Please comment on at least several if not all of these questions -- use separate posts if you like.
What have you learned in this course that surprised you?
Would you take another course in philosophy if money/time weren't major barriers?
Do you have an understanding of the philosophical dimensions of the study and critique of human nature and death & dying?
Have you developed an appreciation for the relevance of metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical questions in our daily lives?
Have you improved in your skills of analysis and critique, as well as in written and oral communication due to this course?
1. Going into this course, I was honestly dreading it. A philosophy class about death that lasted 2.5 hours. But I ended up really enjoying it! I have learned a lot about myself and about my classmates that I would not have learned in any other class. Also, this class helped me understand the different points of view by learning about the several philosophers. I had always heard their names in different classes, such as world civ and even in religion classes, but I never really understood what their main points were! With this being said, the thing I learned that surprised me the most is that I have more of a Buddhist mentality for the most part. I had been raised Catholic and ditched that after my senior year morality class in high school.
ReplyDelete2. Yes, I believe I would choose to take another philosophy class especially if I had more time to do so. I am really interested in the biomedical ethics class that you teach, so I am looking forward to taking that sometime in the near future.
3. I wouldn't say that I have a full understanding of the philosophical dimensions of the study and critique of human nature and death and dying, but I would say that I definitely have a better understanding of it. Like I have mentioned in a previous post, I do not consider myself a deep thinker. Subjects have always been "black and white" to me or I would lost myself trying to think about all the different dimensions of the topic in discussion. But with this class, I definitely think I have a better understanding about how to first, approach the topic in discussion, and then to compile my thoughts into an argument.
5. I think I have improved in my analysis and critique throughout this course. Also, I have learned that my thoughts often get carried away and become contradictions of one another or they flow in a way that doesn't always make sense. But I think my skills have improved due to this class and the topics that we have discussed throughout the semester.
Thanks for making a class about death as awesome as it is capable of being!
1) This course has made me realize how little I truly knew about death before being in this class. At the beginning of the semester I didn't understand how in depth this death and dying class could truly go. My eyes have been opened greatly to the many aspects of death in regards to issues such as PAS and other highly controversial topics. Along with these issues, I have also begun to realize that there are so many different views and opinions of death which I have found extremely interesting. I used to think that death was just an event, but because of this class I have come to believe that it is much more of a life-long process.
ReplyDelete2) If my major in nursing wasn't so demanding I would definitely be interested in taking other philosophy courses other than the ones required. Like Taylor mentioned, I am also looking forward to taking the biomedical ethics course.
5) This course has greatly impacted my thoughts and the way I compose papers. When asked to write opinion papers, I would often write about whatever I had always believed in my life without considering other opinions. Now I take the time to think about other sides which has allowed me to develop papers that are more in depth and thought out.
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ReplyDeleteThis class helped me confirm my overall philosophical thinking behind the morality and ethics of certain situations. In class I tend to be quite, but this is because my views are not as pronounced as others. I find myself being passive, agreeing with almost every side of a discussion and this is because I am able to see it from other points of views. I can see multiple stances being rationale, although I may not personally do it if I were in the situation, I feel it could be an ethical decision in regards to the certain situation. I enjoy listening to other people's points of view because it broadens my thinking and helps me understand if I truly have a stance, or if, like most cases, I hold a more neutral, passive position.
ReplyDeleteDerek, I agree that my opinions varied throughout the course. While I may not always have agreed with what was being said, I was able to understand where they were coming from and their reasons for the answers they have.
DeleteHonestly, I was not to thrilled about another philosophy class but I was interested in the topic of death. I was hoping that would deter my thoughts about what type of class it was going to be. I learned that all of the ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle had ideas that relate to today and even though it was confusing to read when explained in plain English I can relate to parts of their theories.
ReplyDeleteI do not think I would take another philosophy class. I enjoyed the discussions of death but it is just not my area of interest.
I do not think I will ever have a full understanding of the philosophical dimensions of human nature. I do not think in that way. I do have an increased understanding of human nature and the topic of death and dying is fascinating. It is easier to talk about that because I can relate it to current everyday life.
I do appreciate the relevance of metaphysical, epidemiological, and ethical questions but due to my spiritual beliefs I do not find that it is the bases for how one should live. I can value others opinions but I can also know that from the Bible I can give an explanation to disprove it. I did enjoy learning the other perspectives presented and it does shape my critical thinking skills to look beyond the surface and scientific facts and to understand why people believe in those philosophical theories of human.
I am not the best writer and can can express my thoughts better by talking but I did learn how to write with clarity and to use specific facts to express my ideas. I still have a long way to go and will not be writing a novel anytime soon.
I did enjoy the class very much and there was never a dull moment. Thanks for sharing your insight.
I'm surprised to hear that death is not your area of interest with a hospice background. I'm not sure anyone will fully understand the philosophical dimensions of human nature because they are subject to personal understanding. I agree that there was never a dull moment in the class too!
Delete1. What have you learned in this course that surprised you?
ReplyDeleteWhat surprised me the most in the course is how different everyone's beliefs are. I grew up in environments where almost everyone was part of the same religion and had the same set of ideas and beliefs on what is right and what is wrong, and life and death. In this class though, many people had views that went against mine, and honestly I really liked that. It made my beliefs stronger and helped me figure out things about life and death. I was also really surprised with how much I had never thought about what suicide is, until this class. In the end it has helped me so much to grow and learn new things to live a better life.
2. Would you take another course in philosophy if money/time weren't major barriers?
Definitely, I love learning about philosophy and thinking about issues that are so complex that it hurts your brain to think about.
3. Do you have an understanding of the philosophical dimensions of the study and critique of human nature and death & dying?
Yes I do now; I can now answer many questions that I couldn't answer about death and dying and human nature before this class.
4. Have you developed an appreciation for the relevance of metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical questions in our daily lives?
Yes, I definitely do now. Before, I saw the world in a more black and white perspective but now I embrace the grey area and want to understand it better.
5.Have you improved in your skills of analysis and critique, as well as in written and oral communication due to this course?
As you could tell, I don't like sharing my opinion unless I know I'm right. For me, this class was bunch of arguments and debates in my head (I promise you I'm not crazy). I just could never express what I wanted to say. Every day Im working on my oral communication and I think I'm getting better. Other than that, all of my skills have increased significantly, and I loved every second of this class.
1. Honestly, the majority of the course surprised me just because I have never thought about death and dying in such an in-depth manner. I am also surprised at how much my opinions about things such as end of life treatments have changed.
ReplyDelete2. I would definitely take another philosophy course like this one if I had time. I have always really enjoyed philosophy classes because I love the discussions that can take place.
3. I feel that I understand the philosophical side of death and dying much much more than I did before. Mainly because I didn't understand any of it before! One thing that I understand a lot more is that death isn't so black and white and it can be such a grey area in many different situations.
4. I definitely look at daily occurrences more philosophically since taking this course. Especially in my nursing classes and in clinical when I am working with terminally ill patients.
5. I have absolutely improved on my skills of critique and analysis because of the different ways that we have looked at each topic. It has forced me to open my mind up to different views on a variety of situations. By extension, this has improved my writing because it has become more thorough.
1. When I first went in taking this course, I thought it would be a very long class, which I needed for credit. This class was so much more. I taught me that I need to know what I want. Also I should, not be afraid to discuss death in life. Death happens and everyone will get to experience it. I need to be more open-minded.
ReplyDelete2. I would take another Philosophy class if had time because I see another perspective on life. I view many topics at different sides. Now I have to think of what the opposing side would say.
3.I realize that all the dimensions are there, but if I really believe in something I’m not going to think about the philosophical dimensions. The critique of HN and D&D, the viewpoints depend on the people talking about it. Not everyone is willing to think the same or accept the same ideas.
4. Yes, I have. Before I would believe in something and not have examples to back it up. Now I’m really careful to think before I speak and hear the other side because they might have some valid points to their side.
5. I definitely analyze both sides of the spectrum now. I also feel like I have gotten better at verbalizing what I have to say because I believe something doesn't mean that everyone will, so it is important to communicate clearly.
Something I have learned throughout this class is the importance of having end of life talks with loved ones. Knowing what that person, and yourself want is critical in ensuring that there are no questions. It aids to resolve conflict in an already stressful situation, and it gives peace of mind. So many people in our class have been struck with tragedy, and with such a small sample size I can only assume that the actual amount of people who have suffered from similar instances is great. I was unaware of this and fell into a "bubble" of keeping my train of thought based on my own personal experience.
ReplyDeleteHaving taken two philosophy classes, an astronomy course, and sociology in the same semester, I'm going to say it will be a while before I take another philosophy class. I have enjoyed the deep thinking that has taken place in both philosophy classes, and love when my mind is able to explore territory that is uncharted. The issues presented in class are practical issues that we will all eventually face, not a math formula that will escape my mind as soon as I turn in an exam. I have learned life lessons and qualities that I will implement into my own life, including end of life decisions and my outlook on people suffering from terminal diseases and the choices they make. It has been a very helpful class, and I can see myself taking a similar course somewhere down the road.
ReplyDeleteI have absolutely discovered an appreciation for the various types of philosophical questions presented in class. At times, I wanted to speak out on an answer but my own brain was too occupied trying to think morally and rationally about the answers to some of these questions. The more we discussed terminal sedation, and the various inputs we received from experts of the field only helped to cloud what I once thought to be a very clear decision. As the course progressed, I found myself thinking from the perspective of someone suffering from a terminal disease, rather than an outsider making an opinion based on my own personal beliefs. This sort of critical thinking is something that could only be brought out through this class.
ReplyDeleteThis course, in particularly Dr. Sherron, has taught me to have concrete facts or beliefs to support any argument, hypothetical or not. Whether it be participating in class, or as a part of an essay, things can be called into question and can be "pushed back" upon. This lead me to have a confidence in my answers before I put them on paper or volunteered an answer to the class.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has never discussed death and dying at length, the most surprising part comes from both Dr. Sherron's perspective towards teaching it and my own beliefs that I didn't know I had. Philosophy has been something of a new interest for me. If I had the money and time to spare (as a nursing student, I clearly don't) I might consider taking another course in philosophy, as this class and my previous philosophy class have been enjoyable. I feel like I have a good grasp on critical thinking and finding the logical connections that philosophy requires. Some of the philosophers we studied in class were mentioned in sociology last semester, so I have a lot of experience with the material. I'm glad that I could verbally construct my own stances on ethical and metaphysical questions, because quite a few of them are relevant to my future profession. For me I think the most improvement came in the form of my writing, in which I have learned to be more specific and clear on my points and less generalized. I've traditionally been better at explaining my views orally, so I'm glad that my writing reflects that now.
ReplyDeleteI have definitely learned a lot in this class and I think I benefited from it overall as it increases my critical thinking and adds to my perspective of the world and the way I think about different situations. Nothing I learned really "surprised" me very much, but I was surprised to not dread it as I had anticipated, I like philosophy but am always skeptical about such a long class. I also appreciate and enjoyed all the assignments being written ones. Writing is one of my strong suits and I always appreciate the chance to practice. i was also surprised to find how much I like having an open forum to write like this, in a less professional and more free-flowing and open manner. Furthermore, I like how much we get to bring our own thoughts and opinions into our assignments. I am in accounting and business so nearly everything i write is objective and i never get to put my own perspective into it. It is a nice change of pace to be able to do so.
ReplyDeleteI would absolutely take another course in philosophy, especially if money and time weren't a factor. But I mean if time wasn't a factor there isn't a single thing on this earth I wouldn't do, so it is hard to count that. But honestly I would get degrees in philosophy if time and money didn't matter. And I fully plan on being a life-long leaner, and I will probably take some sort of classes for the rest of my life. One of my main areas of interest would be philosophy because I find it so fascinating and i love pondering the meanings of things and writing about them.
I do believe I have a deeper understanding of the philosophical dimensions of human nature and death and dying. I also have a greater appreciation for the importance of discussing death and dying. I wish the class was focused more on the study of human nature itself; maybe that’s another class I can take some day. Death and dying is a great topic though, especially considering how ambiguous death can be. It is a great base level philosophy course because it really gets one thinking about the meaning of life and the significance (or insignificance) of our existence. It’s a great way to get students to start thinking philosophically on their own without subconsciously. Thinking about death and dying, in a way, forces philosophical thinking out of you. I really enjoyed that about the class.
I have a much deeper appreciation for epistemological and metaphysical philosophical speculation than for ethical. That is not to say I don’t appreciate ethical studies at all I just have much less interest in ethics than I do about metaphysics and epistemology. I feel often times ethics deals too much with morality and that’s not for me. But I have a passion for learning more about metaphysics and epistemology as I feel they are both extremely important for critical thinking, for being a logical human being, and for developing into the person you want to be. To not appreciate these things and to never ponder them is not the way of an intelligent human being and an intelligent human being is what I aspire to be. (This of course is all my opinion, and hope to not offend anyone who doesn’t agree).
I believe that the chance to use any skill is a simultaneously a chance to improve it. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Perhaps my favorite part of the course was the chance to use analysis and critique skills and the amount of oral and written communication. Writing is one of the things I do best and therefore always appreciate when I get to practice it. Writing papers comes easy to me so I appreciated that all of the assignments were written, including this right now. I am kind of a quiet person and can always use practice with communicating orally. I’m much better at conveying my ideas in a written manner.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this class. My favorite classes were always the ones that were discussion based. I loved hearing everyone's thoughts on a particular topic and compare them to my own thoughts. I think what surprised me most in this class was how much we actually talked about how to live in a class entitled "Death and Dying". I think I would take another philosophy course because this course has made me think in ways that other classes have not done. I am used to mathematics and nursing courses, where there are facts and there is one way to do things. However, in philosophy courses, the questions are always open-ended and do not necessarily have a correct answer, or even an answer at all. I have a better understanding of the philosophical dimensions of human nature, even though some topics are still over my head. I have certainly developed an appreciation for ethical and epistemological questions in my daily life because I think these are questions people should ask themselves more often. Questions in these categories make me reflect on how I am living and if I need to change anything along the way. My analysis and critique skills have improved in that I am able to understand both sides of an argument and can recognize "loopholes" or fallacies in an argument. These are things Dr. Cate would respond with "Can I push back?" I enjoyed this class because I felt that my views were always challenged, which is such a great thing. These days I feel that some believe in certain values and ideals only because they have been told to but may not understand why they believe in that certain thing. It is important to be able to back up why you are passionate about something and why you believe in the things you do. This class has also taught me to be open to opinions that I do not necessarily agree with and to practice tolerance towards these differences, which I think everyone can apply to daily living.
ReplyDeleteIn this course I learned a different way of thinking. I learned how to broaden my mind to accept other's perspectives. Not necessarily that I believe each perspective is correct, but I can understand a view separate from my own. I've become a much more open minded person. I also have learned a lot about living life to the fullest and accepting our impending death. Also about being proactive to help the family plan out my final wishes. Ignoring death will cause more pain for everyone in the end.
ReplyDeleteI would definitly take another course in philosophy if money and time weren't barriers. I love the intellectual challenge and how much my critical thinking has improved.
I have an understanding of some of the dimensions of human nature and death and dying. I wouldn't say I understand everything there is to be learned, but I have a basis that I can use to continue my learning.
I have developed an appreciation for the relevance of metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical questions in my daily life. Before this class I saw no need to dwell on the answers to those types of questions as they had no definite correct answer and caused confusion. However, now they broaden my perspective and make me more aware to concepts outside of my own.
I have improved my skills of analysis and critique, as well as in written and oral communication from taking this course. I feel like I can analyze situations and material from perspectives other than my own.
I thought that I had some unique views regarding ethical problems. I tend to take a view on such issues that some might see as hard or unemotional and I thought that I was in the minority. However I have noticed that others take the same views as I do. It was surprising to me to hear people who look at issues without letting emotions get in the way. Also I was surprised at how people in the class were so open to opposing viewpoints. Being a catholic school I was expecting people to have very concrete ideas and one sided. I was pleasantly surprised to the openness and the multiple angles that many used to look at issues with.
ReplyDeleteI would enjoy taking another class in philosophy, especially one on the ancient philosophers. Their thinking and ideas can be seen in all of our lives nearly every day. I’m lucky though because I still have to take another philosophy class.(haha).
ReplyDeletethis is now my third attempt at reposting this so if these are repeated i apologize!
ReplyDeletei am extremely surprised by how much i have learned in this class. above all i have learned that there are more "grey areas" in these topics than i realized. i am a fairly opinionated person, but now i find myself considering both sides of the argument more often. i would LOVE to take another philosophy class! i love the discussions and the topics! i love that there are often no answers, and that's okay! i do feel like i have improved my skills in analysis and discussion. i have also realized the importance in having theses discussions with your family. watching shows like "Cancer" have also helped me appreciated the lives of doctors and the family of patients. i really feel like i have gained the knowledge i needed to accept death when my time comes or when it comes for a family member.
This class has really made me think about the issues that arise at someone’s end of life. There is far too many problems that hurt families that arise when people don’t have the right paperwork in order or haven’t talked to their families about end of life scenarios. I understand that death is a taboo subject in our society but the arm that comes from not doing so is inexcusable. We should realize that death comes for us all it is just a fact of life, we need to prepare for it more than run from it.This class has really made me think about the issues that arise at someone’s end of life. There is far too many problems that hurt families that arise when people don’t have the right paperwork in order or haven’t talked to their families about end of life scenarios. I understand that death is a taboo subject in our society but the arm that comes from not doing so is inexcusable. We should realize that death comes for us all it is just a fact of life, we need to prepare for it more than run from it.
ReplyDeleteI think what surprised me the most was that some states have legalized PAS. I always have known that it was a subject being discussed, but never knew it actually took hold in some states. I think PAS should be allowed in some circumstances, but I think the physician should be allowed to say no if it goes against their own morals, but if the know a doctor that would perform it they should contact the doctor for the patient.
ReplyDeleteYea I would take another philosophy class actually next spring.
ReplyDeleteThis class definitely taught me more about myself. I now see a much broader perspective on things, especially death, and understand more why some people make the decisions that they do. The most surprising part is that I was able to be more open about death and the different aspects of it. It made me more comfortable to talk about and be open about. I would definitely take another philosophy class. As frustrated as I would get sometimes because I did see so many perspectives and sides to debates, it also made me really think about my own decisions and my own life. I do understand human nature and philosophy more now that this course has ended. It opened my eyes to new ideas that i would have never even thought about if I hadn't taken this class.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this class taught me a lot about myself. I also like that you said you got frustrated because you could see so many perspectives and different sides to the debates. I got really frustrated sometimes as well, and I'm glad I wasn't the only one. Sometimes hearing so many different things can be confusing and stressful, but in the end it helps us sort out our own beliefs and values.
DeleteI do think This class has improved my analysis and my critique skills in this class. It has helped reaffirm some of my beliefs in this class and it also has helped me think of reasons why I believed in something when I didn't really have some secure reasons why I believed in that. It also has made me change my mind or made myself rethink things because all of the different views from everyone who contributed in the class discussions.
ReplyDeleteI have learned a lot from this course. It has for sure been an eye opener to how things need to be thought through a lot more since there are so many different opinions especially in situations that involve death. It was amazing to me how a simple discussion in our class could snowball into a back and forth discussion just because of how many different points that could be brought up on both sides of the question. This class has also enhanced my critical thinking and analysis skills due to the fact that if I have an answer I have learned that I need to have reasoning behind it. I would love to take another class like this again before I am through with college.
ReplyDeleteIn this class I learned about a lot of different views on death that surprised me. For example, I took a comparative religions class in high school but learned so much more in this course. Also, I had written an essay on Kant before but when I presented on him at the beginning of the semester it seemed completely different. It was surprising how much I learned based off of what I already thought I knew.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I would take another course in Philosophy or not. Personally, I have belifs based on my faith and based on my own morals and frankly having to think about them stresses me out a bit. I have always been the kind of person to see someone else's side in a debate, and being able to see the opposing side to one of my own beliefs makes me question my own beliefs. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I always end up sticking to what I thought in the first place and I get frustrated that I questioned it in the first place. I enjoyed learning about new things, but talking about my personal beliefs and questioning them isn't something I like to do.
I believe I have a better understanding of human nature and death and dying. Both of these are subjects I hadn't really thought about previous to this course, especially death and dying. As far as human nature goes, I have always had the same understanding and have never heard anyone think anything else. This class taught me otherwise. For example, when the woman from the marines came in, she said that she believed humans are basically bad. I had never heard anyone in my life say that before, because I have grown up with people of the same faith and same beliefs. It was really interesting. It was also interesting to hear different people's opinions on death and dying. I have only ever heard the Catholic side of this subject, so hearing another was a change.
What have you learned in this course that surprised you?
ReplyDeleteI was surprised with how interesting this class really was. This course has given me clarity of my personal views of death. It's given me a lot of new information from many different perspectives and situations. It's also given me the ability to talk about death in a more open manner. I never thought I'd be so intrigued to study death, but my viewpoints have shifted significantly. I now see death as a very natural thing that I can speak about with loved ones.
Would you take another course in philosophy if money/time weren't major barriers?
I would definitely take another philosophy class. It's very interesting to see the many ways people think and their beliefs, from great philosophers and my fellow classmates. I think it is great to get all the perspectives and question beliefs.
Do you have an understanding of the philosophical dimensions of the study and critique of human nature and death & dying?
I would have to say that I now have a very good understanding of human nature and death from a philosophical standpoint. I've learned to be more accepting to different perspectives, even if it isn't what I believe in personally. I've also also learned that it is okay to question a persons beliefs as to why they think a certain way. There is no universal stance on death and a major part of it starts with the culture and religious beliefs.