begin developing a sense of what they think would be a fair way of distributing resources and to critique the political and social institutions under which they live.
this is a great way to teach college or high school kids about the inequality that comes from different governing systems, and how to make sure everyone gets whats owed to them. it is nice to see how such a simple game can get people this interested in their own systems of government
Philosophy, far from being an intellectual diversion for the elite, can be central to the empowerment of those who are so often disempowered outside of the classroom.
this is a great statement that makes sure to show the difference between the supposed elitism of philosophy versus what it really is: a tool that people who are unjustly treated can use in their favor in order to gain more for themselves in a world that has treated them poorly.
Philosophy is not fiction and philosophers are notoriously suspicious of it. Plato is often read as being one of the staunchest critics of the imaginative arts, in particular poetry, because they have the power to corrupt and mislead the soul
interesting juxtaposition by the author, as philosophy tends to lean towards more theoretical and, on the surface level, fictional aspects of reality, but as the author puts it, "philosophy is not fiction." I find this statement interesting, because thinking about it after reading this makes sense and that philosophy discusses real world ideas and presents them in a, while theoretical, realistic scenario
When you’re tired and busy and overwhelmed with worry, you often do not have the luxury to consider these questions.
this is a sad reality for many people who are overworked and challenged, as days become even longer but there is no time for yourself or to enjoy the day. when I was in high school up from 4:30am to 10pm working, I would never question why I was doing it to myself, only pushing myself with the mindset that it will eventually be over, which led to burnout and fatigue and an even smaller desire for critical and higher order thinking.
ecause it is they who stand to lose the most if the world stays as it is.
this is a mindset that many young people, regardless of background or lifestyle should understand, that no matter what if things don't change or higher thinking isn't used, then the people at the bottom will be swallowed up, which will be followed by the people higher up, leading to the eventual collapse in higher order thinking and society as a concept.