This week's philosophy discussion has turned out to be one of the most spirited. It deals with ethical caring vs. natural caring and our roles in ethical and natural caring.

Natural caring deals with the natural care of one's natural family, friends, and loved ones. It focuses the attention of the one-caring (the one who cares for someone) on the cared-for (the person or persons cared for). This is natural in that you don't have to think twice about caring for that individual or those individuals with whom you share a natural bond (whether blood or close-knit friendship).

Ethical caring deals with the "I must" attitude toward caring for an individual or living thing, whether we are close to such ones or not. It deals with knowing what the 'right' thing is to do and doing it for that person or living thing, whether or not we are reciprocated. Ethical caring comes from principles that extend beyond our families and aids all of humankind.

As far as the Integrated Projects for Microsoft Office 2007, the assignments are definitely getting more challenging, but as I'm getting more familiar with the keys on the board, I find navigating a little less of a maze than I first did. And when I think about what I'm working towards as far as acquiring these skills, it's all worth it in the end.