2007-2008

Assignment Six
January 5-January 10
"Relax. What is mind? No matter. What is matter? Never mind!" Homer Simpson

PERCEIVING and KNOWING

Look at these two words. What is the difference between "perceiving" and "knowing"? In your blog, explore the idea(s) that arise when you define, in paragraph form, these terms. Do NOT use any outside sources to help you define the terms or formulate your ideas.

In your blog, answer the following questions.
a) What do both of these words mean? In what way(s) are the similar? How are they different? (Be as specifc as possible.)
b) When you know something, must you also perceive it? When you perceive something, must you also know it?
c) Are there some ways of knowing that are somehow superior to other ways? What are they? What makes them superior? Explain.

2007-2008

Assignment Five
December 4-10
γνῶθι σεαυτόν

Know Thyself

What does it mean to know yourself?


Assignment
In your blog, answer the following questions, each in a separate paragraph or series of paragraphs. You may use anecdotal evidence to illustrate your answers.



a) Explain what it means to know oneself; and discuss the value of this self-knowledge.
b) Discuss what you believe is your own weakness (or worst quality) and explain what, if anything, you have done to combat this weakness.
c) Discuss what you believe to be your strength (or best quality). Don't be modest here, just honest.
d) End by reflecting on what makes it so hard to think-- and write-- about one's own weaknesses and strengths. How do you feel about having to do this? Why? Explain.

2007-2008

Assignment Four
October 26-31
I Wish Someone Had Told Me . . .

"Believe those who are seeking the truth;
doubt those who find it." (Andre Gide)

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received? (Consider an answer other than the obvious-- never lick a metal pole in winter.) Who provided that advice? What made it so valuable?

Using these questions only as a starting point, write a personal narrative that explains what made this advice so valuable to you and what you think you have learned from it. Be sure to explain who gave you that advice and in what context s/he provided it.

2007-2008

Assignment Three
October 15-19
My Life As I Wished I Lived It (or carpe diem)

At the end of life, how will your life be judged? "Don't ask why. It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time."

As Green Day once sang:

Another turning point;
a fork stuck in the road.

Time grabs you by the wrist;
directs you where to go.

So make the best of this test
and don't ask why.

It's not a question
but a lesson learned in time.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.
So take the photographs
and still frames in your mind.

Hang it on a shelf
In good health and good time.

Tattoos of memories
and dead skin on trial.

For what it's worth,
it was worth all the while.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

It's something unpredictable
but in the end it's right.
I hope you had the time of your life.

(lyrics "Time of Your Life")

How do we figure out whether or not a life has value? When do we make this decision? What is the meaning and purpose of life?

Consider the things that you feel make life worthwhile and valuable.

a) List five things you will want to possess or have experienced when you reach the end of your life (whenever that may be).
b) Discuss why each of these things (or ideals or ideas) are important to you personally.
c) Discuss how each of these things (or ideals or ideas) are valuable to humanity.