Journal Four: Prompt Two, Application to Personal Life

Journal 4 (Descartes, due Sept 24)
For the weekly journal assignment, write 200-400 words (about one double-spaced page) on one of the following prompts. The journal assignments are meant to guide your reading comprehension, inspire reflection, create a personal connection, and encourage you to have new philosophical experiences. The journals might even be - yes it’s possible - fun to write.
There are 12 journal assignments during the quarter, due at midnight on Mondays (except the two weeks when papers are due and on holidays). You must submit your journal through iLearn each week. I will not accept them through email without a conversation. Each one is worth three points, and together they make up 40% of your grade. Your lowest 2 scores will be dropped, so you can skip two journals with no negative effect.
There are four prompts to choose from. Throughout the semester, you must write on each prompt at least twice, although you can decide which prompt to use for each particular week.
Prompt 1: Evaluate the Argument
From the main reading, select an argument that you found provocative or insightful. Reconstruct the argument as clearly as you can in your own words. You may use numbered premises, or you can simply summarize the premises and conclusion in a short paragraph. In one or two sentences, state what you think is interesting about this argument. Then, give an objection to the argument. Finally, assess this objection. Can it be overcome or does it reveal a serious problem with the argument?
Prompt 2: Apply to Life
From the main philosophical reading, select an argument or key idea that relates to your life in an interesting and significant way. In your own words, provide a clear explanation of the idea and then explain how it relates to your life. For example, you can use the idea to explain a meaningful past experience or to illustrate a lesson you can apply to your life.
Prompt 3: Relate to Culture
From the main philosophical reading, select an argument or key idea that bears on a contemporary political or cultural issue. In your own words, provide a clear explanation of the idea or a clear reconstruction of the argument and then explain how it bears on the political or cultural issue. For example, maybe the idea provides support to one side of an ongoing controversy, or perhaps it can help explain a recent cultural phenomenon.
Prompt 4: Connect with Art
Philosophy is everywhere, in music, film, and books, and on TV and the news. Link to an image image, audio file, video, text, etc. that relates to the week’s reading, along with an explanation of how it relates to the assigned reading. For example, how does an idea from the class relate to your favorite TV show?