Camus, the Absurd, and You!

Answer the following questions in full.  Each one of these questions should elicit at least several complete sentences of thoughtful response from you.

1.  We have discussed Camus' claim that life is absurd.  What responses does he see as appropriate to this absurdity?  What responses does he see as failing to "live with" the absurd?  Do you agree with his claims? Explain.
 
2.  Camus imagines Sisyphus happy with his eternal task.  Can you make sense of this claim?  Do you agree with it?  Why or why not?
 
3.  Do you believe that life is absurd?  If you do, how would you argue for this claim?  If not, how would you respond to Camus?

4. What is it about your life that resembles Sisyphus' plight?  What is your relationship  to your rock? Is the struggle itself enough for you?


This post will be due at the beginning of class on Monday, November 29th.

The Monkeysphere

Given the scientific information in the linked article, re-evaluate an   ethic of care as opposed to a universal and impartial ethic.

What do you think about the importance of relationships to an ethical life?

Is full Kantian or Singerian impartiality possible?

What about the Christian ideals of loving one's neighbor (but who is my   neighbor?) and 'love one another as I have loved you' (but does that   mean everybody?)?

Do you find David Wong's argument about human nature (based on Dunbar's Number) compelling?

This is more or less a free response blog post, but I expect some depth   (i.e., at least a few substantial sentences) in your comments.



Dunbar's Number <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunbar's_number>
What is the Monkeysphere? <http://www.cracked.com/article_14990_what-monkeysphere.html>