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: (answer in a paragraph, turn in to dropbox in lesson 6) Based on the “key ideas” and the different perspectives of your classmates AFTER READING the article, ”A teen and a trolley reveal society’s dark side” (see link above), write a paragraph about how and why this shows that 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 1

It is important to have and understand differing opinions on a topic because it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues. The article "A teen and a trolley reveal society's dark side" highlights the idea that people can be both completely good and have a dark side depending on the circumstances. This discussion among classmates revealed varying perspectives on this topic, with some arguing that people can be completely good based on their actions, while others believe that all individuals have a dark side. By considering and discussing these different viewpoints, we are able to see the complexity of human behavior and how it can be influenced by various factors such as upbringing and environment. This helps us to avoid making sweeping generalizations about people and promotes empathy and understanding towards others' viewpoints. Ultimately, by embracing diverse opinions, we can gain a more well-rounded understanding of the world around us.