I just finished the Gregory reading. It took me about 3 hours to complete.
First, I'm curious about what Prof Gregory will say about the First UU Church of Austin sermon. This piece was a serindipidous choice given Naders message Thursday evening. Fascisism seems to be the new buzz word of the left. I'm not sure that I do or do not agree with this claim. It would be prudent of us to brush up on some current economic matters (read The Economist) before this class. I'm really interested to hear the reasons for his choice.
It's also important to see the similarities between these works - they all deal with proper and improper methodology with respect to both philosophy and science. Plato's allegory of the cave is an excellent introduction to these selections. We must first turn around our souls before we can begin to enquire about the more nuanced and specific questions regarding philosophy and science, the relationship between these two disciplines, and the role philosophy is to play in an empiricist's world. These are only some preliminary thoughts. I originally found the reading to be a bit formidable (length, etc.). Although I confess that the diagram-laden selection escapes my grasp, I am eager to tackle these topics.
What do you all think about a common Platonic theme for the presentation? It seems that this is pehaps the most insistant philosophic voice of the course so far. Would it be prudent for us to request that the remaining professors select at least one Platonic dialogue? I think it is of no concern if we have already adressed a particular dialogue with another professor; it's important to gain many perspectives when studying Plato. Let me know...
Posted by hourenk at May 7, 2005 06:07 PM