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Exam 2  Question 1.  I would like you to answer some questions in connection with another film I would like you to watch. The film is Mometo, which you can access through Netflix and numerous other internet download services (e.g., Movieberry at http://movieberry.com/memento/Links to an external site.). Besides being the work that launched Christopher Nolan’s directorial career (thus allowing him to go on to turn the Batman mythology into high cinematic art), it is also a wonderfully dramatic exploration of many of the personal identity related themes that we have dealt with in this course (no sci-fi splitting or fissioning cases, you may be happy to know). In 4-5 pages (double-spaced, one-inch margins on all sides, 12-pt. font) I would like you to do a number of things: Describe the film. Provide a clear and coherent description of the events in the film. You need to do this before you can tackle any other part of this assignment, since the action of the story is both episodic and non-chronological. In this connection, cover a number of things: Clearly articulate in detail the nature of Lenny’s condition.  Describe the two separate narratives in the film. One is in color and the other is in black and white. How are these narratives related and at what point do they converge? Who are the major characters and what roles do they play in the action? What is supposed to have taken place prior to the events that transpire in the film (before and immediately after Lenny’s injury) Above all, enjoy the movie. It is a brainy and imaginative piece of film noir which not enough people have seen. Question 2 Describe whether or not Lenny is has unitary personal selfhood according to the psychological continuity theory.  Referring to your analysis in 2(a) above, describe what, if anything, you take this to demonstrate regarding the acceptability of the psychological continuity theory. That is, do you take it to show that the theory is acceptable or unacceptable? Why? Question 3 What does the psychological continuity theory imply about the moral culpability of Lenny. That is, is the character “Lenny” whom you see at the end of the film (i.e., the beginning of the chronological action) responsible for the killing you see at the beginning of the film (i.e., the end of the chronological action) according to the psychological continuity theory? Referring to your analysis in 3(a) above, describe what, if anything, you take this to demonstrate regarding the acceptability of the psychological continuity theory. That is, do you take it to show that the theory is acceptable or unacceptable? Why? Exam 3  Question 1 In Chap. 13 of his book Death, Kagen describes three possible “interaction effects,” all resulting from the fact that death follows life.  In about one paragraph, say what an “interaction effect” is. Now devote about one double-spaced, 12-point font, one inch margins all around) page to each of these three interaction effects, describing it in detail and giving concrete examples from literature or real life of its occurrence and relating it to the material on “the absurd” we discussed in lecture set #17 concerning life shapes.  Organize your answers in the following way.       a. Interaction effect 1. (on page 1)       b. Interaction effect 2. (on page 2)       c. Interaction effect 3.  (on page 3)           Describe which (if any) of these “interaction effects” you find to be most compelling (to the issue of whether or not mortal lives are “absurd.” Think about this hard, and explain why? You should devote one to two pages to this task. Question 2 In lecture sets 17 and 18 and the first part of discussion assignment #18, we discuss (or you are invited to discuss) life narratives (unifying life stories) and hedonistic life geometries (patterns of distribution of pain and pleasure over the course a personal existence). In the second part of discussion assignment #18, moreover, I ask you to consider possible relations between these two things. Referring back to this stuff now, I’d like you to do the following: Read the very short novella by Leo Tolstoy, The Death of Ivan Illych (which we’ve had occasion to mention in lecture and which I have included in the “Readings” folder accessible from the “Course Content” page). This is a very short, very engaging and very readable novella. It shouldn’t take you longer than a couple of hours to complete. Answer the following questions: In what way(s), if any, do you think that Ivan manages to render his life meaningful before his death? Perhaps in light of the novella, answer the question, “Do you really, truly believe that you are going to die.” Try to understand this as something other than a silly question, and write up a reflective response.  What form does this question take for Ivan? Why does he have problems wrapping his mind around it? How does he manage to ultimately respond to it (if he does)?

Please watch the movie Crimes and Misdemeanors. The movie Crimes and Misdemeanors seems almost obsessed with injustice in the world. Some of this has to do with the fact that the universe seems morally indifferent: the wicked flourish. Some of it has to do with personal relationships; things can work out in painful ways that make no sense. In the Seder scene (roughly begins at the 1:10:21 mark), Aunt Mae and Judah’s father argue about whether the universe is morally indifferent [Background note: Judah visits the old house where he grew up and then begins reminiscing]. Citing various scenes in the movie, explain what you take to be Judah’s opinion on the matter. (It may not be that Judah has one simple stance on the issue. It may even be that his view is fluid and changes throughout the film.)

Research for Self-Care ...we do possess two lists of spiritual exercises. They do not completely overlap, but they do have the merit of giving us a fairly complete panorama of Stoico-Platonic inspired philosophical therapeutics. One of these lists enumerates the following elements: research (zetesis), thorough investigation (skepsis), reading (anagnosis), listening (akroasis), attention (prosoche), self-mastery (enkrateia), and indifference to indifferent things. The other names successively: reading, meditations (meleta), therapies of the passions, remembrance of good things, self-mastery (enkrateia), and the accomplishment of duties. With the help of these lists, we shall be able to give a brief description of Stoic spiritual exercises (Hadot, Philosophy as a Way of Life, p. 84). This exercise will ask that you do some research, reading, and writing with one philosopher from our work together. Choose one philosopher we have studied and read beyond what has been offered in our PDFs. You can purchase such works as The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday, or any of Holiday’s other books, or feel free to purchase a book by Alain de Botton or The School of Life. If you would like more suggestions, please feel free to reach out! Many of the ancient texts are available with a simple Google search. Such titles include but are not limited to, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (Gregory Hays translation), The Art of Living by Epictetus, and Enchiridion by Epictetus. I will provide options in the "Files" section on Canvas as well. In the essay, choose 1-3 topics that the philosopher focuses on. Spend time reading the text and find examples of how the philosopher discusses the topic(s). Using the reading questions from the syllabus as guides, write how the philosopher understands that topic. Some examples might include an essay discussing Marcus Aurelius’ ideas on the importance of focusing on what you can control, his thoughts on serving the human community, or his writing about the nature of time. Find where in Meditations he discusses these things and establishes how his ideas might help develop your philosophy as the art of living. This exercise aims to deepen your understanding of a philosopher’s work that has connected with you this semester on topics of your interest. Here is a link to a potential book that is referenced heavily in our Bibliotherapy by Epictetus: The Art of Living: http://michaelpetralia.com/the%20art%20of%20living_epictetus.html If you do not purchase the book, please cite this version in the following way: (Epictetus, "Name of the Section," 1995).

Develop a summary of the main concepts from the article  Be sure to include core points from the article. In your own words interact with the article. Appropriate comments for the journal article  should include but not be limited to, insights gained from reading the article, thoughts you may have that may enhance the discussion of the article, your subjective comments in this section must be clearly tied to main points from the article, not peripheral ideas. You are highly encouraged to consider any other information from previous articles or textbooks youmay have read in previous courses, or in other places you have encountered information relating to the themes in the article you are reviewing, be sure to cite and reference your sources.

Assignment - The Play Review Overview Seeing a play in person with a live audience is a fantastic experience and unique to the artform. You are an active participant as an audience member and there is an exchange of energy when you are in the room with the actors. Never been to a play before? No problem! I am here to guide you through the process. Included here is information for you to complete your play review worth a large portion of your grade. It includes an attached form for you to complete as well as due dates and helpful "how-to's"  Since you will be seeing a play and including a plot summary and general critique of the production, you will want to use your own words based on the experience. If you feel you need to include some history on the play and are including research, simply cite it by giving credit to any ideas other than your own. Instructions View One in-person play  from the Plays Accepted for the Play Review tab and write one play review including proof of program and ticket with play review form for 200 points or View Two Online Plays Through Digital Theatre Plus from the Plays Accepted for the Play Review Tab and write two play reviews including screenshots of your viewing along with the play review forms for 200 points. As a student, you can often get discounts on tickets. Some places offer a "lottery" or "under 25" or "rush" discounts on tickets. Calling the box office or checking the website can often save you some money.  Goldstar Events WebsiteLinks to an external site.  has all of these plays. Visit this website and become a member (FREE) to receive tickets at a reduced rate. Make sure the ticket you purchase is before the  deadline for your play review.  Submission Use the play review form and submit as a PDF attachment document or paste the text/form through CANVAS. You may include a screenshot in your document or as a separate upload as proof of attendance, program, and ticketing. To submit your assignment, click on "Submit Assignment" on the top right corner of the page and provide your response. You may type your response in a word document first and then copy-paste it into the text box. For more information on submitting discussions and other assignments, follow this link: How to Submit Assignments Links to an external site.Links to an external site. Late assignments are accepted with a penalty.  Grading & Feedback For assignments, I will be leaving individualized and general class comments on your post. Please refer to the Regular & Effective Communication Plan page for information on how I will be communicating with you and providing feedback.  This assignment is weighted with a total of 200 points and will go towards your Participation and Assignments percentages For grades, point breakdowns, and comments left on assignments, please make sure to check the grading rubric (found at the bottom of the assignment page) along with the comments section of the gradebook.  Review the Syllabus for class point totals. At any time in the course, you may view grades to the left of the page. If you need assistance, here is a brief tutorial on How To View Your Grades in CANVASHow to Write a Play Review Guidelines: A critique as defined by the Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary as “an act of criticizing; a critical estimate or discussion; the art of evaluating or analyzing with knowledge and propriety works of art or literature.” TIP: Read examples of critiques through the Los Angeles Times, Burbank Leader, New York Times, Variety, and other sources to see what critics focus on. Also, Review Chapter 15 “Viewpoints” of the Barranger text, Theatre A Way of Seeing 7th edition outlines a critic’s job when approaching a play review. A Rubric for Grading What your assignment should contain and the percentages for success! Review the rubric for this assignment below for specifics. Examine the play review questions prior to going to the theatre. ?Thought Questions: Writing the Review Content and Analysis Is there a mature approach to subject matter? Was there use of slang incomplete sentences? Is this college level work? Class concepts/general theatre Are there specifics on acting, directing, theme, technical theatre The critique and does the essay present conclusions based on class concepts? Grammar/Spelling/Sentence Structure Does the critique present adequate support of opinions and does it have good grammar and spelling? Following Directions/Proof of Attendance Include a screenshot of your video screen or a picture of your program as proof of attendance Utilize the Play Review Form Frequently Asked Questions: Q: How does one write a critique? A: First place to start is research. Either a newspaper or internet server can help you here. Do not “cut and paste” the synopsis from a website. Use your own ideas and critical thought. Q: What is contained in a critique? A: What was your experience like?  Was this your first time seeing this particular play?  What were your expectations? Did those expectations change?  Since you are “analyzing” as stated in the definition above, how would this compare to other works that you have experienced.  How was the acting? The story? The technical elements (such as costumes, set design, sound design)? Q: What if I completely disliked the experience? A: I would like to know about it. A particular production isn’t for everyone, but I would like to know why. You are analyzing it from a critical point of view, which means explaining to an “audience” who hasn’t been to the play or film about the experience and why or why they shouldn’t attend. ??Writing in "third person" and Other Helpful Tips Write in “third person” – rather than “I really liked this show”, state your opinion so you are giving a general perspective: “PCPA’s production clearly depicted the playwright’s intention through the directorial concept and portrayal of the complex characters” Have a pad and pencil/pen with you while watching the performance  to jot ideas down Use the names of the actors, director, and designers in your critique (information that is found in the program or the credits). Be specific as possible. Where can I find the names of the performers? Producer? Designers? Playwright? These can be found in the program. For the filmed performances, they may be as a part of “credits”. This may involve some research to find. Do not leave these things blank. Plays Accepted for Play Review Live Theatre is a wonderful experience - theatre is meant to be experienced together with a community for its full effect. However, there are options for this course that can guide you to appreciate Theatre as an artform, while being able to enjoy in the comfort of your own home at a lower cost, provided by GCC. Experience a play from one of the following performed LIVE with and in front of an audience. Note: dates for when these productions run and purchase your tickets prior to the play review due date. You can find these on the website of the Theatre listed or www.goldstar.comLinks to an external site. for a reduced ticket rate. Many Theatres will have tickets at a reduced rate for students. If you choose this option, you will only need to submit 1 play review, but it does take a little more effort in acquiring the tickets. These are professional-level or touring productions, and will be at a higher cost.  Local (Los Angeles) Theatre I Love You, Because (Musical) at Glendale CollegeLinks to an external site. Peter and the Starcatcher at Glendale CollegeLinks to an external site. Funny Girl (Musical) at Ahmanson TheatreLinks to an external site. The Wiz Pantages Theatre, HollywoodLinks to an external site. Chicago Pantages Theatre HollywoodLinks to an external site. Black Cypress Bayou at The Geffen PlayhouseLinks to an external site. Fat Ham at The Geffen PlayhouseLinks to an external site. One of the Good Ones Pasadena PlayhouseLinks to an external site. King Hedley II at A Noise WithinLinks to an external site. Nora at Antaeus Theatre Company (Glendale)Links to an external site. Singularities or the Computers of Venue at The Road Theatre (North Hollywood)Links to an external site. There may be others and some terrific pay what you can student deals that I will post in Announcements as they come up. Choosing the two-play online/digital option? If choosing this option, you will be viewing and experiencing two plays from Digital Theatre Plus - the viewing platform provided by GCC Library Database. To access Digital Theatre Plus, watch the following video: Digital Theatre Plus Productions - Choose 2 of the Following: True West Pipeline The Last Train to Nibroc Into the Woods (Musical) Things I Know to be True Allegiance (Musical) An American in Paris (Musical) Closer Than Ever (Musical) Forever Plaid (Musical) Funny Girl (Musical) Medea Red Long Day's Journey Into Night Play Review Format the following for your play review form questions to cut and paste and save as a PDF file.  Once you submit the assignment, attach the PDF as a file, and any other supporting materials (such as a jpeg of your program).  ??Tip!  - Include the image in your Word Document so you won't have to upload two files.  You can also type in if you’d prefer, just make sure you answer all of the questions listed in order to receive full credit. Again, don't just list the names, but rather, give specifics. ?? Important Note:  This is not an essay.  For the ratings – you may highlight or simply include your rating. Copy and Paste the following play review questions into a word document.  Highlight the following from "Play Review #" through to the end "Actor's Name" Open a word document, and paste the information into a new word document.  When you have completed all of the questions, save as a PDF. (Keep the word document just in case you need to make additional adjustments).  How to Cut and Paste Into a DocumentLinks to an external site. Begin Play Review Form  ------ General Information Play Review # Date: First Name: Last Name: Play Title: Author: Producer: Theatre Venue (Name and Location): Show Date:  Would You Recommend This Production for Others to See? Why or Why Not? Explain.  Specific Questions About the Production Overall Reaction to the Show: Explain your Overall Reaction (using critical thought) Give a brief justification as to why you rated your overall reaction as you did : Briefly Outline to the Storyline of the Play (Play Summary in your Own Words):  What Was the Theme of the Play? (What was the playwright want you to walk away with upon the play’s conclusion?) : Describe the Two Most Compelling Aspects of the Production. Explain Your Choices (Aspects of the production include direction, set design, lighting design, costumes, sound design, make up, acting, dance, music, stage combat, etc.); Back up your responses with specific evidence.  Were there least successful Aspect of the Production? Explain and Justify the choices:  What Do You See As the Play's Most Relevant Topic in Regard to Your Life? (TIP: All stories are relatable to the human condition in one way or another – go deep to explore this through your critical analysis to help find the answer) Ratings and Specifics Below is a scale system 1 -5 (which you may highlight, circle, or indicate how you wish. Remember to use your program to find the names of the artists responsible. ??TIP: Have you included names and details in your answers above? Back up evidence, which include designer, actor, director names and details from the show will help you be most successful for this assignment and give the reader a sense of attending. Again, ask yourself “WHY?” you rated them as you did. Go beyond one word conclusions to describe (e.g. “boring”) RATE DIRECTION 1 = BAD; 2= SO-SO; 3= OKAY; 4 = GOOD; 5 = WOW DIRECTOR’S NAME: RATE SET DESIGN 1 = BAD; 2= SO-SO; 3= OKAY; 4 = GOOD; 5 = WOW SET DESIGNER’S NAME: RATE LIGHTING DESIGN 1 = BAD; 2= SO-SO; 3= OKAY; 4 = GOOD; 5 = WOW LIGHTING DESIGNER’S NAME: RATE COSTUME DESIGN: 1 = BAD; 2= SO-SO; 3= OKAY; 4 = GOOD; 5 = WOW COSTUME DESIGNER’S NAME: RATE MAKE-UP DESIGN: 1 = BAD; 2= SO-SO; 3= OKAY; 4 = GOOD; 5 = WOW MAKE-UP DESIGNER’S NAME: RATE OTHER TECHNICAL AREAS (as applicable) RATE ACTING: 1 = BAD; 2= SO-SO; 3= OKAY; 4 = GOOD; 5 = WOW ACTOR’S NAME: ACTOR’S NAME: ACTOR’S NAME:

The movie Crimes and Misdemeanors seems almost obsessed with injustice in the world. Some of this has to do with the fact that the universe seems morally indifferent: the wicked flourish. Some of it has to do with personal relationships; things can work out in painful ways that make no sense. In the Seder scene (roughly begins at the 1:10:21 mark), Aunt Mae and Judah’s father argue about whether the universe is morally indifferent [Background note: Judah visits the old house where he grew up and then begins reminiscing]. Citing various scenes in the movie, explain what you take to be Judah’s opinion on the matter. (It may not be that Judah has one simple stance on the issue. It may even be that his view is fluid and changes throughout the film.)

In your own words, summarize the prompt and state the question it raises. Introduce briefly two different sides of the issue, i.e. the one that agrees with the conclusion, and the other that rejects the conclusion. State your position on the issue in question and list your reasons starting with the best one. Do not explain your reasons since that comes in the following paragraph. Develop an argument for your position by addressing the reasons that you listed above. Start with stating a reason in the topic sentence, and then explain it. Use separate paragraphs for each reason. Address an argument for the opposing view, and follow the same format: state their reason and then reject it, i.e. show why it is not as good as they think. All points you make in your essay should be connected to the question you are writing about. Your essay will be graded for its content, clarity and grammar. This essay must be your individual work. Prompt: Should the public be shown actual courtroom trials on television? It seems as though the system can easily be corrupted by having cameras in the courtroom. Victims are hesitant enough when testifying in front of a small crowd, but their knowledge that every word is being sent to countless homes would increase the likelihood that they would simply refuse to testify. There is little to no assumed innocence for the accused when their trial is put on television. People do not watch court television because they are concerned about our country’s ability to effectively carry out the proceedings of the judicial system; instead, they are looking for the drama in witness testimony: entertainment. Thus, leave the cameras out of the courtrooms, and let the public view sitcom drama based off of the legal system.

Rousseau believed a true democracy exists only when every single adult votes, every single law: that is the only way the "will of the people" speaks. If any subgroup of people, such as elect representatives, make or change law, that is not democracy, since the majority's view is not enacted. So, there are no laws that have not received 51%+ of the vote and every law must receive this to be a law. How can we ensure that every adult citizen votes on every single law, whatever it is, eliminating all elected representatives? Sketch a program. ???What would the book that would be given to every adult each year say about each law? Would it just explain each law? Would it also offer arguments for and against each? Who would write the arguments for and against each law? (Assume that one official book and/or website would have each law listed which shall be voted on by all adults annually.) How does each law get proposed to get into the book/onto the official website annually, to be voted on each year by all citizens? Can anyone propose a law or must a certain number of people vote for that-and how many of these pre-votes can there be each year, to determine which laws will be voted on How would each adult be incentivized to vote? What would happen to those who refuse to vote? And how could society stop the problem of paying people to vote one way or another? (Assume advertising is illegal in this true democracy where everyone votes: then paying for votes becomes the problem.) ???Last: Even the amount of incarceration time for crime x would be voted on. Consider the following law upon which every single adult votes. How would you vote and how do you think the majority of adults would vote? "Every person found guilty of possessing and/or using an illegal substance shall serve a maximum of 3 months in jail."

Why is Socrates known as the Father of Western Philosophy?"     

Writing a Philosophy Position Paper provides each student an opportunity: to write on a topic they strongly agree, or not, agree on to apply reasoning skills that support the philosophical position taken reflect on their own reactions to topics they feel strongly about Goal The goal of this assignment is to write a well-reasoned Philosophy Position Paper related to: "Global Citizenship, Human Rights, and the Philosophy of Religion." Parts of the Position Paper Part 1: Formulate a thesis or statement of intention (2 points) Part 2: Write 3 premises (true statements) that support your argument (12 points) Part 3: Choose the most compelling objection to your position (2 points) Part 4: Refute that objection with a convincing reason (2 points) Part 5: Develop a well-stated conclusion (2 points) Part 6: Complete a peer review) (5 points)