Philosophy classroom: Ethics class #3, Monday, 2-4pm

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Two boxes sit on Tara's desk. One is filled with homemade cookies, with a small placard labelled 'To all those who attempted the assignment - help yourselves!'. The other is a bin to return the Master/slave badges at the end of the class.

Tara smiles as the students settle down.

"I told you last week that part of the point of this assignment was to separate out the issues of slavery and abuse. There are many, many issues with slavery, even without abusive elements attached, and I want to tell you how proud I am of all of you for attempting the assignment - especially those of you who were uncomfortable with it. I have a lot I want to say, but I'm going to bite my tongue and let you all speak, first. Tell me about your experiences with the assignment - what was challenging for you? What was easier than you thought it would be? Do you have any insights you would like to share?"

[ooc: If you would provide linkage to any RPed assignment bits and pieces, I would be forever grateful when it comes time for grading. Also, those of you who made icons? I adore you, and worship your icon-fu.]




"I would not ask anything of you that I am unwilling to do myself - including act as a slave. Anyone who completed the assignment is eligible to 'win' me as a slave, under the same terms of the assignment as you performed. I realise many of you are probably glad that this is over, but if you are interested, or want revenge, please put your name down on the sheet provided. I will post this as a voting list, and the involved parties will decide as a class who is to Master me, and what is to be done with me."

Comments

Before class starts

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Any details or conversations before class. Help yourself to the cookies.

First Hour

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Discussing the assignment, as above.

Second Hour

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"Okay, this is all good stuff. Now let's take it back to a discussion topic.

Much of the issues arising about slavery are bound up in the violation of another's free will. In parts of Africa, the word for slave is the same as the word for child - as many of you may have found, the basic responsibilities for a Master are not unlike those of a parent, and the power dynamic allows equal opportunity for abuse, though thankfully one that is seized upon much less often.

So today I'd like you to think about the 'helpless' - those people in society, including children and the mentally disabled, who are unable to care for themselves. Obviously, it is someone's responsibility to care for them. What are they expected to do for themselves, or contribute to society? At what age or level of competence are they allowed to have sex, drive a car, raise a family? Does denying the helpless the right to choose any of these things for themselves have any relation to slavery?"

Partner Evaluation

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50% of your partner's mark comes from your evaluation of them. Please take a moment to explain how you think they did.

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Put your name down here if you want revenge on Tara to give Tara the experience of slavery.

Emo Closet

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Should you be in need of it.

OOC

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Snark, feedback and commentary welcome.