1.2 Philosophy

Getting Started

This assignment will have you debate the alternatives between living a life bound to fatalism or that of freedom found through inquiry. This scenario is based on Plato’s “Myth of the Cave” found in Chapter 1 of the CPJ. [Note: Also see the course devotional in the introduction for Workshop One: “The Cross and the Cave.”] It will enable you to determine if asking questions is not one of the more important things we do in life. Questions do not mean the absence of faith, rather they are there to strengthen faith; and after all, in our God-given creativity we also enjoy the gift of curiosity. Questions mean we are seeking the truth, rather than resigning ourselves to chance.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Describe the difference between fatalism as determinism and freedom as rational inquiry.

· Determine the role of objectivity and consequences of presuppositions.

Resources

· Textbook: A Christian Philosophical Journey

· File: The Myth of the Cave.pdf

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade.

2. Review the file  The Myth of the Cave.pdf .

3. Look up Plato’s Myth of the Cave on the Internet for additional help in understanding the story. You should find the full text as well as diagrams and videos. (It is also called the Allegory of the Cave).

4. Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following:

a. Write 150 to 200 words (three or four paragraphs with at least five observations) contrasting fatalism (determinism) and freedom. Use the four-step course methodology of understanding, analysis, evaluation, and application.

b. You may use Plato’s Myth as your illustration for application. You may also want to try the synthesis step by coming up with your own new paradigm for this concept (and your own illustration).