For each of the four response papers, you must write at least three typed and double spaced pages on a topic of your choice that concerns the material we have covered in the class so far. Do not spend time summarizing the material, but rather focus on your own thoughts and questions. You are welcome to use your own life experiences as well as fictional and nonfictional material from outside class. While you are welcome to reflect on anything you have found interesting, the following are possible topics for your response.
1) In the ancient world, we can see traditional beliefs (legends, metaphors, rituals) mixed together with progressive science (physics, biology, psychology). What does this tell us about ancient and modern human thought? Has human thought changed over time, or is it still the same as it was in ancient times? What role did philosophy play in the ancient world, and does it play the same role today?
2) In the ancient world, we can see anthropomorphic polytheism (many human-like gods) giving rise to de-anthropomorphic philosophical monism (one beyond-human truth). What does this tell us about human thought? What does this tell you about your own thinking?
3) For Pythagoras and Plato, knowledge is something to be kept secret among authorities such that it could not be misused, as the common people are not to be trusted. For Xenophanes and Heraclitus, the authorities are limited yet think they know, and so they are to be distrusted. Looking at ancient Greek philosophy, which contains beliefs both familiar and strange to us today, what does this show us about authority and expertise? Does distinction breed more distance than perspective?
