Topic: Critical Choices

TEXT: Plan for a discussion using the Legend of the Three Waterfalls of Kiyomizu Temple

© Pieces of Learning HBE 1994 Creative Teaching Strategies Workshop Carolyn Coil 17/9/94

PROCESS:

1. Distribute the sheet, read the introduction, clarify task, write

personal responses during 4 mins.

2. Open community of inquiry discussion by volunteers reading out their

choices. Invite others.

3. Formulate general questions to discuss and record: e.g.,

Which is more important health, wisdom or love?

Can one be pursued independent of the others?

Can we establish a priority in these wishes?

Which is essential for a happy life? for a fulfilled life? for you?

Validate why you chose the one you did.

4. What other instances of critical choices can you think of in life?

changing schools

breaking contracts

leaving your family

suicide

agreeing to a step parent

choosing a partner in life

committing a crime

jumping overboard from a sinking ship

changing nationalities

changing gender.

5. Reversibility of choices

being brave to make a decision

paying the price, fees

confusing others

paperwork

losing face, reputation

dealing with regret

 © G. Smith 1997

Read the John Ellicott article from The Weekend Australian July 11th 1998.

Possible issues arising:

1. Suggest what might be going through Glen Hewson's mind when he ignores Guy's plea for help. Is the judgment "Guilty" in the headline correct?

2. With what force does a person need to ask for help to be listened to today?

Consider the spectrum of meanings: ask, call. plea, beg, shout, demand, etc.

3. What do you think Hewson should have done? Why?

4. What would you have done? Why?

5. Helping mates is usually agreed upon implicitly; what about helping those you don't associate with? or even helping strangers in trouble?

6. What are some moral issues here:

Is it hypocritical to be humane to animals but deaf to humans' pleas for help?

How much duty do we have to anyone else needing help?

To what extend would you put yourself in danger to help another?

Try to define the line between heroism and humanitarian duty.

 © G. Smith 1998

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