Discussion board

Being Human in the Time of COVID-19

We began this course by exploring who we are and what we want to do with our lives, and only then turned to ask what light the disciplines of the humanities might shed on our journey. Now, with the pandemic, everything has suddenly changed, at least for now, and we do not know what the future holds. So we must begin again ...

Discuss the way in which the pandemic has affected you, your family, and your community. What has been difficult? Have their been any upsides? Then, after reading the articles I have posted and watching the videos, discuss what meaning, if any, you find in the situation. Do you think things will return to "normal?". Do you want them to? Do you think the pandemic can and should be an occasion for fundamental change? If so, what change do you think is in order and how do you see it coming about?

Answer:

The Pandemic and Climate Change  

As the articles in this week's reading point out, climate change means we are likely to see far more pandemics, some of which may be far more serious than COVID-19. This makes it all the more important to reduce carbon emissions. But there are some reach dilemmas involved with this. Developing countries complain that unless they can use fossil fuels they will never catch up with the US, Europe, and Japan economically. They want these "advanced" countries to bear the burden of reducing carbon emissions. But the US in particular has seen growing inequality in recent years and our usual way of responding that has not been redistribution but rather simply growing the economy so even if there is inequality, absolute poverty declines. And this may not be compatible with reduced carbon emissions.

How would you respond to these ethical dilemmas? How do you balance the goods of ecosystem integrity, economic growth, and reduced inequality?  

Answer:

The Pandemic and Political Economy

What issues about our economic system (capitalism) have been raised by the pandemic? How would you respond to these issues? More specifically, do you agree with those who argue that the pandemic strengthens the argument against capitalism or do you think that capitalism can be reformed or modified to address the problems highlighted by the pandemic?

Answer:

The Pandemic and Work

One of the most dramatic effects that the Pandemic has had for many of us is to distance us from our work or at least from our workplaces. Even those who have been able to work from home find that the pace is different and that many of the things that they did when in the office actually don't need to be done at all. Of course this is not true for everyone. Front line and "essential" workers are doing everything they have always done and more and the most privileged may never have had to do things that weren't necessary. This week, please reflect on the impact of the pandemic on your experience of work. List to the videos on Max Weber and the Protestant Ethic and Marx on Alienation. Do you agree that our work is what defines us? If so, is this because our value as human beings depends on what we produce or because human beings are defined by our creative capacity (which capitalism alienates by making our work simply a way of enriching others)? Or do you think that the whole modern focus on work is a mistake? Be sure to make reference to both the Protestant Ethic and to the concept of Alienation in your answers.

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The Pandemic and What it Means to Be Human

Over the past several weeks the unfolding pandemic has interrupted our ordinary way of life and has forced many of us to think again about what it means to be human --which is, of course, the central question of this course. In this discussion board begin testing out your ideas for your final paper or project by explaining what you think it means to be human --i.e. what is the meaning or purpose of our lives? As you do this, respond to at least two of the readings for this week, noting how they shed light on the question and where you agree or disagree with the ideas they advance.

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