WRIT39A UCI Trees of the Niu Mountain and Meditations Book Questions The text that I highlighted before the assignment is very important. Please read them

WRIT39A UCI Trees of the Niu Mountain and Meditations Book Questions The text that I highlighted before the assignment is very important. Please read them carefully. Do not copy from the Internet and remember to use citation. The Emperor of China receives a candidate during the Imperial examination (Song dynasty, 9601279)
(Image from Wikimedia commons)
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Please complete the ten short seminar assignments below. Your answers and our responses will be
shared with the office that assigned you. AIS does not impose deadlines, but please adhere to any
deadlines set by the office that assigned you.
Our seminar is grounded in the humanities and explores academic integrity from the broader
perspective of applied ethics. We don’t know your enrollment circumstances (e.g., some
students take the seminar prior to service on hearing panels or honor committees), but we hope you
will be pleased with the depth of the readings and the quality of the questions.
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“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself”
–George Bernard Shaw
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Academic Integrity Seminar Instructions
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Kindly use a normal size font (9 or 10), single spaced. Do not repeat the entire question above your
answer–just provide the assignment number, please.
Most questions will ask you to “explain” or “discuss” your answers. This kind of college level writing
may require several paragraphs, but it cannot be done properly in a sentence or two.
IMPORTANT please read carefully: It’s essential to use quotation marks or block indentation and a
source citation when you incorporate any language from any source, including all AIS readings.
It’s equally important to avoid a “deceptive” or “patchwork paraphrase” (changing or adding
occasional words, but otherwise using the author’s core ideas and phraseology without attribution).
Click here for guidance from the University of Wisconsin on the difference between permissible and
impermissible paraphrasing. Click here for guidance from MIT on the kinds of “common knowledge”
you are not required to quote or cite. If in doubt, it’s always prudent to include quotation marks and a
citation.
Successful students:
[1] Learn how to think for themselves and express their own creative ideas (a critical capacity
as routine work is computerized worldwide);
[2] Learn how to enrich and improve their own writing;
[3] Participate in collaborative scholarship by alerting readers to other sources of insight and
information.
Writing is a discipline critical to any profession. To learn how to be a disciplined writer (much as an
athlete learns and develops a physical skill) writers must form disciplined writing habits.
No formal citations or “works cited” list required. Just be sure to identify the author in your
answer, using appropriate quotation marks or block indentation, as needed. You’ll find additional
guidance about avoiding plagiarism here.
Please remember: our questions are designed to elicit your analysis and opinion. Be sure to explain
your reasoning. When you use any excerpts, use short selections only.
Identity verification: Please be prepared to discuss these questions and your answers in person
with a university administrator, upon request. Be sure to bring your university identification (photo ID)
with you. Your university, not AIS, will make the final decision about seminar completion status.
AIS uses plagiarism detection algorithms.
A final word of caution: “Answers” to some college class assignments (including one or more AIS
assignments) can be purchased online. We are aware of the sites (which are miraculously available to
people of all ages, for a fee) and report any use of them to referring schools. Contrary to promises
made by the site promoters, the writing isn’t very good and the content rarely “original.” You’re far
better off trusting your own abilities. We recommend using the free professional services at your
campus Writing Center. You’ll be asked to make revisions and do your own work, but that approach is
consistent with the fantastic idea that you’re paying college tuition to learn something, instead of
pretending to learn something.
Student admission in the Natio Germanica Bononiae, the nation (assembly) of German
students at the University of Bologna (Italy) (1088 A.D.).”Reported to be the oldest
university in continuous operation.” Wikimedia repository.
ASSIGNMENT ONE :
Please pretend you’re at a retirement banquet. This is a serious and formal occasion, not a “roast.”
The person retiring is 65 years old and at the end of a long career. You know this person well-both inside and outside the workplace. It’s your job to say a few truthful, descriptive words about
them. What character or personality traits come to mind?
Question for you to answer: Pretend the person retiring is you. In short, we’re asking you to
project yourself into the future and to identify at least five descriptive words you hope others would
say about you at a comparable event. By “descriptive words” we mean single words or very short
phrases. Please number each descriptive word or phrase and rank them in priority order ( #1 = the
most important to you).
ASSIGNMENT TWO : Please read “The Trees of the Niu Mountain” by Mengzi.
Questions for you to answer:
[a] Explain what the metaphor of the mountain means.
[b] Does the author think human nature is basically “good” (cooperative and trustworthy) or
“bad” (uncooperative and untrustworthy) or some other alternative? Do you agree? Explain
your answer.
[c] In ethical terms, what are some of the forces that can undermine a beautiful soul or
character? Explain your answer.
[d] Given the date and source of this reading, what can we conclude about the possibility
that some core values are broadly shared among people in diverse cultures? How could
such “core values” arise?
Wikipedia commons
(Are you curious? Studying this one ideogram
can be a college education in itself)
ASSIGNMENT THREE: Please review this Harvard University commencement speech by
(then) Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan. Please focus on these four
paragraphs.
[a] “I do not deny that many appear to have succeeded in a material way by cutting
corners and manipulating associates, both in their professional and in their personal lives.
But material success is possible in this world and far more satisfying when it comes
without exploiting others. The true measure of a career is to be able to be content, even
proud, that you succeeded . . . without leaving a trail of casualties in your wake.”
[b] “I cannot speak for others whose psyches I may not be able to comprehend, but, in
my working life, I have found no greater satisfaction than achieving success through
honest dealings and strict adherence to the view that for you to gain, those you deal with
should gain as well. Human relations–be they personal or professional–should not be
zero sum games.”
[c] “And beyond the personal sense of satisfaction, having a reputation for fair dealing is
a profoundly practical virtue. We call it ‘good will’ in business and add it to our balance
sheets.”
[d] “Trust is at the root of any economic system based on mutually beneficial exchange.
In virtually all transactions, we rely on the word of those with whom we do business. Were
this not the case, exchange of goods and services could not take place on any
reasonable scale. Our commercial codes and contract law presume that only a tiny
fraction of contracts, at most, need be adjudicated. If a significant number of
businesspeople violated the trust upon which our interactions are based, our court system
and our economy would be swamped into immobility.”
Two questions for you to answer: [1] Do you think Greenspan is being realistic about the
possibility of “business ethics?” Cite specific language from his speech (in quotation marks)
and explain your reasoning. [2] Identify the core ethical values you plan to follow in your
career.
Additional background for reflection (assignment three)
(Note: materials here and below labeled “for reflection” do not require written responses)
Thought question: Don’t “soft” terms like “good-will” or “mutually beneficial exchange” reflect
ignorance about evolutionary anthropology? Shouldn’t we accept the reality that human beings are
self-interested primates engaged in a ruthless struggle for dominance? Only the strongest individuals
survive, right?
Actually, those kinds of statements are consistently refuted by direct observation of how social
animals like primates live. Consider this observation by Yuval Noah Harari in his 2014 book, Sapiens:
A Brief History of Humankind:
“When [chimpanzees] . . . are contesting the alpha position, they usually do so by forming
extensive coalitions of supporters, both male and female, from within the group. Ties between
coalition members are based on intimate daily contact – hugging, touching, kissing, grooming
and mutual favours. Just as human politicians on election campaigns go around shaking
hands and kissing babies, so aspirants to the top position in a chimpanzee group spend much
time hugging, back-slapping and kissing baby chimps. The alpha male usually wins his
position not because he is physically stronger, but because he leads a large and stable
coalition. These coalitions play a central part not only during overt struggles for the alpha
position, but in almost all day-to-day activities. Members of a coalition spend more time
together, share food, and help one another in times of trouble.”
In short, while physical strength and assertiveness certainly matter (especially in competition with
other groups) fostering the “good will” that maintains “extensive coalitions of supporters” turns out
to be even more important. A leader who isn’t trusted won’t remain a leader for long. See this
observation by a contemporary expert on (human) leadership skills: “[e]ffective leadership is
defined by how well a leader executes a mission, how they show empathy and inspire those who
follow them.”
Thought question: How did a small country like Holland become a world economic power (the
richest country in Europe for many years)? Hint: it may have had something to do with trust and
the rule of law.
Here’s an economic perspective on the importance of social trust from Francis Fukuyama in his
book Trust: The Social Virtues and the Creation of Prosperity (Free Press. 1995, pp.27-28):
“Trust is the expectation that arises within a community of regular, honest, and
cooperative behavior, based on commonly shared norms, on the part of other
members of that community . . . [P]eople who do not trust one another will end up
cooperating only under a system of formal rules and regulations, which have to be
negotiated, agreed to, litigated, and enforced, sometimes by coercive means. This
legal apparatus, serving as a substitute for trust, entails what economists call
“transaction costs.” Widespread distrust in a society, in other words, imposes a kind of
tax on all forms of economic activity, a tax that high-trust societies do not have to
pay.”
You’ll see something similar in the business success of the Quakers.
Thought question: How might “business ethics” evolve in the 21st Century? Former VicePresident Al Gore and others are promoting the idea of “sustainable capitalism” (“long-term
thinking” grounded on the view that businesses are more likely to thrive by helping to solve rather
than exacerbate social and environmental problems). Please see this three minute video:
Allocating capital for long-term returns. Gore’s new model is proving to be highly successful.
“Business ethics,” in short, isn’t a set of static rules; it’s an evolving conception of integrity each
generation can expand. See this related overview of the concept of Corporate Social
Responsibility
ASSIGNMENT FOUR: Please read and think about this quotation:
“The mind is fickle and flighty, it flies after fancies and whatever it likes; it is difficult indeed
to restrain. But it is a great good to control the mind; a mind self-controlled is a source of
great joy.”
–Buddha’s Teachings (Penguin Classics, p. 8).
Question for you to answer: Please read An interview conducted with Roberto Assagioli
by Sam Keen. Identify and discuss at least two strategies Assagioli recommends to
strengthen mental discipline or “self-management.” Include at least one direct quotation
from the article.
Additional background for reflection (assignment four)
(Note: materials labeled “for reflection” do not require written responses)
Many cultures use stories to help people enhance emotional intelligence (long-term,
less self-centered thinking). We can’t confirm the original source of the following
legend (you’ll see it here: “First People: American Indian Legends), but think it
summarizes a cross-cultural understanding of competing components of human
nature (selfish and cooperative):
“An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. ‘A fight is going on inside me,’
he said to the boy.
‘It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil — he is anger, envy,
sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false
pride, superiority, and ego.’ He continued, ‘The other is good – he is joy, peace,
love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth,
compassion, and faith.
The same fight is going on inside you — and inside every other person, too.’
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, ‘Which
wolf will win?’
The old Cherokee simply replied, ‘The one you feed.’
As you complete the seminar, you might consider keeping a small card next to your
computer with the question “which wolf?” written on it. See if this experiment influences
behavior. Timely reminders that elicit what Lincoln called “the better angels of our nature”
are a proven way to enhance emotional intelligence (see how that term is defined, below).
If you’d like to build on these ideas, please watch a short TED video by Shawn Achor, who
teaches for the Advanced Management Program at Wharton Business School. Learn how
Shawn turned his sister into a unicorn (it’s a funny and instructive story, with practical
suggestions at the end).
Many philosophical and religious traditions emphasize disciplined mindfulness. Here’s an
example from the Christian Bible (Philippians 4:8):
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever
is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable —if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy—think about such things.”
One of our aims in assignments three and four is to introduce you to the concept of
“emotional intelligence.” Please see this overview (from coursework at the University of
Virginia) about what “emotional intelligence” means (note the emphasis on “trustworthiness
and integrity”). The concept of emotional intelligence derives from research by psychologist
Daniel Goleman, a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The
good news in Goleman’s research is that emotional intelligence can be learned. If you’d like a
real-life example of how emotional intelligence can grow during a lifetime, consider the AIS
assigned reading about Abraham Lincoln (#5, below) .
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“Most powerful is he who has himself in his power”
— Seneca (the younger) (4 B.C.- 65 A.D.)
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ASSIGNMENT FIVE: Please read Book One of the Meditations of Roman Emperor and Stoic
philosopher Marcus Aurelius.
Question for you to answer. Please write a concise statement of gratitude identifying the ethical
and intellectual debts you owe to family members, teachers, or friends. Fictitious names are
permitted, but the statement of gratitude should be genuine.
Additional background for reflection (assignment five) (a philosophical perspective on gratitude)
“Aware only of his own satisfactions and his own happiness, hoarding them as a miser hoards
his coin . . . the egoist cannot be grateful. Ingratitude is not the incapacity to receive but the
inability to give back–in the form of joy or love–a little of the joy that was received or
experienced. This is why ingratitude is so pervasive a vice. [Ungrateful people] absorb joy as
others absorb light, for egoism is a black hole.”
–Andre Comte-Sponville, Professor of philosophy at the Sorbonne (France)
ASSIGNMENT SIX: One of Abraham Lincoln’s greatest attributes may have been his ability
to recover and learn from failure. The quality of perseverance seemed especially useful to him
as he struggled with “melancholy” (what might now be called depression). Please read this
article by Joshua Wolf Shenk. Read the full article; it’s worth your time. Your answer should
contain information from this article only. Do not use other sources).
Two questions for you to answer:
[a] Joshua Wolf Shenk wrote that one of Lincoln’s adaptation strategies was
“transcendence” (rising above or even using “melancholy” to achieve a higher purpose).
According to Shenk, what was Lincoln’s “higher purpose?” Provide a direct quotation from
the article to support your analysis.
[b] What idea or insight in the full article would you recommend to others (a friend,
perhaps)? Provide a direct quotation from the article to support your analysis.
*Important reminder: It’s essential to use quotation marks or block indentation when you incorporate any
language from any source, including all AIS readings. It’s equally important to avoid a “deceptive” or “patchwork
paraphrase” (changing or adding occasional words, but otherwise using the author’s core ideas and phraseology
without attribution). Click here for guidance from the University of Wisconsin on the difference between
permissible and impermissible paraphrasing. Click here for guidance from Harvard University on the kinds of
“common knowledge” you are not required to quote or cite. If in doubt, it’s always prudent to include quotation
marks and a citation. Contact your AIS tutor if this instruction is unclear or if you have any questions.
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“What is a man If his chief good and market of his time
Be but to sleep and feed? A beast, no more . . .
He that made us with such large discourse,
Looking before and after, gave us not
That capability and godlike reason
To fust in us unused.”
— Hamlet, 4 Scene 4
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ASSIGNMENT SEVEN: Please see the film Shattered Glass (Lionsgate, 2004). You should be
able to find the film online here or on DVD. The rental cost is about $4. Most college library film
collections have it too. Please contact your tutor immediately if you have any difficulty finding the
film.
Questions for you to answer:
[a] Although the film is not explicit on this point, what seems to be driving Stephen Glass?
As best as you can tell, what are his life goals and aspirations? Did he truly “know
himself,” including his own strengths and weaknesses?
[b] Again, we can only hypothesize, but–before his downfall– how do you think Glass
would assess his own intelligence? Is it likely he saw himself as smarter than his
colleagues and editors?
[c] Identify and discuss at least two strategies for deception Glass used. Why did they
ultimately fail?
[d] Did Glass leave what Greenspan called “a trail of casualties” in his wake? Who/what
was hurt/damaged by his deception?
[e] What advice would you give to editors about how to avoid hiring someone like Stephen
Glass? What kind of pre-employment screening do you recommend?
Additional background for reflection (assignment seven)
(Note: materials labeled “for reflection” do not require written responses)
In January 2014 the California Supreme Court denied Mr. Glass’s petition to become an attorney. This is a rare
action — denying a lawyer’s application based on ethical grounds, even though he had completed law …
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