Friday Ethics Class #2, 8-10am

[brambless.livejournal.com]

Tara looks excited, as students trickle in, bouncing slightly on the balls of her feet.

"Okay, we've got a lot to get through today. Two announcements to start:

First, Teacher's Assistants have been chosen. I have a carrot - Major K! - and a stick - Angelus. If you're having trouble grasping a concept, talk to Major K!. He'll guide you through the thinking. If you think you've got a hold on it, talk to Angelus. He'll challenge your thinking, give you the opportunity to clarify your position.

Second, and related to the latter - this class is not an easy A. At some point in this course you will find yourself challenged and confronted. For many of you, that will be today. If you walk out of this classroom before class is over, and without checking it with me, I may be understandably upset. However, I recognise that if you get angry or upset, you may need some time alone, or away from the group. To that end, I present to you the Emo Closet Time Out Room." She walks to the back of the classroom and opens the door to what previously was a supply cabinet. Inside is what looks very much like a white padded room. "This room is soundproofed. You can cry, scream and punch things all you want, and I will not penalise you for leaving the class or the discussion. Major K! or I will come to check on anyone who goes to the Emo Closet Time Out Room, in case you need help or support. Feel free to tell us to leave you alone.

Now, we've got our first debate to hear, a discussion topic to... um, discuss, and your first out of class assignment. Which you are going to kill, or at least seriously maim, me for giving you.

Comments

Re: Discussion topic

[valentine-tart.livejournal.com]

Beka nods to Tara, smiling. "Ownership is defined by law. I may own whatever the law says I may own.

Under the laws of this world, I may own land. That means I can do with that land what I choose. But if I fail to use the land and another uses it, and I do nothing to interrupt their use, in time, they will be given priority over me and come to own the land. Ownership of land requires use of it. There is a legal answer to how far down I own the land, but I don't know it.

I can own the things I purchase or steal, but if someone takes them from me, they belong to the taker. Unless I can challenge their claim with force or law.

I cannot own a pet. I can possess it. I can care for it. But that possession can be stopped by someone else. It can be stopped by the pet if the pet chooses to run away.

It is possible in some worlds," and here she grimaces, bites her lip, and struggles with composure before continuing, "to own a person. Ownership of a person can occur by contract or by indebtedness or force. I cannot own a person because I don't believe in owning free beings.

I do not own my body. It is me. It is not separate from who I am. Silly to speak of owning it. It is mine to do with as I please. Because I control it.

I call nothing mine. Except my friends and loves. They are mine because I protect them and care for them. But they are not owned or possessed. I call them mine because they matter to me. Nothing more. They choose whether to accept that label 'mine' or not."