We hear so many
words, so many ideas, so many opinions expressed by people
who appear to know what they are saying. Politicians, teachers,
and parents all have information to give us. We take notes,
we nod or shake our heads, but are we really listening?
Are we really thinking for ourselves? Are we coming up with
our own ideas? Or are we agreeing just because it is the
easy way out?
Sometimes,
we are lucky enough to have to think for
ourselves. We can see the various sides
clearly. We know that we can form our own
values and judgments. It may take a while; it
may take a long time, but eventually we will
emerge as a caterpillar does, out of our
cocoon, and say, this is what I believe.
Hopefully, together, we can do
that.
This
week we will be learning about euthanasia.
Euthanasia means literally "good death;"
also, it means the act or method of causing
death painlessly to end suffering. It is
advocated by some in cases of incurable,
painful diseases.
A
journal will be kept by each student and it
is hoped that he or she will take the time to
truly search one's own conscience, as well as
discuss with his or her family and friends,
and along with the readings and discussions,
students might thoughtfully recount,
disseminate, and share those ideas and
dilemmas that will surely become
apparent.
Expected
outcomes will include: an awakening
understanding of this issue, a sympathetic
mind to the critically ill, effective
Internet research, and a well-written final
position paper on the Dr. Kevorkian verdict..
