Socratic Seminar Wednesday, December 3 “The Cold Equations” EQ: Given the scenario presented in “The Cold Equations,” what is the right thing to do? Use the premise of the story to make connections to specific, larger issues and themes. To consider: 1. Your answer will need to take into account the balance between “personal responsibility” (in regard to Marilyn’s actions) and the community’s responsibility to safeguard the innocent (in regard to Captain Barton’s actions). 2. Have the laws of this universe in “The Cold Equations” failed to adequately safe­ guard humanity? If so, what responsibility, if any, does Captain Barton have for those laws? 3. Under what circumstances should a law be ignored or disregarded? What factors play a role in making this decision? 4. REVIEW THE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS PRESENTED IN CLASS. THESE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN YOUR PREPARATIONS, NOTES, AND DISCUSSIONS. 5. Find other contemporary and/or “real world” dilemmas that embody similar issues as those presented in “The Cold Equations.” YOU NEED TO PREPARE 2 PAGES OF NOTES (MINIMUM) FOR THE SEMINAR. REMEMBER, YOUR NOTES ARE YOUR TALKING POINTS, SO THE MORE PREPARED AND THOROUGH YOU ARE, THE EASIER IT WILL BE FOR YOU TO ADD VALUE TO THE DISCUSSION. THE MORE CONNECTIONS YOU MAKE, THE BETTER….AGAIN, REVIEW THE QUESTIONS PRESENTED IN CLASS ON PREPARING FOR THIS SEMINAR. IMPORTANT!!! YOU NEED TO GO BEYOND JUST TALKING ABOUT THE STORY. YOU CAN/SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE CONNECTIONS TO ANTHEM, BRAVE NEW WORLD, JOHN ADAMS, 2081, CLASS DISCUSSIONS/ACTIVITIES, CURRENT EVENTS, ETC.