We've been asking questions about the world. Some have read Plato's Cave Allegory. Our discussions have tried to be more philosophical.

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. Plato (427 BC-347 BC)

We must constantly make decisions in daily life. Some decisions are simple choices (e.g., Coke or Pepsi) while others affect people’s entire lives. Furthermore, every decision has consequences and often there is not a clear alternative. Decisions involve weighing alternatives and considering the consequences.

... not selfishly--or not always selfishly, we are in search of our identity, the identity of our human condition. - Malcolm Ross & John Stevens

The most profound discovery that we can make is our discovery of self. Our identity rests in the kind of people we are.

The life which is unexamined is not worth living. - Plato

Write a story in which a protagonist undergoes a transformation in the search for self.

Sophie was introduced to Aristotle. Ideas no longer belong to a realm of their own, but somehow the idea is within the thing. Aristotle could explain this by talking of sculptures and stone. Review what was said earlier about Plato and art.

Have a look at this powerpoint file here.

... not selfishly--or not always selfishly, we are in search of our identity, the identity of our human condition. - Malcolm Ross & John Stevens

The most profound discovery that we can make is our discovery of self. Our identity rests in the kind of people we are. To understand who we are and to develop fully as human beings, we must explore the nature of our humanness and the purpose of our lives. Who and what are we? What are the common human qualities and ideals we hold? What roles do other people (e.g., friends, family) play in our lives?

from Republic, BOOK VII And now, I said, let me show in a figure how far our nature is enlightened or unenlightened: Behold!