Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Albert 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."
  • No spoilers about Agents of Shield S1E11: The Magical Place, Sam/Jessica.  I missed it!  We'll discuss this critically important piece of philosophy tomorrow.  For today, silence on this topic is a virtue.
  • Because I am a benevolent and kind soul, your test will be multiple choice / matching / true false only.  Closed notes obviously (no Either/Or).  Use the following resources:
    • Existentialism Reading / Crimes & Misdemeanors
    • Kierkegaard PowerPoint / Either/Or
    • Nietzsche Reading / Fight Club
    • Camus Lesson (today's brief notes)
  • Before the end of class tomorrow, please print out your second set of warm-ups and hand them into the inbox.  These are #20 - #35.   You'll have time to do so at the end of class today.
  • 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?

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