Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Students possess great wisdom
I love teaching high school because of how it involves constant learning from my students. Philosophy club only meets once a month, but we are currently writing journals of 100 questions we are curious about that really cannot be answered or solved, just discussed. My number one question is "What causes people to believe in certain things that others cannot accept or understand?" Cultural influence may have some bearing on this, however, many people come to conclusions about their beliefs from personal experiences that they cannot verbally describe to others. I am always curious to know what these are and how they connect. Since many high school students, as well as adults, always see issues in "black and white", it is always refreshing to talk to those who see much more of the grey area and are therefore constantly seeking. One student, who is from Germany, is perhaps the most informed student I teach. His opinions are strong, but educated. He is very well read on all current issues that others of us may be apathetic toward. He is outstanding in generating interest in these issues that make the other students want to research and know more about. Since this club doesn't really do much besides talk about ideas, I think students find it relaxing to participate in any capacity they feel comfortable--even if it means just listening. We may purchase berets or t-shirts with our favorite philosophers names or pictures on them so we can be better defined as a club.
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6 comments:
while on the subject of beliefs i personally had a question. Why is it that men/women must try and force their beliefs on others but if anyone attempted to do the same to them they would become enraged? I personally believe that this is partly due to the fact that people become hardwired into a certain ideology at some point in there life. Upon discovering that what they've believed for so long their mind reacts in a volatile way. If they were wrong then that would mean that all of their life was a "lie". Thus it's easier to continue lying rather than re-align their entire thinking process. what is your thought on this topic?
When I was in high school, I had two friends with whom I was close and they were close to each other through association. One was Jewish and the other was Christian. My Jewish friend lost her father suddenly to a heart attack. She was very close to her dad and was, understandably, quite devastated. My Christian friend in an attempt to "console" my Jewish friend said that she was very sympathetic and understanding toward the Jewish girl especially since her father was now in hell. My Jewish friend shrugged it off. However, I have never forgotten it. I thought this was the cruelest thing anyone could ever say to another person who was suffering from such unimaginable grief. As an adult, I understand, as I mentioned in the previous blog, that often teenagers only understand issues that are "black or white". Still, I cannot understand how anyone could lack compassion toward another person. As a teacher of high school students, I feel it is my duty to teach compassion, gratitude, understanding and acceptance to my students. However, even as a "mature" adult, I find it very difficult to tolerate INtolerance from anyone--even children.
In answer to your question, I think that the reason it is easier to contiue lying is because it is ingrained in their very being. I believe, however, that most people go through a stage where they begin to question what they think and continue to do so through their lives. Some call this indecisiveness. I believe that as frustrating as it is to constantly question EVERYTHING you thought you knew, it still makes one more tolerant of others. Everyone's thinking process needs to be re-aligned on a regular basis.
I really enjoyed the first meeting of the philosophy club. I think that it is so great to see others besides myself explore the world of ideas with such unending curiosity and wonder. Thank you for starting this.
Mr. Rey.
I am so glad that you are at West Port. You have such a great influence on all of the students that you work with as well as the teachers. Our next meeting is November 4, if you would like to join us.
Mrs. A
'What causes people to believe in certain things that others cannot accept or understand?"
Faith defies our level of intellect. Our past and present is littered with unimaginable grief.
Many choose to fortify their vulnerability by believing less in the unseen and believing more in what they can control.
An Athiest was climbing a mountain when he lost his footing and began sliding down the side of a mountain. He grabbed on to a branch that was growing out the mountainside. He called out for help.
After holding on for hour, his arms became tired from holding up his weight. As the realization set in that he might not be saved, fear of the fatal fall surrounded his thought.
As the weight of his body pulled against his grip he called out, "God! Please Help me!"
When the weight of bodies, when the weight of life pulls us down and we can no longer maintain a grasp, our mind opens up and accepts a power that is superior to ours.
Thus the question..."Why wait?"...Why wait for the last minute, when you can't lift that weight?
That is the question!
I am so impressed with this philosophy club. I think it is critical for teens to discuss how they feel about current issues, how they would respond and why. I just finished creating a Facebook. My daughter had told me I would be disappointed in the college lives of many of my former students. I can't believe I had over 100 emails in one day. From kids and teachers and friends all over the country. I think this class is amazing.
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