Monday, May 12, 2014

Battlestar Ethics


Objective
  • Evaluate the application of consequentialist and deontological ethics
Agenda
  • Our final "extra topic" the year is a return to our abbreviated ethics unit.  I'd intended to use the show Battlestar Galactica to showcase ethical dilemmas and spark some discussion.  It was cut for time - which apparently wasn't needed since we made up many snow days.
  • The next few days in class will consist of watching this show with interspersed discussion
  • Be sure to complete the Battlestar Viewing Packet.  This and your Purpose Project will represent your final grades in the course.  Some questions are to be done BEFORE viewing, others AFTER.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Test #7: Existentialism

Objective
  • Describe the ideas of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, and Camus
Agenda
  • Study
  • Test #7: Existentialism
  • Work Time - Purpose Projects
    • Due on Thursday 5/18

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

500 Days of Summer (Part Two)

Objective
  • Analyze the Haidt's conception of love
  • Evaluate different approaches toward finding fulfillment
Agenda
  • 500 Days of Summer
  • Discussion
    • General issues:  what do you think of the main characters?  Did one have a better approach than the other?  Were both equally "to blame" for the problems in their relationship?
      • Forms of attachment (Haidt)
      • Buddhism/Stoicism/Aesthetic approaches vs. Attachment
    • Do You Know Love?
      • Summer doesn't think love is real - but Tom says: "You know it when you feel it."
      • Is this true?  Does Tom know it?
      • How does one know the difference between passionate and companionate love?
    • Getting Behind The Wall
      • Summer: "I've never told anyone that before."
      • Tom attaches major significance to this experience.  Why?  Should he?
    • Certainty
      • Tom: "I need to know you're not going to wake up and feel differently"
        Summer: "I can't give you that.  No one can."
      • Is Tom's quest for certainty futile?  How should he respond to that?
    • The Ending
      • What's Tom's lesson about fulfillment and meaning?  Does he take the correct approach, or is he still in despair (in the Kierkegaardian sense)

Monday, May 5, 2014

500 Days of Summer (Part 1)

Objective
  • Analyze the Haidt's conception of love
  • Evaluate different approaches toward finding fulfillment
Agenda
  • Warm-Up #23: In The Happiness Hypothesis Haidt describes two forms of romantic love - what are they?  Briefly describe the difference between the two.
  • Bonus Course Content!
    • So I accelerated our schedule and cut a few elements along the way, but we've made better time than we expected (and made up a lot of those lost snow days).
    • As a result, in the next few weeks we'll have a chance to do lessons I had cut on account of time and/or extra stuff.
  • 500 Days of Summer
    • This was a candidate for Unit 3: Happiness, that I cut for time.
    • While you watch...
      • Think about Haidt's conceptions of love, and how one knows the difference
      • How ought you find happiness in life? 
        • Love?
        • Career?
        • Something else?
      • How does the issue of attachment - a theme from Buddhism, to Stoicism, to Kierkegaard, play out in the movie between the two main characters?  Does one have a better approach?

Friday, May 2, 2014

Camus

Objective

  • Describe the major ideas of Albert Camus
Agenda
  • The music is "Neapolitan Bridesmaid" by Tarkio, as it is the only song I know to accurately namedrop Camus with the following lyric:  "Albert Camus said, Living is anguish but don't dare let those bastards carry you down."
  • Camus
    • The Absurd
      • Unjust Universe
      • Fleeting Happiness
        • This can be a source of value and greater appreciation
        • "Just remember, the sweet is never as sweet without the sour" - Vanilla Sky
    • Meaning
      • If we accept that life has no meaning and therefore no value, should we kill ourselves?
      • Suicide is the "big problem" for philosophy
    • Rebellion
      • It is the struggle against the absurd that brings happiness
      • Your actions might not change the outside world, but you can define meaning in your attempt to "fight the good fight."
        • "If I lost this thorn from my side, I think I'd die." - Tarkio
      • Myth of Sisyphus
        • Camus concludes "one must imagine Sisyphus happy" as "The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a man's heart."
  • An Example - Watch Scrubs S8E2: My Last Words
  • Discussion
    • How does George struggle with The Absurd?  Does he find peace with it?  If so, how?
    • How do JD and Turks actions represent Rebellion?

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Sartre II

Objective

  • Evaluate the major ideas of Jean Paul Sartre
Agenda
  • Warm-Up #22: Do you agree with Sarte's belief that we are fully responsible for our own actions?  Why or why not?
  •  "Man Makes Himself" - Jean Paul Sartre
    • Discuss Reading from Yesterday
  • Camus, Absurdity, and Revolt
  • Purpose Projects (if extra time)
  • Tomorrow: Camus & Scrubs

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Sarte I

Objective

  • Evaluate the major ideas of Jean Paul Sartre
Agenda
  • Sartre Reading Day
  • Purpose Project
  • Tomorrow:
    • Discussion of Reading
    • Introduction to Camus

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Nietzsche II


Objective
  • Evaluate the major ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche
Agenda
  • Schedule Stuff
  • Nietzsche
    • Explain It Like I'm Five: Nietzsche (Video)
    • Reading Review / Discussion
  • Sartre
    • Brief Introduction
    • Reading

Monday, April 28, 2014

Nietzsche I


  • I'm out sick today, I will be back tomorrow.
  • Please complete the following reading assignment:
    • Nietzsche Reading
    • You may work alone or in groups of 2-3
    • Turn in one paper to the sub by the end of the period
  • Work on Purpose Projects or use your remaining time as needed to be productive and such
  • We'll discuss this reading tomorrow!

Friday, April 25, 2014

Kierkegaard III


Objective
  • Describe the life and philosophy of Soren Kierkegaard.
  • Evaluate the choice within Either/Or between the aesthetic and the ethical life.
Agenda
  • Discussion
    • Aesthetic & Ethical Reading
  • PowerPoint
  • Scrubs & Discussion
  • PowerPoint
  • Purpose Project (if time)

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Kierkegaard II


Objective
  • Describe the life and philosophy of Soren Kierkegaard.
  • Evaluate the choice within Either/Or between the aesthetic and the ethical life.
Agenda
  • Warm-Up #21: Describe the character "A" who wrote the first two sections of your reading selection from Either/Or
  • Discussion
    • Crop Rotation
    • Diapsalmata
  • PowerPoint
  • Reading: Equilibrium Between Aesthetic & Ethical
  • Purpose Project (if time)

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Kierkegaard (Reading Day)

Objective
  • Describe the life and philosophy of Soren Kierkegaard.
  • Evaluate the choice within Either/Or between the aesthetic and the ethical life.
Agenda
  • Today is the Pre-AP Administration Meeting
    • A-J reports @ 9:05
    • K-Z reports @ 10:00
  • For the time that you're here today...
  • Reading: Either/Or
    • Complete "Crop Rotation" and "Diapsalmata" by the end of class.
  • Purpose Project
    • Great time to conference w/ Mr. M about ideas
    • Begin brainstorming / writing


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Kierkegaard



Objective
  • Describe the life and philosophy of Soren Kierkegaard.
  • Evaluate the choice within Either/Or between the aesthetic and the ethical life.
Agenda
  • Warm-Up #20: Aside from Mr. M, what causes boredom in life?  How do you avoid it?
  • PowerPoint: Kierkegaard (Brief)
  • Reading: Either/Or
    • Complete "Crop Rotation" and "Diapsalmata" for Thursday.
    • Tomorrow is 50% Reading Day, 50% Pre-AP Administration Meeting

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Nihilism and Existentialism: Part Two


Objective
  • Explain the major themes of nihilism and existentialism.
Agenda
  • Film: Crimes and Misdemeanors (50 min)
  • Discussion
  • Purpose Project (If extra time)

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Nihilism & Existentialism: Part One

Objective
  • Explain the major themes of nihilism and existentialism.
Agenda
  • Turn in Existentialism Assignment
  • PowerPoint
  • Film: Crimes and Misdemeanors (30 min)

Monday, April 14, 2014

Test #6: Justice

Objective
  • Describe major party positions in relationship to ideologies
  • Analyze the origins of political beliefs
Agenda
  • Study / Prepare For Test Briefly!
  • Test #6: Justice
  • Existentialism Assignment
    • Due @ start of class tomorrow
  • Tomorrow: Begin Crimes & Misdemeanors

Friday, April 11, 2014

Fascism Friday


Objective
  • Describe major party positions in relationship to ideologies
  • Analyze the origins of political beliefs
Agenda
  • No Written Warm-Up
  • Fascism PowerPoint
  • Mussolini Quotes
  • Introduce Purpose Project
  • Study Time
  • Monday: Test #6: Justice

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Ideologies and Parties

Objective
  • Describe major party positions in relationship to ideologies
  • Analyze the origins of political beliefs
Agenda
  • No Written Warm-Up
  • Pass Out The Packet
  • Haidt - The Moral Roots of Liberals and Conservatives
  • Parties & Labels
  • Friday: Fascism & Review Time
  • Monday: Test #6: Justice

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Liberalism I

Objective

  • Evaluate the major tenets of liberal thought
Agenda
  • No Written Warm-Up
  • Liberalism PowerPoint
  • PIZZA PARTY @ 10:00. 
    • Special thanks to: Flora, Zoe, and Christian.  

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Conservatism II


Objective
  • Evaluate the major tenets of conservative thought
Agenda
  • Warm-Up #19 - Who do you agree with on attachment more strongly - stoics or conservatives:   Ought we adapt to our world by accepting change and entropy, avoiding attachment?  Or ought we strive to slow change so we can preserve things?  Or is there a third answer?
  • Conservatism PowerPoint
  • Liberalism PowerPoint (if time)

Monday, April 7, 2014

Conservatism I


Objective
  • Evaluate the major tenets of conservative thought
Agenda
  • No Written Warm-Up
  • Conservatism PowerPoint
  • Oakshott Reading

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Socialism II


Objective

  • Evaluate the major tenets of socialist thought
Agenda
  • Warm-Up #18: Describe one problem Marx has with our modern, post-industrial wage-labor system?
  • Discussion of Alienated Labor (Marx)
  • Video Clip: Dan Pink on Motivation
  • PowerPoint
    • Criticism of Capitalism
    • Marxism - Main Ideas

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Socialism I


Objective
  • Evaluate the major tenets of socialist thought
Agenda
  • No Written Warm-Up
  • Primary Source: Alienated Labor (Marx)
  • Discussion
  • Video Clip: Dan Pink on Motivation
  • Socialism PowerPoint (continued)
    • Criticisms of Capitalism

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Libertarianism II


Objective
    Libertarians believe you have the freedom to
    wear any hat you want, no matter how silly.
  • Evaluate the major tenets of libertarian thought
Agenda
  • No Written Warm-Up
  • Libertarianism
    • Ron Swanson Intro (Skipped, Oops!)
    • Ayn Rand & Objectivism
    • Discussion
  • Socialism (if time)

Monday, March 31, 2014

Libertarianism


Objective
  • Evaluate the major tenets of libertarian thought
Libertarians love maximizing freedom of choice.
Even if it doesn't work out well in the end.
Agenda
  • First Day of New Warm-Up Set
  • Warm-Up #17: If you were to identify yourself with a major political ideology from the following list, how would you identify yourself based on your current knowledge of the topic. 
    • None / Don't Know, Moderate, Libertarian, Liberal, Conservative, Socialist, Fascist
  • Survey
  • Libertarianism
    • Introduction - A Strong Theory of Rights
    • Distribution of Wealth
    • Robert Nozick & Modern Libertarianism
    • Ayn Rand & Objectivism

    Thursday, March 27, 2014

    Dr. Horrible's Ethical Dillemma


    Objective
    • Examine the principles of Virtue Ethics
    • Compare & contrast the three main forms of moral reasoning
    Agenda
    • No Written Warm-Up.  
    • Virtue Ethics Review / Discussion
    • Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog & Virtue Ethics
    • Discussion of Character's Virtues & Vices
    • Work Time
      • Study for test!

    Wednesday, March 26, 2014

    Introduction to Virtue Ethics


    Objective
    • Examine the principles of Virtue Ethics
    Agenda
    • STEM Day - Today is a short period
    • No Written Warm-Up.  
    • Virtue Ethics Assignment (see right bar) - due Tomorrow @ Start of Class
    • Tomorrow:
      • Discussion of Virtue Ethics
      • Dr. Horrible

    Tuesday, March 25, 2014

    Utilitarianism & Kant



    Objective

    • Evaluate Mill's claims about higher and lower pleasures
    • Analyze the moral theory of Immanuel Kant
    Agenda
    • Print & Catch Up On Your Warm-Ups
      • These will be graded for Term III
      • If you were absent, go back and find the missing ones
      • You must have them submitted by Friday
    • Today is a "wrap-up" day.  We'll be finishing two different topics.  Apologies for Monday's technical difficulties!
    • Utilitarianism
      • Higher vs. Lower Pleasures
      • Experiment Part II - Comedy
    • Kant
      • Categorical Imperative

    Monday, March 24, 2014

    Kant


    Objective
    • Analyze the moral theory of Immanuel Kant
    Agenda
    • Warm-Up #16: If a person does something wrong, does their motive matter?  Or is an action simply right or wrong based on its nature & consequences?  Take a position and support your point with a specific example.
    • PowerPoint
      • Bio
      • Terms
      • Axioms
      • Heteronomy vs. Autonomy
      • Examples
      • Categorical Imperative

    Thursday, March 20, 2014

    Utilitarianism II


    Objective
    • Analyze the utilitarian position on ethical decisions
    Agenda

    Wednesday, March 19, 2014

    Happiness Presentations

    Objective
    • Analyze the utilitarian position on ethical decisions
    Agenda
    • Warm-Up #15: In the original Trolley problem, is there an ethical difference between choosing to not choose (deliberate inaction) and choosing not to pull the switch (choosing to let the five people die)?  Or is it the same thing as choosing?  Briefly explain your answer.
    • Happiness Presentations

    Tuesday, March 18, 2014

    Utilitarianism I

    Objective
    • Analyze the utilitarian position on ethical decisions
    Agenda
    • Warm-Up #14: When you ask yourself, "What's the right thing to do" in a situation, what sort of factors do you consider?
    • Utilitarianism
      • Trolley Problem
      • Doctor
      • Moral Reasoning
      • Bentham
      • Queen vs. Dudley & Stephens
      • Quantifying Utility

    Thursday, March 13, 2014

    Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

    Objective
    • Analyze issues of consciousness, memory, and identity
    Agenda
    • Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
    • Discussion

    Wednesday, March 12, 2014

    Consciousness & Memory

    Objective
    • Analyze issues of consciousness, memory, and identity
    Agenda
    • Warm-Up #13: Briefly summarize and explain your position on the debate between determinism & free will.
    • V:Sauce: What is consciousness?
    • Discussion
    • Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind


    Tuesday, March 11, 2014

    Project / Door Day


    Objective
    • Analyze an idea from The Happiness Hypothesis in the context of personal experience
    • Earn pizza through making a Game of Thrones door decoration
    Agenda
    • Work on projects and/or door decoration!

    Monday, March 10, 2014

    Determinism vs. Free Will

    Objective
    • Evaluate the concept of free will
    Agenda
    • Get Community Character List 
    • Ok-Go Music Video: "This Too Shall Pass"
    • Brief Lecture - Determinism vs. Free Will
    • Q&A
    • Community - Remedial Chaos Theory
    • Discussion
    • Work on Projects (if time)

    Thursday, March 6, 2014

    Aristotle


    Objective
    • Analyze Artistotle's arguments for a happy life
    Agenda

    Wednesday, March 5, 2014

    Happiness Hypothesis X - Happiness Comes From Between


    Objective
    • Analyze The Happiness Hypothesis
    Agenda
    • Warm-Up #12 - Describe one idea from the reading in you found particularly interesting or useful
    • Discussion
    • Project / Review Time
      • Test on Friday - See Sidebar
    • Tomorrow:  Aristotle

    Friday, February 28, 2014

    Cynicism


    Objective
    • Evaluate the philosophy of Cynicism
    • Analyze The Happiness Hypothesis
    Agenda
    • No Written Warm-Up
    • Cynic Assignment (see right sidebar)
    • Discussion @ 10:00
    • Reading Time (if applicable)
      • Chapter 10 - Happiness Comes From between - due Monday 3/3

    Thursday, February 27, 2014

    Happiness Hypothesis VI - Love & Attachments


    Objective
    • Analyze The Happiness Hypothesis
    Agenda
    • Warm-Up #11 - Describe one idea from the reading in you found particularly interesting or useful
    • Discussion
    • Reading Time
      • Chapter 10 - Happiness Comes From between - due Monday 3/3
    • Tomorrow:  The Cynics

    Wednesday, February 26, 2014

    Epicureanism


    Objective
    • Evaluate the philosophy of Epicureanism
    • Analyze The Happiness Hypothesis
    Agenda
    • No Written Warm-Up
    • Epicureanism Assignment (see right sidebar)
    • Optional Assignment
      • For your preferred Book Door Proposal (Game of Thrones, The Fault in our Stars, or something else) sketch up a plan for what the door / surrounding area would look like.
      • We'll vote on plans next week!
    • Discussion @ 10:00
    • Reading Time (if applicable)
      • Chapter 6 - Love & Attachments - due Thursday 2/27
      • Chapter 10 - Happiness Comes From between - due Monday 3/3

    Tuesday, February 25, 2014

    Happiness Hypothesis V - The Pursuit of Happiness

    Objective
    • Analyze The Happiness Hypothesis
    Agenda
    • Warm-Up #9 - Describe one idea from the reading in you found particularly interesting or useful
    • Interesting Challenge
      • There's a door decorating contest for Read Across Maryland Month
      • Three winning rooms get pizza.
      • Mr. M likes winning.  And pizza.  And doors.
      • Rules:  Pick a book.  Any book.   It can just be a book people in the class like; any philosophy tie-in is optional.  Decorate the door to reflect the book with a focus on reading and creativity.  Win.  Eat Pizza.
      • Would the class like to spend a day doing this?  If so, what book?  Brainstorm!
        • Detail:  This will be a "Reading Day" / "Project Day" - anyone who wants to participate can do so, the rest can work on stuff for class.
    • Discussion
    • Reading Time
      • Chapter 5 - Pursuit of Happiness - due Tuesday 2/25
      • Chapter 6 - Love & Attachments - due Thursday 2/27
      • Chapter 10 - Happiness Comes From between - due Monday 3/3

    Monday, February 24, 2014

    Stoicism

    Objective

    • Evaluate the philosophy of Stoicism
    • Analyze The Happiness Hypothesis
    Agenda
    • Warm-Up #9 - Define stoic
    • Stoics
      • Stoicism Definition
      • Key Ideas
      • Famous Stoics
      • Quotes
        • Control
        • Perseverance
        • Virtue
    • "This Is Water"
    • Reading Time (if applicable)
      • Chapter 5 - Pursuit of Happiness - due Tuesday 2/25
      • Chapter 6 - Love & Attachments - due Thursday 2/27
      • Chapter 10 - Happiness Comes From between - due Monday 3/3

    Friday, February 21, 2014

    Happiness Hypothesis I - The Divided Mind

    Objective
    • Analyze The Happiness Hypothesis
    Agenda
    • Warm-Up #8 - Describe one idea from the reading you found particularly interesting or useful
    • Discussion
    • Reading Time
      • Chapter 5 - Pursuit of Happiness - due Tuesday 2/25
      • Chapter 6 - Love & Attachments - due Thursday 2/27
      • Chapter 10 - Happiness Comes From between - due Monday 3/3

    Wednesday, February 19, 2014

    Reading Day


    Objective
    • Analyze The Happiness Hypothesis
    Agenda
    • Happiness Project Description
    • Today is a reading / work day
    • Work on your Happiness Hypothesis reading.  The first part will be due on Friday, then each subsequent section will be due on subsequent days (or every other day).
    • Start brainstorming ideas for the Happiness Project
    • Review for tomorrow's God Test

    Wednesday, February 12, 2014

    Life of Pi

    Objective
    • Analyze the philosophical arguments within the film Life of Pi
    Agenda
    • Get Happiness Hypothesis Reading (for next week)
    • Life of Pi
    • Discussion: Life of Pi
    • If time, start reading

    Tuesday, February 11, 2014

    Pascal's Wager


    Objective
    • Evaluate Pascal's Wager
    Agenda
    • Warm-Up #7:  Do you agree the main argument within Pascal's Wager?  Why or why not?
    • Discussion: Pascal's Wager
    • Life of Pi

    Monday, February 10, 2014

    The Problem of Evil


    Objective
    • Evaluate the "Problem of Evil"
    Agenda
    • Warm-Up #6: Define Evil
    • Discussion:  The Problem of Evil
      • Epicurus
      • Breaking Down The Argument
      • Counterarguments
    • Life of Pi
    • Don't forget:  Pascal's Wager due tomorrow

    Friday, February 7, 2014

    Quiz / Life of Pi

    Objective

    • Describe the beliefs of major world religions
    Agenda
    • Briefly Study / Print Notes (as needed)
    • Returning Old Quizzes
    • Hand out Pascal's Wager
    • Announcement
      • No "Proofs of God" by Aquinas - cut for time
    • Quiz #3: Christianity & Islam
    • Life of Pi
    • Coming Up:
      • Monday: Problem of Evil (and Pi)
      • Tuesday: Pascal's Wager (and Pi)

    Thursday, February 6, 2014

    Eastern Philosophy


    Objective
    • Describe the history and beliefs of major world religions.
    Agenda
    • Two Hour Delay - Short Class (1 hour)
    • Warm-Up #5: Based on your Crash Course viewings, explain any one idea from an eastern religion or philosophy.  (It could be a term or broad concept).  Then, briefly explain why this idea has historical or philosophical importance.
    • Powerpoint
      • Key Concepts
        • Dharma
        • Karma
        • Story of the Buddha
        • Suffering
      • Discussion
    • Quotes
      • With a partner, look at the quotes on the pages linked below. 
      • Buddhism:  Buddha - Wikiquote14th Dalai Lama - Wiki Quote
      • Confucianism:  Confucius - Wikiquote
      • From the sources above, select at least FOUR quotes (total) that you think are worthy of discussion.  Write them down.  Be ready to share & explain why you think these are important or interesting ideas.

    Tuesday, February 4, 2014

    Quiz / Crash Course


    Objective
    • Describe the beliefs of major world religions
    Agenda
    • Watch Crash Course / Study
    • Quiz #2: Eastern Religions
    • Review Quiz
    • Watch Crash Course / Study
    • Coming Up:
      • Tomorrow: Eastern Religions Discussion
      • Thurs: Abrahamic Religions Quiz
      • Fri: Proofs of God

    Thursday, January 30, 2014

    Meditation III - Proving Reality


    Objective
    • Analyze Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy
    Agenda
    • Warm-Up #4: Regardless of your views on Descartes' arguments, why do you think his argument is so important in the history of philosophy?
    • Discussion:  Descartes Meditations (Part 3)
    • Prepare For Test
    • Crash Course (World Religions - see sidebar)
      • Part One due on Monday
      • Part Two due on Wednesday

    Wednesday, January 29, 2014

    Meditation II - Cogito Ergo Sum

    Objective
    • Analyze Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy
    Agenda
    • Short Period - Two Hour Delay
    • Warm-Up #3: Briefly explain how Descartes is able to proof his own existence through pure reason?
    • Discussion:  Descartes Meditations (Part 2)
    • Reading: Descartes Meditations (Part 3) - Due Tomorrow

    Tuesday, January 28, 2014

    The Matrix


    Objective
    • Analyze Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy
    • Evaluate Plato's Allegory of the Cave in the context of The Matrix
    Agenda
    • No Written Warm-Up
    • The Matrix
    • Discussion:  The Matrix

    Monday, January 27, 2014

    Meditation I - Radical Doubt

    Objective

    • Analyze Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy
    • Evaluate Plato's Allegory of the Cave in the context of The Matrix
    Agenda
    • No Written Warm-Up
    • The Matrix
    • Discussion:  Descartes Meditations (Part 1)
    • Reading: Descartes Meditations (Part 2) - Due Tuesday

    Friday, January 24, 2014

    The Matrix


    Objective
    • Analyze Descartes' Meditations on First Philosophy
    • Evaluate Plato's Allegory of the Cave in the context of The Matrix
    Agenda
    • No Written Warm-Up
    • The Matrix
    • Reading: Descartes Meditations (Part 1) - Due Monday

    Thursday, January 23, 2014

    Logic Assessment


    Objective
    • Explain major logical structures
    Agenda
    • Short Period - Two Hour Delay!
    • No Written Warm-Up.  Take a moment to prepare for your reading quiz.
    • Logic Reading Quiz
    • Logic Presentations
    • Tomorrow: The Matrix

    Friday, January 17, 2014

    Logical Reasoning


    Objective
    • Explain major logical structures
    Agenda
    • No Warm-Up
    • PowerPoint: Logic
    • Logic Reading (Quiz on Tuesday)
    • Logic Presentation (Present on Tuesday)

    Thursday, January 16, 2014

    Logic Introduction


    Objective


    • Analyze Plato's Allegory of the Cave
    • Explain major logical structures
    Agenda
    • Warm-Up #2: Can you make 50 identical cookies?
    • Take 10-15 minutes to complete warm-ups & finish reading the Allegory of the Cave.  If you're ahead, start the Logic Reading (see right sidebar)
    • Background: Plato's Theory of Forms
    • Allegory of the Cave - Analysis & Discussion 
      • Story & Setup
      • Finding The Truth
        • What is real?
        • Theory of Forms
        • Is it always better?  Do people like it?
      •  Returning to the Cave
        • How would you be regarded?
    • Logic Reading (Quiz on Tuesday)
    • Logic Presentation (Present on Tuesday)

    Wednesday, January 15, 2014

    Plato: Leaving the Cave


    Objective


    • Analyze Plato's Allegory of the Cave
    Agenda
    • Attendance
    • Seating Chart
    • Collect Info Sheet
    • Computers
      • Log On
      • Website
      • Setup Journal
    • V-Sauce
      • Find the video on the public drive.  It can be found under Public / Malafarina / Philosophy of Knowledge
    • Warm-Up #1: Michael introduces the concept of a Theory of Mind.   Why is this idea so important?  What does it enable humans to do that other animals can't do?
    • Discuss V-Sauce
    • PowerPoint
      • Major Figures
      • Allegory of the Cave
    • Primary Source:  Allegory of the Cave (due tomorrow)
    • Logic Reading (due Thurs)

    Monday, January 13, 2014

    Introduction


    Objective
    • Explain classroom procedures and expectations
    • Analyze how we know what we "know"
    Agenda
    • What is Philosophy?
    • The Key Question
      • Discussion
    • The Topics
    • The Syllabus
      • Pass Out Syllabus
      • Pass Out Info Sheet
    • The Cactus
    • Discussion Rules
    • Question Cards for Mr. M
    • Discuss: What is something you know to be true?
      • V-Sauce
      • Computers
        • Log On
        • Website
        • Setup Journal
      Homework - due tomorrow
      • Info Sheet / Permission Slip