A collaborative search for wisdom, at Middle Tennessee State University and beyond... "The pluralistic form takes for me a stronger hold on reality than any other philosophy I know of, being essentially a social philosophy, a philosophy of 'co'"-William James
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Immanuel Chioco (Section 001)
- Name: Immanuel Vicerra Chioco
- Class: Sophomore (though I should be able to be classified early as a junior after this fall semester ends.)
- Major/Minor/Career Plan: Political Science (Pre-law cognate.) I have a minor in Journalism. I do not exactly have a "clear cut" plan yet, but I obviously DO want to somehow be involved in the legal system of the U.S. judicial courts. I've long been intrigued with the legality and reasonableness of the laws and arguments our society is faced with everyday. I do not want to enforce the law (though I acknowledge it is absolutely necessary... it's just not my cup of tea, if you will) as much as I want to interpret it (i.e., what the separate powers of the federal and state governments are, as well as what the gray areas are in which they meet.)
- Random facts: I am Filipino (with a little bit of Chinese from my Dad's side and I little bit of Portuguese from my Mom's.) My Mom and Dad met in New Jersey after they had moved to the U.S. from The Philippines (1985 and 1983, respectively.) That's where my Brother and I were born, but he moved around to Pennsylvania, Michigan, and finally Tennessee in 2001. My older Brother and I were trained in classical piano from a young age; we both went to Governor's School for the Arts here at MTSU eventually, him going in 2005 and myself in 2009. Though I love piano, I chose a different route of career plan, while he decided to stick with music, which has been his passion and love for a long time (he recently graduated from Belmont University this past may with degrees in commercial music composition and English writing.) He has been my inspiration for a long time and I try to set my standards up to his. I feel like I've been given so much (and yet, I've had to work HARD for a lot of things, at the same token) and I just want to make my Family proud. Growing up in a different society than from my parents (who grew up under dictatorship), I feel like I should take every opportunity that I can grasp. I also have two dogs: Guardian (male... mixed breed of Cockerspaniel and Beagle... turned 12 years old today!!!) and Sugar (female... fox terrier... will be turning 10 in December.) I love them both to death. I also have two cats: Wendy (female... we found her outside on a Wednesday afternoon, hence "Wendy..." will be around 2 years old now) and Remy (in remembrance of a good Family friend... will be around 1.5 years old now.) I also like to read and run anywhere between 3 - 6 miles in my spare time. I am also conservative (though I do have my liberal stances) and a Christian. I am a HUGE Kansas Jayhawk men's basketball fan, but I also respect Kentucky, North Carolina, Duke, Florida, Butler, and Belmont. In my spare time, I like to watch college basketball as well as figure skating, gymnastics, and swimming (but the last I usually just watch when the Olympics are shown on television.)
- What is philosophy? In my opinion: One's own view of the world, whether obtained through the exchange of ideas with people or by self-reflection; a set of connected, supported views and/or arguments in an attempt to find an answer to a question.
- How have others influenced yours? I have gained considerable knowledge through my interaction with others. Certain people, namely my Family and instructors, have fed me with new ideas I never would have thought of myself. I believe that most of my two-way dialogue exchanges have influenced me towards a most sympathetic, loving, and positive view of the world and its inhabitants. I've also traveled to many countries (Canada, Holland, Romania, The Philippines, and China... I've had to fund raise my way to almost all of these! Fortunately, I was able to fund raise enough to pay for the Holland, Romania, and China trips without almost any self-expense for the flights) and have seen the variety of living, beliefs, and suffering from one region to the next. Sometimes I really just wonder why everything is set the way it is... Why one idea seems to dominate over a group of people and another does the same for a different clan. Gahhh, the possibilities are endless, I guess... However, possibility IS a good thing, isn't it? :).
Tramena Mechell (16)
Classification: Sophomore
Major: Chemistry Concentration: Pre-Pharmacy
Minor: Biology
Facts about myself: I'm a pretty simple person who strives to do the best in any situation. It's better to try than to not try at all. I'm the second to youngest child of six. Four of my siblings are way older than me ranging from twenty-eight to forty-nine. My youngest sibling is sixteen pretty big age differences. I'm originally from Fort-Worth, TX but callled Memphis,TN my home for the past 13 years I believe. I lived with my father my mother is deceased(breast cancer) she is the reason I strive to do my best so I can be just as great of a person as she was. Chemistry is absolutely the best and I love learning new things about it.
Philosophy: My philosophy is pretty simple - live, love, learn. I'm open to anything and love learning and hearing other opinions on touchy subjects I believe i'm pretty OPEN.
Influences: A lot of things influence me, influence is all around but the main influences in my life are my parents, pastor, family, and definitely my friends.
Emily Ford (1)
Name: Emily Ford
Class: Freshman
Major: Undeclared at the moment
About Me: I was born and raised in Franklin, TN. I love fashion design/sewing in general, movies, music, and most forms of art.
What is philosophy: Philosophy is ultimately the search for truth of how and why the world works the way it does. One's philosophy is his/her standpoint on their reason/purpose for being.
Influences: I find myself to be a rather observant person, so I think my beliefs have been influenced by everyone and everything around me. Books, movies, historical figures, my friends, family, teachers, classmates, and all of my life experiences have shaped who I am and what I believe.
Tyler Wilson (17)
My Introduction
Junior- Libral Studies Major
Class Section 17
Hometown- New Orleans La. (Nawlins) lol
Hello all, My name is Tere'sa, I am a mother and a trauma nurse. I have been a nurse for about 8 years now although I enjoy nursing, I feel it is time for me to switch gears. This being so due to the numerous hours takeing care of other people when you're family is at home without you. I am usually quiet and reserve maybe because I have a high stress job and have to talk to people all day. (lol) I feel the definition on Philosophy is very subjective and is fed by life expierence's. Meaning Philosophy is a viewpoint on situations and or outcomes.
Kat Kolby's (16) bio
Classification: Soph.
Major: English
Minor(s): (Secondary Education) and Medieval Studies
Future Career(s?): The reason my education minor is in parenthesis, is because I do not wish to be a high school English teacher anymore. Professor Kat sounds more suitable to me. The Medieval Studies is for funsies. I plan on getting my terminal degree in English, then working on a second degree in cognitive therapy. The second degree is for a second possible career; a cognitive therapist.
Facts about myself: I don't think it poignant to list everything about myself, but I can divulge some snippets! I love writing and reading (No way? The English major? Psh!) I'm currently working on a six-part Vampire series. Yes. Vampires. They don't sparkle. Have no fear. I enjoy doodling and painting and all kinds of artsy things, but I do not flaunt a title of "artist". Videogames are a huge part of my life. I play as often as I can these days. As to which titles, I'll leave that up to those that care enough to ask. I doubt many classmates are reading these to their fullest any way.
Philosophy: I define philosophy as the way an individual examines life and their conclusions about it. It's our own meaning to life and humanity as we know it. A sort of "What makes us tick?" that changes from person to person depending on their answer to that question. My personal conclusion is that life is meant to be lived. Without questioning everything and exploring all that I can, I wouldn't be doing life any justice.
Influences: I said in class earlier today that I am influenced by everyone and everything. I meant it. I do try and take in everything around me. Each and every one of us is equally human and equally important. All opinions are worthy of hearing simply because they exist in the first place. Your thoughts are just as meaningful as mine, whether they're of closed or open minded origins.
^-^ Thanks for reading if you did! I look forward to this semester; gonna be tubular.
Shannon Laney (01)
Nick Reinehr (2:40)
Tim Edgemon (H01)
Group one first post (17)
Year- Senior
Major- Psychology, Philosophy minor
Basic info. - I love reading and writing, I'm also a dancer and dance teacher as well as a server and bartender. My ultimate goal is to be a child psychologist.
What is Philosophy? I don't think that is an easy question to answer but from what I already know about Philosophy I would have to say it's a some what structured form of arguing ....anything really, you can argue virtually anything from the smallest issues to the largest or most abstract. It's also about ethics and morality and deciding the difference between right and wrong, pertaining to the issue(s) at hand.
Influences from my own life- I think the most valuable influences from my own life aren't necessarily the people that have influenced me, rather the experiences I have lived through thus far that have helped mold me into the person that I am today.
Matthew Dossett Information. 17
Questions!
CoPhilosophy
class: Sophmore
major: Undecided as of right now, planning to apply for athletic training program in the spring
Originally From Bay City, Texas, Raised in Murfreeseboro TN, Went to RHS
I played soccer and was the mascot Chief WinEmAll. my jr and sr year.
Defintion of Philosophy: the study of the meaning of life, and how we are supposed to live it.
Influences: Mainly Music, and Naysayers. Musical influences consist of bands such as 311 and sublime
Mollie Elise Adcock (2:40/1)
Major: Media Production, no minor yet, but am considering creating documentaries in the future.
Facts: From Nashville, born and raised. Biggest aspiration in life is to travel to as many places as possible. Love fashion, care strongly about animals (I saved a puppy yesterday!), enjoy painting even though I am mediocre at it, and ultimately am just trying to be a good person in life.
What is Philosophy: To me, philosophy is like the birthplace of all of life's questions and ultimately their answers. Philosophy is what grows into facts and knowledge because someone dared to ask a question about something, and if philosophy's questions remain unanswered, then it at least led to some sort of human enrichment.
Have others influenced my Philosophy?: Of course. My older brother is a History/Philosophy major, so he is always talking about different ideas and I've learned a lot from him, and a lot of our ideas about the world are similar because of that. I've also learned a lot from studying European philosophers such as Locke, Rousseau, Descartes, etc. in high school. Ultimately, I think everyone has had their philosophy influenced by people - and possibly all of the people they've been exposed to in their lives - in both direct and indirect ways. And, in my opinion, it's a good thing to have influences in your life - whether the influences themselves are good or bad - because it exposes you to other ideas.
Rapheal Dabney | About Me
About Me
About Me
Class: Senior
Major/ Minor: Construction Management/ Military Science
Hometown: Manchester, TN
Fact about me: I am currently the c/CSM for the MTSU ROTC Battalion and I plan on flying Army Helicopters for a living.
Philosophy (my definition): The idea or point of view that an individual has on life from their own experiences and back ground.
ME
Hannah Moore (1)
I am a Freshman.
Major: Social Work
Minor: Criminology
Facts about myself: I am from Kingston, TN. I love singing and music. My parents are completely different from me and they constantly remind me, but they still love me. I don't produce ear wax in one ear which is kind of a weird fact about me. I love animals. Last but not least, I want to help people which is why I'm majoring in Social Work, specifically for the Domestic Violence/ Child Abuse area.
WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY? To me, Philosophy just seems like it would be a cool class. I haven't had a lot of time to consider what I might even begin to think what philosophy is.
HAVE OTHERS INFLUENCED YOU? When I meet groups of people for the first time, I tend to stay quiet and let others speak so
I can hear their thoughts and opinions to see if they have similar ideas that I do. If they are opposing to my ideas I take time to consider their argument and whether it has any weight on my opinions and philosophies. So I suppose that I let everyone influence me in the way that I view the world. Not that I think exactly like everyone else, just that I listen to see if there is some point in someone's thoughts that may have been a weak argument in my thought or idea.
Class: Sophomore
Major: business management
Facts About Me: I grew up in Rock Island Tennessee on the river. I work for my family, we run a marina that i hope to one day take over. I like to ride bikes, wakeboard, snowboard, participate in triathlon, and play soccer.
Influences: My parents would have to be my biggest influence then followed by my family, friends, and teachers.
Allyson (Ally) Lynch
Class: Sophomore
Major: Mass Comm- Public Relations
Minor: Political Science
Facts About Me: A am a member of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity and serve as the assistant to VP Fraternity Relations. I love doing service work. I am a member of the First United Methodist Church. The idea of "love" has always intrigued me (for what reason I'm not sure). I come from a family that includes my mom and dad and my two younger sisters.
Influences for my Philosophy: My parents/extended family and I have always been close so their ideas have always played an impact on my ideas of life, morality, etc. I also have read a lot by Mother Theresa and she has been a great influence along with Audrey Hepburn. More recently though I've been reading more by people that I may not agree with just to make sure that my ideas now are as cultivated as they could be.
Class: Junior
Major: Pre-Dental with an emphasis on Chemistry
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
What is Philosophy?
I think it is the ideas that arise about relationships and occurrences in our everyday life that challenge us and make us question the origin and purpose of those occurrences/relationships and challenge us to form a belief that we believe to be true for other possible occurrences.
Has anyone influenced you?
Everyone influences me. I often find myself acknowledging I have very one-sided views, and other peoples actions or talking with other people changes my views and shapes my beliefs more and more everyday.
Class: Sophomore
Major: Double; Psychology and General Science/ Pre-Med Track
Facts about myself: I've been in the Army National Guard for 4 years, deployed to Iraq and worked as a medic there, and I am currently enrolled in Officer Candidacy School(where they teach me to become an Officer). I am married for three years, have two dogs, and I love to run, work-out and cook. God is very important to me and I am on a never-ending path to increase my spiritual growth and knowledge.
What is Philosophy?: Hmmmm.... While I may have a more poetic answer, I believe philosophy is simpler than that. It is merely anyone's thoughts on anything. Ex: Suzie's philosophy of a McChicken " MMM this is the best sandwich ever!" and mine "Does a McChicken really have any chicken in it? I would never burden my body with that!" These are our individual philosophies and if we came together, we would have a philosophical debate on the subject. Philosophy doesn't have to be deep, intellectual, or spiritual. Although a philosophy having all the former qualities makes for an awesome debate!
How/Who influences Me?: Well... Everyone really. Either every individual I encounter or a collective group of people. What one does to me or someone else within my scope of perception will form a thought (going back to my original definition, a philosophy) in response to their action. That reactive thought, no matter how small, will go into an archive of thoughts that have accumulated throughout my existence and help shape my entire philosophy. It's all connected man!
about me bio
Alyssa Vance(16)
MW 12:40-2:05
Major/Minor:Computer INfo Systems
Hometown: Church Hill, TN
Philosophy is a new way of looking at the world by sharing views and discussing them in open forum.My papaw has always been my biggest philosopher. He taught me that while you always have to keep a guard up to avoid getting hurt you can still trust and dont have to shut the world out because if you do you will miss out on life.
Name: Cole Diamond
Class: Sophmore
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Los Angeles
Facts: I like to meditate, hike, make music, explore nature, and practice yoga.
I think philosophy is a medium to deeply and openly observe reality in an attempt to make sense of and connect with it.
I have been deeply impacted by yogic figures such as Ram Dass, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Paramahansa Yogananda
TC Clark (16)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Caleb Miles (17)
Classification: Junior
Major: Biology
Hometown: Nashville
Facts: I love art and everything about it although I'm a science major. Probably would be an art major if i weren't in the pre-med program.
What is Philosophy: i think Philosophy is the study of wisdom, and applying that knowledge to life.
Influences: I'm influenced by almost everything, however some things influence me in different ways. I can be positively influenced by someones achievements as well as their mistakes
Edward Bailey (17)
Class: Sophomore
Major: Undeclared
Facts About Myself: I have lived for a few years outside of the United States, and I have found this experience to be a big influence on my worldviews. I enjoy listening to music, reading novels, and playing video games.
What Is Philosophy: I think philosophy, in a nutshell, is the sum of your experiences. Everything you've seen, read, heard, felt, etc. all contribute to your view of the world and life in general, and this is what influences how you live and react to the world around you.
Influences For Philosophy: Everything I've seen, everything I've heard, everyone I've met, these all have influenced my outlook and shaped it into what it is today. My family and friends have definitely played a major part in shaping my philosophy.
Asiyah Naeem (1)
Class: Sophmore
Major: Graphic Design
Minor: Non
Career Path: I am working as a singer at the moment and would ideally like to become a musician. However, if this path doesn't work I a would like to use my degree in Graphic Design to work for disney and create kid friendly designs for their products.
Facts About Myself: As I stated earlier I am love to sing. I am a terrible lyricist for my songs but I love to write narrative poetry. I have an obsession with pirates and sometimes wish that it was possible for me to start my own crew. I can read and write in Arabic. My hobbies are belly dancing, reading, singing and hula hooping. You'd be amazed at what one can do with a hula hoop :). I hate war. I dislike greed. I am pro organic, pro bio diesel, pro animal rights and a strong humanitarian. I do not have a religion but I do believe in god and meditate often.
What is Philosophy: Philosophy is a tricky word for me at the moment. I think it's like the theory that shapes the world around us. It could be everything and then it could be nothing at all. It's the questions that question the questions. It's taking a step away from knowing everything, and realizing that you know nothing at all.
Influences for Philosophy: I think what shapes my view and influence for philosophy the most would have to my family and the places I've lived and experiences I've had. I started out in a family of conservative Muslims. I have gone to churches in TN. I have lived in Texas, Chicago, England and Tennessee. I have been exposed to many different views and live around different cultures. I feel like everything I've lived through and been exposed to has influenced the way I think today.
Quint Qualls
Allie (1)
Robert Allen (17)
Class: Freshman
Major: Finance
Minor: Economics
Hometown: decidedly, Smyrna, TN
Facts about me: I love reading, especially the classics. I own pets, none of which I enjoy. I work at a place where they sell miniature hamburgers at ridiculously high prices (Krystal). I listen to practically every type of music yet cannot remember lyrics or musicians' names if my life depended on it. I can legitimately cook, not just I-can-follow-this-recipe-step-by-step. My favorite class is always the one I was in last. I am a big dreamer; I could spend hours planning future milestones and tinkering with ideas. Hopefully, this class will prompt me to think even deeper for years to come.
What is Philosophy: Philosophy is a medium for reflection, an initiative for continual question and a willingness to shift paradigms on a whim.
Have I been influenced by others: I have certainly been influenced. I am a sponge when it comes to absorbing information. I absolutely love to learn, and, for me at least, learning is integrating others' ideas into my own framework of knowledge. To do this effectively, being influenced is an inevitable outcome. Influence implies only a subtle change, which is healthy, and not complete transformation, which, more often than not, mandates a loss of self.
Amanda Gambill (1)
Class: Freshman
Major: Mass Communication with a Concentration in Journalism
Minor: French and Sociology
Career Path: It switches from time to time, but the paths I'm feeling out are to be an news anchor, blogger, or a full-time "memoirist."
Facts About Myself: The most factual thing I can think of is my blood type is A Positive. However, more shifting potential facts (depending on who I'm around) is that I'm a typically quiet person, although not shy. Other tidbits: I've worked in customer service for almost five years at a photography studio, I don't want to be married or have children, and I want to be one of those really worldly, organic people who would almost be a hippie if I wasn't so level-headed.
What is Philosophy: To be quite frank, I'm not sure. By questioning philosophy itself, does that mean I understand how to incorporate philosophy in real world situations? Honestly, I believe it grounded on the basis of not completely accepting what is said to be.
Influences for Philosophy: Everything, in some way, influences me. Due to my fledgeling experience of what is philosophy, I would say my cynical view of the world as well as my non-religious background is what would influence me the most to becoming a "philosopher." Other influences could be the innate journalist in me asking "why? why?" In the end, I completely consider myself an open minded person, that is, if you appeal towards me rationally.
Amber Bradford (16)
CLASS: Freshman
MAJOR: Management
MINOR: Leadership
HOMETOWN: I was born in Augusta, GA on a military base. I've moved around a lot. Luckily, I've stayed in Middle Tennessee for about 6 years now.
FACTS: I transferred from O'More College of Design after being there a year. So, technically I suppose I'm a sophomore. Realized I didn't want to be a designer as much as I thought I did. Hoping I get it right this time. I'm "inconsistent" by definition, but I prefer to call it unpredictable. Love to read and watch tons of movies. I'm creative minded. I'm extremely friendly and always willing to help as much as I can.
WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY?: Philosophy to me is opinions and different views/ideas about how the world came about, how it works, why it works, why we're here, etc. It answers questions, or tries to.
INFLUENTIAL PERSONS: Up to this point, my parents views were strongly influential on what I believe because they raised me. There are very few ideas that someone will tell me that I don't see their side. I think a lot, so, I would say I listen openly, but in the end I form my own opinion.
Ryan Parrow (1)
MAJOR:English
MINOR:Global Studies
CAREER PLAN:I plan on pursuing a doctoral degree in English and eventually teaching college level English courses.
ABOUT ME: I don't know if I can fully elaborate on who I am. Can a person explain themselves through their interests, aspirations, or experiences? Is a person defined by their actions,thoughts, or motives? Or is there a deeper significance that is the very essence of who anyone is that can't be explained. I admit that I fully don't understand myself or anybody else. I hope that one day I'll have a better understanding of who I am, but for right now I can just define who I am as someone who is unsure as to exactly as who I am.
WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY: To define philosophy would be to implicate that philosophy has any singular definition. Philosophy is such a large category that it would be impossible to describe it in any one definition. Throughout history philosophy has held numerous meanings to people. Philosophy to one person can be totally different to another. Most people tag philosophy with it's etymological roots as defined as "the love of wisdom". But to me even that's not enough to fully explain the denotation of this field of study.
WHAT INFLUENCES MY PHILOSOPHY: My philosophy is derived from a basic understanding of the "essence" of the world. My view on philosophy is very metaphysical, and I believe that the energy of the universe guides and directs us all. This is in no way spiritual, if anything it's the opposite, but coincides with a very primitive feeling that motivates and guides us all. I'm very open minded to learning about new forms of philosophy, so to state my present way of thinking is futile as I'm sure through this course of study my view on philosophy will change drastically.
Ren Hammett (17)
Jonathan Driver (section 1)
Keep 'em coming!
Next time before we get into groups, I'll answer your questions about the course and the syllabus... so please read all of it before class, and identify any sources of confusion. When we break into groups you'll each select a leader (or your first leader, if you decide to rotate the job), discuss your posted responses and whatever anyone has to say about Listening is an Act of Love and the value of listening respectfully to one another. If you've not read the book, take a look at the StoryCorps website or the Google books version and find a story that speaks to you. Try to formulate a discussion question about it.
I'll circulate from group to group, to help everybody get comfortable with this format.
JPO
Brett Schneiderman (16)
Class: Senior
Major: Recording Industry- Audio Engineering
Minor: Music
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Facts About Myself: Avid music listener and performer. Play the Saxophone and fool around on guitar. I hate being asked what my favorite music is. Pretty big sports fan. Love my hometown (Baltimore) teams regardless of how poor they play. Very passionate about my political and philosophical beliefs but enjoy learning about other conflicting views. I consider myself pretty open minded to contrasting beliefs.
What is Philosophy: The study of perceived reality through the application of rational thinking having to do with values, reason, and evidence.
Influences on my Philosophical views: Lately, my views have been heavily influence by the works of Stefan Molyneux (Philosopher of the non-aggression principle), Richard Dawkins (Scientist of theory of evolution), Ron Paul (Free market educator).
Whitney H (16)
Class: Sophomore?
Major: Criminal Justice
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Facts about myself: I've been living in TN for about 20 months now. This is my 2nd year at MTSU, but started my college career in Santa Barbara, CA. I like it here in TN, but this isn't a permanent place for me; I miss living by the ocean. I'm shy and quiet around new people, but I'm told I'm a great listener. Also, kind of strange, but my knees bend backwards. ha!
What is Philosophy?: I always thought that philosophy was the theories and opinions of why things are the way they are that can't be explained by science.
Have you been influenced by others in your philosophy? Is it good to be influenced?: I can't pinpoint exactly who has influenced my philosophies on what, but I do know that my family and closest friends have had a part in it. I think it is good to be influenced by others, because it may bring out something that you have never thought about before or it may open your mind up to something that you never knew about.
Who (why) Am I?
Class: Freshman
Major: English
Hometown: Born in Brookings, South Dakota but have lived in Lexington, Tennessee since I was three.
Facts About Myself: I enjoy anything that involves creation. I like books, movies, music and most things born from the imagination. I play guitar; Metallica, Led Zeppelin, stuff like that.
What is Philosophy? I believe philosophy is mankind trying to find meaning in an existence beyond true understanding. When it all comes down to the very basics of philosophy, we find questions. I think that philosophy is about asking questions, not necessarily finding answers.
Influences on my philosophy? I have been heavily influenced by my parents, it is natural that living with the same people for eighteen years should not only have influences on my philosophy but should form my philosophy.
Taylor E.
Grade:Freshman
Major:Business Admin.
Hometown:Portland,TN
I believe philosophy to be the act of questioning and seeking truths, both abstract and physical, in life.
Yes I have been influenced in my beliefs and ideals by many-Socialization
Sophomore
Graphic Design
Aurora Co/Ashland City Tn
I do SCUBA diving, rock climbing just anything outdoors. Basically any type of adrenaline activity is what i like to do.
William's Thoughts
Monday, August 29, 2011
Trinity White (16)
Section: 016
Class Status: Junior
Major: Secondary Mathematics Education
Hometown: Pulaski, TN
Biography: I have traveled to and lived in many areas of the world during my lifetime but I call Tennessee my home. I enjoy new experiences of all kinds, ranging from interacting with new people to indulging in the culture of an unfamiliar place. The world influences me constantly, but my family has by far had the most impact. Their histories, actions and attitudes have effected my view of the world...probably more than I even realize.
Philosophy on philosophy: To me it simply means a collaboration of constant questions, thoughts and beliefs about humans, life and the world overall.
Gimme that girl with her hair in a mess
Class: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Social Work/Art
Hometown: born in LA, raised in Murfreesboro
Facts: I could listen to John Mayer for hours. People mistake me for a handle full of races but I am Hispanic...Latina...you know. My Nissan X-Terra is my baybay. I take naps at 5:00. In new places I'm usually quiet. I'm employed at LongHorn Steakhouse at the avenue. I loooove to have a great time and go out, rarely am I ever sitting at home. I miss California, a lot, but I'm a southern girl at heart. Lions are my favorite. I don't really like talking about myself, I'd much rather get to know other people.
Philosophy, to me, is deep thinking about many aspects of life. Usually from different perspectives, listening to the ideas and beliefs of everyone.
My parents as well as my friends who I have ever let into my life are the ones that have influenced me the most.
Remember your sec.#
I am...
Post time!
Index card #2
JPO
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Confessions of an Ex-Moralist - NYTimes.com
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Co-Phi
The William James quote above summarizes Co-Phi's aspirations: to convene a forum we can use to introduce philosophy to ourselves and one another, a forum spanning classrooms and "real world" alike, and in the process to learn more than we would if we continued to follow the "old school" script of sitting silently and taking down de-contextualized lecture notes.
(That's James in 1903, on the left, collaborating with his Harvard colleague Josiah Royce in Chocorua, New Hampshire. I was there last year, ask me about it.)
Initially the experiment involves just my Intro to Philosophy classes at MTSU, Middle Tennessee State University, in the 2011 Fall semester. We'll see if it develops an afterlife in cyberspace and time, or becomes a template for future classes.
The plan is for students in each class to disperse into approximately five groups, each with a timely focus on specific aspects of our curriculum as indicated by the syllabus. Each group will designate (and perhaps rotate) a "leader" (speaker/secretary/task-master) who will chair discussion and delegate research assignments. Groups will meet for a portion of each class. Group leaders will post summaries of their respective groups' activities in this space prior to each class session, and will give a verbal summary to the entire class. All students will be encouraged to comment in the "replies" space here. All will be expected to propose daily questions for a PowerPoint database.
We'll use those posts, summaries, and questions as our springboards for general class discussion, and as the basis of our quizzes and exams.
Groups will disband and reassemble every three or four weeks, during the 13-week semester.
This is a truly collaborative and experimental exercise. When things work we'll continue to do them, when they don't we'll scrap and improvise. Everyone's input is solicited and valued.
Why do it? For one thing, to test James's hypothesis about the superiority of "social" philosophizing. For another, to begin exploring the mostly-uncharted collaborative potential of the 21st century classroom. For a third, though but this is really primus inter pares, to model and adopt the best new ways of teaching and learning we can devise together. Old ways for the old, new for the young (and young at heart). It may well be time for what Virginia Heffernan calls a "digital-age upgrade" in the way we do things in academia. Or not. There's only one way to find out.
It should be fun, it will be interesting. Let's do it. Class begins on the 29th.