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MITx: 24.00x Introduction to Philosophy: God, Knowledge and Consciousness

DISCUSSION FORUMS

OVERVIEW


The best way to learn philosophy is to do philosophy. The Discussion Forums will give you an opportunity to do philosophy. In particular, they will give you an opportunity to express and articulate ideas and to ask questions about things you do not understand.

 

Each lecture will contain Discussion Questions which you are encouraged to answer. The Discussion Questions will be posted below the video clips, alongside the lecture Problems. (The Discussion Questions are also accessible by clicking the "Discussion" tab on the edX toolbar). Some lectures contain only a few Discussion Questions. Some contain many. Every lecture ends with a Discussion Question where you can ask any lingering questions you have.

 

When you answer a Discussion Question, be sure to first click on the 'Show Discussion' button, than post using 'Submit'. DO NOT click on the 'Add Post' button.

 

In addition to answering and talking with each other about the Discussion Questions, you can also use the Discussion Forums to communicate on other topics. To do this, you should click on the "Discussion" button in the toolbar near the top of you screen. When creating a new post, you will be asked which of the following categories your post fits:

    • 'Course Feedback': posts that let the course team know how you are finding the course, what you think works well and what you would like to see improved;
    • 'Introductions': posts for telling your fellow students who you are and vice-versa;
    • 'Technical Problems'; posts that let the course team know about any technical issues you are dealing with

Please be sure to choose the appropriate category when posting; it is how we keep the discussion forum orderly.

To see previous posts in the above categories, click on the 'Show All Discussions' tab at the left of the 'Discussions' screen, and choose the appropriate category. Be sure to see if your question has been asked before creating a new post!

DISCUSSION FORUM GUIDELINES

In general: Be sure to carefully read each others' posts. Respond to each other. Argue about ideas while being respectful. And have fun! More specifically:

    • Be polite.

      We have learners from all around the world and with different backgrounds. Something that is easy for you may be challenging for someone else. Let’s build an encouraging community. Remember to comment on the ideas of an argument, not on the people they come from.

    • Upvote good posts.

      This applies to questions and answers. Click on the green plus button so that good posts can be found more easily.

    • Search before asking.

      The forum can become hard to use if there are too many threads, and good discussions happen when people participate in the same thread. Before asking a question, use the search feature by clicking on the magnifying glass on the left-hand side.

    • Notify staff.

      If you want to have a staff member look at your post, please write [Staff] at the start of your title.

    • Be accurate.

      Choose a descriptive title, and provide as much information as possible: Which part of what problem or video? Why do you not understand the question? What have you tried doing?

    • Write clearly.

      We know that English might be a second language for many of you, but correct grammar will help others. Avoid ALL CAPS, abbrv of wrds (abbreviation of words), and excessive punctuation!!!!

    • Use discussion while working through the material.

      On many pages in the learning sequences and homework, there is a link at the bottom that says “Show Discussion”. Clicking on this link will show all discussion on the forum associated with this particular learning material.

    • Talk to each other.

      The Discussion Questions are just that: questions about which you should discuss. This means that you need to read what others have written. Think carefully about what others have said. And engage critically and thoughtfully (and -- this is crucial -- *respectfully*) with the content of what others have said. Hostile and/or overly aggressive tone will not be tolerated. It is okay to disagree, it is okay to argue. But you MUST do so in way that is helpful, civil, and respectful.

The TAs for 24.00x will monitor the forums regularly. We are here to help you learn. We enjoy doing philosophy. We are very much looking forward to doing philosophy with all of you.