Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
4/26 Civil disobedience
In general should people follow the law? Why or why not? Would you ever commit civil disobedience? Why? Or why not? What would it take for you to consider breaking the law? To what degree would the punishment influence your decision? To what degree would the issue you are concerned about influence your decision?
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
4/6 Ethics
Take the side you DIDN'T debate in class and argue that side. Reference at least one philosopher.
Resolved: The scientific community's use of Henrietta Lack's cells was morally permissible.
Resolved: The scientific community's use of Henrietta Lack's cells was morally permissible.
Friday, April 1, 2016
Post 2 - 4/2
Today we are finishing watching The Matrix. Do you think the movie presents more of a Taoist or Buddhist view? Why? What elements of that philosophy do you see in the film? Offer at least one concrete example.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Post 1 - 2016
Choose ONE to journal on:
1. Socrates believed in seeking an objective truth. Do
you believe there is a truth or rather many truths from many different
perspectives? If there are many truths, then how can we ever determine
guilt in a court of law? If there is an objective truth, then how can we
make sure it is valid and not just the most powerful person's opinion?
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.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Welcome!
Welcome to Philosophy! I love teaching this class and am very excited to work with you. I haven't gotten to teach this class since 2011 and I have missed it. We will use this blog on average once a week as way to apply and digest the philosophies we are discussing in class to real life. I look forward to reading what you write.
Sincerely,
Meredith
Sincerely,
Meredith
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Post 7: Religious Philosophy
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...
(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...
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.
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