Cynical People Seminar and Reflection

Socratic Seminar
Bring the critical thinking!

Seminar Reflection:
Choose any of seminar questions listed below, and write a 250-500 word response to the question.  Make sure to quote and use evidence from the text.  Feel free to draw on our seminar discussion.  This should be organized in formal academic paragraphs, and proofread before you turn it in to me.  Make sure to look at the Timed Writing Rubric on the Documents page of my DP!  Due:  Friday, start of class, shared or emailed to Lori BEFORE class starts.
 

1. In this essay, Solnit offers a number of criticisms of naïve cynicism.  What is the most important/cutting critique she offers?  Why?
   
2. To what extent is cynicism useful?  Harmful?
   
3. What kind of thinking habits do we need to cultivate to move beyond naïve cynicism?
   
4. How do you see naive cynicism in this election cycle?  Be specific, think about both sides!
5. In paragraph 6, Solnit makes a number of points about complexity, uncertainty, and ambiguity.  To what extent are you comfortable with complexity and uncertainty?  Give at least one concrete example.
   
6. To what extent are you a naïve cynic?  How much of what Solnit describes rings true to you about yourself?  Explain.
   
7. How does this article connect to your education?  To your goals this year in Humanities?  To our class values and behaviors?

 
HONORS:  This writing will be the application essay for the Honors application.  Please see the Honors page on my DP for your instructions for Essay 1.  For you, this assignment will be due on Friday, September 9 at 8:15 am regardless of what class you are in.  Let me know if you have any questions!

HOMEWORK:
​Seminar reflection.  DUE: Friday, start of class, emailed or shared with Lori.