By Vishruth Vikram, BEAT reporter
BRUNSWICK, OH- What is the essence of being? What is the essence of ethics? How has a singular thought shaped the entire history of humanity? For many students, such mind-bending questions are simply some idle reflections one gets at night while pondering. However, every Monday afternoon immediately following the last bell, members of the Brunswick High School (BHS) Philosophy Club discuss such questions.
When the organization was established, its founders sought to give students an environment to exchange opinions and ideas in an unorthodox setting outside the regular high school program. As opposed to the standard classes in a typical academic institution, this organization provides an open and collaborative environment, where there are neither grades nor exams. Moreover, there is no need to look for the proper answer since there are many aspects to be discussed and analyzed.
With the help of the BHS advisor Mike Sponseller, the club members are exploring the history of philosophical science and analyzing the lives and ideas of great philosophers who developed human perception of the world. Members discuss the history of the development of philosophy from the classical times up to the contemporary age, from the historical debates to the principles of morality. With the assistance of Sponseller, club members learn how to discuss various philosophical issues, even if students know nothing about Western philosophy.
Beyond analyzing historical documents, the Philosophy Club helps develop the critical thinking and listening skills needed to handle challenging situations in life. There is an opportunity to reflect on issues carefully, look at other people’s perspectives, and express your viewpoint in a well-argued way.
BHS students who are interested in life’s big questions are invited to attend. The Philosophy Club meets every Monday after school till 3:00 PM. If you think of yourself as a philosopher, a debater, or want to learn about the history of mankind’s thought, feel free to come and see what it is all about.
Vishruth Vikram, Brunswick High School, is one of over fifty student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program, celebrating its 25th year, is sponsored by Donut Land, Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, MODA Gifts, Scripps Howard Foundation and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to https://www.bcsoh.org/community/new-beat-site to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com/?folder=ALL to view videos produced by the students.
PHOTOS: Copyright-free photo image - By Diego PH on Unsplash.