Introduction I was recently talking with a colleague about an iterative question-asking technique called the “5 Whys” which was developed by Sakichi Toyoda. This tactic is used by the Toyota Motor Corporation as a tool for drilling down to the root cause of problems. The idea is that by repeating the question “why?” five (or […]

17 Years Later The classroom was quiet save for the occasional shuffling of papers. Professor Harris was tapping away on his laptop as the class of forty or so college students sat scattered across the theater-style seats facing him. Most of the students in the class had their heads down, racking their brains in an […]

(A short story. Continued from Part 1.) “Well, that’s a pretty big leap!” said Professor Harris. “So here’s my question for you, John: Is there an objective moral standard? By that, I mean a standard that is mind-independent and reflects facts that are true all the time regardless of personal feelings or preference.” STORY LINKS […]

(A short story. Continued from Part 2.) The professor shrugged in agreement as the class took a moment to process it all. A young bearded student in a black t-shirt slowly raised his hand. The professor looked up and called on him. STORY LINKS • Intro & Prologue • Part 1 • Part 2 • […]

(A short story. Continued from Part 3.) Amanda asked, “But what about environmental morality or animal cruelty? Those things don’t have anything to do with the value of human life and there are very clear moral issues at stake.” STORY LINKS • Intro & Prologue • Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3 • […]