Instruction
Answers are to be typed 3-4 pages and double-spaced 12 font times new roman.. There is no need for outside sources,,
required.
1. In Ishmael we are confronted with myriad ways in which one’s culture shapes and
defines one’s worldview. Using specific examples from the text, make an
argument for or against Quinn’s conclusions as it relates to ethics and human
freedom. What is the role of “Mother Culture?” To what degree does the reality
of our “interconnectedness” broaden or impinge on our freedom? What are our
moral obligations in light of that freedom? Assuming, as most of us do, that
humans enjoy some sort of intellectual and/or existential advantage over other the
rest of the living world, what role (if any) does responsibility and stewardship
play in the exercise of our ethical obligations?
Try to confine your comments and arguments to text-based issues. With a
question like this there will be temptation to wander off-course and begin
inserting exclusively personal insights (I don’t mind that your answer is
personal…just make sure that you get back around to your primary argument).
2. Supposing you are the narrator of Ishmael, what would be the process that you would follow in order to accomplish or at least attempt to accomplish the task implicit in Ishmael’s
teachings?
(Some questions to consider in the essay--feel free to come up with your own!)
1. What are your first steps?
2. What direction would your responsibility take?
3. Aim for incremental change or all at once?
4. What would some limitations be on both?
5. What would your hopes be?
6. What do you think the real-time, real-world possibilities actually are?
7. In what ways has the reading of Ishmael altered your understanding of human
freedom and/or human responsibility?