Stevie Stigall | Staff Writer
July 18, 2023
The word philosophy brings to mind moments of discussion and allusive thoughts. However, it doesn’t stop there at the Governor’s Scholars Program. The philosophy focus area embodies moments of discovery, not just discussion, allowing for new perspectives and change in pace for the field itself. The class not only highlights the discussion necessary in readings of philosophical changes, but in artifacts as well.
Ancient Roman Swords
As the philosophy focus area heads to the Pogue Library, many stand at a halt to look at Ancient Roman artifacts such as jewelry, weapons and coins. Dr. Aaron Irvin, Associate Professor at Murray State, then puts forth discussions about the usage as well as the connections to ideologies set in place of Roman time frames. The connections clicked within the scholars’ minds, as Dr. Irvin continued through each object’s highlighting moment. The artifacts showed how at some point in glitz and glamor and flashiness was of utmost importance to the Ancient Roman elite, showcasing their wealth and status.
The adventure to Pogue Library demonstrated what the philosophy focus area is all about: a variety of world views. Teacher Sarah Beach describes the essence of the class as a “world tour on philosophy”.
Dr. Irvin talking about the artifacts and Ancient Roman culture
The class nurtures scholars’ diverse thinking and understanding of varying philosophies from different places and cultures in the world. Each week the scholars will go from each end of the globe learning about Western philosophies, Eastern philosophies, Latin American philosophies, African philosophies and Kentucky philosophies. They do readings, debates and discussions to exhibit comprehension as they step into world philosophers’ shoes.
At the end of the program the scholars will create a “map of their own worldview” which shows the way their thinking has changed or stayed the same, illustrating the new philosophies they’ve absorbed.
