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Topic: Giving a report (Sophia) (Read 83 times) |
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Asenti
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Giving a report (Sophia)
« Thread started on: Oct 22nd, 2008, 7:15pm » |
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Even though it was the beginning of the year, the teacher had assigned an oral report on philosophies, in which the students are suppose to pick a philosophy and describe what it means to them. This exercise was meant to see how much the students under stood the class they were taking. Asenti had only spent an hour or so on this, but was confident her report was good enough for the class. The teacher took a stand then in front of the class.
"Now let's see who will go first?" The female scanned the room for a moment then finally decided on who she would choose. "How about you Ms. Rulio?" she asked knowing the girl could not turn her down.
"Oui Miss!" She said excitedly then wandered to the front of the class piece of paper in her hand. Once she arrived there she moved the piece of paper in front of her, and began to read. "I chose the philosophy "Every person in this world must travel through the valley of suffering to reach the gates of salvation." I think this philosophy is describing the theory that every person on this planet must face hard times, but eventually they will become happy, but in actuality the philosophy in not correct. Everyone does not eventually reach happiness some people must be sad their entire life. Which is not right but all so true." she took a small breath now to let that sink in.
"But this philosophy could also mean that people become happy after they die when they reach Heaven or whatever their equivalent to Heaven is. Also a false statement though because not everyone reaches heaven after death if such a place exists. Some may be reborn or go to the bad place." she did not want to say the word hell, but she knew it might effect her grade if she didn't still she went with her morals. "in conclusion though this philosophy describes what may happen in life it is not entirely true." she smiled then just stood in front of class after giving a slight bow. She hoped she did not over analyze this, but sometimes she could not control her brain when it came to school work. Her one problem with acting ditsy the entire time.
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Sophia
Sakura Class
Institute Student
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Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length.
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Re: Giving a report (Sophia)
« Reply #1 on: Oct 22nd, 2008, 8:00pm » |
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Staring into space, Sophia paid nearly no heed as the class bell rang signaling the start of the lesson. It may be the beginning of the school year, but already she is feeling the strain of an overly challenging schedule. She had picked more than the four required classes to began with, and throw the extra three Sakura Class classes on top of that, her schedule is not a pretty one. As such, she's finding less and less time on her hand, leading her to be generally quite exhausted by the time she reaches Philosophy.
Thankfully, it was also the last period of the day. Despite her fatigue however, Sophia nonetheless straightened up a bit as the teacher began to spoke. Apparently, they were going to give the short oral presentation assignment today.
The first speaker was a student whom she didn't recognize, and by the looks of her, she seemed like an underclassman.
"I chose the philosophy "Every person in this world must travel through the valley of suffering to reach the gates of salvation."
At the announcement of the other's topic, the Brit lifted an eyebrow, silently praying that she won't have to sit on the receiving end of yet another religious sermon. Her father does more than enough of that. Luckily, her prays were answered. The underclassman proceeded to offer a somewhat curious presentation, curious in the sense that she dissected the quote and refuted every part of it. Sophia supposed that was one way to fulfill the assignment. As novel the approach was, she couldn't help but notice that it completely contradicted her own philosophy.
"Thank you, Ms. Rulio! That was an excellent analysis. Now let's see, who shall be next? How about Ms. Augustus?"
Before she had a chance to fully analyze the quote in her mind, the teacher's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. Seems like she's up.
With a simple nod, she rose from her chair and strode over to the front of the class. Back-length midnight black hair swayed gently behind her, enhancing her aura of an elegant British lady. With a light smile, Sophia surveyed the class before her, and began. To the teacher's surprise, she didn't even bother to take any notes up with her.
"'My will shall shape the future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me or I can be lost in the maze. My choice; my responsibility; win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny.' -Elaine Maxwell" She recited, her clear voice ringing out in the silent classroom. Back at where she was sitting earlier, several of her friends rolled their eyes in jest, quite used to the fact that Sophia always shows off her speech-giving skills.
"In essence, this quote makes the argument that one can achieve anything she wants in life, regardless of any obstacles. Whatever she wants to be, she can reach that goal as long she tries with all her might." She continued, offering up a brief explanation of the first segment of the quote.
"This belief ties with that of Marquis de Condorcet, a 18th-century French philosophy. In his essays, he argued that humans have an unlimited ability to improve themselves, and therefore are able to ultimately achieve an Utopian society. While Maxwell shies away from Utopianism, she supports the same principle of human achievement and ability. In other words, despite whatever limitations one may have, one can always be happy should one wish to..."
She continued, taking apart the quote piece by piece and drawing in outside information she picked up from history classes. While not intentionally trying to refute underclassman's point, she is in effect contradicting the first speaker's notion that not everyone can be happy. But of course, there is nothing wrong with contradictions. This was, after all, philosophy.
"Thank you, Ms. Augustus, a superb performance, as always." The teacher offered another round of praises, before turning to address the class. "Before we move on, students, I think it would be helpful for us to compare the different philosophies brought up Ms. Rulio and Ms. Augustus. Do anyone have any comments?"
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Asenti
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Re: Giving a report (Sophia)
« Reply #2 on: Oct 23rd, 2008, 01:43am » |
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Asenti had returned to her seat while the other girl too the center stage. She had listened intently to every word the older girl spoke, smiling happily knowing what was to come. It made her happy even though this was a contradiction of what she had said, it was still good to listen to what her upperclassman had to say, and she did adore the quote she picked.
"In essence, this quote makes the argument that one can achieve anything she wants in life, regardless of any obstacles. Whatever she wants to be, she can reach that goal as long she tries with all her might."
She heard this part of the girl's speech, and put it to memory. Even though she in no way agreed with what Ms. Agustus had said the sheer intellect that went into those words was enough for her to feel the need to remember it. The upperclassman's words continued, and so did the fact that Asenti was hanging onto every word, just waiting for her chance to dispute what her senior had said, and soon it came.
"Before we move on, students, I think it would be helpful for us to compare the different philosophies brought up Ms. Rulio and Ms. Augustus. Do anyone have any comments?"
"Oui! Miss I have a few things to say." Asenti took a stand after saying this hoping the teacher would allow her too speak her mind about what was going on. Her smile was wide, and so were her eyes as she stared at the teacher awaiting approval.
"Go ahead Miss Rulio let's hear what you have to say." the teacher responded to her happily.
"Thank you!" she said excitedly taking a deep breath. "First off these two quotes compare in the way that they are both about destiny in a sense, though one is a controlled destiny, that being the one I said and the other is a free destiny the one ms. Agustus so beautifully said." she smiled to her upperclassman happily hoping she would appreciate the compliment.
"But there is a slight problem with what Ms. Agustus said, and I quote. "Whatever she wants to be, she can reach that goal as long she tries with all her might." That is not entirely true on a couple levels. The first one being that people with um special needs, different to our own." she said trying to be sensitive towards those kids who have special needs. "Can not decide for themselves or be what they want to be inside. The second one is that even when someone tries their hardest it is possible for them to fall. "Those who strive to touch a start often stumble on a single piece of straw." A quote made in the Medieval period. Basically stating that people who try to reach their dreams even with all their might still fall flat on their faces."
Asenti took another deep breath after this, then awaited what her upperclassman would have to say. She could not wait to hear what Ms. Agustus would say to her words even if all she had to say was that her words were garbage.
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Sophia
Sakura Class
Institute Student
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Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length.
Posts: 21
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Re: Giving a report (Sophia)
« Reply #3 on: Oct 23rd, 2008, 3:18pm » |
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Although the underclassman was not exactly her type, Sophia still couldn't help but smile faintly at the enthusiasm the girl displayed. It was rare to see someone so interested in class discussion now a days. Silver orbs studied the eager underclassman with mild interest, and her smile widened by a notch at what looked like little stars in the other's eyes. The girl reminded her of an excited puppy, in a good way of course.
"First off these two quotes compare in the way that they are both about destiny in a sense, though one is a controlled destiny, that being the one I said and the other is a free destiny the one ms. Agustus so beautifully said."
As the other's gaze shifted to her, the Brit smiled encouragingly. The opening summation offered was quite clear and analytical, and she was impressed by how well the girl was able to tie the two divergent concepts together so quickly.
"But there is a slight problem with what Ms. Agustus said, and I quote. "Whatever she wants to be, she can reach that goal as long she tries with all her might." That is not entirely true on a couple levels. The first one being that people with um special needs, different to our own." she said trying to be sensitive towards those kids who have special needs. "Can not decide for themselves or be what they want to be inside. The second one is that even when someone tries their hardest it is possible for them to fall."
Listening to the actual rebuttal of the speech, Sophia couldn't help but feel somewhat reminiscent of the debates she often get into with her father, whenever he's around anyway. Polite, lucid, and straight to the point...she likes the girl's style. Of course, that doesn't mean she agreed with her points. Shifting her gaze to the teacher, Sophia inquired for permission silently. And when the teacher nodded, she smiled briefly before starting.
"Nicely put, Ms, Rulio," a polite introduction, as always. "Well your objection does cut to the heart of the issue, I must set forth a few technicalities. First of all, in the case of the special need students, is it entirely true that they cannot decide what they want? According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, every conscious human being first desire basic physiological satisfactions such as breathing, food, water, etc. Once these needs are met, the human then naturally crave safety, love, etc. In the case you brought up, I will suppose that you are pointing to students who have mental barriers that prevent them from realizing issues such as self-esteem or self-actualization. In their cases, isn't it arguable that happiness will be achieved as long as they meet the first three tiers? In other words, in order for them to achieve a goal that they can identify, which is typically happiness, all that have to be met is basic necessities."
Regardless of her refutation, the underclass did bring up a valid point; Maxwell's theory didn't take into consideration individuals with special needs. However, considering that these particular special needs being argued all ties to the mental arena, it is fair to suppose since the individuals cannot achieve the level of psychological sophistication needed to identify clear and concise goals, a different scale must be applied to them, hence the Maslow's hierarchy of needs she brought up.
"As for Ms, Rulio's second point, I have similar reservations. In her quote, Maxwell is speaking on a long term scale. I concede that it's entirely likely for all humans to stumble at some point, Maxwell argues that as long as they try their best, they can succeed eventually. Moreover, definitions satisfaction or success vary from person to person, it is therefore unwise to restrict one who "fall' as one who failed to achieve their goal." Sophia concluded, looking at the underclassman once more with a curious glint in her eyes. Perhaps surprisingly, she is actually quite interested in what the girl has to say to her refutation.
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Asenti
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Re: Giving a report (Sophia)
« Reply #4 on: Oct 23rd, 2008, 3:48pm » |
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"Well your objection does cut to the heart of the issue, I must set forth a few technicalities. First of all, in the case of the special need students, is it entirely true that they cannot decide what they want? According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, every conscious human being first desire basic physiological satisfactions such as breathing, food, water, etc. Once these needs are met, the human then naturally crave safety, love, etc. In the case you brought up, I will suppose that you are pointing to students who have mental barriers that prevent them from realizing issues such as self-esteem or self-actualization. In their cases, isn't it arguable that happiness will be achieved as long as they meet the first three tiers? In other words, in order for them to achieve a goal that they can identify, which is typically happiness, all that have to be met is basic necessities."
Asenti stood and listened to what her upperclassman had to say with wonderment. The words did touch her very soul, but there was still something that got to her, but she was unsure of what that was. For now she would mull over what it was that was getting to her while she listened to Ms. Augustus. This girl certainly knew of what she spoke about, but still it was an opinion of hers, and one that Asenti did not think she would be able to agree with her just yet. Sophia's words kept on coming, and Asenti continued to listen to her while thinking of what she would say in return.
"As for Ms, Rulio's second point, I have similar reservations. In her quote, Maxwell is speaking on a long term scale. I concede that it's entirely likely for all humans to stumble at some point, Maxwell argues that as long as they try their best, they can succeed eventually. Moreover, definitions satisfaction or success vary from person to person, it is therefore unwise to restrict one who "fall' as one who failed to achieve their goal."
The young black haired girl could only smile, as Ms. Agustus agreed with her to an extent. Actually she was not only smiling, but blushing a little bit. To have an upperclassman agree with her was an honor, and more so since this one seemed to know of what she spoke of. She then realized it was her turn to speak again.
"Merci Ms. Agustus and your words were as magnificent as the first time you spoke, sadly I still retain some quarells with your point. You say that those with special needs can achieve happiness if they get the basic need, and I must admit it sounded good at first and I could not find anything wrong with it, but then I thought of something." she breathed in before she began her words again. "Though technology says these people do not need much except the basics, but what of their souls? What is their souls cry out for more? They would not be able to speak of what they want, nor achieve their goal." That was all she had for those words except to clarify. "I understand all of these are what ifs, but what ifs are needed sometimes to discover important things."
"I will agree on the fact that a lot of people will reach their goals eventually, but they must try their hardest as all times." she hoped that Ms. Agustus would approve of her words. "Though I do not like it some people may never achieve their goals, but that is just how this world is, but your words do make a lot of sense Ms. Agustus and I am glad I got the chance to hear them." she gave one last smile then passed the floor back to Sophia.
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Sophia
Sakura Class
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Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length.
Posts: 21
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Re: Giving a report (Sophia)
« Reply #5 on: Nov 12th, 2008, 11:41pm » |
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"Merci Ms. Agustus and your words were as magnificent as the first time you spoke, sadly I still retain some quarells with your point. You say that those with special needs can achieve happiness if they get the basic need, and I must admit it sounded good at first and I could not find anything wrong with it, but then I thought of something. Though technology says these people do not need much except the basics, but what of their souls? What is their souls cry out for more? They would not be able to speak of what they want, nor achieve their goal. I understand all of these are what ifs, but what ifs are needed sometimes to discover important things. "I will agree on the fact that a lot of people will reach their goals eventually, but they must try their hardest as all times. Though I do not like it some people may never achieve their goals, but that is just how this world is, but your words do make a lot of sense Ms. Agustus and I am glad I got the chance to hear them."
In Sophia's opinion, that was...interesting. She was, with no doubt, well-versed in debates of all kinds. Congress, public forum, Lincoln-Douglas, policy...they are practically second nature to her now. But this one proved a little different. Not different bad, just different different. For one, she was a little confused.
"Souls? Ms. Rulio? You raise a fascinating argument. Perhaps you wouldn't mind providing a definition for what a soul is?" Her tone was neutral, if somewhat inquisitive. Sophia was in no way trying to be condescending or sarcastic; asking for definitions was the fundamentals of nearly any debates, and Ms. Rulio has certainly offered good enough points to qualify this as one. "Are you saying the word soul in a spiritual sense, as in the 'soul' commonly associated with Judeo-Christian religions, or in some other manner?" She continued, outlining her question. After all, in that case, there would be no real argument; it would all come down to the religious beliefs of the person. And if the person in question should prove a firm believer of all tenants of evolution...well, then there wouldn't be a soul to speak of.
As for the second part of Asenti's response, Sophia gave a brief nod of acknowledgment before beginning anew. "Once more, we come across technicalities. Obviously, there is no way I can deny that some people do not achieve their goals, but that is not where the two philosophies we presented clash. Rather, the two stand points differ on whether it's possible for goals to be accomplished. By your stance, there are incidences where there is no way in which a goal can be accomplished. However, by Maxwell's argument, anything can be accomplished given enough efforts. In other words, failed goals currently occur because not enough dedication was devoted to them. Thus, Ms. Rulio, unless you could provide an example of a case in which a person failed to reach their goal after trying their hardest in every sense of the word, the 'controlled destiny' argument cannot hold."
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