Stephen Simmons
AP English/Mr. George
10/29/09
P&P quotes
"If I can but see one of my daughters happily settled at Netherfield," said Mrs. Bennet to her husband, "and all the others equally well married, I shall have nothing to wish for"(Austen 5).
This quotation said by Mrs. Bennet informs the reader of a womans role in society at the time in women who are married and are soon to be married. Mrs. Bennet presents her obsession with marrying off all of her daughters to men with great wealth and in a higher social class. We get the sense from the first couple of chapters that Mrs. Bennet's obsesion with marrying off her daughters consumes her life and is currently her lifestyle. The role of the unmarried women in society are unvealed through Mrs. Bennets and Mrs. Lucas' attitude and goals. The role of unmarried women according to the mothers in society is to marry into a higher class or into happiness.
"She is tolerdable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men" (7-8).
This quotation introduces the social awkwardness found in Mr. Darcy. Instead of accepting his good friends advice and introducing himself to Elizabeth we indirectly get a sense of Mr. Darcy's inability to properly communicate and express his true feelings which he internally harnesses but can not become aware of momentarily. The context of the quote also hints at the role of wealthy men in society which is basically to do whatever they want.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Illustrations of the Tao
Stephen Simmons
AP English 11/Mr. George
10/20/09
Illustrations of the Tao
I believe that the most important aspect of the Tao are the Duties to Parents, Elders, Ancestors. It may seem as if this law is worthless compared to the other stated by Lewis, however i believe that it is the simplest and most significant because we have been following it our whole lives. Since we are born we are taught to love our piers and be respectful to others, but more importantly to those who gave us life and those who influenced us, even if they negatively influenced us. I feel that if we were to dispel all other laws and aspects that Lewis states, we would find that they all sort of revolve around this one. I have always been told that when something goes wrong, whether you break your arm or even the law and your actions become unjust, that my family will always be there for me. Now, as corny as that sounds, or even if you absolutely hate your parents or elders with the passion, they will always be there for you. It is our obligation to show them respect so that we wont only receive love and compassion back, but respect as well.
An additional aspect that could be added to Lewis' list of aspects could be that of insight or subjective value. The Tao or natural law is constructed around the value of objectivism. I personally believe that what needs to be added to Lewis' list of aspects is a small fraction of subjectivism or insight. If we see things objectively we see things through a very clear lens. However, we as humans need to incorporate emotions and our own insight on things into what we see because that is what defines us. Objective art, for example, is art that leaves little room for interpretation. What enhances art is the multiple ways in which one can interpret it and give their own insight or perception. It is not bad to see things differently that everyone else or see things differently than they actually are. This is also what makes our youth so interesting and happy all of the time. They see things in a completely different way we do, or an objective person would, which allows them to sort of acknowledge their inner self. I am not saying that personal insight is the way to go or that the teachings of The Green Book were right, but that they most certainly should not be discredited.
AP English 11/Mr. George
10/20/09
Illustrations of the Tao
I believe that the most important aspect of the Tao are the Duties to Parents, Elders, Ancestors. It may seem as if this law is worthless compared to the other stated by Lewis, however i believe that it is the simplest and most significant because we have been following it our whole lives. Since we are born we are taught to love our piers and be respectful to others, but more importantly to those who gave us life and those who influenced us, even if they negatively influenced us. I feel that if we were to dispel all other laws and aspects that Lewis states, we would find that they all sort of revolve around this one. I have always been told that when something goes wrong, whether you break your arm or even the law and your actions become unjust, that my family will always be there for me. Now, as corny as that sounds, or even if you absolutely hate your parents or elders with the passion, they will always be there for you. It is our obligation to show them respect so that we wont only receive love and compassion back, but respect as well.
An additional aspect that could be added to Lewis' list of aspects could be that of insight or subjective value. The Tao or natural law is constructed around the value of objectivism. I personally believe that what needs to be added to Lewis' list of aspects is a small fraction of subjectivism or insight. If we see things objectively we see things through a very clear lens. However, we as humans need to incorporate emotions and our own insight on things into what we see because that is what defines us. Objective art, for example, is art that leaves little room for interpretation. What enhances art is the multiple ways in which one can interpret it and give their own insight or perception. It is not bad to see things differently that everyone else or see things differently than they actually are. This is also what makes our youth so interesting and happy all of the time. They see things in a completely different way we do, or an objective person would, which allows them to sort of acknowledge their inner self. I am not saying that personal insight is the way to go or that the teachings of The Green Book were right, but that they most certainly should not be discredited.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Abolition of Man
Stephen Simmons
AP English 11/Mr. George
10/19/09
Abolition of man
"But once our souls, that is, ourselves, have been given up, the power thus conferred will not belong to us. We shall in fact be the slaves and puppets of that to which we have given our souls"(Lewis 72).
"But a wholly transparent world is an invisible world. To 'see through' all things is the same as not to see"(81).
In the third and final section of the text, Lewis describes a world based on subjective values and the abolition of man. If, perhaps, subjectivists triumph, and the to Tao or objective value is diminished someone with overruling power would have to create their own natural law or moral law. What Lewis says is that when everyone truly stops believing in the Tao and give up our souls, we will all become slaves the greater power. Lewis also explains that if we do perhaps change world values and see beyond objectiveness and the world, then the new values or values of life will be of no value. We would simply be Abolishing man.
AP English 11/Mr. George
10/19/09
Abolition of man
"But once our souls, that is, ourselves, have been given up, the power thus conferred will not belong to us. We shall in fact be the slaves and puppets of that to which we have given our souls"(Lewis 72).
"But a wholly transparent world is an invisible world. To 'see through' all things is the same as not to see"(81).
In the third and final section of the text, Lewis describes a world based on subjective values and the abolition of man. If, perhaps, subjectivists triumph, and the to Tao or objective value is diminished someone with overruling power would have to create their own natural law or moral law. What Lewis says is that when everyone truly stops believing in the Tao and give up our souls, we will all become slaves the greater power. Lewis also explains that if we do perhaps change world values and see beyond objectiveness and the world, then the new values or values of life will be of no value. We would simply be Abolishing man.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Way
Stephen Simmons
AP English 11/Mr. George
10/18/09
The Way
"This thing which I have called for convenience the Tao, and which others may call Natural Law or Traditional Morality or the First Principles of Practical Reason or the First Platitudes, is not one among a series of possible systems of value. It is the sole source of all value judgments. If it is rejected, all value is rejected...The human mind has no more power of inventing a new value than of imagining a new primary color, or, indeed, of creating a new sun and a new sky for it to move in"(Lewis 43-44).
"Those who understand the spirit of the Tao and who have been led by that spirit can modify it in directions which that spirit itself demands" (47).
The Way is an argument based more on morality and the erroneous nature of The Green Book. In this section Lewis argues that once someone rejects the idea of objectiveness and appeals more towards the subjective side of life, that they are making it impossible for themselves to rebuild or construct a clear and logical basis for morality. Lewis further argues that If you do reject the Tao or Natural law, that you are rejecting yourself and life itself. It is not only until one understands the Tao or law of human nature, that one can become "open" to no values.
AP English 11/Mr. George
10/18/09
The Way
"This thing which I have called for convenience the Tao, and which others may call Natural Law or Traditional Morality or the First Principles of Practical Reason or the First Platitudes, is not one among a series of possible systems of value. It is the sole source of all value judgments. If it is rejected, all value is rejected...The human mind has no more power of inventing a new value than of imagining a new primary color, or, indeed, of creating a new sun and a new sky for it to move in"(Lewis 43-44).
"Those who understand the spirit of the Tao and who have been led by that spirit can modify it in directions which that spirit itself demands" (47).
The Way is an argument based more on morality and the erroneous nature of The Green Book. In this section Lewis argues that once someone rejects the idea of objectiveness and appeals more towards the subjective side of life, that they are making it impossible for themselves to rebuild or construct a clear and logical basis for morality. Lewis further argues that If you do reject the Tao or Natural law, that you are rejecting yourself and life itself. It is not only until one understands the Tao or law of human nature, that one can become "open" to no values.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Men Without Chests
Stephen Simmons
AP Englsih 11/Mr. George
10/15/09
"Men Without Chests"
"The schoolboy who reads this passage in The Green Book will believe two propositions: firstly, that all sentences containing a predicate of value are statements about the emotional state of the speaker, and secondly, that all such statements are unimportant"(Lewis 4).
"The operation of The Green Book and its kind is to produce what may be called Men without Chests"(25).
Lewis' argument in the section Men Without Chests is basically that the average student is taught more about subjective value, rather than what should be taught, objective value. Lewis says that denying objective value is like denying something in our belief system of every advanced civilization. Lewis goes on to talk about how many religions in fact have arrived at similar objective values or standards and that when these values or standards are put off or ignored there are no regulators to tell a man to act morally. Ultimately, Lewis is basically arguing that The Green Book has created and taught subjective values and that the wrong ideals and morals in life are the right ones to follow. Students, in addition, lack character (chests)and individuality, in result of this.
AP Englsih 11/Mr. George
10/15/09
"Men Without Chests"
"The schoolboy who reads this passage in The Green Book will believe two propositions: firstly, that all sentences containing a predicate of value are statements about the emotional state of the speaker, and secondly, that all such statements are unimportant"(Lewis 4).
"The operation of The Green Book and its kind is to produce what may be called Men without Chests"(25).
Lewis' argument in the section Men Without Chests is basically that the average student is taught more about subjective value, rather than what should be taught, objective value. Lewis says that denying objective value is like denying something in our belief system of every advanced civilization. Lewis goes on to talk about how many religions in fact have arrived at similar objective values or standards and that when these values or standards are put off or ignored there are no regulators to tell a man to act morally. Ultimately, Lewis is basically arguing that The Green Book has created and taught subjective values and that the wrong ideals and morals in life are the right ones to follow. Students, in addition, lack character (chests)and individuality, in result of this.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Letter from Birmingham Jail Analysis
Stephen Simmons
AP English/Mr. George
10/14/09
Appeals Essay
Letter from Birmingham Jail Analysis
Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most inspirational speakers and writers during the sixties. His words did not only move, but changed people in an indescribable manor. In his Letter from Birmingham Jail, King intertwined the three appeals as well as diction and syntax in order to send a message and to critique those who discriminated against himself and his race. In this letter, King peacefully touches the hearts of many by transferring his emotions through his writing. He most certainly had a gift, and the credentials to go along with it, which is one of the reasons as to why Kings argument is so persuasive. However, although character, talent, and the cause were very important aspects in creating this letter, Kings greatest appeal was his use of emotion throughout the text.
King’s argument captures the attention of the audience because of his aggressive and amazingly ego piercing use of emotion. He uses emotion in collaboration with logos to capture the heart and souls of his audience and to refute any arguments or points that can be made against him. Furthermore, King intertwines logic into his emotional, non conformist argument by referring to the frustration and pain of others, rather than an individual or himself. He also uses phrases such as, “When you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim”(King 742) and, “When you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six-year-old daughter why she cant go to the public amusement park…”(742). Kings writing is home to so much emotion and diction such as “you” which is what ultimately carries his arguments. By using the word “you” he attempts to transfer his pain and his frustration to the audience so that they can feel what the black race is going to and so that they, the white moderate, might find it in their hearts to make a change and to belittle the racist tension in society.
However, although King so greatly paints a clear picture of the tragedies that occur each day in their society and builds his argument to a fantastic climax, he pauses in his speech, calming the tension between author and reader and then states his conclusion. King very intelligently does this after portraying his emotion to the reader which makes his argument all the more effective. He so peacefully but aggressively goes on with his argument and emotional examples and pauses so that his previously stated points simmer in the minds of the reader. “Then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait”(742). This is a very bold statement to make, especially considering all of the violent and gruesome images he fastened in the audience’s mind, which is what proves to the white moderate that he means business.
It is quite obvious that an average black man, or any man for that matter would be able to appeal such an argument as King’s in the fashion that he does. This is why King feels that it is necessary to establish his character to make the reader aware that he is qualified to make such an appeal. For starters, King was a black man in the sixties who was considered inferior due to the color of his skin. Furthermore, the white moderate during that time would not even think about listening to a black man, let alone consider what he has to say. King also is imprisoned at this time which worsens his circumstances a lot. It is crucial that King made his argument so precise and logical, because the audience would look for any wrong statement or idea in order to refute his argument. Kings racial background and his current situation does not help to strengthen his argument which is why he addresses the audience as his fellow clergymen, as well as addressing the fact that he is in fact a religious person himself, which is very important when he criticizes the church. In addition to that, King also referenced many intelligent, historical figures as well as what they said. All of these things act as patches for any holes that may be present in his argument. He most certainly lets the reader know that he is in fact a credible and daring individual.
By fusing all of these appeals together and by harping on mainly emotion, King created one of the most powerful arguments in history. By peacefully attacking the wrongs of the white moderate and incorporating aggressive diction and phrases such as “fear-drenched” and “victims of a broken promise” King is able to tell his story as well as correct societies as if he were standing right beside you. Through his syntax of the appeals and different sentences King was able to engrave terrible images into your head, as well as use logic and true facts to support it, making the fear all the more frightening.
There aren’t many words to describe the stupendous argument that King made throughout his letter, other than “mind-blowing.” Someone from that time period who harbored no respect from others and received the treatment of an animal, was able to chip the racial boundary of blacks and whites. King was not just an ordinary man who absorbed the hardships of the time, but something a little more than that. Through his astonishing use of emotion and a little logic here and there, as well as many other literary elements, King was able to breach the blockaded hearts of those who hated him. In addition, he did all of this with not one hint of violence or severe aggression. King was no different from you and me, but he had a goal, and because he raised this goal with so much love and emotion, we are where we stand today because of him.
AP English/Mr. George
10/14/09
Appeals Essay
Letter from Birmingham Jail Analysis
Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most inspirational speakers and writers during the sixties. His words did not only move, but changed people in an indescribable manor. In his Letter from Birmingham Jail, King intertwined the three appeals as well as diction and syntax in order to send a message and to critique those who discriminated against himself and his race. In this letter, King peacefully touches the hearts of many by transferring his emotions through his writing. He most certainly had a gift, and the credentials to go along with it, which is one of the reasons as to why Kings argument is so persuasive. However, although character, talent, and the cause were very important aspects in creating this letter, Kings greatest appeal was his use of emotion throughout the text.
King’s argument captures the attention of the audience because of his aggressive and amazingly ego piercing use of emotion. He uses emotion in collaboration with logos to capture the heart and souls of his audience and to refute any arguments or points that can be made against him. Furthermore, King intertwines logic into his emotional, non conformist argument by referring to the frustration and pain of others, rather than an individual or himself. He also uses phrases such as, “When you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim”(King 742) and, “When you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six-year-old daughter why she cant go to the public amusement park…”(742). Kings writing is home to so much emotion and diction such as “you” which is what ultimately carries his arguments. By using the word “you” he attempts to transfer his pain and his frustration to the audience so that they can feel what the black race is going to and so that they, the white moderate, might find it in their hearts to make a change and to belittle the racist tension in society.
However, although King so greatly paints a clear picture of the tragedies that occur each day in their society and builds his argument to a fantastic climax, he pauses in his speech, calming the tension between author and reader and then states his conclusion. King very intelligently does this after portraying his emotion to the reader which makes his argument all the more effective. He so peacefully but aggressively goes on with his argument and emotional examples and pauses so that his previously stated points simmer in the minds of the reader. “Then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait”(742). This is a very bold statement to make, especially considering all of the violent and gruesome images he fastened in the audience’s mind, which is what proves to the white moderate that he means business.
It is quite obvious that an average black man, or any man for that matter would be able to appeal such an argument as King’s in the fashion that he does. This is why King feels that it is necessary to establish his character to make the reader aware that he is qualified to make such an appeal. For starters, King was a black man in the sixties who was considered inferior due to the color of his skin. Furthermore, the white moderate during that time would not even think about listening to a black man, let alone consider what he has to say. King also is imprisoned at this time which worsens his circumstances a lot. It is crucial that King made his argument so precise and logical, because the audience would look for any wrong statement or idea in order to refute his argument. Kings racial background and his current situation does not help to strengthen his argument which is why he addresses the audience as his fellow clergymen, as well as addressing the fact that he is in fact a religious person himself, which is very important when he criticizes the church. In addition to that, King also referenced many intelligent, historical figures as well as what they said. All of these things act as patches for any holes that may be present in his argument. He most certainly lets the reader know that he is in fact a credible and daring individual.
By fusing all of these appeals together and by harping on mainly emotion, King created one of the most powerful arguments in history. By peacefully attacking the wrongs of the white moderate and incorporating aggressive diction and phrases such as “fear-drenched” and “victims of a broken promise” King is able to tell his story as well as correct societies as if he were standing right beside you. Through his syntax of the appeals and different sentences King was able to engrave terrible images into your head, as well as use logic and true facts to support it, making the fear all the more frightening.
There aren’t many words to describe the stupendous argument that King made throughout his letter, other than “mind-blowing.” Someone from that time period who harbored no respect from others and received the treatment of an animal, was able to chip the racial boundary of blacks and whites. King was not just an ordinary man who absorbed the hardships of the time, but something a little more than that. Through his astonishing use of emotion and a little logic here and there, as well as many other literary elements, King was able to breach the blockaded hearts of those who hated him. In addition, he did all of this with not one hint of violence or severe aggression. King was no different from you and me, but he had a goal, and because he raised this goal with so much love and emotion, we are where we stand today because of him.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Letter from Birmingham Jail Notes
Stephen Simmons
AP English 11/Mr. George
10/7/09
Notes/outline
Use of Pathos (emotion):
• “I guess it is…”(742)
o This sections main appeal is pathos. However, King uses vivid imagery and aggressive diction to powerfully build up to his climax and in doing so incorporates no punctuation that would allow the reader to rest, in order to instill into the human beings reading the letter, the same exhaustion that he himself had felt, as well as many others.
o King uses his diction cleverly throughout his long winded paragraph which could be seen as an ingenious attack against the person, or the unjust white folk. He uses parallel structure repeating the words, “when you” to triumph over the emotions of his audience. He incorporates the word “you” to convey himself and his frustration to the audience as well as barter emotions from his ink to your heart.
o King, as his comprehensive, emotional rampage comes to a close, he wanes his argument, incorporates a pause, and then states his conclusion and hopes that the audience will to understand their impatience. It seems as if he does this to make a stupendous argument that will engrave itself into your mind, only to courteously ask for it to be considered.
• His pathos and mind altering imagery seem to follow logic which introduce or support his opinions. Furthermore, ethos seems to follow pathos which he used to assure the audience that he is faithful to certain things and forever will be, such as the church. However, he does not jerkily showcase his profession or life achievements. He speaks of himself, and the emotions of others, as he would anyone else, or for a “whole” and not a “piece.”
Use of Logos (logic):
• “Was not Jesus an extremist…”(747)
o Most if not all of Kings logical statements are supported or presented with emotion or opinion.
o He uses logic to deny claims made about himself and Negroes in general.
o Logos is used in throughout the letter to prove, not show off, his intelligence.
o King fuses logic and emotion to make a point or introduce an idea to the audience in which he is going to defend.
“We have waited for…”(742)
• Kings opinions on the church on impatience/waiting, on just and unjust laws are a combination of emotion, opinion logic, that isn’t defined but implied, and aggressive diction, as well as clever use of syntax. Like in an essay the realistic points that King makes only strengthen his ideals more, as well as assemble barriers in which error can not penetrate.
Use of Ethos (character):
• King in a variety of sections in his letter not only addresses the character of himself to disprove any negative attributes that one could acquire from him, but he also discusses the character of others.
• “We decided to set…”(740)
o King describes the impatience and neediness for direct action in the people as well as himself. He established the character of the demonstrators, who were fully aware of the repercussions of their actions/direct actions.
• “I say it was a minister of the gospel…”(748)
o Through his characterizations of not only himself, but others, it seems as if he uses these descriptions to not only assure the audience but to make known to the audience that he very well knows that he is talking about, and that he isn’t attempting to call out the white folk on every minor, troubling detail, but that he is just like any other person who is well aware of their social status feels the need to allocate his frustration and eagerness for change.
• Syntax and Diction:
o “I guess it is…”(742)
o “We have waited for more than three hundred and forty years…”(742)
o “I don’t believe you would…”(751)
o “If I have said anything in this letter that is an overstatement of the truth and is indicative of an unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. If I had said anything in this letter that is an understatement of the truth and is indicative of my having a patience that makes me patient with anything less than brotherhood, I beg God to forgive me”(752)
o “I hope this letter…”(752-753)
• He uses syntax and diction to make the audience feel the emotions he is feeling and to paint very descriptive images in the readers mind. He also uses syntax to make the reader feel not only the emotional frustration and power in his writing, but the physical as well. In conclusion, he also uses syntax to make his arguments or rampages seem like well thought out, powerful argument and not an attack against the audience or white folk.
AP English 11/Mr. George
10/7/09
Notes/outline
Use of Pathos (emotion):
• “I guess it is…”(742)
o This sections main appeal is pathos. However, King uses vivid imagery and aggressive diction to powerfully build up to his climax and in doing so incorporates no punctuation that would allow the reader to rest, in order to instill into the human beings reading the letter, the same exhaustion that he himself had felt, as well as many others.
o King uses his diction cleverly throughout his long winded paragraph which could be seen as an ingenious attack against the person, or the unjust white folk. He uses parallel structure repeating the words, “when you” to triumph over the emotions of his audience. He incorporates the word “you” to convey himself and his frustration to the audience as well as barter emotions from his ink to your heart.
o King, as his comprehensive, emotional rampage comes to a close, he wanes his argument, incorporates a pause, and then states his conclusion and hopes that the audience will to understand their impatience. It seems as if he does this to make a stupendous argument that will engrave itself into your mind, only to courteously ask for it to be considered.
• His pathos and mind altering imagery seem to follow logic which introduce or support his opinions. Furthermore, ethos seems to follow pathos which he used to assure the audience that he is faithful to certain things and forever will be, such as the church. However, he does not jerkily showcase his profession or life achievements. He speaks of himself, and the emotions of others, as he would anyone else, or for a “whole” and not a “piece.”
Use of Logos (logic):
• “Was not Jesus an extremist…”(747)
o Most if not all of Kings logical statements are supported or presented with emotion or opinion.
o He uses logic to deny claims made about himself and Negroes in general.
o Logos is used in throughout the letter to prove, not show off, his intelligence.
o King fuses logic and emotion to make a point or introduce an idea to the audience in which he is going to defend.
“We have waited for…”(742)
• Kings opinions on the church on impatience/waiting, on just and unjust laws are a combination of emotion, opinion logic, that isn’t defined but implied, and aggressive diction, as well as clever use of syntax. Like in an essay the realistic points that King makes only strengthen his ideals more, as well as assemble barriers in which error can not penetrate.
Use of Ethos (character):
• King in a variety of sections in his letter not only addresses the character of himself to disprove any negative attributes that one could acquire from him, but he also discusses the character of others.
• “We decided to set…”(740)
o King describes the impatience and neediness for direct action in the people as well as himself. He established the character of the demonstrators, who were fully aware of the repercussions of their actions/direct actions.
• “I say it was a minister of the gospel…”(748)
o Through his characterizations of not only himself, but others, it seems as if he uses these descriptions to not only assure the audience but to make known to the audience that he very well knows that he is talking about, and that he isn’t attempting to call out the white folk on every minor, troubling detail, but that he is just like any other person who is well aware of their social status feels the need to allocate his frustration and eagerness for change.
• Syntax and Diction:
o “I guess it is…”(742)
o “We have waited for more than three hundred and forty years…”(742)
o “I don’t believe you would…”(751)
o “If I have said anything in this letter that is an overstatement of the truth and is indicative of an unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. If I had said anything in this letter that is an understatement of the truth and is indicative of my having a patience that makes me patient with anything less than brotherhood, I beg God to forgive me”(752)
o “I hope this letter…”(752-753)
• He uses syntax and diction to make the audience feel the emotions he is feeling and to paint very descriptive images in the readers mind. He also uses syntax to make the reader feel not only the emotional frustration and power in his writing, but the physical as well. In conclusion, he also uses syntax to make his arguments or rampages seem like well thought out, powerful argument and not an attack against the audience or white folk.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Fallacy Examples
Hasty Generalization: Burkhard, the German man stole my car. Therefore all Germans are thieves.
Stereotype: All Mexicans living in America are illegal.
Cause and Effect: Ever since "new" rap introduced itself into the world it has seemed to display that murder, sex, and drugs are good things, which seems to be corrupting our youth. Thus, the evolution of rap and new/modern day rap is the sole reason as to why our youth is "falling between the cracks."
Only Cause: We can completely erase heart attacks from our futures if we exercise every single day.
False Analogy: Like Love, if you stretch an elastic band too far it will snap, just like your relationship.
Attacking the Person: Billy Bob is trying to explain the negative repercussions that come along with smoking and drinking, But he is just a white, virtuous christian, so we are not going to listen.
Either-Or Fallacy: Either we go all the way back home to get the food we prepared, or we cancel our road trip.
Non-sequitur: I can do anything i wish, because i am a student.
Circular Reasoning: Bob is such a nice person. He went to school. He should be the president of the United States.
Beginning the question: Everyone thinks that homework is fun.
Stereotype: All Mexicans living in America are illegal.
Cause and Effect: Ever since "new" rap introduced itself into the world it has seemed to display that murder, sex, and drugs are good things, which seems to be corrupting our youth. Thus, the evolution of rap and new/modern day rap is the sole reason as to why our youth is "falling between the cracks."
Only Cause: We can completely erase heart attacks from our futures if we exercise every single day.
False Analogy: Like Love, if you stretch an elastic band too far it will snap, just like your relationship.
Attacking the Person: Billy Bob is trying to explain the negative repercussions that come along with smoking and drinking, But he is just a white, virtuous christian, so we are not going to listen.
Either-Or Fallacy: Either we go all the way back home to get the food we prepared, or we cancel our road trip.
Non-sequitur: I can do anything i wish, because i am a student.
Circular Reasoning: Bob is such a nice person. He went to school. He should be the president of the United States.
Beginning the question: Everyone thinks that homework is fun.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Syllogisms
incorrect:
winter is cold
freezers are cold
freezers are winter
freezers is not a season.
rainbows are colorful
hippies are colorful
rainbows are hippies
Hippies are not inanimate objects.
trucks are heavy
my brother is heavy
my brother is a truck
my brother is a human being
all women are geniuses
Sarah Palin is a woman
Sarah Palin is a genius
Not all women are genius's (Sarah Palin is not a genius)
correct:
Socrates is a man
all men are mortal
Socrates is mortal
All plants grow
Trees grow
Trees are plants
No human is immortal
Dennis is a human
Dennis is not immortal
Exercise is beneficial to your body
walking is a type of exercise
walking is Beneficial to your body
winter is cold
freezers are cold
freezers are winter
freezers is not a season.
rainbows are colorful
hippies are colorful
rainbows are hippies
Hippies are not inanimate objects.
trucks are heavy
my brother is heavy
my brother is a truck
my brother is a human being
all women are geniuses
Sarah Palin is a woman
Sarah Palin is a genius
Not all women are genius's (Sarah Palin is not a genius)
correct:
Socrates is a man
all men are mortal
Socrates is mortal
All plants grow
Trees grow
Trees are plants
No human is immortal
Dennis is a human
Dennis is not immortal
Exercise is beneficial to your body
walking is a type of exercise
walking is Beneficial to your body
Thursday, October 1, 2009
proposal
Stephen Simmons
AP English 11/Mr. George
10/2/09
Proposal
I remember the first time you asked if I loved you, and I couldn’t reply. I’ve been rerunning that clip in my mind for the past months, analyzing every minute factor that night, the weather, atmosphere, my day prior to that night, and I couldn’t uncover my dilemma. As time passed, minutes felt like hours, and hours days, the sun turned to rain, and a smile, into a frown. My heart, chiseled into two, became nothing more than dead weight. Then one day in the park, I saw this couple, the guy had just come back from a funeral or something because I over heard them talking, and he was laughing. For a moment I was overcome with confusion and then I noticed, that they were holding hands, like we are now. Jane Doe, there aren’t words to describe the abundant amount of agony that I have gone through to find the answer to your question, I have torn my heart to pieces and scoured my brain for the right answer. What I didn’t realize is that it was in front of me the whole time. Jane Doe, when I am with you I become a person that I have never seen before. Life has become more to me than just life, it has become love. Every day we are together I discover something new about myself, but more importantly you. My life has become something more than just another song, but a symphony. I hear and feel music differently, taste food as I have never tasted it before. Because of you, my life has transformed into something incredible. I know it may sound as if I am speaking for me, but if I am then please deny this notion.
Jane Doe, I have met many people in my life, but none with as much beauty and grace as you. You are nice, sweet, gorgeous, and things that words don’t dare describe. You are an angel compared to myself and deserve much better than me. You could easily sweep any man off of his feet with your charm, self and beauty, but I promise you that no man will ever treat you and worship you the way I do. You know, some people say that opposites attract, so why not test it. I am a good person, I go to church every holiday and give money to homeless people every once and a while. I care for those that need caring and keep safe those that I do care for. I am not asking you to put my theories to the test for scientific purposes or for my own pleasure, but to never let go of my hand for when I am with you nothing else matters.
I am not going to tell you that I have always felt a strange attraction to you since the first time we met because that isn’t true. Love at first sight is but a saying. However love that grows and progresses over a period of time and flourishes is true. There is no simple way to express my affection to you but I love you. We have been together for quite some time now and this question has lingered in my mind for long enough. You are the one for me. If you chose to bless me with your hand in marriage I promise that I will never hurt you. That I will love you and cherish you for as long as I live. I know it will be hard and t hat we will have rough times and good times. However, I know that there is nothing we won’t be able to get by. No matter how hard I try to make this sound good, words cannot explain my feelings for you. I love you Jane Doe from the bottom of my heart…
Will you marry me?
AP English 11/Mr. George
10/2/09
Proposal
I remember the first time you asked if I loved you, and I couldn’t reply. I’ve been rerunning that clip in my mind for the past months, analyzing every minute factor that night, the weather, atmosphere, my day prior to that night, and I couldn’t uncover my dilemma. As time passed, minutes felt like hours, and hours days, the sun turned to rain, and a smile, into a frown. My heart, chiseled into two, became nothing more than dead weight. Then one day in the park, I saw this couple, the guy had just come back from a funeral or something because I over heard them talking, and he was laughing. For a moment I was overcome with confusion and then I noticed, that they were holding hands, like we are now. Jane Doe, there aren’t words to describe the abundant amount of agony that I have gone through to find the answer to your question, I have torn my heart to pieces and scoured my brain for the right answer. What I didn’t realize is that it was in front of me the whole time. Jane Doe, when I am with you I become a person that I have never seen before. Life has become more to me than just life, it has become love. Every day we are together I discover something new about myself, but more importantly you. My life has become something more than just another song, but a symphony. I hear and feel music differently, taste food as I have never tasted it before. Because of you, my life has transformed into something incredible. I know it may sound as if I am speaking for me, but if I am then please deny this notion.
Jane Doe, I have met many people in my life, but none with as much beauty and grace as you. You are nice, sweet, gorgeous, and things that words don’t dare describe. You are an angel compared to myself and deserve much better than me. You could easily sweep any man off of his feet with your charm, self and beauty, but I promise you that no man will ever treat you and worship you the way I do. You know, some people say that opposites attract, so why not test it. I am a good person, I go to church every holiday and give money to homeless people every once and a while. I care for those that need caring and keep safe those that I do care for. I am not asking you to put my theories to the test for scientific purposes or for my own pleasure, but to never let go of my hand for when I am with you nothing else matters.
I am not going to tell you that I have always felt a strange attraction to you since the first time we met because that isn’t true. Love at first sight is but a saying. However love that grows and progresses over a period of time and flourishes is true. There is no simple way to express my affection to you but I love you. We have been together for quite some time now and this question has lingered in my mind for long enough. You are the one for me. If you chose to bless me with your hand in marriage I promise that I will never hurt you. That I will love you and cherish you for as long as I live. I know it will be hard and t hat we will have rough times and good times. However, I know that there is nothing we won’t be able to get by. No matter how hard I try to make this sound good, words cannot explain my feelings for you. I love you Jane Doe from the bottom of my heart…
Will you marry me?
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