5/17-The Apology

"Do you imagine that you are prosecuting Anaxagoras, my dear Meletus? Have you so poor an opinion of these gentlemen, and do you assume then to be so illiterate as not to know that the writings of Anaxagorsas of Clazomenae are full of theories like these?"

I chose this quote because it show Meletus at a poor place in the agrument. Meletus is trying to prove Socrates a an Atheist, but confuses him with another philosopher Anazagroas. This makes Meletus look unprepared and not look like he knows what he's talking about. It also makes Socrates look better.

5/15 The Apology

1)Indicate one sentence that you highlighted or underlined (give page number and section number) and write a short paragraph (at least 4 sentences) that explains why you underlined it or highlighted it. Be prepared to share this in discussion.1A)
"Well then, Meletus, you've given ample proof that you have never bothered your head about the young; and you make it perfectly clear that you have never paid the slightest attention to the matters over which you are now indicting me."
I chose this quote becuase it showed Socrates doing what he does best, Dialectics. Meletus anwers all Socrates question just how Socrates knew he would. Then Socrates shows the flaw in his judgment.

5/15 Pericles Funeral Oration

Make a list of some of the Athenian values that you encountered in the text. Choose one a write a couple of sentences (or more) about why it might be good for the trial of Socrates.

• "It seemed to them a mark of honour to our soldiers who have fallen in war that a speech should be made over them" This show freedom of speech. According to the Athenian values, it's okay for Socrates to say what he want's because it's freedom of speech.
• "Our belief in the courage and manliness of so many should not be hazarded on the goodness or badness of one's speech."
• "We do not get into a state with our next-door neighbor if he enjoys himself in his own way, nor do we give him the kind of black looks which, though they do no real harm, still do hurt people's feelings."This value show that Socrates shouldn't have been killed for his ideas.

4/24-"Jigsaw Activity"

1) Give a quick explanation of the topic and propose a debate resolution of the topic. (a couple of sentence)
This topic is about the Patriot Act increasing censorship in the United States. “The Patriot Act violates the right of Americans to freely express their opinions”

2) Explain why it is an important topic. You choose what to write about, but here are some suggestions if you are stuck: How does it impact your constitutional rights? Can it impact your daily life? Does it empower or disempowered you as an individual? Does it promote or inhibit public discussion? Does it help or hurt people getting along with one another? (short paragraph)
The Patriot Act is allowing the government to request information from libraries and book stores about reading material of American citizens. The Patriot Act was created to “help” the government predict any terrorist attacks. First FBI and police had to show probable cause that some one had committed a crime to receive information, but the Patriot Act now allows them to receive information on people with no probable cause at all of any crime. Another down side is that bookstores or libraries cannot tell or warn anyone the investigation, including suspects. The punishment for violators is jail.

3) Write one or two sentences that explain a good point made by the con side and one or two sentences that explain a good point made by the pro side (2-4 sentences total).
“‘Right after 9/11, American s seemed eager to learn more about the world,’ says Larry Siems, director of International Programs at the PEN American Center. ‘They were reading, buying and checking out books on Islam…But the administration’s overall approach discourages people form seeking information. It is counterproductive. We end up with a society that is more isolated, less able to respond to the rest of the world.’”

4/23 - The press in times of crisis

I wrote out the hardcopy and already showed mr.jana!

4/18 Don Imus Controversy

1. According to the NAACP, why should Imus be silenced?

The NAACP thinks Don Imus should be silenced for making racist, sexist and homophobic comments. Imus was suspended and recently fired for making unnecessary comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team after they lost in the NCAA finals.

2. According to Frank Rich, why should Imus not be silenced?

Frank Rich believes Imus shouldn't be censored because he makes fun of everybody, not just a certain race or sex. "Sometimes he aimed invective at me personally. I wasn't seriously bothered by much of it, even when it was unfunny or made me wince, because I saw him as equally offensive to everyone."(Everybody Hates Don Imus, Frank Rich).Rich feels that if he was making racist jokes to a certain race he should be silenced, but since he isn't he should have freedom of speech.

3. Do you think Imus should be silenced? Why?

Dom Imus was recently fired for making racist and sexist comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team after they lost in the NCAA finals. Though I feel that what Don Imus said was impropriate, he shouldn’t have been fired. It was bound to be said by someone else if not him. There are so many other comedians and artists who have said similar comments that have received not punishment. Why should Dom Imus?
I feel to avoid the situation in the first place; Dom Imus shouldn’t have said those comments, even if he’s “making fun of everyone”. On the other hand, Frank Rich believes that the comments are okay because he makes fun of everyone, "Sometimes he aimed invective at me personally. I wasn't seriously bothered by much of it, even when it was unfunny or made me wince, because I saw him as equally offensive to everyone."(Everybody Hates Don Imus, Frank Rich). I believe that though funny, any racist, sexist, homophobic, etc. comment are inappropriate and contributes to unmoral behavior in society.
Some people believe if Dom Imus was a different race, such as African-American he would have gotten off easier. I believe this is true in a way, such as the whole controversy with the “N word” and how it’s okay for black people to say, but if anyone else does it’s offensive. I believe no one should be calling anyone that. Everyone who commits the crime should all pay the same punishments. Just because you’re making fun of your own race, or making fun of everyone doesn’t mean it’s okay. That is the problem with our society today, if one person won’t say it, someone else will.
In conclusion, I feel Dom Imus shouldn’t have been fired. I also believe, Imus nor anyone else should be making such crude comments. Like I said earlier, to avoid these situations, racist, sexist, homophobic, etc comments should not be said. You don’t know how others will respond or feel about comments like that, which can end you up in trouble.

Plato Assignment-4/17

1) What is your reaction to the ending of the section? What is good and/or bad about the type of society outlined by Socrates?
I feel that restricting plays and art in general can have bad effects on people. It won't let people express themsleves creativly and also block others opinions. This will just cause more rebellion and the end of his society. I not excatly sure whats good and/or bad about this, but people will realize that restrictions will always be broken.