Essential Questions

  • I. How Do We Know What We Know?
  • II. What Are The Problems of Knowledge?
  • III. What is the role of Perception in attaining Knowledge?
  • IV. How does Language influence how he gain Knowledge?
  • V. How does our use of Reason help or hinder us as we attempt to gain knowledge?
  • VI. Is Emotion the best way to gain knowledge?

Diving Bell #4

December 1
Please answer the following Questions on your blog. The answers must be posted by December 5.

1. After reading Vegetable, respond to Bauby's statement: "I belonged on a vegetable stall and not the human race." Why do you think it is necessary for humans to put people into categories? Is our language so limiting in describing the world that we need a way to ourganize our thoughts?
2. Bauby claims that, "Capturing the moment, these small slices of life...I hoard all these letters like treaure." What do you hoard and why?
3. Read Outing and respond to Bauby's statement: "I know who he is, but who is he really?" Is he getting any closer to understanding what makes people tick? Also, why will Bauby never tire of the smell of French Fries?
4. Read Twenty to One. Bauby claims that, "the memory of that event has only come back to me now, now doubly painful: regret for a vanished past and, above all, remorse for lost opportunities." Do you ever look back on something in your life as a "small near miss"? Is it ever beneficial to have regrets?
5. Read Duck Hunt and explain what Bauby means by the statement: "I must have butterfly hearing."
6. Read Sunday. Why do you think Bauby dreads this day?

White Man's Burden

November 21

Please take a few moments and comment on the film we saw in class. In particular, did any part of the film make you 'think twice'? Please explain your answer.

Diving Bell #3

November 12
Please answer the following Questions on your blog. The answers must be posted by November 23
1. What is significant about the last line in Guardian Angel?
2. What is ironic about the photograph he recieves from his father in The Photo?
3. Do Bauby's dreams give us any insight into his condition? Be specific.
4. Where is Bauby's butterfly in My Lucky Day?
5. After reading, Our Very Own Madonna and Through a Glass, Darkly, Bauby seems to have regrets about not appreciating small moments from his earlier life. Can you think of a moment from your own life that you did not truly appreciate until it was over? How can we learn to live so that we appreciate significant moments. Is this even possible?

Diving Bell #2

November 15
To receive full credit, this post must be made by November 20

1. What do you think of Bauby's line in Bathtime when he states, "But I see in the clothing a symbol of continuing life. And proof that I still want to be myself. If I must drool, I may as well drool on cashmere."
2. Considering how Bauby wrote the book, does it matter that he happened to speak French? How would have the writing of the book been different if he spoke Japanese or Chinese?
3. Why does Bauby find his appearance humorous?
4. After reading the Chapter, Cinecitta, think of a place where, if given one last opportunity, you could spend an afternoon. Why did you choose this place? Please describe it in detail.
5. After reading Tourists, please think of why we don't make more of an effort to connect with those that might look or act different than us.
6. Read Sausage and then consider the following: if you couldn't eat again, what meal would you miss the most? Please describe what it looks and tastes like.

PINK NOISE

November 15

Please listen to the following NPR story: NPR Morning Edition - Pink Noise

Then, answer the following question. Why do you think Pink Noise works? Do you think Sturgis should pump in Pink Noise throughout the school? Why or why not?

The Diving Bell & The Butterfly #1

November 10
To receive full credit, this post must be made by November 15

Please read The Prologue, The Wheelchair and Prayer and answer the following question on your blog. This assignment is work 25 pts. It must be posted by Thursday Nov. 13 for full credit.

a) What is 'Locked-in syndrome'? Why would one consider Bauby's condition a prison? What is the significance of The Butterfly?
b) What was Bauby's "frightening truth'?
c) In your opinion, how do you think Bauby should measure progress? Why do you think Bauby ends the chapter "Prayer" with the phrase, "I set out for the kingdom of slumber with this wonderful talisman, which shields me from all harm."

Abel on Perception

November 4

Please read Abel's Chapter 4 and answer the questions under the Perception heading on the Left of this page. Please post answers to your blog. Answers are due Friday, November 7th.