To make sure that all participants fully understand the assigned reading material and can share their ideas on the deeper implications or possible alternate interpretations of the material.
To help students clarify abstract philosophical ideas and concepts in their own minds by encouraging them to organize and verbalize their thoughts. This may occur either by considering questions posed to the group by a discussion leader or by leading discussions with questions of their own.
To mobilize the full power of group intellect. To generate and share multiple ideas and catalyze the formation of new ones. To identify and critique logical flaws, inconsistencies or disagreements more thoroughly than a single reader could alone.
To allow participants to listen to the ideas and the language of others within their field. Social constructivists say that novices become specialists by learning specific language and culture from slightly more experienced peers or highly experienced "masters".
To expose participants to multiple viewpoints and help us to empathize with multiple world views and cultures so that we may understand unfamiliar opinions more intuitively.
Other objectives ? Email them to me and I will add them to this list.
Since any class may deal with controversial issues that touch on our most personal and important values, discussions should follow some simple guidelines that will promote productive sessions and allow a free flow of ideas in an environment where everyone feels comfortable enough to participate.
Try to avoid generalizations. In particular try to avoid ascribing ideas to generalized groups. Use phrases like "I feel that ....." or "it could be argued that........" rather than "anyone can see that......" or "Christians say that.....". You should also try to avoid derogatory generalizations such as "scientists are arrogant" or "creationists are misled". Generalizations like these are not useful to the advance of any argument since they are never universally true and because they create a hostile environment for individuals who may consider themselves to belong to or sympathize with that group.
Similarly, obviously disdainful language or rhetoric towards groups or viewpoints will not serve our objectives well here since this does nothing to help us understand the various arguments involved. DO NOT MAKE ANY ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE VIEWS OR AFILIATIONS OF ANYONE IN THE CLASS. By making others in the class feel uncomfortable you may inhibit the free flow of ideas which will ultimately suppress ideas from which we might have learned. Keep everything said in this class confidential. Individuals may be less likely to discuss their ideas if they think those views will become common knowledge amongst their peers or supervisors. Any personal stories or expressed opinions should be considered the property of the class.
Listen respectfully and think before responding. Remember to consider only the ideas expressed and try not to judge the human being behind them.
Please refrain from interrupting or interjecting "zaps" (put-downs) even if they are only meant as humor.
Try to raise points that do not necessarily represent your personal view. If you do this, try to use the same kind of language as you would when describing an idea that does represent your own views. This a useful academic exercise that will test your ability to think creatively and anticipate evidence that does not support your own ideas.
Similarly, do not assume that a point raised by another participant necessarily does, or does not represent their own personal view. We should aim to examine ideas in this class, not take sides. Discussion leaders should encourage participants to come up with ideas that both support and refute a particular point whenever possible.
Try to support your ideas with evidence and thoughtful logic. Avoid meaningless phrases like "that's bull**** !" Simply saying this does not make another person's idea is false.
Where specific quotes or citations would be helpful to your argument, but you do not have them at your fingertips, you should make every effort to follow up your point with supporting evidence that can be distributed to the group at a later date. Write a note to yourself during the discussion as a reminder to follow-up if necessary.
If you would like to see other rules added to this list, send them to me via email.
