March 3 Reading Assignment; The Consolations of Philosophy; “Introduction” and “Consolation for
Unpopularity”
Journal Assignment #9
After reading “Consolation for Unpopularity” consider the issue of how much you crave the approval of
others and any compromises you make in your thinking, values, or behavior so as to avoid being unpopular.
Write a page or two this, including evaluating whether it is worth it.
Also, on page 24 we find the Socratic Method for Thinking for oneself. Apply this method to some
common belief of your choosing. Choose a popular idea in our society, (Some examples; “We create our
own reality” or “Right and wrong are a matter of personal feelings” or “If it feels right, do it” or “Whatever I do
is none of your business,” or “Whatever I believe is true, is true,” or ‘Everything is a matter of opinion, and
one person’s opinion is just as good as anyone else’s”) This would be an idea that is accepted as common
sense by many in our society, but upon Socratic examination, warrants rejection. Your assignment is to
critique the common sense idea using the Socratic Method of Thinking.
March 5 Reading Assignment; Passionate Declarations “Introduction” and Chapter Four, “The Use and
Abuse of History”
Journal Assignment #10
In the Introduction and Chapter 4, the author, Howard Zinn, explains why he is not “objective” when it comes
to teaching and writing about history. What reasons does he give, and argue whether you agree with him or
not.
Also, summarize what Zinn learned from reading about the Ludlow Massacre. Reflect on your own High
School experience in studying history. Based on your experience, to what extent was your education an
indoctrination (telling one side of the story and not another in order to shape belief) into the “dominant
orthodoxy”? Give examples of how you did, or did not, go into some of the more troubling aspects of
American history.
March 10 Reading Assignment; Passionate Declarations Chapter Two “Machiavellian Realism and
American Foreign Policy”
Journal Assignment #11
Summarize Zinn’s description of “Realism” and his criticism of it. Describe also with your own examples (if
you can think of any; perhaps the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, or research Guatemala in the 1980’s on the
web at http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D06EEDB123AF933A05752C1A9659C8B63) how
American Foreign Policy is Machiavellian.
March 12 Reading Assignment; The Consolations of Philosophy; “Consolation for Not Having Enough Money”
Journal Assignment #12
Summarize the position Epicurus takes on what truly makes people happy. Do you agree or not? Contrast
his ideas with what modern American society puts forth as “The Good Life,” Consider your own beliefs and
behavior on the subject of happiness. What would make a happy life for you? What do you think Epicurus
would say about your program for happiness? What could you be doing now to insure a happy life in the
future?
March 19 Reading Assignment; Research Utilitarianism, the ethical/political philosophy of “The
Greatest Good for the Greatest Number (or The Least Harm for the Fewest) on the Wikipedia website;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utilitarianism
Read the sections from “History” to “Negative” as well as the
sections on “Predicting Consequences,” “Importance of Intentions,” and “Human Rights”.
Journal Assignment #13
Describe the Utilitarian approach to moral decision making. What are some of the criticisms of
Utilitarianism? How would a Utilitarian approach the issue of drafting young men to fight in a war of selfdefense? How would a Utilitarian approach the problem of harvesting the organs (heart, lungs, kidneys,
liver, etc) of a seriously deformed and mentally disabled baby to give them to save the lives of 4 other sick
babies?
 Hand in Journal Assignments #6 through #13 for grading.
SPRING BREAK – NO CLASSES MARCH 24 AND 26
