Up@dawn 2.0

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Introductions

Let's introduce ourselves, Spring 2018 CoPhilosophy collaborators. (I'll tell you in class why I call my version of the Intro course "CoPhilosophy." But maybe you can guess, from the William James quote above.)

I invite you all to hit "comment" (below) and reply with your own introductions, and (bearing in mind that this is an open site) your answers to two basic questions: Who are you? Why are you here? (in this course, on this campus, in this state, on this planet...)

Our first class meeting will consist mainly of introductions and a heads-up that this is an unconventional course in ways I hope you'll find delightful, instructive, and rewarding. If you don't like to move, breathe, and converse in the open air on "nice" days, this may not be the course for you. But if you don't especially like the conventional lecture-style academic model in which I talk and you scribble silently in your seats, it may be just what you're looking for.

We'll not go over the syllabus or get bogged down in the nuts and bolts of course mechanics on Day #1, there's plenty of time for those details later. But do peruse the blogsite and syllabus (linked in the right margin) before next class and let me know what's unclear. Meanwhile, read your classmates' intros and post your own.

I'm Dr. Oliver, aka (despite my best efforts to discourage it) "Dr. Phil." I live in Nashville with my wife, Older Daughter (a recent college grad), a dog (Scooter) and a cat (Zeus). Younger Daughter is a college freshman at another school.

My office is 300 James Union Building (JUB). Office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays 11-1 (better make that 11:15-12:45, given the time it takes to cross campus to & from class), & by appointment. On nice days office hours may be outside, if so a note on my door will direct you. I answer emails during office hours, but not on weekends. Surest way to get a quick response: come in or call during office hours.

I've been at MTSU since the early '00s, teaching philosophy courses on diverse subjects including atheism, childhood, happiness, the environment, the future, and bioethics.

My Ph.D. is from Vanderbilt. I'm originally from Missouri, near St. Louis. I was indoctrinated as a Cardinals fan in early childhood, so I understand something about religious zeal. My undergrad degree is from Mizzou, in Columbia MO. (I wish my schools weren't in the SEC-I don't approve of major collegiate sports culture or football brain injuries, as I'm sure to tell you again.)

My philosophical expertise, such as it is, centers on the American philosophical tradition of William James and John Dewey. A former student once asked me to respond to a questionnaire, if you're curious you can learn more about me there.

What you most need to know about me, though, is that I'm a peripatetic and will encourage you all to join me in that philosophical lifestyle as often as possible during discussion time. (If you're not sure what peripatetic means, scan the right sidebar or read the syllabus or ask me. Or look it up.)

I post my thoughts regularly to my blogs Up@dawn and Delight Springs, among others, and to Twitter (@osopher), and am continuing to experiment with podcasting as a classroom tool this semester. Follow me if you want to.

But of course, as Brian Cohen said, you don't have to follow anyone. (Extra credit if you get that reference... and real extra credit if you realize that my "extra credit" is usually rhetorical.) However, if a blog or podcast link turns up with the daily quiz (which will always be posted on this site no later than the night before class), you might find it helpful to read or listen.

Enough about me. Who are you? (Where are you from, where have you been, what do you like, who do you want to become,...?) Why are you here? (On Earth, in Tennessee, at MTSU, in philosophy class)? Hit "comments" below and post your introduction, then read your classmates'... and bear in mind that this is an open site. The world can read it. (The world's probably busy with other stuff, of course - Drumpf and Kardashians and cooking shows and other examples of what passes for "reality" these days.)

Please include your section number in your reply, and in all future posts on this site:
  • #3 Introduction to Philosophy TTh 09:40-11:05 BAS-S330
  • #8 Introduction to Philosophy TTh 01:00-02:25 LRC-208




0:01
 
From a distance, philosophy seems weird, irrelevant, boring...
0:06
 
and yet also – just a little – intriguing.
0:08
 
But what are philosophers really for?
0:11
 
The answer is, handily, already contained in the word philosophy itself.
0:16
 
In Ancient Greek, philo means love and sophia means wisdom.
0:20
 
Philosophers are people devoted to wisdom.
0:23
 
Being wise means attempting to live and die well.
0:26
 
In their pursuit of wisdom, philosophers have developed a very
0:29
 
specific skill-set. They have, over the centuries, become experts in
0:34
 
many of the things that make people not very wise. Five stand out:
0:43
 
There are lots of big questions around: What is the meaning of life?
0:46
 
What's a job for? How should society be arranged?
0:49
 
Most of us entertain them every now and then, but we despair of trying
0:52
 
to answer them. They have the status of jokes. We call them
0:56
 
'pretentious'. But they matter deeply because only with sound answers
1:00
 
to them can we direct our energies meaningfully.
1:04
 
Philosophers are people unafraid of asking questions. They have, over
1:07
 
the centuries, asked the very largest. They realise that these
1:11
 
questions can always be broken down into more manageable chunks and
1:14
 
that the only really pretentious thing is to think one is above
1:17
 
raising big naive-sounding enquiries.
1:23
 
Public opinion – or what gets called ‘common sense’ – is sensible and
1:27
 
reasonable in countless areas. It’s what you hear about from friends
1:30
 
and neighbours, the stuff you take in without even thinking about it.
1:33
 
But common sense is also often full of daftness and error.
1:38
 
Philosophy gets us to submit all aspects of common sense to reason.
1:42
 
It wants us to think for ourselves. Is it really true what people say
1:46
 
about love, money, children, travel, work? Philosophers are interested
1:50
 
in asking whether an idea is logical – rather than simply assuming it
1:54
 
must be right because it is popular and long-established.
2:00
 
We’re not very good at knowing what goes on in our own minds.
2:03
 
Someone we meet is very annoying, but we can’t pin down what the issue is.
2:07
 
Or we lose our temper, but can’t readily tell what we’re so cross about.
2:11
 
We lack insight into our own satisfactions and dislikes.
2:14
 
That’s why we need to examine our own minds. Philosophy is committed
2:18
 
to self-knowledge – and its central precept – articulated by the
2:22
 
earliest, greatest philosopher, Socrates – is just two words long:
2:26
 
Know yourself.
2:30
 
We’re not very good at making ourselves happy. We overrate the power
2:34
 
of some things to improve our lives – and underrate others.
2:37
 
We make the wrong choices because, guided by advertising and false glamour,
2:41
 
we keep on imagining that a particular kind of holiday, or car, or computer
2:45
 
will make a bigger difference than it can.
2:48
 
At the same time, we underestimate the contribution of other things –
2:51
 
like going for a walk - which may have little prestige but can

2:54
   
contribute deeply to the character of existence.

2:58
   
Philosophers seek to be wise by getting more precise about the

3:00
   
activities and attitudes that really can help our lives to go better.
3:08
 
Philosophers are good at keeping a sense of what really matters and what doesn't.
3:12
 
On hearing the news that he’d lost all his possessions in a shipwreck,
3:15
 
the Stoic philosopher Zeno simply said:
3:17
 
‘Fortune commands me to be a less encumbered philosopher.’
3:21
 
It’s responses like these that have made the very term ‘philosophical’
3:25
 
a byword for calm, long-term thinking and strength-of-mind,
3:29
 
in short, for perspective.
3:31
 
The wisdom of philosophy is – in modern times – mostly delivered in
3:35
 
the form of books. But in the past, philosophers sat in market squares
3:39
 
and discussed their ideas with shopkeepers or went into government
3:42
 
offices and palaces to give advice. It wasn’t abnormal to have a
3:45
 
philosopher on the payroll. Philosophy was thought of as a normal,
3:49
 
basic activity – rather than as an unusual, esoteric, optional extra.
3:54
 
Nowadays, it’s not so much that we overtly deny this thought but we
3:58
 
just don’t have the right institutions set up to promulgate wisdom
4:02
 
coherently in the world. In the future, though, when the value of
 
philosophy* is a little clearer, we can expect to meet more
4:09
 
philosophers in daily life. They won’t be locked up, living mainly in
4:12
 
university departments, because the points at which our unwisdom bites
4:16
 
– and messes up our lives – are multiple and urgently need attention -

77 comments:

  1. Anonymous3:28 PM CST

    My name is Lauren Gage and I am from Lawrenceburg, TN. I recently moved to Murfreesboro last semester (where I feel most at home). More than anything, I want to become a compassionate, kind, and wise nurse- which brings me to this course. I chose to take philosophy as one of my fine arts because I am interested in finding out exactly who I am and why so I am better equipped to help others. I love digging a little deeper and satisfying my curiosity and I am so excited to dive into this course! #3

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  3. Hey everyone! My name is Tristen Owens, but I go by Mackenzie which is my middle name. I moved to Murfreesboro from Lawrenceburg, TN with my best friend and we now have an apartment together. My goal is to become a Forensic Accountant, because of my love for numbers and math. I chose to take Philosophy this semester to be able to look at life from a different perspective. #3

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  4. Hello everyone. My name is Jason Hicks. I was born in Florida and moved to Murfreesboro ten years ago. I hope to become an Athletic trainer when I am finished with college. I am taking this course because it is a Gen. Ed. requirement. #3

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  5. Maria Rodriguez7:38 PM CST

    Hi everyone, my name is Maria Rodriguez. I was born in Cuba, but my family moved to Florida soon after I was born. I have lived between Nashville and Murfreesboro for the past twelve years. I'm excitd for this class because it will give me the oportunity to talk about various ideologies. This will help me when I hopefully become a family counselor in the near future. #3

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  6. Hello everyone, my name is Victoria Luangrath. I was born and raised here in Murfreesboro. I am very excited to take this as my general education course but also i am quite fond of philosophy. I do not know what I would want to be as my career but hopefully this class could help with deciding my pathway. #8

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  7. Chandler Todd11:32 AM CST

    Hello everyone, my name is Chandler Todd. I was born in Murfreesboro but have lived in Woodbury, TN all my life. I am very excited to take this class as my general education course because I feel that this course can directly improve abilities that will be needed in my future career. #8

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  8. Ashley Thomson1:44 PM CST

    Hey everyone! My name is Ashley Thomson. I am from Lakeland, TN (about 20 minutes outside of Memphis). I am taking this class because it sounded like a good class to take for a general education class. I hope this class helps me understand philosophy more. #3

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  9. Alexzandria Simmons1:50 PM CST

    Hey there! I'm Alexzandria Simmons but if you don't want to say all of that, you can call me Ally. I was born here in Murfreesboro and lived here for the first ten years of my life, but I moved to Virginia and then to Massachussetts and in 2014 I came back here. I am not entirely sure what I want to do with myself but I love to write poetry and I'm actually a writer for a magazine and blog at the moment. I'm taking this class as a general education requirement, but honestly this was the only class that really seemed interesting to me. I am eager to hear and share different viewpoints during this course though! #8

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  10. Serena Sabchareun9:33 PM CST

    Hi all, my name is Serena Sabchareun. I'm currently living in Antioch, TN, and have been here for the majority of my life. I plan on getting my degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and hopefully I'll figure out what exactly I want to do with it in the next 3 and a half years. I am taking this as a gen. ed because it seemed more interesting than other classes. I do hope that I'll get to know myself better after this course. #3

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  11. Hello everybody! My name is Smit Patel. I've lived most of my life here in Tennessee. One of my main goal in life is to become a dentist because I want to spread smiles. I am taking this class as a gen ed, hoping it would give me a better understanding on what philosophy is. #8

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  12. #8
    Hey guys! I'm Madonna Ghobrial and I live in Nashville. I was born in Egypt, but I was raised in the US. I plan on becoming an optometrist, hopefully, because I believe everyone should see the beauty of life. I don't know much about philosophy, but it seemed like a nice gen. ed. class to take, so here we are!

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  13. Jeffrey Emmons8:21 AM CST

    My name is Jeffrey Emmons. I am a Math major from Cedar Hill, TN (somewhere in the northern part of the state). The reason why I am taking this GenEd is because unbeknownst to many philosophy and upper level math courses are similar.

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    Replies
    1. This is still all Jeffrey Emmons. I am slow sometimes.

      Delete
  14. David Elkin8:36 AM CST

    #3 My name is David Elkin. I'm a Concrete Industry Management Major from Franklin, TN. I'm taking this class because I've always enjoyed reading philosophy but have never gone in depth with it.

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  16. #3
    Hello Everyone, my name is Bola Attaalla. I am originally from Egypt and moved here to the united states in 2005. I am a junior exercise science major and planning to graduate in 2 more semesters. I hardly know anything about Philosophy but I think its something new and interesting to learn about.

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  18. #8 Hello everyone, my name is Mena Sargios. I was born in Egypt, immigrated to the United States in 2006. I am a Computer Science senior, so I’ll be graduating this semester. I already took PHIL3170 (Ethics and Computing Technology) which is required for my major. I found that class very interesting and had two electives to fill this semester, so I decided to take the Intro class to Philosophy, which is this class. I am taking this class hoping to expand my understanding of Philosophy and the world because sometimes I find myself believing in conflicting ideas at the same time. I don't have a public Google+ account that's why the comment appears as Unknown

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  19. Hi everyone. I study philosophy. I'm excited to see what topics we'll get into, and can't wait to see what kinds of conversation will unfold. I'm always interested to go deep into subjects and see the incites people from different perspectives have to offer. I love talking to people. Good luck to you all this semester.

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  20. Hi, I'm Dustin and I'm Criminal Justice Administration with a concentration in Law enforcement i am here at MTSU because i have lived in Murfreesboro my whole life and i love the campus itself. I am taking this class because it seemed as if it would be interesting. #8

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  21. My definition of philosophy is the idea of what the meaning of life is. As of right now i do not specifically have a favorite philosopher. However i do have a motto that i live by and that is basically that no matter what happens God has got me.

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  22. Hello, everyone my name is Javias Carter I am from Memphis, TN. My reason for coming to MTSU was because it wasn't to close nor to far from home. I am a psychology major with a minor in mental health. I don't know much about philosophy my goal is to learn more about it by the end of the semester.

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  23. My definition of philosophy is just an idea of many things such as happiness, love, existences and knowledge. I currently do not have a favorite philosopher I hope to have one by the end of the semester. I live my life based on ''God will meet you where you are in order to take you where He wants you to go.

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  24. Hello everyone! My name is Gavin Bedow and I am from Chicago, Illinois. I came into this class for the General Education credit, but after my first class i can see this class may help me find out more about myself and what i want to do in life. I am currently undeclared and am excited for this class! #3

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  25. Andrew Yonts8:18 PM CST

    Hi, My name is Andrew Yonts.I am From Franklin, Tennessee and attending Mtsu to become a pro pilot. I always like to think so what better way to think than in a class about philosophy.

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  26. Andrew Yonts8:31 PM CST

    I believe that the definition of philosophy is to think of what is around and what is of oneself. John Locke is my all time favorite philosopher, because he created the principles and values for our American Government. My personal philosophy is that every man and woman has a duty to live the life they are given for God and to help others prosper for the posterity of humans, but still has the free will to choose to do so.

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  27. Kristina Yovino11:42 PM CST

    My name is Kristina Yovino, I moved to Murfreesboro from Knoxville to attend MTSU. I'm studying Child Development and Family Studies. I'm taking this class as a GenEd but have always been interested in philosophy.

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  28. Jennifer Dowd8:49 AM CST

    #3
    Hi everyone! My name is Jennifer Dowd, I am an Agribusiness major. I have a passion for farming focusing on cattle and horses. I'm crazy about agriculture but I thought it would interesting to learn about philosophy.

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  29. #3
    Hello everyone, My name is Mary Sadek. I live in Nashville, but I was born in Egypt. I've lived most of my life there, I am a biology major and I plan on becoming a dentist, God willing. I don't know much about philosophy all I know is a nice Gen.ed course and I am interesting to learn more about philosophy

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  30. Hey guys my name is Hunter Garstin and I am currently a Psychology major inspiring to be a counselor someday. I took this course to discover the overlap and similarities between Philosophy and psychology.

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  31. Hey guys my name is Hunter Garstin and I am currently a Psychology major inspiring to be a counselor someday. I took this course to discover the overlap and similarities between Philosophy and psychology.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hey guys my name is Hunter Garstin and I am currently a Psychology major inspiring to be a counselor someday. I took this course to discover the overlap and similarities between Philosophy and psychology.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hey guys my name is Hunter Garstin and I am currently a Psychology major inspiring to be a counselor someday. I took this course to discover the overlap and similarities between Philosophy and psychology.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hey guys my name is Hunter Garstin and I am currently a Psychology major inspiring to be a counselor someday. I took this course to discover the overlap and similarities between Philosophy and psychology.

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  35. Hi, my name is James Schneider. I was born and raised in Murfreesboro and I am an aerospace major with a professional pilot concentration. I am interested to see the topics that will be covered in class. I had an English class last semester that dealt with a tiny bit of philosophy and I would like to learn more about it. I don't really have a personal philosophy but hope that I can find one that suits me. #8

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  36. I don't know much about Philosophy, but if I had to define it, I would say it's about questioning more than meets the eye. I don't exactly have a favorite philosopher, but my philosophy is that everything is according to God's will.

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  37. I think that philosophy is anything and everything that a person believes. My philosophy is forgive and forget. I don't have a favorite philosopher. #8

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  38. #3
    Hello everyone, My name is James Harris. I was born and raised in Nashville,TN. My major is currently food science with a minor in agriculture. I decided to take on philosophy because it seemed like one of the more interesting GenED requirements. I am also excited to learn different ideals and prospectives this semester.

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  39. #3
    I believe that the definition of philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. I currently do not have a favorite philosopher I hope to have one by the end of the semester. However, my personal philosophy is that " We all live in our minds, and existence is an attempt to bring that life into physical reality."

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  40. Hello, my name is Cole Bradley. I'm from Bardstown, Kentucky and currently a second semester freshman here at MTSU. I am majoring in music business and was recommended by a friend who had taken this course. I was told that it was very interesting and would be a good GenED to take.

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  41. Hello, my name is Cole Bradley. I'm from Bardstown, Kentucky and currently a second semester freshman here at MTSU. I am majoring in music business and was recommended by a friend who had taken this course. I was told that it was very interesting and would be a good GenED to take.

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  42. Hello, my name is Cole Bradley. I'm from Bardstown, Kentucky and currently a second semester freshman here at MTSU. I am majoring in music business and was recommended by a friend who had taken this course. I was told that it was very interesting and would be a good GenED to take. #3

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  43. Hey guys, my name is Nicholas Fasano but I like to go by my last name. I was born in New York but moved to Tennessee 4 years ago. I am majoring in finance and decided to take philosophy because it seemed like a easy A. #3

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  44. #3 My definition of philosophy is questioning purpose and life itself. Currently the only philosopher I have much experience with is Aldous Huxley. I just think being happy,enjoying things, and making the best of a situation is my philosophy.
    Jake Blanchard

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  45. #3
    Hi cophilosophers. My name is Cong. I live in Nashville, TN, but I was originally from Vietnam. I'm pursuing a bachelor degree in biology at MTSU. I'm in my second year of undergraduate studies. I plan on going to medical school - for now. I'm taking PHIL 1030 to fulfill my premed requisites, but I plan to explore this course to the fullest.

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  46. Brandon Hafeli7:17 PM CST

    #8 My name is Brandon Hafeli. I live in Lafayette TN, and was born in Florida. I'm a Video and Film Production major here, and I chose this course to fulfill my General Education requirements. However, I chose this specific course because it interested me the most of all. I believe that the world is full of many complicated issues without solid answers, so I just try to do as much good as I can.

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  47. Aldair Avalos9:38 AM CST

    My name is Aldair Avalos Madera. I'm originally from Mexico and lived there for 9 years before moving here. I've been in Murfreesboro for about 10 years now. I plan to go to TTU after this semester is over to be able to graduate as a Chemical Engineer. I picked this course because for some reason I need more general education to be able to graduate. However, I figured that since I was forced to do this I would pick something that really intrigues me. I am looking forward to something that I hope wasn't a mistake. #8

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  48. Hello everyone my name is Noah Tadesse. I'm originally from Ethiopia currently residing in La Vergne. I'm at MTSU to complete a degree in biochemistry hoping it will help me in the long run in my pursuit of medical school. #8

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  49. Hunter Pritchard3:07 PM CST

    My name is Hunter Pritchard. I was born in Pennsylvania, and I moved to Tennessee when I was 2 years old. I live about 45 minutes from campus and commute. I'm majoring in Religious Studies and I think philosophy is a very good way to learn how and what other people think. I'm a Christian and I enjoy Soccer, working with computers, and video games. I decided to choose this class because knowledge has always fascinated me. It is foolish to only hear one theory and to believe it is the only way. I think I will really enjoy this class although I'm not a very good writer. I noticed most of the students in this class are older than I am and I hope I didn't choose a class that was too advanced for me. #8

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  50. Anonymous3:40 PM CST

    Hey my name is Yohana Michael. I'm from Murfreesboro, TN. I came here to get a degree in biology and hopefully become a pharmacist so that i can make money and provide for myself in the future. #8

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  51. Hey everyone! My name is Iesha Hardy and I am from Memphis, Tn home of the world's greatest Bar-B-Que. I initially joined the class because it is required to complete my general education classes but I will say I am very excited to learn about the true means of philosophy.#3

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  52. Lanessa Byles7:34 PM CST

    Hi,

    My name is Lanessa Byles. I'm from Memphis, TN. I am MTSU C/o 2020 :). I am in this class because I enjoy debating. I like to discuss things that don't really have an answer to them because I like to give my side and reasoning for my beliefs and I enjoy hearing other people's beliefs and why they feel that way, and I feel like Philosophy is the class that'll give that to me. I'm in school because my family feels like that's the way to earn big bucks in this world, and if I have a way to earn big bucks, I'm all for it! I'm in Middle Tennessee because I wanted to get away from home, but not TOO far from home you know? Also, I like the University of Memphis, but again.. that's at home.. where I didn't want to be and to me MTSU and U of M are just about the same school so.. win win. I'm on this earth because my mother and father decided one day to make a masterpiece and BOOM there I was :)

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  53. Hi, my name is Matthew Hawks. I am from a small town in West TN, named Medina. I attended a community college for two years near there called Jackson State Community College, and then I transferred to MTSU last semester. I am a Computer Science major, and I am in this Intro to Philosophy class because I had some elective hours and figured that Philosophy would be an interesting class to use 3 hours on. I enjoy seeing other people's views as well as having intellectual conversations, so philosophy seemed like it could be right up my alley.

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  54. #8

    Hello, my name is Gavin Hoard. I grew up in Christiana, TN. I went to Motlow Community College in Smyrna for 2 years and just transferred to MTSU. I'm a Business Admin major and minor in Economics and Finance. I enjoy traveling every year to see parts of my family in Louisiana and Florida. I've been to Mexico and would like to travel to other places outside of the U.S.. I am taking this class because i'm interested to learn other people's philosophical thoughts, and I hope to gain knowledge from it.

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  55. Jasper Von Buseck9:27 PM CST

    #8 Hey everyone. My name is Jasper Von Buseck. I'm a human being raised in Atlanta GA. I recently moved to TN to pursue my undergrad in Audio Production. I'm here to make music, and hopefully make a living from it.

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  56. My favorite philosopher would have to be Aristotle because he was a man of many trades and ideals. I enjoy his writings on how humans were born sinners and how he documented how to correctly put your thoughts on paper. He gave us things that we still use till this day and I find that amazing.

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  57. Caleb Rhinehart11:21 PM CST

    #3 I am who I am. As it is hard to define oneself in a few sentences. Suffice to say I am a Senior here at MTSU and took this course on the off chance that I might be able to glean some good discussions from people in the class.

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  58. #8 I am Michael Hahn, I am a Marine radio operator and I am from Murfreesboro TN. I have been all over the country and over to Latvia I want to make a career out of the Marines and become a Marine aviator as an officer. I am here at MTSU because its home where the band of blue is and I wanted to major in Aerospace Management and pro pilot,and this is a very good place to complete that. The reason that I have landed in this Philosophy class was because I needed another social/ behavioral science an this sounded interesting. Semper Fidelis

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  59. #3 I'm Brandon Warner and I'm a second semester freshman here at MTSU. I'm from Antioch and am majoring in Aerospace Technology in hopes to get a masters degree in Aerospace Engineering one day. I chose to take this class because I took an intro to philosophy course in high school and loved it so I told myself that I needed to experience a college level one as well. I have high hopes for enjoying this class this semester and look forward to broadening the way my mind thinks.

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  60. #3. Hi class, my name is Andrew Jensen, I'm from East Tennessee, and I'm a junior majoring in Plant and Soil Science here at Mtsu. I'm here at Mtsu to expand upon my knowledge/wisdom and to try and learn more about myself in the process. I'm taking this class because it seemed more fun than dance appreciation, but also because I've always had a love for philosophy!

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  61. #8 I'm Colin Colbert, Minnesota born, Freshman Business Major. I'm here at MTSU to get away from the northern frigid nightmare, and MTSU was the most convenient. I'm taking this Philosophy class because it sounded like an interesting elective compared to the other options.

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  62. Zack Creasy10:22 PM CST

    #3 Hey class, my name is Zack Creasy. Im a Tennessee born, Psychology major here at MTSU. I'm a young and ambitious entrepreneur in the field of fashion design. I've always appreciated the depth of life and because of that have been in search for wisdom and truth for the last 10 years. I enjoy reading books on philosophy and spirituality. I'm eagerly looking forward to what I will learn from this course.

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  63. My name is Mulan Throneberry. I am from Decatur, Alabama and I am at MTSU pursuing a recording industry (songwriting) major. I chose this class because I needed more general education credits and I've always been interested in philosophy.

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  64. Hello everyone, my name is Hannah Williams. I was born in Tennessee and I am currently studying Animal Science. I chose to take philosophy because i thought it sounded interesting and wanted to explore different outlooks on life. #3

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  65. #8 Are you a good listener?
    Being a good listener is kind of hard when you have so much to say. I try my best to be a good listener to my friends. We all need a good listener every once in a while. With being a good listener comes with being attentive, listening to everything that he or she says, not interrupting and thinking before responding.

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  66. Hello everyone, My name is Glenn Scarborough, I am a returning non-traditional student completing my Criminal Justice Degree. I believe philosophy to be a valuable class for anyone in the Criminal Justice Field

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  67. Hey everyone, I'm Jerrod Robinson. I am a film production major and I'm starting my sophomore year at MT. Over the past year I've become very intrigued as to how the mind works both on a social and scientific level, as a result I signed up for this course and hope to learn a lot this semester.

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  68. #8 Im not sure as to where I am suppose to post the discussion questions so I'll put them here for now! I am without a doubt a sedentary person but it is not just because of video games! Although that is a big reason why I also just enjoy being indoors more. My most memorable outdoor experience would have to be when I was swinging over a creek from a rope tied to a tree and I ontop of a rock. I like to think I am a good listener but often get self absorbed in my view. I personally have never tried to share my beliefs in public. I feel like it is a subject people are sensitive about and are prone to getting defensive about. I would have to go to Plato's school and not because I prefer his teachings but because his name reminds me of play-doh.

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  69. #3 Sup, I am Tanesha Hardaway. I am a Memphian from Memphis, TN and I am currently a student at MTSU who is majoring in studio arts. My hobbies include drawing but mostly painting. My personality in my eyes is very nonchalant and composed due to the fact that I am a person who does not like drama, being put in dramatic situations, or being around dramatic people. I basically signed up for this class to further gain a deeper understanding behind different people's thinking and reasoning. So far this class is extremely different from what I expected but I am going to try my best to adapt as well as do my best.

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  70. Kaitlyn Boatman10:49 PM CST

    #3 Hi, My name is Kaitlyn Boatman. I am from a small town in East Tennessee. I am a first year student currently majoring in psychology here at MTSU.I am attending MTSU to figure out what I want to do for the rest of my life and become successful. I decided to take this course because I want to expand my philosophical knowledge while also relating philosophy to psychology.

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  71. Anonymous12:03 AM CDT

    I am a Christian, so what I believe is strictly based off of the bible and may be different than what others believe. I believe that God sent his only son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins and that He rose on the third day. Now that He is gone back to heaven while he is preparing a place for us, we are to fulfill our mission which is to spread the gospel. I believe this is the purpose for every human being. Everyone has a purpose; some just don’t know it yet. Everyone has a gift; whether it’s singing, writing, dancing, preaching, and praying and so on. There are so many spiritual gifts humans are not aware that they have and that there is more than one way. Everyone must use the gift God has gave them in a way that make His name known. The motto I live by is “Until Every Nation Sings”. So I will continue to let the world know about Jesus, who He is and His spectacular, great love He has for His people until every person believes and confesses with their mouth that Jesus is Lord. That He is our savior and that there is no life without him. I feel like the issue why people are confused and don’t find purpose in their life is because they don’t know what to believe. They see all these different religions and feel like obviously four out of the five must be fake. I use to question my faith all the time until I got into that mindset that Christianity is NOT a religion; it is a relationship with God. The more we get to know our Creator and the more we love Him the better we understand who we are and what our purpose is. We were created to bring Him glory. God has unique plans and purposes for each person but we can know that, whatever those plans look like, they will ultimately result in His glory. Truly when we see the great love of God for us, and contemplate the great plan of redemption, our only words will be praise and glory to God, and from this we will truly love all our fellow man. Think on the words of Paul, as he drew closer to Christ, he truly found that there was nothing in this world that is better than living for Christ.
    Philippians 1:21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
    He realized that to have life, means to have Christ, and to die with Christ is gain in comparison to living without Him. May our purpose be to live wholly and unreservedly for Christ as we reflect on what He has done for us.

    yohana michael

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