and irrational protest. I then explained that a business professor I worked with happened to work at Thermal Fisher as well, and was always mentioning it. Every week. Several times a lecture. I guess it irritated me quite a bit.

Anyway, when I found out that the philosophy class was actually Business Ethics, I kinda groaned inside myself, "No, I thought I had gotten away." However, the professor stressed that although the students were primarily business students, that it was indeed a philosophy class, and so it would delve deeper into moral theories than they may feel is relevant. Horrah! Next week happens to be a lecture on Immanuel Kant, who I have read a bit of and learned SO much from. Even with the very little I read. So, I'm thrilled that I will be paid to go to this class!

Actually, as the professor was leaving I was about to be so lame as to ask him what exactly they were reading from Kant for the discussion next week so that I could possibly join in too, but he left without saying anything to me (which I generally consider a little rude...but since I like the class, no harm). In fact, he left without closing his slides on the computer, so I actually emailed them to myself. Yes, I am very nerdy, aren't I? Then I noticed that all of the files for all of his classes were available in an open window...so I, now don't judge me, STOLE a bunch of them. Yep, while at work I stole documents on moral theories. How ironic. It seems I just might need a business ethics course myself. How convenient! :)

Faith is the Evidence

"You've got post!" I mean, I'm back to writing my blog again. I just like that British AOL inbox greeting...that I heard about once which thereafter always made me giggle to imagine hearing. Anyway, it's finally my last semester in Logan, but no, I won't be graduating till fall. I plan to student teach in Salt Lake, where I can get free rent from my brother...right, Brother? I imagine him saying "right" in a British/Aussie-ambiguous accent (which makes a lot more sense than a certain radio commercial with a German/Jamaican-ambiguous accent), though I'm sure he wouldn't do that. Probably would just shrug and say "sure". <---Does that period belong inside the quotations marks or outside? *shrugs* I guess I'll wait till the week is up to update you on my classes. I actually thought it would be a better day today, but I did a lot of trudging and slipping up and down snowy hills and streets. Oh, I hate winter for every practical reason. That does leave a few impractical reasons which keep it from being loathed :) But I suspect a much better semester than the last. It is little worth speaking of. However, what with finding myself without a tale to tell of how well my first day of my last semester in Logan went (I don't think mentioning the coupon books would be sufficient) I actually have decided to share my testimony that I wrote for some teenage boy in the UK whose name I don't remember now, who I met on the Bebo social network back when I used that. I found it while I was rummaging looking for a check book...to buy a text book...because my funds are insufficient until midnight...because I deposited a check on the weekend...and checks trick people into thinking you are good for it, now. Haha! See, who cares about that?? Anyway, like me this boy has interests in philosophy and science, but believed that you cannot be an intelligent person and believe in God, because there is no proof. I'm not sure what conversations we had prior to me writing this testimony, but it is the only time I have shared it with a relative stranger, so, I thought it deserved a blog post.

I'm impressed by your intellectual mind, especially at your age. How can I have faith in something so false as God, you ask? How, when there is no evidence? I would like to share with you my own personal testimony. However, I must ask you to suspend your intellect for a moment. As Paul said to the Corinthians: "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:10-14)

No appeal to science or philosophy can ever prove that God exists, but only the witness that the Holy Spirit brings to our hearts. I testify to you that I have had this witness. I know that God lives, and that he is our Eternal Father. I know that his son Jesus Christ lives, and that he is my Redeemer. I know that I have been given the power to direct my life by the divine gift of choice. I know that good and evil exist. What is good fills me with peace and joy and a belief in Jesus Christ. What is not good fills me with confusion and doubt and disbelief in Christ. This is my standard for Truth, which of a necessity must be rooted in my faith in Jesus Christ.

It says in Hebrews that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." I have my evidence that these things are true, and it is my faith in the witness of the Spirit to my heart that has revealed this truth. It is stronger than physical evidence. But there is physical evidence too. You need only look up at the beauty of the night sky. What order and cosmic design! Everything I study, especially science, testifies to me of Christ and divine creation. I am now studying biology, and find the intricacies behind life to be astounding.

I know that our lives are eternal, but I value and treasure this time and this earth as well. "Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea, for food and raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul." (Doctrine and Covenants 59:18-19)

Nietzsche proclaims, "Become who you are." I find that very interesting, realizing that growth is necessary. Progression is essential. It will take time to become who I am meant to be. The Prophet Joseph Smith reveals, "If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves." So, to "become who [we] are" requires faith, God, and the power of our will to accept the Savior.

Philosophy (philosophia) may be the "love of wisdom," but faith in Christ is the exercise of wisdom. It is the finest thing I have. I thank you for letting me share my testimony with you, it is of precious worth to me. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ.

Maybe I'll start to blog my testimony regularly on fast Sundays. I haven't been up to the pulpit in a while.

My Black Fortress is Now at 90 Hillside

I smell like Indian food. I'd be more specific, but, I don't know what we had cooking in our kitchen today exactly. I decided to try the stuff because it was deep fried. There's not a whole lot I've tried deep fried that has disappointed too much. I think I only managed three or four courtesy bites before I pulled the, "It's a little too spicy for me" card. Although, I wouldn't mind if it were so spicy that I could see through time. In my defense, I honestly don't even like pepper (as I deem it "spicy" as well). Peppers too, but I mean simple ground pepper. That reminds me, I think that my apartment's pepper is in the ward's supply closet, and I said I'd look for it.

Last Monday was what our stake calls "Aloha Night." Being one of the co-chairs for the activities committee, it was my job to plan the thing. Not really being the sort that feels great about asking for help outside of the committee (which was very slim in numbers at the time), I ended up basically setting up all the tables and chairs myself. Heidi helped for a little while. My back muscles were sore for a while. Still a little, maybe. But I've got a refridgerator drawer full of leftover baked potatoes. Potatoes are totally Hawaiian, in case you were wondering. So is Bob Marley...as I didn't know what other music to play. The funny thing is, when asking the Bishop if I could play Bob Marley, he didn't know who that was. Seriously. Anyway, that's why I brought my apartment's pepper up to the church in the first place. For Aloha potatoes. I was actually released from that calling last Sunday. Just before Aloha Night actually. But you can't really hand an activity over to someone else based on a technicality like that. And I'm now an FHE coordinater (aka Grandma, I guess). I'm still waiting around to see who is called to be the Grandpa.

I'm also in a new apartment again. Surprise, surprise...not really, huh? This will be the...now hold on a sec...the seventh place I've lived at since college. And the eighth move. I really drag around everything I own. I was going to take some pictures of some of the bizarre things I hold onto...but, I don't care about this blog that much. And neither do YOU, I wouldn't hesitate too much to say. Suffice to actually say, though, I was embarrassed enough on the last move. I got a friend of mine to help out who in so doing commented that one of the boxes started singing to him, and I had to admit that the stuffed singing gorilla he gave me for Valentines a while back was in it. It was kinda awkward, especially since I'm in no way especially attached to that gorilla, or the boy. I just don't throw much out.

Speaking of which, my room is a disaster heap. I don't know how to start putting things away, and it's been a week! I'll figure it out. I'll also have to figure out what clothes of mine I have that I can consider "business casual." My clinical instructor mentioned that phrase the other day, and then actually started to list items of clothes that he thought might fall into this category for girls...but only because I looked confused. Rest assured, I know what he meant...I was just confused as to if I really had much that would qualify. Of course, like any girl I like nice clothes, and I like the business casual look. But unlike most girls, I don't find spending money on clothes too desirable. Most of the time. They just wear out in a few years, right? I'm sure my attitude will change once I have more money. For now, buying music, movies, and books is more emotionally purging. In fact, I just bought Krull and IT on dvd last night, two movies I remember from my childhood, for only $10. Sweet, sweet memories...of killer clowns and black fortresses that move each sunrise. I carry around a lot of nostalgic baggage too. I'd have it no other way.

Rank the Reprobates

So, I was thinking about this activity that I did in one of my classes last semester where we read a story and ranked the characters from 1-5 as to who we personally thought had the worst moral character. It was so interesting to see the differences in everyone's answers. You can really learn a lot about people's values. Good thing we weren't graded by response, because my ranking was practically the opposite of the instructor's. I'd like to hear what anyone reading thinks. Here's the story:

Once upon a time there lived a girl named Abigail who was in love with a boy named Gregory. Gregory had an unfortunate accident and broke his glasses. Abigail, being a true friend, volunteered to take them to be repaired. But the repair shop was across the river, and during a sudden flood the bridge was washed away. Poor Gregory could see nothing without his glasses, so Abigail was desperate to get across the river to the repair shop. While she was standing forlornly on the bank of the river, clutching the broken glasses in her hands, a boy named Sinbad glided by in a rowboat.

She asked Sinbad if he would take her across. He agreed to do it on condition that while she was having the glasses repaired, she would go to a nearby store and steal a transistor radio that he had been wanting. Abigail refused to do such a thing and went to see a friend named Ivan who had a boat.

When Abigail told Ivan her problem, he said he was too busy to help her out and didn't want to be involved. Abigail, worried about Gregory, and feeling that now she had no other choice, returned to Sinbad and told him she would have to agree to his plan.

When Abigail returned the repaired glasses to Gregory, she told him what she had had to do. Gregory was appalled at what she had done and told her he never wanted to see her again.

Abigail, upset, turned to Slug with her tale of woe. Slug was so sorry for Abigail that he promised her he would get even with Gregory. They went to the school playground where he was playing ball and Abigail watched while Slug beat Gregory up and broke his glasses again.

This is how I responded:

1. Gregory- Surprised? I think telling a friend that you never want to see them again (and meaning it) is horrible. Ironically, without his glasses, he got his wish.
2. Abigail- She'll do anything for love and for revenge. Scary.
3. Sinbad- He preys on the weak and desperate to get what he wants.
4. Ivan- Not a great friend if he doesn't want to be involved with her problem.
5. Slug- He might be further up on the list if he hadn't beaten up the first guy on the list.

Though, it doesn't even really say that Gregory really considers Abigail a friend, or if Abigail always wants a ride on Ivan's boat, or how badly Slug gave Gregory a beating, or if Sinbad needs a transistor radio to help some other unfortunate soul. And I can't do this activity at all keeping in mind that these are children. So, I ignored that point. Anyway, my point is, there are a lot of factors that influence how we judge people (all different), and more importantly a lot of things we don't know altogether.