debate on 2/27

[Anonymous]

This debate was very interesting on so many levels. It was a great way for us as students to see into play a strategy I am certain many of us use as teachers: a group debate with background research. I hadn't participated in anything like this for many years, since college I suppose, but it provided a great first-hand account of what each groups philosophy was and how it would have been towards thinking at that time period. I very much enjoyed seeing all viewpoints and hearing from peers differing perspectives through the various philosophical undertakings. This debate re-instituted why teachers use activities such as this to fully envelope their students into the mindset and perspective of the character, philosophy, etc. of what they are learning about and studying.

[Anonymous]

Debate Response: As a Daoist I would say that my father is being criminalized by the existing law that outlaws his horrible action. And if his behavior, that has been undisclosed, is a limit to my existence then I will leave his confines to find my own way. His existence does not limit my own because I exist within the larger framework of the universe. I am what I am, and he is what he is. He is but a circumstantial role to my existence. I will "live and let live." It is up to him to come into terms with what he has done. And if I would like to take the question further I can talk about how pride limits self reflection. If I were to over address his action it can stifle his reflection and I would get it the way of his growth. It is simply not my place. If his action is directly connected to me, then it is within my right to act to protect but not to force a reflection on his part. We must all find our own dao.

[Anonymous]

Debate:
I enjoyed the debate as well; to be honest many of the ideas in the text became clear when we all engaged in the debate. It was very useful, and this activity can easily use in our classrooms.
edited by edelafuente on 3/6/2016

[Anonymous]

The debate on Saturday was fascinating. It is interesting how passionate people can get about something that we are just learning about. I found myself arguing very strongly for Mohists. That is very funny to me. That is why I love debates. You can get kids excited about something they never have ever thought about. You can pull them in and engage them. Very fun, thank you. I learned a lot.

[Anonymous]

Based on Confucianist teachings if my father did something wrong and we both know it, I cannot go against him. There is a hierarchy of the family and my relationship to him means I must respect him.

[Anonymous]

I really enjoyed the debate on Saturday. It was interesting to see how people defended their ideologies even when they knew they were wrong. We can see these type of situation still happening today in the real world. People get passionate about their religions, ideas, groups, etc., and it is hard to change their minds about something. The debate we had was very intense and even when I was on the Confucians side, I realized that even when they were good people, it had its flaws. For example, based on the Confucians teachings, if my father did something really bad, I would have to advise him, but not turn him in because of I owe him obedience. However, I would prefer to be a Legalist. If I knew he did something really bad, he knew it was bad and still decided to do it, then he needs to suffer the consequences. What if he killed my mom, or raped my sister, that is something that needs to be addressed through the law because if he did it once, he will do it again.

[Anonymous]

What will you do if your father did something wrong. You know he did something wrong. He knew it was wrong, but he did it. What do you do? Nothing - nature will balance itself, it is not my place to do anything. The more I try to change him, the worse it will get. He will come to terms with his actions on his own. ~ Daoist response

I really enjoyed this lesson and will be trying it out with my AP students next year!

[Anonymous]

RE: Influence of Chinese philosophy on teachers

Kriztian, I agree with you that most teachers must tap into their “legalist” side when teaching. I think our schools are structured in such as way that the legalist style seems to be the most comfortable, but I think that ultimately teachers must find what is authentic to them and teach in this manner, otherwise being someone you are not is exhausting. Our science teacher is a big time Daoist, and although that departs greatly from the rigidity schools typically require, this somehow works for her because it is authentic to who she is. I think student perceive when we are being authentic or “fake” with them, and it is probably in everyone’s best interest to stick to the philosophical style that comes more natural with who we are.

edited by nramon on 6/23/2016
edited by nramon on 6/23/2016

[clay dube]

Hi Folks,
We will spend the first part of class on Saturday morning in our four sided debate over what's wrong with our land and what we should do to move forward. The key materials are the philosophy teaching guide included in session 1 readings. You'll sit with your fellow school of thought members and I'll pepper you with questions, mostly from the guide itself. In addition to understanding your own school, you need to know how it is similar to and different from other schools.

Below is the debate roster. If you wish, please create a new topic for your school so that you can share ideas.

Confucians 儒 (ru)
1. Brandon Abraham
2. Nikole Burgess
3. Bianca Centeno
4. Judith Gonzalez Baruch
5. Natali Ramon
6. Caroline Rhude
7. Cecilia Sanchez
8. April Vos

Mohists 墨(mo)
1. Jennifer Lopez
2. Carly McCarthy
3. Carrie Morgan
4. Sherita Rogers
5. Al Schleicher
6. Tracy VanCuren
7. Ivett Romo Verdin
8. Thalia Catano

Daoists 道(dao)
1. Ester De La Fuente
2. Julia Gaytan D’Amico
3. Donna Jamshidnejad
4. Samantha Kollar
5. Benito Mendoza
6. Oscar Moreno
7. Jenny Tang
8. Jill Tarango

Legalists 法(fa)
1. Annmarie Barrera
2. Oscar Carrillo
3. Kriztian Luna
4. Ashley Pekarski
5. Cecilia Seman
6. Monica Velarde-Kubanik
7. Linda Wirtzer
8. Nancy Jimenez
edited by cgao on 2/23/2016

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