Humanity and Hell
In contrast to "The Experience of Hell" which focused on description, this section addresses the topic of explanation. To this end, we explore the social scientific concept of causation. For example: How do we account for the fact that "Hell happens..."? How do issues of cause and effect become muddled as a result of different understandings of Hell? Why does it matter which version we choose?
Image IV. Tyrants, Murderers, and Madmen: "The devil's deeds . . ."
13. Tuesday, February 24
Robert Todd Carroll, "Satan," in the The Skeptic's Dictionary: READ
Milovan Djilas, Conversations with Stalin, pp. 56-84.
Hannah Arendt, Eichmann in Jerusalem, pp. 36-55.
Image V. Stalinist Terror: "a self-imposed hell. . ."
14. Thursday, February 26
Begin to discuss Arthur Koestler, Darkness at Noon, read at least half of the book.
15. Tuesday, March 3
Conclude discussion of Arthur Koestler, Darkness at Noon. Entire book.
16. Thursday, March 5
We will have a film on this date, both during class and in the evening. We will select some time period between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to finish the film. Please make sure that you keep this slot upon on your calendar.
Richard Bugajski, "The Interrogation" (film)
Prepare for film by reading HERE.
You may find this depiction of Stalinist terror agonizing. In my opinion, this is the best way to present the horrors of Stalinism. Remind me to warn you beforehand about one especially disturbing scene.
SEMESTER BREAK: March 6 - March 15
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17. Tuesday, March 17
Begin discussion of Aldous Huxley, Brave New World. Read the first half of the book
Also, Benedict Carey, "Brain Researchers Open Door to Editing Memory," New York Times, April 6, 2009: HERE
Image VI. Technology is Us: "A hell of your own making . . ."
18. Thursday, March 19
No Class: I am at a conference in Toronto.
19. Tuesday, March 24
Finish discussion of Aldous Huxley, Brave New World
20. Thursday, March 26
Peter Singer, "Taking Life: Humans," from Practical Ethics (hand-out)
Browse through this site about Peter Singer
Harriet Johnson, "Unspeakable Conversations": READ
"Mary had a little lamb": RECITE
Keith Fornier, "The Dignity of the Person": READ
Jonathan Colvin, "Me, my clone, and I": READ
21. Tuesday, March 31
Second Great Debate: "Huxley's dystopia is the logical consequence of Singer's utilitarianism"
| Your second essay assignment is: HERE |
