Question
Earlier this unit, you read an article called “A teen and a trolley reveal society’s dark side” by Bethany Brookshire. Next, you participated in a discussion regarding “good vs. evil”, and whether people could be completely good, or whether everyone has a “dark side”. Below are the key ideas and differing perspectives from that discussion. Use the information below to answer the prompt at the bottom of this page.
Key Ideas:
People can be completely good because they often demonstrate that they genuinely care about others.
All people have a dark side because in the case of the trolley, the article shows us that people often have certain biases that help create their choices.
Differing Perspectives:
Some people in the group felt that people could be completely good because they make good choices and stay out of trouble.
Some people felt that no one can be “completely” good, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they have a “dark side”.
Some people in the group felt that all people have a dark side; a part of being human means making mistakes and sometimes making the wrong decisions.
Some people felt that all people have a dark side because how you behave depends on the environment you are raised in and how you were taught to behave.
Prompt for Portfolio:
You have read the article "A teen and a trolley reveal society’s dark side” , and above you can see the key ideas and differing perspectives of your classmates. Based on this information, write a paragraph answering this prompt:
Why it is important to have, and to understand, differing opinions on a topic? Use examples from the article and/or the various ideas presented from the discussion to help support your thinking. (answer in a paragraph of at least 5-6 sentences, using appropriate punctuation, capitalization, and formal language)
(20 points)
Key Ideas:
People can be completely good because they often demonstrate that they genuinely care about others.
All people have a dark side because in the case of the trolley, the article shows us that people often have certain biases that help create their choices.
Differing Perspectives:
Some people in the group felt that people could be completely good because they make good choices and stay out of trouble.
Some people felt that no one can be “completely” good, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they have a “dark side”.
Some people in the group felt that all people have a dark side; a part of being human means making mistakes and sometimes making the wrong decisions.
Some people felt that all people have a dark side because how you behave depends on the environment you are raised in and how you were taught to behave.
Prompt for Portfolio:
You have read the article "A teen and a trolley reveal society’s dark side” , and above you can see the key ideas and differing perspectives of your classmates. Based on this information, write a paragraph answering this prompt:
Why it is important to have, and to understand, differing opinions on a topic? Use examples from the article and/or the various ideas presented from the discussion to help support your thinking. (answer in a paragraph of at least 5-6 sentences, using appropriate punctuation, capitalization, and formal language)
(20 points)
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Understanding differing opinions on complex topics such as morality is crucial for fostering empathy and critical thinking. In the article “A teen and a trolley reveal society’s dark side,” the dilemma presented highlights the multifaceted nature of human decision-making and ethical considerations. For instance, some individuals in the discussion argued that people can be completely good, citing examples of altruism and genuine care for others. Conversely, others emphasized that everyone possesses a dark side, influenced by societal biases and personal experiences. By exploring these varied perspectives, individuals can better appreciate the nuances of human behavior and the factors that contribute to moral choices. Acknowledging that environment plays a significant role in shaping one’s values, as mentioned by some participants, allows for a deeper understanding of why people behave the way they do. Ultimately, engaging with differing opinions not only enriches our comprehension of ethical dilemmas but also cultivates a more compassionate worldview, vital for navigating the complexities of human interactions.