Break up into small groups. Delegate one
or more members of your group to
(1) prepare a summary of your group's
discussion and
(2) make a list of your group's members.
Make sure each member of your group has
a copy of your answers (for use on the next quiz; also, please bring this
summary to class for possible use on that quiz and/or the midterm).
Discuss your answers to the following questions.
1. If you tried to live according to the teaching of I and Thou what would you have to do?
2. If you lived according to Taoist teaching, what would you have to do?
3. Briefly define "wu-wei". Then give an example.
4. According to Buber, what three kinds of beings can we have an I-Thou relation with? Give an example of each.
5. Give an example of how I and Thou and Taoism are alike OR give an example of how I and Thou and Taoism are different.
6. What are the three kinds of Taoism Smith discusses? Briefly explain each one.
7. Alternate credit activity: Find and read Kurt Vonnegut's
"All the King's Horses" (in his Welcome to the Monkey House
anthology). Explain how the distinction between "I-it"
and "I-Thou" may function in this story. Also, if you wish, show
how wu-wei may be involved.
M. Kagan, Le Moyne College, PHL 201,
Fall 2002