Thursday, 10/10
(The purpose of this journal entry is NOT to promote any school of thought or to make you feel uncomfortable. If you are concerned about the content of this journal entry either journal about that or speak to me. Thanks.)
Choose the statement which best applies for yourself:
* As a believer, I argue that God exists using the following type of arguments....
* As an atheist, I argue that God doesn’t exist using the following type of arguments...
* As an agnostic, I argue that God could exist, but that we don’t have conclusive evidence using the following type of arguments...
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Post 6: Free Will
Due Thursday, 11/3
Choose one of the following to answer:
*Should someone under the age of 18 be tried as an adult in a court of law (ie. when should someone become legally responsible for their actions)? If no, why? If yes or maybe, then
what would be the determining factors?
* If someone is a soldier in the Nazi army to what degree is it their fault that Jews, gypsies and homosexuals were systematically murdered? To what degree does someone have choice in that situation - as a soldier or as a Jew?
Choose one of the following to answer:
*Should someone under the age of 18 be tried as an adult in a court of law (ie. when should someone become legally responsible for their actions)? If no, why? If yes or maybe, then
what would be the determining factors?
* If someone is a soldier in the Nazi army to what degree is it their fault that Jews, gypsies and homosexuals were systematically murdered? To what degree does someone have choice in that situation - as a soldier or as a Jew?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Post 5: Political philosophy
Thursday, October 27
Choose one of the following prompts to write on:
*Compare and contrast how Marx views the social contract and whether you can or should break it with Locke's view of the social contract. With whom do you agree more? Why?
*Explain what the social contract is in your own words. What do you think the responsibilities should be of the citizens and of the government under the social contract? Do you think our government is upholding it's responsibilities to its citizens? Offer an example to support your opinion.
Choose one of the following prompts to write on:
*Compare and contrast how Marx views the social contract and whether you can or should break it with Locke's view of the social contract. With whom do you agree more? Why?
*Explain what the social contract is in your own words. What do you think the responsibilities should be of the citizens and of the government under the social contract? Do you think our government is upholding it's responsibilities to its citizens? Offer an example to support your opinion.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Post 4: Political philosophy
Friday, October 14th
What is justice? How would you define justice in your own words? What would be examples of a just government? Of an unjust government?
Please write a minimum of a full paragraph and use concrete examples to prove your argument.
What is justice? How would you define justice in your own words? What would be examples of a just government? Of an unjust government?
Please write a minimum of a full paragraph and use concrete examples to prove your argument.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Post #3: Ethics
Friday, 10/7
Which ethical theory that we have discussed (utilitarianism, deontology, categorical imperative, cultural relativism, ethical relativism, moral intuitionalism) best reflects your own ethical system? Why? How has it served you in deciding the correct course of action?
Which ethical theory that we have discussed (utilitarianism, deontology, categorical imperative, cultural relativism, ethical relativism, moral intuitionalism) best reflects your own ethical system? Why? How has it served you in deciding the correct course of action?
Friday, September 23, 2011
Post #2: Metaphysics
Friday: 9/23
Plato, Aristotle, Buddha & Lao-tzu wrote very different views on metaphysics. Whose is the most appealing to you & why? Which is the least appealing to you & why?
Plato, Aristotle, Buddha & Lao-tzu wrote very different views on metaphysics. Whose is the most appealing to you & why? Which is the least appealing to you & why?
Monday, September 12, 2011
Post 1 - 2011
Choose ONE to journal on:
1. Considering the beliefs of the pre-Socratic philosophers: what are the basic building blocks of life? What are examples to prove that these items are the basic building blocks? What are examples to disprove that these are the basic building blocks?
2. How can 21st century science be used to prove that Heraclitus or Parmenides were correct? Is it "cheating" in your opinion to use modern day science to evaluate the philosophies of the Ancient Greeks?
Write a minimum of a full paragraph to answer of the prompts above. Don't just state your opinion - SUPPORT it. You are trying to make a persuasive argument.
1. Considering the beliefs of the pre-Socratic philosophers: what are the basic building blocks of life? What are examples to prove that these items are the basic building blocks? What are examples to disprove that these are the basic building blocks?
2. How can 21st century science be used to prove that Heraclitus or Parmenides were correct? Is it "cheating" in your opinion to use modern day science to evaluate the philosophies of the Ancient Greeks?
Write a minimum of a full paragraph to answer of the prompts above. Don't just state your opinion - SUPPORT it. You are trying to make a persuasive argument.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Post 7: Religious philosophy
Monday, 5/23
(The purpose of this journal entry is NOT to promote any school of thought or to make you feel uncomfortable. If you are concerned about the content of this journal entry either journal about that or speak to me. Thanks.)
Choose the statement which best applies for yourself:
* As a believer, I argue that God exists using the following type of arguments....
* As an atheist, I argue that God doesn’t exist using the following type of arguments...
* As an agnostic, I argue that God could exist, but that we don’t have conclusive evidence using the following type of arguments...
(The purpose of this journal entry is NOT to promote any school of thought or to make you feel uncomfortable. If you are concerned about the content of this journal entry either journal about that or speak to me. Thanks.)
Choose the statement which best applies for yourself:
* As a believer, I argue that God exists using the following type of arguments....
* As an atheist, I argue that God doesn’t exist using the following type of arguments...
* As an agnostic, I argue that God could exist, but that we don’t have conclusive evidence using the following type of arguments...
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Post 6: Free Will
Monday, 5/16
Do you believe in fate? Why or why not? What experiences/evidence has help shape this view for you?
Do you believe in fate? Why or why not? What experiences/evidence has help shape this view for you?
Friday, May 6, 2011
Post 5: Political philosophy
Monday, May 9th
Last week you answered, "What is justice? How would you define justice in your own words? What would be examples of a just government? Of an unjust government?"
This week I want you to answer how one of the philosophers we have studied answered these questions. Your choices include: Hobbes, Locke, Rawls, Marx, Socrates and Thoreau. Write an explanation of how your philosopher would have answered the questions and then write your reaction to what you agree/disagree with in their vision of justice.
Last week you answered, "What is justice? How would you define justice in your own words? What would be examples of a just government? Of an unjust government?"
This week I want you to answer how one of the philosophers we have studied answered these questions. Your choices include: Hobbes, Locke, Rawls, Marx, Socrates and Thoreau. Write an explanation of how your philosopher would have answered the questions and then write your reaction to what you agree/disagree with in their vision of justice.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Post 4: Political philosophy
Monday, May 2nd
What is justice? How would you define justice in your own words? What would be examples of a just government? Of an unjust government?
Please write a minimum of a full paragraph and use concrete examples to prove your argument.
Today we have learned about the death of Osama bin Laden. Feel free to examine 9/11, the war on Afghanistan and the killing of bin Laden in your response. You can use this blog post to process this significant current event if want.
What is justice? How would you define justice in your own words? What would be examples of a just government? Of an unjust government?
Please write a minimum of a full paragraph and use concrete examples to prove your argument.
Today we have learned about the death of Osama bin Laden. Feel free to examine 9/11, the war on Afghanistan and the killing of bin Laden in your response. You can use this blog post to process this significant current event if want.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Post 3: Ethics
Monday, April 25th
Choose 1 of the following:
A. What are morals or values that you see as self evident? How or can someone prove that a value or moral is self evident?
B. What is an example of something that you don't think is ethical but is considered ethical in another society (or vice versa)? When can ethical relativism be justified and when can it not be justified?
Regardless of which you choose to answer PLEASE use concrete examples. Thanks.
Choose 1 of the following:
A. What are morals or values that you see as self evident? How or can someone prove that a value or moral is self evident?
B. What is an example of something that you don't think is ethical but is considered ethical in another society (or vice versa)? When can ethical relativism be justified and when can it not be justified?
Regardless of which you choose to answer PLEASE use concrete examples. Thanks.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Post 2: Metaphysics
Monday, 4/18
Choose ONE to answer. Support your answer with analysis. Write at least 1 paragraph please.
1. Were the Sophists wrong to teach Greeks how to use speaking skills to achieve success? Should philosophy be used only for higher things, or are practical uses appropriate as well?
2. Plato hated the Sophists. How might the relativism they introduced have contributed to the decline in society that led to the execution of Socrates (Plato's theory)?
Choose ONE to answer. Support your answer with analysis. Write at least 1 paragraph please.
1. Were the Sophists wrong to teach Greeks how to use speaking skills to achieve success? Should philosophy be used only for higher things, or are practical uses appropriate as well?
2. Plato hated the Sophists. How might the relativism they introduced have contributed to the decline in society that led to the execution of Socrates (Plato's theory)?
Monday, April 11, 2011
Post #1: Metaphysics
Monday, 4/11/11
Choose ONE to journal on:
1. Considering the beliefs of the pre-Socratic philosophers: what are the basic building blocks of life? What are examples to prove that these items are the basic building blocks? What are examples to disprove that these are the basic building blocks?
2. How can 21st century science be used to prove that Heraclitus or Parmenides were correct? Is it "cheating" in your opinion to use modern day science to evaluate the philosophies of the Ancient Greeks?
Write a minimum of a full paragraph to answer of the prompts above. Don't just state your opinion - SUPPORT it. You are trying to make a persuasive argument.
Choose ONE to journal on:
1. Considering the beliefs of the pre-Socratic philosophers: what are the basic building blocks of life? What are examples to prove that these items are the basic building blocks? What are examples to disprove that these are the basic building blocks?
2. How can 21st century science be used to prove that Heraclitus or Parmenides were correct? Is it "cheating" in your opinion to use modern day science to evaluate the philosophies of the Ancient Greeks?
Write a minimum of a full paragraph to answer of the prompts above. Don't just state your opinion - SUPPORT it. You are trying to make a persuasive argument.
Welcome to our Philosophy Online Journal for Term 4 2011!
I will post a question or will give you a choice of questions at least one a week. The question will give you an opportunity to apply what you have learned from the reading &/or class to real life.
Posts need to be intelligent and in depth. Try to spell check and proof read. You should consider this as publishing your opinions.
You are not required to read the posts of other students or to respond to them. However, you are invited to do so.
If you are absent, please try to make up your journal post within six days maximum.
Students need to stand behind what they say and will be held responsible for what they post. Posts should not attack individual posters and should not use language that would not be appropriate in a classroom discussion. Students who do not post responsibly will have their posting rights taken away by the moderator (me).
In the past this has been one of my favorite activities in the class. I am looking forward to what you have to say.
I think that Socrates would really enjoy blogs if he was still around. :) M. Aby
Posts need to be intelligent and in depth. Try to spell check and proof read. You should consider this as publishing your opinions.
You are not required to read the posts of other students or to respond to them. However, you are invited to do so.
If you are absent, please try to make up your journal post within six days maximum.
Students need to stand behind what they say and will be held responsible for what they post. Posts should not attack individual posters and should not use language that would not be appropriate in a classroom discussion. Students who do not post responsibly will have their posting rights taken away by the moderator (me).
In the past this has been one of my favorite activities in the class. I am looking forward to what you have to say.
I think that Socrates would really enjoy blogs if he was still around. :) M. Aby
Friday, March 11, 2011
Post 6 - Free Will?
Give an example of a "decision" you made that was really just a response to stimuli and behavioral conditioning (Skinner's argument). Give an example of when you had free will (Sartre's argument). Which philosopher do you agree with more and why?
Post 7: Religious Philosophy
Last post of the term!
March 18th
(The purpose of this journal entry is NOT to promote any school of thought or to make you feel uncomfortable. If you are concerned about the content of this journal entry either journal about that or speak to me. Thanks.)
Choose the statement which best applies for yourself:
* As a believer, I argue that God exists using the following type of arguments....
* As an atheist, I argue that God doesn’t exist using the following type of arguments...
* As an agnostic, I argue that God could exist, but that we don’t have conclusive evidence using the following type of arguments...
March 18th
(The purpose of this journal entry is NOT to promote any school of thought or to make you feel uncomfortable. If you are concerned about the content of this journal entry either journal about that or speak to me. Thanks.)
Choose the statement which best applies for yourself:
* As a believer, I argue that God exists using the following type of arguments....
* As an atheist, I argue that God doesn’t exist using the following type of arguments...
* As an agnostic, I argue that God could exist, but that we don’t have conclusive evidence using the following type of arguments...
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Post 5 - Political Philosophy
Friday, February 25th
Choose one of the following prompts to write on:
*Compare and contrast how Marx views the social contract and whether you can or should break it with Locke's view of the social contract. With whom do you agree more? Why?
*Explain what the social contract is in your own words. What do you think the responsibilities should be of the citizens and of the government under the social contract? Do you think our government is upholding it's responsibilities to its citizens? Offer an example to support your opinion.
Choose one of the following prompts to write on:
*Compare and contrast how Marx views the social contract and whether you can or should break it with Locke's view of the social contract. With whom do you agree more? Why?
*Explain what the social contract is in your own words. What do you think the responsibilities should be of the citizens and of the government under the social contract? Do you think our government is upholding it's responsibilities to its citizens? Offer an example to support your opinion.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Post 4- Political Philosophy
Friday, February 18th
Pick one of the following prompts to answer:
*Are people inherently good or bad? Based on your answer how should government protect us from evil people?
*What are the characteristics to the ideal government? What barriers exist in the real world to the actualization of this ideal government?
Friday, February 11, 2011
Post 3 - Ethics
Friday, 2/11
Choose 1 of the following:
A. What are morals or values that you see as self evident? How or can someone prove that a value or moral is self evident?
B. What is an example of something that you don't think is ethical but is considered ethical in another society (or vice versa)? When can ethical relativism be justified and when can it not be justified?
Regardless of which you choose to answer PLEASE use concrete examples. Thanks.
Choose 1 of the following:
A. What are morals or values that you see as self evident? How or can someone prove that a value or moral is self evident?
B. What is an example of something that you don't think is ethical but is considered ethical in another society (or vice versa)? When can ethical relativism be justified and when can it not be justified?
Regardless of which you choose to answer PLEASE use concrete examples. Thanks.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Post 2 - Metaphysics
Friday, February 4th
Plato, Aristotle, Buddha & Lao-tzu wrote very different views on metaphysics. Whose is the most appealing to you & why? Which is the least appealing to you & why?
Plato, Aristotle, Buddha & Lao-tzu wrote very different views on metaphysics. Whose is the most appealing to you & why? Which is the least appealing to you & why?
Friday, January 28, 2011
Post 1- Metaphysics
January 28th
Choose ONE to journal on:
1. Considering the beliefs of the pre-Socratic philosophers: what are the basic building blocks of life? What are examples to prove that these items are the basic building blocks? What are examples to disprove that these are the basic building blocks?
2. How can 21st century science be used to prove that Heraclitus or Parmenides were correct? Is it "cheating" in your opinion to use modern day science to evaluate the philosophies of the Ancient Greeks?
Write a minimum of a full paragraph to answer of the prompts above. Don't just state your opinion - SUPPORT it. You are trying to make a persuasive argument.
Choose ONE to journal on:
1. Considering the beliefs of the pre-Socratic philosophers: what are the basic building blocks of life? What are examples to prove that these items are the basic building blocks? What are examples to disprove that these are the basic building blocks?
2. How can 21st century science be used to prove that Heraclitus or Parmenides were correct? Is it "cheating" in your opinion to use modern day science to evaluate the philosophies of the Ancient Greeks?
Write a minimum of a full paragraph to answer of the prompts above. Don't just state your opinion - SUPPORT it. You are trying to make a persuasive argument.
Welcome to our class blog! Term 3 2011
The instructor will post a question or will give you a choice of questions at least one a week. The question will give the student an opportunity to apply what she/he has learned from the reading &/or class to real life.
Posts need to be intelligent and in depth. Try to spell check and proof read. Students should consider this as publishing their opinions.
You are not required to read the posts of other students or to respond to them. However, you are invited to do so.
If you are absent, please try to make up your journal post within two days.
Students need to stand behind what they say and will be held responsible for what they post. Posts should not attack individual posters and should not use language that would not be appropriate in a classroom discussion. Student who do not post responsibly will have their posting rights taken away by the moderator (the teacher).
In the past this has been one of my favorite activities in the class. I am looking forward to what you have to say.
I think that Socrates would really enjoy blogs if he was still around. :) M. Aby
Posts need to be intelligent and in depth. Try to spell check and proof read. Students should consider this as publishing their opinions.
You are not required to read the posts of other students or to respond to them. However, you are invited to do so.
If you are absent, please try to make up your journal post within two days.
Students need to stand behind what they say and will be held responsible for what they post. Posts should not attack individual posters and should not use language that would not be appropriate in a classroom discussion. Student who do not post responsibly will have their posting rights taken away by the moderator (the teacher).
In the past this has been one of my favorite activities in the class. I am looking forward to what you have to say.
I think that Socrates would really enjoy blogs if he was still around. :) M. Aby
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