PHS TOK Seminar

The Listening Project - Where now?

2009-04-10T08:38:00.000-07:00

One of the points that was made multiple time in The Listening Project was the idea of America overstepping its bounds, attempting to control more than it could handle, and as a result we have become "an empire in decline." What do you believe the United States should or needs to do, or, as a single international community, we as a 'global family' needs to do in order to make a better world? How should we change our involvement in different countries, and how will that change affect us and the rest of the world? Should we even be concerned with self-image or simply doing what we believe is right? Or are the two related?

This movie gives us many many different oppurtunities to cover ideas of national versus international identity, global involvement and identity, and the importance of questioning who 'we' are and who 'we' want to be. Don't let my questions limit all of your guys' answers. Write what you think, what you believe, what you oppose, and why.

Have at it.
-Flip Senn

Time...

2009-03-01T20:09:00.000-08:00

This came up the other day in a conversation... and it stuck me as one hundred percent TOK...

"Why is time relevant?"

I personally have never understood that. Yes, it is a way that we interact with others, but why is it important? Why do some people cling so adamantly to it? Where did it come from? (Yes it is a part of life and I accept that, but why?)

Answers / opinions wanted :)

Oliver

Lawbreaking Part Two

2009-02-23T19:38:00.001-08:00

Hey guys so Stitches is Oliver (Me). Sorry I forgot to sign my post... oops.
I'm curious, because many of you brought up the issue of killing someone. Why is killing someone wrong? Don't murderers deserve to die? It doesn't make sense to me that in our society killing is viewed as wrong, yet someone who does so is in a sense given a secure home, bed, and has all of their general needs met for life. Does that punishment really fit the crime? This kind of turned into a question about capital punishment, but I'm curious to here your reactions. (And yes, I do agree, but I don't understand WHY...)
So... why is killing wrong?

The Listening Project

2009-02-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

What is your response to the film?

Lawful? - LAW AND ETHICS FOLLOW UP QUESTION!

2009-01-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

This question was posted by Oliver, and it seems to get at the heart of the issue. Please respond by Friday, Jan. 30. (Thanks, Oliver. You are officially "done" with your assingment.)

This came up during a discussion about the Seminar homework...

If we break the law to uphold it, what message does that send? Ultimately, does it do more harm than good?

As always, justify...

The Miranda Warning

2009-01-20T07:49:00.000-08:00

For those of you who do not watch "Law and Order," I've included a link that explains the history and wording of the Miranda Warning, referred to in the cases provided by Magistrate Jostad. This would be good background info to have.

Mrs. King

http://www.usconstitution.net/miranda.html

Ethical Principles and the Law

2009-01-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

Prior to attending Magistrate Jostad's presentation on Friday, Jan. 23rd, please respond to the following 2 questions related to the handouts given in your English class:

Do you agree with the court's decision in Case 1: People v. Becker, or with the dissenting opinion? Please state your reasons.
Regarding Case 2, do you feel Pautler acted unethically and, therefore, should have been punished? Or do you feel that he "did the right thing," and that his actions should be excused because of the outcome? Please state your reasons.

YOU MUST SIGN YOUR NAME TO YOUR POST!!!

There will be a follow-up blog assignment after the seminar as well.

Mrs. King

Know Thyself

2009-01-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

The Belief-O-Matic is a website that poses 20 faith-based questions, and then compares your responses to the prescribed responses of a variety of religions. After you submit the survey, the faith at the top of the list is the one Belief-O-Matic found that most closely matches your own beliefs. The following 26 faiths are listed in order of how closely they align with your professed beliefs. In terms of TOK, this is a great tool both in process and product. Each of the 20 questions requires an evaluation of stances you may or may not addressed in yourself, and can help help you to define your views. The resultant list gives you the terms (names of religions) whose connotations allow you to effectively convey your beliefs, both to others and for yourself. I, for example, came up 100% Liberal Quaker, and 98% Unitarian Universalist (the religion I currently practice)

Have fun!

http://www.beliefnet.com/Entertainment/Quizzes/BeliefOMatic.aspx

I thought it might be interesting if people posted their results as comments, along with your response to their accuracy or inaccuracy - is this an effective way to gain knowledge?

Merry... Holidays

2008-12-19T21:04:00.000-08:00

As you know, we all just got off school and are into break. However even in labling this as the "holiday break" brings attention to one of the most dangerous politically correct times of year. This season has become famous for white lights, 'holiday trees,' and 'winter' themed parties. What I wanted to ask is do you think we, as a society, are taking this PC concept of the holidays too far? I understand that to represent one belief may isolate and feel as though it pushes out belief, but being in IB I think we've really tries to make it a point to incorporate different cultures and beliefs, not simply refuse to mention all beliefs all together. But obviously religion, and one group of people questioning anothers can be very, very precarious subject. Are we doing the right thing by censoring so much during this time of year? Or should re-consider what should and shouldn't be allowed?
-Flip Senn

IB Elitism

2008-12-16T22:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, so there have been no student posts for almost a month now, in fact, about one day and 1.5 hours after this will be posted, it will have been for a month. Maybe we have nothing to say or wonder about, I don't know. At any rate, instead of silence, how about some odd self-analysis and judgement? I have heard from IB and Non-IB kids alike that there is a certain sense of elitism in and around our beloved program. Is there truth to this accusation? If such an attitude existed, is it justified, or if it exists has the majority of the IB community earned this sense of elitism? What does this elitism, or even this accusation (accusation is a bad word to use here because it implys wrongness which is not my intention, but I can think of no other that is more appropriate) of elitism mean about us and our accusers on an ethical or moral level? Thoughts, comments or further questions?
-Drivebracket

The IB Community Theme

2008-12-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

Click here to see what the rest of the IB world is doing to address the issues identified in the Community Theme. Trust me, you are going to amazed by the amount of information, resources and examples of activites that have already been added. There are questions to consider, blogs to read, forums to participate in, challenges to become involved in... Take some time and browse around.

Ultimately, we would love for you to register and and start sharing your own ideas and activities. Remember, it's called "community" for a reason!

Seminar #2... The Persuaders

2008-11-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

For those of you that watched "The Persuaders" during the last breakout session, please answer the following questions...

1. When others are trying to "persuade" you (politics, advertising, school debates, etc), which of the following WOKs have a greater impact on you, language or sense perception? Give an example (academic or personal).

2. How has your view of the worlds of advertising and politics changed after watching "The Persuaders"?

Mr. Malone

Marla and the Seniors

2008-11-25T07:16:00.000-08:00

For those of you that took TOK last year and watched "My Kid Could Paint That" last breakout session, please answer any of the four posts below for seminar credit. This includes those posted by Oliver, Kelly R., alm, and Zoe.

To check out Marla's work... Click HERE.

And for those of you that haven't seen it yet, we'll be watching it in January.

Mr. Malone

What is Art?

2008-11-18T09:06:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest questions that watching "My Kid Could Paint That" left me with is: How do we judge what is termed 'art' and what isn't? For that matter, should we even be allowed to? If the old saying holds true, and beauty IS is in the eye of the beholder, then shouldn't the only standard for art be whether or not it sells? I personally have never cared who wrote a book, or who published a piece of music, or who painted an artwork. For me, when it comes to art, I use almost solely sense perception. If it sounds good or looks nice, if I enjoy it, then I consider it 'art'. That isn't to say that it isn't art if I don't enjoy it, because that isn't true either. Maybe it would be better to say that as long as someone, somewhere, feels an emotional connection to an artwork, it can be termed art.
Ultimately, I guess what I am asking is: how do you personally define art? Should there be societal standards like the ones that exist today, or is the old saying true? Is beauty in the eye of the beholder?
(Oliver)

The Art of Politics

2008-11-16T12:50:00.000-08:00

I was flipping through a Newsweek and I found this article that is about how different political leaders were artists and this influenced their actions. I would like you to read the article and tell me what you think of it. For Anyone knowing anything about Hitler: Look at some of Hitler's pieces of work, what do you think? How do you know what you think?

The Art of Politics

Abstract Real Art

2008-11-16T12:42:00.000-08:00

Looking at different pieces in a museum does it matter if it is an abstract piece or realistic? Which is real art, or does it matter? Please justify why you believe so: Knower's perspective. I think that individually you need to address this question before jumping to any conclusions about the movie. Either way you are biased (I know I'm not suppose to use that word but oh well). To show you what I mean I'm express mine:
Kelly Rappe: I'm an abstract artist myself so growing up seeing different artists and how they boil down their art down to the true essentials amazed me. I wanted to strive and see if I could do that. Don't get me wrong but I do enjoy realistic art, even though I'm horrible at it. I feel my emotions for all the abstract artists turned down in society make me want to stand up for all of them, even if it isn't true. I think both are real art. My sense perception also pays a role. Anyone who has been in an art class with me learns really fast that I think there art is really amazing because I think that criticizing it isn't true understanding.
-Kelly Rappe

Marla: Yay or Nay

2008-11-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

So it seems like the main question the documentary, My Kid Could Paint That, was trying to answer at the end is: "Is Marla solely responsible for her artistic creations?" After watching the film I am still not sure how I would answer this. So what do you guys think, did she have help? Is she a child prodigy? Should it even matter? And of course, how do you justify your beliefs :)

My Kid Could Paint That - Filmmaker's role?

2008-11-14T20:21:00.001-08:00

After watching "My Kid Could Paint That" on Friday (and after our short conversation during seminar) I was still left with lots of questions. One thing brought up both in the film and in our discussion was the role of the filmmaker in making the documentary. We talked about this before with the bridge/suicide video (should the filmmaker have intervened when filming people jumping off the bridge to save the people or should he have been completely distant - and could he have done the latter?) but do you think that his involvement of himself in the film helped the family's cause, hindered it, helped him answer his own questions etc? Basically, how do you think his intervention changed the film as well as others' perceptions of the family?

By the way...people who didn't see it today: Mr. Malone says you will be watching it in January. You can go to the website to see her paintings and some of the story though.

Concession Speech

2008-11-05T19:21:00.000-08:00

On election night I was watching McCain's concession speech and I thought it was very well done. One thing I noticed though was the booing coming from the crowd, and I found I was proud of these people. Though I agree that at some point in the very near future they need to accept Obama as their president, I felt that it would have been pointless for all of McCain's supporters to not show their displeasure at his loss of the election. Many of them have been campaigning for him and supporting him for two years and I thought it very appropriate that they stayed with him right up to the very end. Being an Obama supporter I asked myself what I would have done had he lost, and I realized that on election night I would not have been able to change my loyalty immediately. So the question is, should this behavior be considered anti-patriotic or being a bad-sport??

Discrimination

2008-10-27T20:10:00.001-07:00

Zoe, I was reading your racism post and I found it to be rather interesting, actually. I will respond to it in a bit but I began doing a little research (nothing big, just looking up some definitions) and I found this quote: "It especially annoys me when racists are accused of 'discrimination.' The ability to discriminate is a precious facility; by judging all members of one 'race' to be the same, the racist precisely shows himself incapable of discrimination." - Christopher Hitchens. I found this to be rather interesting as Mr. Hitchens is right in a sense; those who discriminate actually end up doing the complete opposite, by grouping entire races together, saying these people are all exactly the same, when personalities differ from person to person. What do you guys think? Is Mr. Hitchins correct in saying this? How do you justify your responses? What do you think about discrimination in general? Why do people discriminate?

Racism??? Part II

2008-10-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry, the website/quote didn't get properly attached to my last post about racism. Here it is, I hope. York Voters Express Post-Election Hopes, Fears The lady I was most interested in was Moreland although the other responses are also good to look at. Also, if you can find the audio for it, it is interesting to compare how you feel reading it and her saying it (sense perception!)

Racism???

2008-10-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

I was listening to "All things considered" on NPR (10/24 - York Voters Express Post-Election Hopes, Fears: go to the npr website and find it there if my attachment doesn't work) and they were discussing how the country would be different if it was lead by a black man. One lady (Moreland) said: ""

I was shocked at what she said and how she prefaced what appeared to me to be a racist comment with "I'm not racist." It also raised the questions to me about racism and the election and how many people are voting based on race - despite years of civil rights work. What is your reaction to this woman's quote? Do you think she is racist? How do you think she justifies her ideas?

Does Dark Matter matter?

2008-10-24T12:04:00.000-07:00

Greetings to the Seminar Crowd ~

Your assignment for today's presentaion by Dr. Polhemus is to respond to the following 3 questions. Don't just state your opinion; try to justify your answers. Why do you think the way you do? Are you using logic to support your ideas? Emotion? Sense perception? Authority? Consensus? Faith? Something else?

A second part of this assignment is to respond/comment on the responses of at least two other responses.

After listening to and viewing Dr. Polhemus, do you think dark matter exists? Did he convince you? Why or why not?
What problems exist that may make it difficult for scientists to come to knowledge in an area like dark matter?
Dr. P. gave several examples of times when astrophysicists have been wrong in the past, but because of new findings, they have shifted to a new way of thinking. (This is called a paradigm shift.) Explain a paradigm shift you have experienced. What was the original idea or theory, and what caused you to shift?

This is due by next Friday, Oct. 31.

Time?

2008-10-15T16:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, it is interesting to practice using TOK justifications to advocate a belief that is nigh impossible to properly justify, given human limitations. What about the shape of time, for example? Does it go in a straight line, or spiral, or a circle or a sphere? Ok, I realize time is intangible, but I am limited by language, and 'shape' gets close enough. What I really want to know is how do you perceive time?Do you think it is hypothetically possible to skip backwards or forwards within it? Do the future and past exist in tandem with the present? What do you think, and more importantly, why?

Rachel Dean

Decision 2008

2008-10-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

Lately, as the US has been in the midst of the presidential and vice-presidential debates, I’ve been pondering why people gravitate toward one political party or the other. Why might one particular candidate appeal to certain individuals? What properly justified true beliefs do voters use to make their selection, and what knowledge issues result from this? For one who is politically neutral, how might the candidates use emotion, perception, language, reason and logic to win his or her vote? What fallacies arise?

Existence of God

2008-09-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

I recently went to a forum on Science vs. Religion, the argument being that since DNA is a code, and all known codes have intelligent design behind it, is this proof enough that there is an intelligent design behind the creation of DNA...ie therefore a God? (which is a really vague question I know). I think it's interesting to ponder because evolution only explains the occurance of species, bu not really the beginning of life. At what instance did this planet go from having nothing to having something, whether it be as simple as a single celled cyanobacteria? Oh, and I'm defining a code as a something that can represent a functioning and larger meaning that is greater than the code itself. Also, a code is a constant thing that the actual code has a definite direction and meaning (ie the patterns on a persons face cannot be considered a code, because every human acts differently.)

Emilly Z.

Darwin Today

2008-09-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes these things just come to me, what can I say. At any rate, to what extent, if any, is our current society/world/culture still, if at all, running under the general rules of survival of the fittest? If we are, how has the definition of 'fitness' changed? Is this necesarily a good or bad thing? What do you think?

Depending on what you believe this could be a sensitive subject so please keep all comments respectful.

Of Good and Evil

2008-09-15T00:34:00.000-07:00

A while back I was randomly thinking on the current state of our world and on the human condition, and something occured to me. In our world right now there is more good done for the sake of good than there is evil done for the sake of evil. But on the other hand there is much more migitated evil, which is evil done for some real or percieved advantage, than there is migitated good, which is good under the same context. Is this right or wrong? Thoughts?
-David

News and Truth

2008-09-11T22:57:00.000-07:00

Since the seminar blog is rather... lacking to say the least in comparison to the ToK blog. I thought I'd kick it off with an interesting video I had found. (Seriously though seniors who took ToK last year should add something, cause people like me have no idea what to do.)

For this I have an interesting video which is about 10 minutes, so set aside a bit of time before you watch it.

Here

The major question it brings up, should news organizations be held legally responsible to tell the truth? or would this impede on their rights as independent organizations?

New TOK Blog

2008-09-04T04:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new TOK Seminar Blog...
As a member of TOK Seminar, this blog has been created to allow all of you to continue your discussions centered around the guest speakers, films and any other thoughts that come up along the way.