VOCABULARY #2

accountrements(n.): additional items of dress or equipment, or other items carried or worn by a person or used for a particular activity


apogee(n.): the highest point in the development of something; the climax or culmination.

apropos(adv.): used to state a speaker's belief that someone's comments or acts are unrelated to any previous discussion or situation.

bicker(v.): argue about petty and trivial matters.

coalesce(v.): come together and form one mass or whole

contretemps(n.) an unexpected and unfortunate occurrence.

convolution(n.): a coil or twist, esp. one of many.

cull(v.): select from a large quantity; obtain from a variety of sources.

disparate(adj.): essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison.

dogmatic(adj.) inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true.

licentious(adj.): promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters.

mete(v.): dispense or allot justice, a punishment, or harsh treatment.

noxious(adj.): harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant.

polemic(n.): a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something.

populous(adj.): having a large population; densely populated.

probity(n.): the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency.

repartee(n.): conversation or speech characterized by quick, witty comments or replies.

supervene(v.): occur later than a specified or implied event or action, typically in such a way as to change the situation.

truncate(v.): shorten (something) by cutting off the top or the end.

unimpeachable(adj.): not able to be doubted, questioned, or criticized; entirely trustworthy.

The Benefit of Knowing More Than One Language

Those of us who are multilingual enjoy a benefit over those who aren't. In knowing more than one language, we increase our possibilities of understanding. Going off on that idea, it has occurred to me that throughout the year we will be reading material that could be considered difficult, but if we were able to read it in more than one language, we could increase our possibilities of deep comprehension. With that said, as the year progresses and we get started on serious reading, if we come across a material on the internet that is being discussed in class in another language, we should share it and help each other out.
**I'm currently looking for Beowulf in Spanish and as soon as I find it online, a link will be posted.

MY OPINION ISN'T (A) RIGHT

The Right to Your Opinion (from Crimes Against Logic by Jamie Whyte) was probably one of the most interesting pieces I have read. It pointed out many things that had for so long been in our face, we just didn't notice them. At times it was hard to follow because the logic was complex, but two to three reads leaves us with a clear understanding of what the writer is basically trying to say, which is that we are not entitled to our opinions and that we attach our feelings to our opinions, and that can often get in the way of an arguments ultimate goal (to find the truth).
During the Socratic seminar I was more interested in listening to people speak than to actually taking notes because the first Socratic seminar allows us all to get familiar with each others way of speaking, processing information, logic and argument style. I should have probably said more than the one sentence I said.


But anyway, here are my few notes:
-We don't have an 100% control of our bodies because in order to benefit the greater good, we need to relinquish some power.
-Our opinions can get to eventually define us and we become dangerously attached to them.
-People are highly concerned with being right, rather than working together with someone else who has ways of viewing the subject differently in order to come to a truth.
-We should argue with logic and limit our emotional attachment.
-Having "rights" gives the individual as well as society certain responsibilities.
ex: I have a right to cross the street. You have a responsibility to not run me over.

VOCABULARY #1

adumbrate (v): To produce a faint image or resemblance of; to outline or sketch.
apotheosis (n): Elevation to the rank of a god; the ideal example.
ascetic (adj.): Not allowing oneself luxuries or pleasures.
bauble (n); Cheap, showy trinket.
beguile (v): To deceive; to charm or delight.
burgeon (v): To grow quickly; to begin to grow.
complement (n): That which completes; the amount that completes.
contumacious (adj.): Stubbornly disobedient.
curmudgeon (n): Bad tempered, difficult person.
didactic (adj.): Intended for instruction.
disingenuous (adj.): Not sincere.
exculpate (verb): To free of blame.
faux pas (n): Embarrassing social error.
fulminate (v): To explode loudly; to issue violent denunciations.
fustian (n): Stout fabric of cotton and flax.
hauteur (n): Haughty manner or spirit; arrogance.
inhibit (v): To restrain or hinder.
jeremiad (n): Prolonged lamentation or mournful complaint.
opportunist (n): The grasping of opportunities without regard for consequences or ethical considerations.
unconscionable (adj.): Not restrained by conscience; unscrupulous.