Homework 1

Note on homework assignments: Many questions are phrased so that a “Yes” or “No” could be given. However, answering “Yes” or “No” will not earn you credit. You must say why you give that response. In other words, think about what the question is asking you to consider, and give an appropriately thoughtful response. Keep in mind that these questions ARE designed to make you think. They may even make you feel confused as you try to give clear answers to them. That is part of the point. Homework is supposed to take you about an hour to an hour and a half. If you find yourself taking less time, it probably means you aren’t doing enough thinking about the questions. If you find yourself taking much more time, see me. Please don’t spend three or four hours on an assignment and then come to class complaining about the amount of work. Just do what you can in that rough time frame.

Instructions for HW 1: Answer the following questions. The more you think about your answers, the more valuable class will be to you. Email to atallman (at) salemphx.com by 12PM 4/20.

1. What influences your thinking about right/wrong?
2. Have you changed significantly over the course of your life in thinking about right and wrong? How?
3. What rules or principles do you try to follow in your life?
4. Why is it important to think well?
5. The Declaration of Independence claims that “All men are created equal….” Does this mean that all people are equally able to think well?
6. What standards does our society use to determine how well someone thinks? Are these good measures of thinking ability? Why or why not?
7. How would you know if someone is a “wise man?”
8. What does the word “responsibility” mean?
9. How are ideas transferred from one person to another?
10. If a teacher enables a student to do something good in life, should the teacher receive praise for it?
11. If a teacher enables a student to do something awful in life, should the teacher be blamed for it?
12. What makes humans different from animals?What areas of life are important to think well in to be successful/happy?