(10th) Weekend Discussion #10 AND #11

SOPHOMORES!!!! 

We will be handling Weekend Discussion slightly differently this week, so please read these instructions!

Because of our studies on moral dilemma, this week’s discussion concerns President Harry S. Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan during World War II.

Please begin by reading a letter from Truman to James L. Cate of the University of Chicago, which briefly outlines his reasoning for dropping the bomb:

http://www.nuclearfiles.org/menu/library/correspondence/truman-harry/corr_truman_1952-12-31.htm

In addition, you are welcome to use these additional sources and others to formulate your opinion and reasoning:

•           http://www.trumanlibrary.org/teacher/abomb.htm
•          http://www.trumanlibrary.org/hst-pape.htm
•          http://www.nuclearfiles.org/menu/library/correspondence/index.htm#decision

CONSIDER: Based on your reading(s), do you believe that Truman made the right decision? Please explain your answer using evidence from sources (in quotation form, please!) as well as an explanation of your own views.  

Remember to do the following:

•         Use a pseudonym (pen name) and not your real name when posting,
•         Be detailed in your responses by using evidence as support,
•        You may respond to the question or someone else's answer, and
•         Be polite and positive at all times!

Because this is a special, in-depth discussion, I would like to see LOTS of participation and replies in the form of a polite debate from as many of you as possible. As such, you have an extended time – this discussion will close on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2012.

(9th) Weekend Discussion #10

"It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both."

- Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527), "The Prince"

CONSIDER: This incredibly famous quotation has been both followed by some, and openly denied by other leaders in the history of the world. In your mind, is a better leader one who is feared or loved? Do fear and love have their place in leadership and governance?

Remember to do the following:

·          Use a pseudonym (pen name) and not your real name when posting,

·          Be detailed in your responses by using evidence as support,

·          You may respond to the question or someone else's answer, and

·          Be polite and positive at all times!

You have until Monday, October 29, 2012 @ 5:00 PM to comment on this posting. At 5:00 comments will close.

Extra Credit Reminder

Hello everyone --

If you're looking for extra credit, remember to look in your text set for a list of options available at local museums, as well as opportunities through going to see a play/opera/musical.

Be sure to let me know BEFORE YOU GO so I can give you your write up assignment.

Further, don't forget to turn in a permission slip and $3 if you want to participate in the History/English combined movie night on Thursday, October 25, 2012. You will have the opportunity to gain extra credit for both History and English by coming and completing the write up(s) after the film.

Location: on campus, actual room TBA (to be announced)
Time: 3:30 - 6:00 PM
Cost: $3

(10th) Weekend Discussion #9

"A poem is never finished, only abandoned."

- Paul Valery (1871-1945)

CONSIDER: Can pieces of art (or other work) be truly considered finished, or merely works in progress? Is there a point to obsessively trying to “finish” things, or is there a point where one can stop with satisfaction? Why does man seek perfection or a finish to all things? Why are we constantly dissatisfied with our progress in work?

 

Remember to do the following:

· Use a pseudonym (pen name) and not your real name when posting,

· Be detailed in your responses by using evidence as support,

· You may respond to the question or someone else's answer, and

· Be polite and positive at all times!

You have until Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 5:00 PM to comment on this posting. At 5:00 comments will close.

(9th) Weekend Discussion #9

"The truth is more important than the facts."

- Frank Lloyd Wright (1868-1959)

CONSIDER: Which is more important, truth or facts? Can the truth have as much power as logical fact? Give an example of how facts or truth changed your life or the way you viewed things in life.

 

Remember to do the following:

· Use a pseudonym (pen name) and not your real name when posting,

· Be detailed in your responses by using evidence as support,

· You may respond to the question or someone else's answer, and

· Be polite and positive at all times!

You have until Monday, October 22, 2012 @ 5:00 PM to comment on this posting. At 5:00 comments will close.

(10th) Weekend Discussion #8

"Research is what I'm doing when I don't know

what I'm doing."

- Wernher Von Braun (1912-1977)

CONSIDER: What is our core reason for research in any subject? Does research require any foreknowledge, or is it better to go into a project without knowing anything about the topic? Do you believe that Von Braun was wise to believe in this or not, and why?

Remember to do the following:

·         Use a pseudonym (pen name) and not your real name when posting,

·         Be detailed in your responses by using evidence as support,

·         You may respond to the question or someone else's answer, and

·         Be polite and positive at all times!

You have until Monday, October 15, 2012 @ 5:00 PM to comment on this posting. At 5:00 comments will close.

 

(9th) Weekend Discussion #8

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."

- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

CONSIDER: What does Einstein mean by treating life events as “miracles”? Which of his two options, in your opinion, is the better way to view life, and why? How does his statement apply to your life experiences?

Remember to do the following:

·         Use a pseudonym (pen name) and not your real name when posting,

·         Be detailed in your responses by using experience or evidence as support,

·         You may respond to the question or someone else's answer, and

·         Be polite and positive at all times!

You have until Monday, October 15, 2012 @ 5:00 PM to comment on this posting. At 5:00 comments will close.

 

(10th) Weekend Discussion #7

"Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will

find a way around the laws."

- Plato (427-347 B.C.)

CONSIDER: Plato states that good people do not need laws – is he correct, and why? Why, and for whom, are laws essentially created? Will a “bad person” always try to get around a law, or does the law’s existence help him or her become a better citizen?

Remember to do the following:

·         Use a pseudonym (pen name) and not your real name when posting,

·         Be detailed in your responses by using experience or evidence as support,

·         You may respond to the question or someone else's posted answer, and

·         Be polite and positive at all times!

You have until Monday, October 8, 2012 @ 5:00 PM to comment on this posting. At 5:00 comments will close.

 

(9th) Weekend Discussion #7

"Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right."

- Henry Ford (1863-1947)

CONSIDER: Does the way we think affect the way that we perform tasks? How much does thinking positively (or negatively) affect our outlook in life? What can we do to become more positive against strife and struggle?

Remember to do the following:

·         Use a pseudonym (pen name) and not your real name when posting,

·         Be detailed in your responses by using experience or evidence as support,

·         You may respond to the question or someone else's posted answer, and

·         Be polite and positive at all times!

You have until Monday, October 8, 2012 @ 5:00 PM to comment on this posting. At 5:00 comments will close.