Philosophy

I am taking several philosophy classes this fall at KSU, but the one that I am looking forward to the most is Social and Political Philosophy. I have heard that my instructor (above) is a socialist but that will make for all the more interesting coversations right? The syllabus defines the two big questions that we will be looking at:
1. Are there universally valid moral and political principles that can be rationally justified to all of humanity- principles that define what counts as justice for all peoples of the world.
2. When, if ever, is a societ justified in imposing an understanding of universal values on othersd. What kind of equality and freedoms are rooted in human nature and are essential for progress? For example, how did John Stuart miMill classic difense of individualism justify British coloniolism in Africa and India.

In the final four weeks of the course we are going to be looking at an important political power that has existed throughout the modern period: the power of empire.
I'm excited for this course and think it will have many Christian and missional implications.

Western Culture

I have started reading a fascinating book by John O'Malley, Distinguished Professor of History at a Jesuit School of Theology called Four Cultures of the West. I know that postmodern culture is skeptical of the "metanarrative" but I like to be able to know what it is exactly that I am skeptical about! I will follow up on this book, but I want to create a little cultural test to see what you all know about Western culture.

Match the names and subjects with the four cultures that O'Malley says defines the West. I realize many could be argued for multiple catagories.

Cultures:
1. Prophetic Culture

2. Academic/Professional Culture

3. Humanistic Culture

4. Artistic Culture

People, Subject:
A. Shakespeare, Sacraments, Liturgy

B. Erasmus, Cicero, St. Bernard

C. Isaiah, Luther, King Jr.

D. Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Freud