THIS IS PURELY HYPOTHETICAL, I don't want you to think that someone in our class justified lynching...
I was thinking: let's suppose that a student does indeed make arguments in favor or lynching. That is obviously 'an opinion.'
Should a teacher's comments argue with it, or be limited to the quality of expression?
(BE MINDFUL, I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT the grade. A GRADE IS SACRED.
I AM TALKING ABOUT THE COMMENTS.)
"Lynching apologist" could be replaced with 'Holocaust denier', or "advocate of incarceration for LGBT," racial Apartheid, etc.
A teacher's comments should most certainly argue with lynching. Morally, a teacher should let students know that it is normal to have an opinion but to condone a wrong doing, there is a big difference. I believe that it is all about the actions you commit and who it will effect in the end. A teacher's place is to educate, educate on why it is and is not right to do certain things, especially in America. Lynching is certainly not one of those things.
ReplyDeleteIf we take lynching and define it so that it targets minority groups, then absolutely, a Lynching apologist should be argued with, even by a professor who is supposed to accept all work. It is a morally outrageous opinion to have (like the other terms you suggested). If the student mistakes lynching with "frontier justice" then perhaps there is a point to be made; lynching is a form of frontier justice. They would have to argue well over whether there is "a time to kill" and a time to apologize over it. Again though, lynching, if we narrowly define it, should not be apologized and a professor has a duty to society to not let a student think that way.
ReplyDeleteThe teachers comments should be based off a professional level and also a personal level. If the professor is against lynching they need to express and argue to the student that lynching is negative. They should give the student specific examples as to why they are against lynching. If the teacher is for lynching they should just limit their comments and not let the student know you agree with them, because lynching is not something to be proud of agreeing with.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that one should educate the student on the wrongs of the argument as well as keeping the argument to a professional level. Things can be interpreted the wrong way if they are not expressed correctly so it's best to just limit comments on the subject like you said.
DeleteI believe that this is an extremely controversial topic. It is important to recognize that in the society we live in today, we are all entitled to freedom of expression even when considering academics.However, there must be a limit that separates freedom of speech from hate speech. A student writing in support of lynching or incarceration of LGBT, for example, is a way of condoning hatred to different types of people. In these situations, it may not necessarily be appropriate or professional for a teacher to castigate a student for these opinions, but instead a teacher can choose to use this as a educational experience. A teacher could argue their opinions against these unethical acts to show the many negative aspects that these acts hold in society.
ReplyDeleteIf a student makes arguments in favor of lynching he should definitely be questioned by a teacher. The student is entitled to his or her own opinion, however this is a very controversial topic. The teacher does not have the right to directly go against the student and start an argument with him. The teacher can ask the student to explain why he has this opinion and then go on to explain his argument against lynching. The most the teacher can do is educate the student on why lynching is not something to be in favor of. Lynching was the brutal killing of minority groups and it should most definitely not be seen as something good.
ReplyDeleteWe know students are allowed to express their views but a teacher should certainly comment on student's view. If a student is in favor of lynching teacher should let the student know that it is immoral. Teacher can guide a student's thinking to the direction which we know is ethical.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the teacher should open the students mind to the ethical reasons why lynching is a negative action in any society. In hopes that this will guide the student to rethink his argument.
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ReplyDeleteI believe that the teacher is there to challenge tough arguments and guide us to critical think about our point of views. An issue such as lynching should be taking seriously, both parties may have compelling arguments but in hopes for a better world in the future the teacher should try and break down the immoral and ethical problems with lynching and try to steer the persons mind in a more ethical and educated direction on the matter. Often I feel people lack the education needed to make just, moral decisions.
ReplyDeleteI think that a teacher's comment can argue it but in away that the student doest feel threatened. This is a controversial topic because even though lynching is horrible and a very wrong thing to do, people may feel and think in a different way. This matter needs to be talked about in a manner that doesn't fight or intimidate ,but educate the wrongs of the situation. If that person wants to stand their ground and keep their opinions than there is nothing to be done but to just listen. Lynching is in no means an acceptable thing but everybody has different feelings and thoughts. As long as the thoughts are not a threat or express danger than one can say what they like.
ReplyDeleteEverything you just said was perfect. My thoughts exactly especially the first sentence.
DeleteLynching back in the 1800's and early 1900's could be the 2016 equivalent of lets say.. maybe a shooting or a beheading? In that case, a teacher absolutely has the right to argue against a student who is in favor of lynching. If there was a student who was in favor of stabbings or shootings then I hope somebody would say something. An individual signs up for a class knowing full well that it is their choice to be there. They are not forced or threatened. They are entitled to listen to a Professors opinion against them just as they are allowed to make an opinion against a Professor.
ReplyDeleteWhat is an opinion? What is a principle? I hope we are not losing sight of the difference.
DeleteEquality among genders: is that an opinion or a principle? Should we accept that women must be submitted to their fathers/ older brothers/ husbands/?
That's an opinion.
Just asking.
A teacher should combat the conversation, but not in a manner of retort. Find out the basis behind his/her argument that invokes it. The sole purpose here is to not keep the student's freedom of expression boxed in. As long as the student is allowed to argue their point respectively with substantial evidence, I see no true danger in it. With the teacher's rebuttal, I feel it will elevate the student's understanding on the subject, and the teacher will also benefit by gaining insight on the thought process that led the student to his/her conclusion.
ReplyDeleteOK but is there really 'substantial evidence' to support slavery, to deny the Holocaust, to advocate eliminating LGBTQ etc.? Has anyone ever heard people say (or write) that "the Holocaust is a hoax"? No matter what kind of proof you give, the response is that it's all a hoax.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone ever heard people say that slavery was the best thing that could ever happen to African people? They got to live for free -- free room and board -- in America.
Are those arguments based on substantial evidence?
I do not think that a teacher should argue about a students' thoughts. If it is an opinion. However, if it is clearly a fact that they are denying, than yes, a teacher must teach and show that what they are denying is, indeed, factual.
ReplyDeleteThe professor should be able to approach the student's thoughts respectfully even if one may disagree with their standpoint. It would be difficult to just leave it alone, and at all times students should be engaging themselves in deep thought. Therefore to have their opinions challenged is healthy, but in a respectful manner that will not make the student think the professor is demeaning their opinion.
ReplyDeleteThis is a tough question, because it is such a controversial topic and one I personally feel as though has a clear "right" and "wrong" on a philosophical level. On a basis of principle, I want to say I think the teacher should challenge that students opinion, but unfortunately I don't believe they can. In any philosophy course I have taken, the only reason people feel comfortable enough to state and argue their opinions in because they feel the classroom is a safe place to express and exercise their thought process without being judged. Because of this, it seems the only way to handle this is to challenge the opinion in a brief and gentle way, but not to approach it in an argumentative or "prove you wrong" way.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher they should comment on it. I do believe that the teacher shouldn't argue in a way that the student feels threatened. You don't want anything else to escalade try to keep it professional.
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