Excelsior Ethics and Humanites Module 1 Discussion (dq1+dq2+dq3)

Module 1 Discussion  

DQ1  Artcyclopedia and Analysis

Image of Spanish painter Diego Velazquez.An important aspect of studying the humanities is knowing where great works of art can be found and how they can be analyzed and appreciated. Beyond looking in the cultural events section of the local newspaper, or stumbling across an exhibit at the mall, thousands of great works of art can be accessed on the Internet. This assignment will introduce you to the wonderful array of opportunities to participate in the humanities online. It will also get you started in the lifelong process of developing an informed appreciation for art.

Access the Artcyclopedia Web site: Artcyclopedia (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. At the top of the homepage, you will see a box in which you can search for artists by name. Enter a search for the seventeenth century Spanish painter, Diego Velazquez. On his page, you will see that his work is displayed in a variety of museums and exhibitions. Select the Prado Museum in Madrid, click on English in the right hand corner, and then type "Velazquez" in the search bar. In this collection, choose any of the Spanish royal portraits painted by the artist—for example, Felipe III, Felipe IV, Prince Baltasar Carlos, Queen Isabel de Bourbon, or Queen Margarita of Austria. How does the work you chose highlight elements of Baroque style? You may also discuss your own personal reaction to the artwork as well.

This is your task. Evaluate the painting you select using Goethe’s three questions for critiquing art:

What is the artist trying to say?

Does he or she succeed?

Was the artwork worth the effort?

It will be helpful to review the final paragraph of Chapter 1, under the heading Communication.

Submit your 250-500 word critique to a thread in the Module 1 Discussion Board. Once you have submitted your post, you should read a minimum of two critiques posted by your fellow students. Respond to your peers by critically reading their submissions and addressing the following issues:

How thorough were your peers’ answers to Goethe’s three questions?

How is your own critique different from your peers?

What are your opinions on the pieces your peers chose to critique?

DQ2  The Sacred and the Profane

Philosopher, Hannah Arendt.INTRODUCTION

Virtue ethicists Socrates and Hannah Arendt contend that we achieve moral behavior by reflectively thinking about our beliefs and actions, and not simply conforming with the crowd mentality. In “Flatulence and Philosophy: A Lot of Hot Air, or the Corruption of Youth?” William Young proposes that the television comedy South Parkoffers us the same opportunity:

Through its different characters, and even in its apparently mindless vulgarity, South Parkshows the need for engaging in dialogue, and thinking from others’ perspectives, in order to pursue wisdom, examine life, and make it worth living (p. 5).

This activity aligns with module outcome 3.

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Prepare for your discussion by studying the William Young and Sean McAleer articles and listening to one episode, compilation, or clip of The Office. Then respond to the following:

To what extent might you concur with William Young that vulgar comedies such as South Park, or even The Simpsons, encourage such a deep reflection on ethics and ultimately encourage virtuous behavior? Is this the type of reflection that Arendt and Socrates intended? Please explain.

To what extent is author Sean McAleer right when he proclaims, “The Officehas much to teach us about Aristotle’s ethics, for its major male characters illustrate the structure of a character virtue as a mean between extremes” (162)? Reference your chosen episode of The Office (the British version) and offer examples

DQ3 Cognitive Dissonance and our Evil Lives?

Comedian, Louis C.K. [Photograph]. INTRODUCTION

Ethical relativists hold that our values are relative to our culture and there is essentially no objective right and wrong. Another form of ethical relativism is cultural ethical relativism in which society shapes the ethical values and provides the foundation for moral judgments. Cultural ethical relativism explains why ethical viewpoints differ from society to society and that neither is considered correct or incorrect. This activity aligns with module outcome 4.

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Prepare for this discussion by completing your readings and viewings. Then respond to the following:

Comedian Louis C.K. is skillful in capturing the cognitive dissonance we experience between our moral beliefs and our actual moral behavior. To what extent is Louis C.K. right that our lives are evil? How might appreciating the work of a morally compromised artist like Louis CK himself create cognitive dissonance? Is it possible to separate the work from the artist? Is it necessary?

What are the three most important virtues by which you live? Identify any comedian or any form of comic medium that represents these virtues and describe the representation. Please include a link to a clip (or article) that best illustrates your point.