Unit I
According to Heraclitus, people live as if they are "asleep”—living on autopilot, believing what they’ve been told without questioning it, defending ideas just because they feel right, and resisting change (even when it's for the better). In this assignment, I'd like you to consider whether or not you're "asleep." Here are the steps:
For one day, keep a running list of things you say or think as if they’re certainly true. (E.g., “That person is just naturally rude.” “I know how this will turn out: utter failure.” "My mom just doesn't care about what I want." "My professor doesn't know what he's doing.") Try to collect up to 20 items.
At the end of the day, choose three of them:
First, note how you feel about the idea of challenging them.
Then, for each of these, ask yourself
What’s my evidence?
What would it take to prove me wrong?
Could someone else see this differently?
Reflection (around 500-1000 words, or more)
Choose one of the beliefs you analyzed and write about the experience: what belief did you choose? How did you question it? Do you feel less confident in it now?
Is there anything that would make you change your mind about it? If not, is that a problem (according to you)? Is it a problem according to Xenophanes?
How did it feel to doubt something you normally take for granted? Was it worse than you expected?
What do you think it would feel like to have a conversation with someone who believes the opposite?
Note: The final submission should include a. your list of beliefs, b. the three that you took a closer look at, and c. your deeper reflection on one of those beliefs.
