The background shapes the Foreground pgs 2 – 5 

1. Explain how "the background shapes the foreground."

The term background refers to our preconceived environment that we have either been placed

into or have grown up acknowledging. The background could be our culture, personal

experiences, or economic status. How we have been cultured as we grew up or navigated life

dramatically influences who we are at the present moment. The foreground means that we are

starting to look at the world in the eyes of how we have perceived it. A child who grew up in

poverty may not react the same way to a stock market crash as a child who grew up in a well-

groomed economic household. Our background, therefore, shapes the foreground in that the

lenses we use to view and act on issues are mainly based on how we understand the underlying

problems.

2. Why are philosophers so concerned about the background conditions influencing how we

interpret philosophical concepts?

According to the article, philosophers are concerned about the background conditions and how

they influence morality as a worldview. Because of background conditions, a character is viewed

differently, as given in the example of the prisoners who saw a different foreground from the

university students. Interpretations are, therefore, primarily influenced by our placement, leading

to some considering some values to be more critical than others. Philosophers are also concerned

that they could be a generalization of different philosophical concepts without looking at the

micro and macro environment of individuals. These differences influence how we react to our

foreground and bring our diversity which could mean that it may be hard to establish universal

values.
 3. Why do all communications depend on shared background procedural knowledge?

Procedural Knowledge refers to how to perform a specific skill or task and is considered

Knowledge related to methods, procedures, or operations without reflections or awareness.

Therefore, communication becomes a powerful tool as it is possible to exchange Knowledge

acquired individually. This strengthens the moral view of society and can help come to a

common consensus. Sharing background procedural knowledge also helps to build trust.

Temple of Grandin pgs 6 – 11 

What was Temple Grandin's diagnosis? Cite two (2) examples of how her diagnosis affected her

life.

1. Temples' Diagnosis was high–functioning autism called Asperger's syndrome.

It affected her life by not being able to understand her emotional attachment of herself to her

mother through simple acts such as hugs and her reaction to social norms, such as students

swooning around the Beatles, and she felt no possible attachment to this kind of interaction.

2. How does Temple Grandin illustrate that people need common background procedural

understanding before they can use abstract moral concepts to communicate with each other?

The Temple Grandin illustrates that if we rely on our own experience, we will be inclined to

misinterpret solutions to common problems. Understanding and not assuming the background

procedural knowledge helps not put a blanket ethical or moral valuation on what is expected o

from different people of different walks of life. With this, it helps also understand that there is

diversity in human experience. We cannot automatically assume that people will apply the same

values or standards that serve us as individuals.

3. Considering Temple Grandin's qualifications, what can you say about her background and

how it shaped her adult life?

Temple Grandin's qualification illustrates a clear example of how people affected by other

inabilities can still achieve more when allowed to explore their inner selves. Her background was

an emotionally insensitive child unaware of society's standards. Still, because a particular

condition was introduced to her life, the v-machine, she could overcome the odds against her

because of her autism. Upon realizing that her background was different, she is now a woman of

high accolade who was able to accept that others have complex emotional attachments. She is a

highly empathic person who desires that people analyze procedural backgrounds to understand

the individuals' values and norms.

 Humans are Storytelling Animals pgs 12 – 16 

1. How do humans get meaning in their lives?

According to the article, Humans are storytelling animals; humans get meaning in their lives

differently. One of the ways they get meaning is through symbolism. Symbols serve as a way for

how a community communicates with its members. The idea of assigning a symbol may mean it

has an internal value or universal meaning, and these are norms generally agreed on by society.

Humans also get meaning in their lives through language. Language defines what society we

belong to and imprints our background valorization. Language avoids confusion by being able to

communicate the regulations on the same level with the same understanding. Language is a

platform to share our experiences, feelings, and thoughts. Humans, therefore, get meaning in life

through how they can express their beliefs and assumptions about the nature of reality. Thirdly,

the transmission of values and culture gives humans meaning to life. This allows a particular

society to be on shared background and move in the same direction regarding future discussions

about the norms and values desired in that community. According to the article, this provides a

sense of solidarity which in turn helps people to engage in society more pragmatically.