Instead of trying to understand other people's beliefs, we jump into harsh debates to prove why we are right and why they are wrong. I believe this is responsible for most of the debates and arguments that happen daily between individuals.

I like the idea that our beliefs form who we are as an individual. Compared to the feeling of owning a certain belief, our beliefs as part of our identity, hold a deeper meaning and value. People who believe similar things would get along better than someone with opposing views.

I agree with the author that this mindset is something unconscious to us. We form beliefs about different things without even realizing it until it becomes a topic to us that must be addressed. It is a natural habit for us to form opinions and beliefs even when we are sometimes unaware of it.

Here, I believe the author is saying that in order to form an opinion about something one must be able to have evidence to support their claim. Without surveys or factual evidence it would be difficult to formulate a valid opinion or prove one's point.

This question stood out to me because I am not sure how good and evil would be of importance to the universe. Man kind is surrounded by good and evil. Good and evil are how us as humans, define our actions. Can anyone provide an example of how good and evil is important to the universe?

I really like this definition of philosophy because so many questions can be raised about life. I also like that it says definite answers are placed in the sciences which is true in some cases. For example, formulas and equations prove a definite answers where as life can have unlimited questions with no exact answer.

Kant answers the question "What is enlightenment?" in the very first sentence of his writing.

This notes section is very helpful in clarifying words/phrases in the text. The writer explains the context in which the words are being used which makes the document easier for the reader to understand.

Sometimes the author assumes that the reader has background knowledge on what he/she is writing about.

Without strong evidence it is less likely that someone would want to support or even care about the argument mentioned. Premises show valid reasons why someone is making their argument.

Those in the dark cave can only be guided with their sense of visual perception. The prisoners lack the truth of the outside world which I believe shows in how they interpret and react to the stories of the prisoner who eventually escaped the dark cave and reached an understanding of reality.

Here the prisoner is trying to make connections between the shadows he has been watching to reality. The prisoner was used to only the shadows of images on the wall but now he has seen the sun and is beginning to understand the world outside of the dark prison.

I have practiced this technique before and have found it useful. Practicing new vocabulary makes it easier to learn those unfamiliar words for the long run.

I like that philosophy is about supporting personal beliefs. It shows why it is so important to have evidence to support your beliefs. I also like that it builds on what I already.

There are times when I feel like I have to reread passages just to understand what the writer is trying to say. As a reader I agree with this statement that without specific instruction I miss important information within the text.

I like that the grades are explained. This can help me see the progress in my school work and how I can improve my studies.

This stands out to me because I feel that I learn and understand better through practice and experience.

These two questions will help structure the main focal point of philosophy. Each topic or unit in class can be brought back to these central questions. This can also be a reminder of what to focus on in readings and assignments.