1. Siddhartha–Write one question for discussion. Remember, this is a squircle question which means it should force us to consider our lives when answering the question. The question should be thematically shaped by one of the lessons communicated in the chapter Govinda. I will collect the questions at the beginning of class to review them. If they are thoughtfully crafted, SQUIRCLE. If not then we begin talking about the comparative essay (which we will do eventually).
2. (Due May 2) Existentialism is a Humanism–This reading sets us up for the last three texts of the year. Let it be known that this essay is conceptually/philosophically difficult. Do not wait until the night before to read it. Break it into bits and pieces. Jean Paul Sartre is often the first name to come to mind when one considers Existentialism. His brand of atheistic existentialism so dominates the existential landscape that one forgets that the “first existentialist” Kierkegaard was indeed a theist. Nevertheless, Sartre’s essay most clearly defines the existential mindset. It becomes a fundamental piece of the year’s final unit. Additionally, his essay establishes some of the tenets of existentialism that are universally applicable. In a nutshell Sartre defends his philosophy against the four primary critiques of existentialism.
