Brittney Brunson

Journal 4
PROMPT NO. 4: Write a response to this week's readings (please answer all
questions):
- Assigned book readings excerpts (EA 16-19 Chapters)
- Lecture on Ethics by Ludwig Wittgenstein
- The Fire Next Time (Excerpt) by James Baldwin
- Vices and Virtues by Philippa Food
The readings were insightful especially since I had to define a few words in
order to fully understand the meaning of most as far as religion, morals and
goodness. These articles are different from the other articles for I feel these articles
are more specific.
1. After reading chapters, "Academic Arguments" and "Finding
Evidence," determine how James Baldwin's "The Fire Next Time
(excerpt)" is structured as an academic argument and uses "specific"
evidence. What kind of evidence does he use to "support" his
argument? How does he evaluate his evidence? How is his piece
related to the concept of ethnoautobiography?
Baldwin explores the world he lives in new eyes so to speak. He views the world
as new since he found God although nothing has changed. Baldwin realizes the
inevitability of the other people who lived around him would eventually be on the
avenue and even himself. As far as race, religion didnt see to show fairness and
there lied to problem. The word was in favor of the whites to justify their actions
due to historical events or facts. Baldwin reveals his consciousness of both
religion and race from his experiences.
2. After reading the chapter, "Using Sources," how did Wittgenstein use
circumstantial evidence in his argument against ethics?
Wittgenstein shares his concerns of logic and language by exposing the senses of
language we use as it relates to ethics and morals.
3. After reading the chapter, "Evaluating Sources," how would you use
Foot's article in a research essay? Is this article a valuable source for an
ethics paper? Why/why not? How about a paper arguing for/against
abortion, gay marriage, or the value of war? Why/why not?
I would use this article for back up evidence as far as ethics and virtues for a
research paper. This article is not valuable as far as the meaning of ethics since
ethics meaning is different according to Wittgenstein, the senses of these words,
good etc. For a paper on the overall right or controversial topics yes for insight and
even further understanding regarding ethics.

4. Lastly, after completing your Group Work with your fellow group
members and reading all three articles, what are your burning questions
on religion? Name a few questions for the Fishbowl Discussion on Tuesday.
Remember, this Fishbowl Discussion will end our Module/Unit on
"Dialogues on Religion."
Right now I dont have many questions but how can ethics be tied into religion? For
instance as far as gay marriage when ethics determines if it is good or not generally
and religion says it is a sin? Really my question is does morality depend on religion?
IF so then which one or ones? We mainly discuss the concept of religion through one
lends, Christianity. Religion: where does the problem lie in literal or abstract
interpretation?
As far as ethics and religion is there a right answer? Do they have anything in
common? Is it possible to be to analytical?
Im not sure how these questions relate but they are the questions that are on my
mind.