Welcome to Philosophy! Are You Even Really Here at All?

The literal meaning of the word "philosophy" is "love of wisdom." Keep that in mind throughout the course of this class. Many of you might pride yourself in your ability to master every test you take. But philosophy is about wisdom over knowledge, understanding over facts. Yes, you will have to learn specific pieces of information and know the names of certain stuffy old people, but above all else, this is class will be about ideas.

Easy. All you have to do is know what you think, and ace in the hole, right? But do you? Do you know what you truly believe? Do you know why? Can you back up those beliefs with evidence from your own life? Do you know how to explain those beliefs to others and define them according to great thinkers of the past? You will. At least, you will begin to, because more understanding undoubtedly leads to more questions. By the end of your life, when you realize how little you actually know, then you will have become quite wise indeed.

I look forward to a fun and challenging semester of thoughtful discussions, respectful debates, and extensive questioning.

#10 Peer Review

Last Blog! Yippee! For the final post of the semester (it's almost over... sniffle) you should review something-- a movie, tv show, album, book, art exhibit, restaurant, whatever. Write at least 10 sentences, and include the following:

• What you're reviewing


• Your likes and dislikes. Be sure to focus on one or the other (is this a good review or a bad review?). Back up your opinion with examples from whatever you're reviewing.


• A few facts about this thing/place/etc.


• Comparison to other like things/places/etc. (e.g. if you're reviewing McDonald's, compare to Burger King. Also, don't review McDonald's. Yuck!)


• A rating. 4 1/2 cups of coffee out of 5 for the java spot near your house, for example.

While commenting, write at least 5 sentences stating what viewpoint you have made based on the critic's review. Does this make you want to see that movie or avoid that exhibit? Why? As per the last few posts, just pick two people's blogs to comment on. Try to choose people whom you don't know/have not yet commented on.

Savor it, after this, most of these blogs likely go to a lonely cyberspace grave, swirling around an internet purgatory until Google pulls the plug for good.