Journal Entries

1. Descartes sets out to examine all of his beliefs.  Does he succeed in doing this?  Is this a good idea?  Have you attempted to do this?  have you changed any of your beliefs after you examined them?

2.  Consider Descartes argument for the existence of God.  Do you see any problems with this argument?  Could his argument be improved?

3.  Comment on some aspect of the film Waking Life.  You might consider write about one specific episode in the film or one specific theme in the film.
 

4.  In the Prologue to Thus Spoke Zarathustra, there is a contrast between the values of the overman and the values of the last man.  Which set of values do you prefer?  Why?  (Of course, you might also want to argue that other values are superior to either of the ones that are presented.)

5.  Consider the criticisms of Christian morality and the general criticisms of the Christian perspective offered by Zarathustra in the first section of the text.  Be sure to focus attention on the section "On the Adder's Bite."   Do you agree or disagree with Zarathustra?  Why or why not? 

6.  Is it inconsistent for Zarathustra to be both the teacher of the overman and the teacher of eternal recurrence?  Does this idea of eternal recurrence add something or weaken the entire text?

7.  What is your final evaluation of Nietzsche's ideas?  Where do you stand?

8.  Do you agree with Marx's condemnation of capitalism as put forward through his theory of alienation in the 1844 Manuscripts?  If you don't agree, show where his argumentation goes wrong. Be sure to look at his assumptions about human nature and human needs that are the foundation of this theory.  If you do agree, try to creatively apply this theory to some contemporary situation or institution. For example, you might consider whether the educational system is alienating for students.  If you do this, be sure to use Marx's categories of analysis.

9.  Consider Marx's theory of ideology.  What implications does it have for the examination of all our beliefs?

10. In Civilization and Its Discontents, Freud examines the various strategies that human beings employ to avoid suffering.  Is his list complete?  Does he leave out major possibilities?  Which of these strategies do you advocate and do you make part of your life?

11. We have now looked at four philosophers who have very different ideas about human nature.  Who is right?  Defend your views.

12. Consider Freire's philosophy of education.  Do you agree or disagree with his views?  Why or why not?  Looking back on your own educational experiences, can you relate this text to your own experiences?  To your future educational pursuits?

13.  Do you agree or disagree with the critique of contemporary American values offered by Cornel West?  Why or why not?  Do you think that he is pointing in the right directions in terms of solutions?  Why or why not?

14. Reflect back over your philosophical development this semester.  have any of your ideas changed or developed?  In retrospect, how do you view the philosophers that we have covered?

Remember to include your event reactions and proofs of attendance (if needed) with your journal.  If you hand in your journal on the last day of class, you can give me a stamped, self-addressed envelop, and I will mail it back to you.

Author: Hollace Graff,
Oakton Community College
Last updated: December 2, 2007