Ana Margarida Monteiro Almeida Dr. Jacqueline Davies PHIL 157 April 8th, 2024 Learner's Portfolio Group Discussion 1: Hello, My name is Ana Margarida Monteiro Almeida. I am currently in my first year of my Psychology BA degree. Since this is my first philosophy course, I hope to do well in this course and take in information I can use daily. Philosophy is something I'd like to gain years of knowledge in since it is very interesting and goes together to my future career. Both psychology and philosophy talk about what it's like to be human (morals for example), and how people differentiate from one another. However, these two may not come to the same conclusion, therefore it will help me keep an open mind and think of all the possibilities. I hope to learn a lot from this course. All the best to all of you! : D Group Discussion 2: In the past 2 years, I faced the challenging situation of moving away from all my childhood friends and gradually losing touch with them, reducing our interactions to occasional "Merry Christmas" or "Happy birthday" messages. Even though I made friends in the town I moved to, there was still a strong feeling that those friendships that I've held close to me since I was in second grade all the way to the summer before my junior year in high school won't happen to me again. Growing up, I was instilled with the belief that maintaining relationships requires effort and communication. Childhood friends give me a different sense of comfort rather than friends I make during high school. I perceive it as a sense of loyalty. Children wouldn't normally be friends with you to gain something in return, creating those life long friendships where you don't overthink about it. My parents emphasized the value of genuine connections and the importance
of staying connected with people who matter. This belief served as a foundation in addressing the questions that arose during this challenging period. While I recommend adopting the values of maintaining connections and showing appreciation for relationships, I recognize that each person's circumstances are unique. The belief in staying connected resonates with me, but others may prioritize new relationships or personal growth over maintaining past connections. It's crucial for individuals to assess their values and priorities in the context of their own lives, deciding whether to invest energy in preserving old friendships or channel it into forming new ones. In conclusion, the guiding principles of valuing relationships and adapting to change were instrumental in navigating this challenge. However, the applicability of these values depends on individual circumstances, making it essential for others to assess their own priorities and beliefs when facing similar situations. Group Discussion 3: Is there anything immoral about paying for or being paid for sex? The question of the morality of paying for or being paid for sex is a complex and often controversial issue that brings comments from people who have different perspectives. From a moral