17Jun 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
How I adapt to remote learning challenges during the pandemic
Contemporary Issues
Key takeaways Remote learning shifted the engagement in philosophy classes, requiring deeper reflection through written communication and online discussions. Setting a structured study routine and using digital tools enhanced the learning process and helped maintain motivation in a remote environment. Effective communication in online settings involved proactive outreach and patience, allowing for richer discussions despite the lack of immediate feedback. Creating personal rituals and taking time for reflection improved focus and insight during remote philosophy studies. Understanding Remote Learning in Philosophy Education Philosophy is inherently a dialogue-driven discipline, and shifting that rich, face-to-face exchange to a remote environment immediately felt like losing something vital. I remember wondering, how could virtual classrooms capture the spontaneity and depth of in-person debates that philosophy thrives on? That initial skepticism echoed in my experience,…
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16Jun 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
How I interpreted Nietzsche’s Will to Power
Logic and Reasoning
Key takeaways The Will to Power is a driving force behind creativity and personal growth, encouraging individuals to overcome challenges and redefine their values. Nietzsche's concepts of perspectivism and the critique of traditional morality challenge individuals to examine their beliefs and strive for authenticity. Incorporating the Will to Power in education fosters critical thinking and promotes personal development through embracing struggle and uncertainty. Applying Nietzsche’s ideas practically can transform one's approach to challenges, viewing them as opportunities for self-overcoming and intentional living. Understanding Nietzsche's Will to Power When I first encountered Nietzsche’s concept of the Will to Power, I was struck by its intensity and complexity. It felt less like a straightforward theory and more like a profound invitation to rethink what drives human behavior beyond just survival or pleasure.…
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16Jun 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
My experience with Aquinas’ Summa
History of Philosophy
Key takeaways Aquinas's method emphasizes structured questioning and dialogue, transforming philosophical inquiry into a collaborative and engaging process. Key concepts like "essence" and "existence" and the "unmoved mover" invite deep reflection on the nature of reality and causality. Studying Aquinas cultivates patience, humility, and critical thinking, enabling a deeper understanding of complex philosophical and ethical dilemmas. Philosophy serves not only as intellectual pursuit but also as a character-forming practice, promoting personal growth through the struggle with challenging ideas. Introduction to Aquinas Summa Philosophy Diving into Aquinas’s Summa Theologica felt like stepping into a vast cathedral of thought, where every question seemed to echo with centuries of inquiry. Have you ever pondered how reason and faith intertwine? That’s exactly what Aquinas explores with such rigor, breaking down complex theological and philosophical…
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12Jun 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
How I engage students using Socratic questioning
Contemporary Issues
Key takeaways Socratic questioning fosters critical thinking and deeper understanding by encouraging students to challenge assumptions and engage in collaborative dialogue. Key techniques include asking open-ended questions, gently challenging beliefs, and actively listening to create a respectful learning environment. Engaging students involves encouraging them to build on each other's ideas and being mindful of pacing to allow for thoughtful reflection. Overcoming challenges in Socratic dialogue requires creating a safe space for exploration, managing conversation flow, and being patient during moments of uncertainty. Introduction to Socratic Questioning Socratic questioning is more than just a teaching technique; it’s a way of thinking that encourages deep reflection. I recall the first time I used it in class—I asked a simple question, and suddenly the room buzzed with curiosity and thoughtful debate. Have you…
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11Jun 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
How I Practiced Deontology through My Job
Ethical Theories
Key takeaways Deontology emphasizes doing what is right based on ethical principles rather than the outcomes, fostering moral discipline and integrity. In education, applying deontological principles enhances fairness and honesty, cultivating students' moral responsibility alongside knowledge. Practicing deontology in the workplace, despite pressures, builds a culture of trust and respect through consistent ethical decision-making. Integrating deontological practices daily involves self-reflection, open communication about values, and recognizing the significance of small ethical actions. Introduction to Deontology Principles Deontology, at its core, is about doing what’s right because it’s right—not because of the outcome it produces. This principle has always struck me as both comforting and challenging. Have you ever faced a moment where doing the “right” thing felt tough simply because the result might not be ideal? I remember early in…
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11Jun 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
How I Examined Ethical Dilemmas with John Rawls
Ethical Theories
Key takeaways Ethical dilemmas challenge individuals to confront conflicting values, highlighting the complexity of moral choices where there are no clear right or wrong answers. John Rawls' theory emphasizes fairness and equality in justice, encouraging empathy by imagining decisions made without personal bias. Applying Rawls' principles shifts focus from personal gains to prioritizing the well-being of the least advantaged, fostering a more just approach to ethical decision-making. Engaging in ethical analysis promotes self-reflection and deepens empathy, allowing for more nuanced understanding of different perspectives and fairness in complex situations. Understanding Ethical Dilemmas in Philosophy Ethical dilemmas have always fascinated me because they force us to confront situations where there is no clear right or wrong answer. When faced with such dilemmas, I find myself questioning what values I hold most…
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11Jun 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
How I Utilized Deming’s Principles
Critical Thinking
Key takeaways Emphasizing continuous improvement over immediate results fosters a more patient and respectful learning environment. Creating a fear-free classroom encourages students to view mistakes as opportunities for growth, enhancing engagement and creativity. Collaboration between students, teachers, and administrative staff enriches education by breaking down silos and promoting shared responsibility. Measuring success through meaningful progress rather than grades shifts the focus toward developing critical thinking and understanding over perfect scores. Understanding Deming's Principles in Education When I first encountered Deming's principles, I was struck by how they emphasized continuous improvement rather than quick fixes—a mindset that felt refreshingly patient and respectful toward learners. Have you ever noticed how education often focuses on immediate results instead of long-term growth? This perspective made me rethink how progress should be measured. Applying Deming’s…
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10Jun 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
This is How I Evaluated Skinner’s Behaviorism
Critical Thinking
Key takeaways Behaviorism emphasizes observable behavior and environmental influences over internal mental states, reshaping our understanding of learning and teaching. Skinner's operant conditioning highlights the role of rewards and punishments in behavior modification, prompting reflection on personal agency and environmental impact. Effective evaluation techniques in education include systematic tracking of behavior, adapting feedback methods, and conducting behavior experiments to understand student motivations. Challenges in behaviorism include differentiating genuine learning from temporary changes, capturing the complexities of human behavior, and addressing the ethical implications of behavior manipulation. Introduction to Behaviorism in Philosophy Education Behaviorism, as a philosophical approach, often feels both straightforward and deeply challenging. When I first encountered it in my philosophy classes, I was struck by its focus on observable behavior rather than internal mental states—a shift that felt…
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10Jun 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
How I reflected on Socratic Method
Logic and Reasoning
Key takeaways The Socratic Method emphasizes questioning over statements, fostering curiosity and critical thinking in discussions. Philosophy education thrives on collaboration, where doubt and open dialogue are welcomed, enhancing understanding. Applying the Socratic Method transforms learning into an active dialogue, encouraging deeper engagement with topics. Effective use of the method involves open-ended questions, active listening, and maintaining a supportive atmosphere to promote exploration. Introduction to Socratic Method The Socratic Method, at its core, is a way of exploring ideas through questions rather than statements. When I first encountered it, I was struck by how it made me feel both challenged and curious, as if each question was opening a door to a deeper understanding. Have you ever been in a conversation where, instead of being told what to think, you…
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10Jun 2025 by Lydia Ashcombe No Comments
My Experience with Virtue Ethics in Leadership
Ethical Theories
Key takeaways Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of character development, focusing on qualities like courage and honesty rather than just following rules or seeking outcomes. Consistent practice of virtues fosters trust and collaboration within teams, creating a strong foundation for effective leadership. Embracing imperfections and viewing mistakes as growth opportunities lead to more resilient and authentic leadership. Being reflective about personal values helps leaders navigate challenges and encourages a more compassionate approach to decision-making. Understanding Virtue Ethics Basics Virtue ethics centers on the character of a person rather than just the rules they follow or the consequences of their actions. It made me rethink leadership—not as a checklist of tasks but as a development of qualities like courage, honesty, and compassion. Have you ever noticed how the best leaders you…
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