Excelsior Ethics and Humanites Module 2 Discussion (dq1+dq2+dq3)

Module 2 Discussion  

DQ1 Comparison of Pictorial Styles

Image of people viewing paintings.Understanding and distinguishing between artistic styles and movements is an important component of art appreciation. A little basic training will enable you to begin to distinguish between an artistic masterpiece and pictorial art of a more mediocre quality. Further training and practice will help you to compare fine art composed in a particular era and region of the world with equally outstanding pictorial art from a different time and place. This exercise will help you develop the ability to identify major artistic styles and contrast them with one another.

From the following list of stylistic movements in the pictorial arts, choose two movements to research and compare: Abstract Expressionism, Baroque, Cubism, Expressionism, Impressionism, Neoclassicism, Pop Art, Post-Impressionism, Realism, Rococo, Romanticism, Surrealism. Please use specific artworks to help illustrate and support your points for the two movements being compared.

To research the two movements you select, a good resource is Artcyclopedia.com. You may also want to gather information from other reputable sources, such as The Web Gallery of Art, accessible by clicking http://www.wga.hu (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. In your research, find the origins, basic characteristics, development, and significant artists of each movement. It will be helpful to use specific art works to help support and illustrate your points about the movement.

Post your findings and critique to the Module 2 Discussion Board in a 250-500 word post and include images of the specific art pieces in your post as well. Once you have submitted your post, you should read a minimum of two critiques posted by your fellow students. Read postings from your peers who have not posted on the same movement of yourself:

After reading posts on other movements, what interested or surprised you about the movements?

What are your own interpretations on the specific pieces your peers chose to critique?

DQ2 : Invincible Villains

Jack Nicholson as the Joker in 1989 film, Batman.INTRODUCTION

The question of whether or not Batman should kill the Joker is one of many modern versions of an age-old philosophical problem. Philosopher Philippa Foot best characterizes this classic, moral dilemma, a choice between what is right versus what produces good results, in her formulation of the Trolley Problem. This activity aligns with module outcome 5.

DISCUSSION QUESTION

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

Do you think Batman should kill the Joker? Should the controller switch the trolley to another track? Are these questions one and the same? Identify the moral implications of such actions, employing both Kantian and utilitarian theories.

Reflecting on your own life, describe a real-life scenario where you had to make an ethical decision, choosing between deontological and teleological options. Do you see any connections between Batman’s decisions and your own scenario? What could you learn from Batman’s actions in your life?

DQ3  Popcorn and Principles

Portrait of philosopher, Immanuel Kant.INTRODUCTION

Kant’s concept of the categorical imperative is a moral obligation to guide us toward what we ought to do, regardless the circumstances. Kant has us test our actions by asking of ourselves: “What if everyone did it?” This activity aligns with module outcome 4.

DISCUSSION QUESTION

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

Identify a film that best reflects at least three of your own categorical imperatives. Be specific about how the film demonstrates your beliefs. Why is it important for you and others in your life to adhere to those categorical imperatives you listed? Why is it important in the film that those imperatives were followed? Include a clip, if you can.

Please share with your classmates the film you chose for your Module 2 Mini Essay. Speculate how the film may or may not align with your own preferred ethical stance or theory.