General Discussion Forum for the Class

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

General Discussion

Please use this section to discuss issues and topics raised in class. Also, feel free to post articles, links, and other information you've read in the paper or heard in the news that your classmates may be interested in.

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed the tuesday (30th) class. there is a lot of work to be done, but am excited about getting started. I know we were running late, but I would have enjoyed more geography. We'll see you soon. The textbooks are great.

[Anonymous]

There are some excellent resources on the 4 main schools of Chines thought in the Philosophy section of our class work book. I particulary like the section on Mohism and the writings that articulate the Moist ideals. This is very good for developing your own lesson plans, or you can use the ready made lesson plans. [Edit by="tstevenson on Feb 13, 7:12:22 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

The readings for this course are quite informative. Like many of us, I also need to read various interpretations of these Chinese schools of thought to gain a deeper understanding. I found an extremely interesting website discussing the links between ecology and Confucianism and Daoism, containing various resources on these schools of thought. If you're interested in reading up on this, visit http://www.environment.harvard.edu/religion/religion/index.html
Enjoy!!![Edit by="lgarcia on Feb 13, 7:48:52 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

The readings on the different schools of thought were interesting. I think I have a clear understanding of Confusianism, Mohism, and Legalism. I think Daoism confuses me the most. I'm having difficulty reconciling these statements: "It [Daoism] advocates rule by an enlightened and ruthless sage and promotes simplicity in life." and "...Zhuang Zi called for complete tolerance of individual differences." How can these ideas coexist? If you are ruled by a ruthless sage, doesn't that preclude individualism?

[Anonymous]

I just started reading Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky. The first chapter discusses the role Confucianism, Legalism and Daoism played in governmental decisions about salt. The first chapter is solely about China. I learned that because of salt the Chinese invented elaborate plumbing systems using bamboo piping, developed precision drilling in the mid-eleventh century, developed the first known use of natural gas, and financed the Great Wall.

[Anonymous]

I really enjoyed the discussion on the different "isms" on 2-13-07. It was interesting to learn more about the different philosphies. Most of my educational experience has focused only on Confusianism and rarely mention any others.
John Latimer[Edit by="jlatimer on May 30, 12:49:54 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

The lecture on the philosophies was very interesting. It reinforced my feeling that Confucianism is more in line with my way of thinking. I agree with Mencius that people are born good. I wonder, though, about those people whom we all agree are evil. Would Hitler save the teetering toddler?

[Anonymous]

This evening's lecture about the various philosophies was extremely interesting, Having studied western philosophy in college, I am looking forward to learning as much as I can about the various eastern philosophies.

I have chosen Daoism as the philosophy to "promote" next week, because it appeals to my sense of idealism, but I am also very interested to see what the legalists have to say. Additionally, the study of the true nature of man is one of my favorite subjects for debate.

So if you Daoists can let me know who you are, maybe we can be in touch during the next week or so.

Christine

[Anonymous]

The most interesting part of this computer exercise is going to the museum section. Truly beautiful objects of art exist there. I hope to learn how to pull one of these up for my "avatar" element with my postings.

Wonder which desert the camel figurine represents. Would it be the Gobi?

The screen with horses is also lovely. It's fun to see where ideas of using panels to create paintings originated and how old such "new" ideas really are.

Can't wait until we get to Asian art in our seminars.[Edit by="tbarber on Feb 13, 7:46:31 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

Christine:

I've also chosen the Daoist group and have also studied mostly Western philosophy at university (one course in Buddhism). Tonight's lecture was very helpful. I've read Alan Watts on Daoism but I think I understand the fundamentals more clearly now.

My e-mail address is [email protected]. I look forward to discussing the mysteries (and mysticism!) of Daoism with you and the other group members.

Leigh Clark

[Anonymous]

When I was reading and hearing the lecture about the Legalists, all I could think about was how Stalin would have liked the Legalists, especially Han Fei Zi.

Both liked scary, unpredictable leaders.

On p. 43 of the reading, the primary document of Han Fei Zi, states:
"This is the way of the enlightened rule: he causes the wise to bring forth all their schemes, and he decides his affairs accordingly, hence his wisdom is never exhausted. . . . When there are accomplishments, the ruler takes credit for their worth; were there are errors, the minsters are held reponsible for the blame; hence the ruler's name never suffers."

That sure sounds like Stalin and how he was portrayed during his reign of bringing bread to the people, defeating Hitler, etc. PS - Any Legalists out there?[Edit by="jhagan on Feb 13, 7:57:30 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the comments on Salt. It sounds like one of those provocative, enlightening studies of thought and cultural development along the lines of Guns, Germs and Steel. I love those books. Must get my own copy.

Leigh Clark

[Anonymous]

I've found learning about these 4 schools of thought very interesting. I recently transferred from a school of South Los Angeles and I was very morally perplexed over my move. The job was so demanding/stressful that it was negatively impacting my family life. On the other hand, my students were really learning well and I was excited about that. As I was reading about Confucionism vs. Mohism, I felt the two sides somewhat represented my recent moral dilema.

[Anonymous]

To clarify my last post: I felt I had to choose between prioritizing family or prioritizing "society" (in this case, my students).

[Author]

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