Journal questions

09 03  In your view, what is philosophy?  How would you define it? Why might it be a challenge?  What other topics does it connect with?  How might it help us in real life and beyond?

09 08 —  Are there any ways that we might be able to become “better” more understanding, more aware people without going through “tragedy and catharsis”.   Explain, why or why not. (Does NOT need to be super-personal).

09 15 – For example, right now, there are huge wildfires burning in California. Are there any ways that these fires could SOMEHOW help us to become better persons?

10 01 — does NOT have to be super-personal — Describe a CONVERSATION that made a meal awkward.   If there was anything HUMOROUS of funny in it, please include.

10 08 In your OWN words (not those of Plato or his charachters) how MIGHT we define JUSTICE?   Is just about fairness or is there something more to it?  Almost all world religions talk about justice.  Today people are no longer as religious BUT justice seem EVEN more important.  Why?

10 13 Visit a basement or a closet TWICE — In your home (where you have been spending a ton of time since March) open a dark closet and look inside.  Do NOT turn on the light.   Write ONE paragraph about what you see.  How do the things look?  How you do you recognize them? ( NOTE: It is best to visit an area that you do NOT normally go — your own clothing closet is NOT best choice).   Stay tuned for the second visit….

10 15 Now visit the same closet BUT this time turn on the light.    Explain how things look NOW with the light on.  MOST IMPORTANTLY, if someone had TOLD you about the difference (with light off / with light on) would you have BELIEVED that person.  Why or why not? (about a half a page).

10 19  How important is HOPE to dealing with the pandemic.  Does NOT have to be super-personal.  That is the first paragraph.   For the second, based on your experience would agree with Emily Dickinson and Plato that hope is PERMANENT and ALWAYS there.   (You can also write about another situation — but — again does NOT need to be super-personal).

10 21 Putting people into “groups” is a major human activity. We do it all the time. It is done to us all the time. Sometimes it is clearly UNFAIR – but – sometimes it seems very difficult to avoid. For example, could we talk about politics without ALSO talking about Democratic persons and Republican persons?   Here is a tough question: Would there by any way to run a society WITHOUT grouping people?  Why or why not?

11 05 Drink a glass of water – Describe the taste – How important is water?  – How often do we REALLY think about it?  – What might be one way to show our appreciation of water?

11 12 Go out side or open your window for second. What is the weather like? What month is iit?  What season does it seem to be? What are some POSSIBLE explanations?

Who is your favorite actress or actor? Explain you choice and their best roles.  What makes the characters compelling.

11 25   Please describe this years Thanksgiving.  Who is there? What foods are eaten? What is discussed?

Please describe an earlier Thanksgiving.

How are they DIFFERENT?

How are they similar.

Are lives are connected to world events, politics and philosophy.  How do the TWO Thanksgivings show this?

BONUS round: What will Thanksgiving 2021 be like?