Classmate I Am Thankful For

            I would say that there are many people in seventh period philosophy that make the class enjoyable, but I would say that I am especially thankful for Chris Pieper, because he often times elects to save the class when Mr. McCarthy stumps us with a question.  I admire him, because he does not seem to fear antagonism from other classmates when he expresses his beliefs.  I also really enjoy what he has to say, because he is very articulate and he formulates very strong points.  I fear that if he were not in our class, there would be many times where we might all blankly stare at our teacher if we can’t find an answer to a philosophical question.  Along with his public speaking skills, Chris also evidently knows how to write.  I would say that I comment on his blogs as much as I do on any other person’s blog.  Lastly, I am sure he will continue to be an important part of our class and I look forward to the rest of the year.

Philosophy 1^st Quarter

            I believe that the first quarter of philosophy has gone well in that we have engaged in very deep analytical discussions such as with Candide and especially with Mersault.  It was interesting to read two stories in which the authors satirized the societies that they lived in.  In Candide, we were able to see that Voltaire was criticizing those who were in power who are supposed to uphold justice for their people, especially religious and political figures.  With The Stranger, it is evident that Camus is criticizing how common people conform to certain ways of life and that individualism at times is frowned upon.  Mersault is so different and distant from everyone else, that there was no way that the jury could understand the justifications for his actions.

            I think the blogs are important so that we can review and openly discuss what we read and it gives those who do not speak in class a chance to voice their opinions.  The one problem I see with the course is that the group work can be a bit tedious at times, because some of the questions are merely summary questions.  It would be more beneficial to ask analytical questions like our discussions so we can learn to look past the obvious answers and to delve deeper into the reading.

Camus and Voltaire

            It is evident that Camus and Voltaire are both against customary politicians.  Voltaire opposed many of those who were in power during his time, because many supposed moral figures were actually very corrupt.  This is what he wanted to reveal in Candide with characters such as the Grand Inquisitors, who claim to be morally superior religious figures, but they kill anyone that goes against them, which contradicts their faith and . 

            Camus similarly critiques aristocracy through the eyes of Mersault, because he is a very introverted character withdrawn from others and form the rest of society in general.  When others like to go for a walk on a weekend afternoon, Mersault prefers to sit and watch them, while smoking a pack of cigarettes.  He also shows his indifference when his local soccer team won a big game and I really think this highlights that he is different from everyone else.  I believe that he thinks that his opinion as one human being is very trivial in the grand scheme of things, thus his vote is pointless.  Camus himself was against aristocracy as well, and I do not think he would care to vote either for the same reasons as Mersault, and that he believes the government has too much power, which would limit a common man’s abilities. 

Due to the fact that both philosophers clearly have a problem with the government itself, let alone the candidates running it would be difficult for me to believe that either of them would vote at all.  However, if they did decide to vote I believe they would choose the libertarian, Gary Johnson, because with a weaker government it would protect individual freedom.