Understand the major tenets of existentialism
Think about how existentialism resonates with your own personal philosophy
Announcements
- Honors meeting today at lunch!
- Meet Tuesday 2nd period in the Commons
Starter 1.21: "I AM" by Stephen Sellers
Choose one of the following quotes and relate it to Stephen’s film. Explain your connections thoroughly.
1. “All the labor of all the ages, all the devotion, all the inspiration, all the noonday brightness of human genius are destined to extinction. So now, my friends, if that is true, and it is true, what is the point?” ― Bertrand Russell
2. Faith is not about finding meaning in the world, there may be no such thing-- faith is the belief in our capacity to create meaningful lives.” ― TerryTempest Williams, Leap
3. “Restlessness is discontent and discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure” – Thomas Edison (inventor of the light bulb)
DISCUSS: “SHADES” and “Mold of the Earth”
IN SMALL GROUPS...
- What meaning do we see?
- Do you see these story as begging fundamentally existential questions? How so?
- Analyze the author’s choice of imagery. Why does he give so much attention to the non-human elements in the stories?
- What might these stories suggest about man’s purpose and place in the natural order of the universe?
Jason DaSilva's "Existential Bummer"
JOURNAL 1.21 Reflections on existentialism
- Which pieces of existentialism are you attracted to? Repulsed by?
- Do any of these tenets have a place in your own personal philosophy?
- With which quote do you agree more? Macbeth’s “Tomorrow” speech or Dylan Thomas’ “Do not go gentle…”?
If time, finish 4Corners...
- Humans are at the center of the cosmic mystery.
NO HOMEWORK! (Unless you are Honors, in which case you should read The Stranger and/or work on your Independent Study Project.)
Optional homework: Add to your journal entries or journal further on the meaning of existence!