Write about Wallace, Seaman Holmes and the Longboat of the William Brown

Question

Your Response Papers must consist of two paragraphs. THE WORD COUNT IS 700+
-In your first paragraph, the task is to demonstrate that you have carefully read the text assigned for that day, by explaining, in your own words, what is going on in a particular section of it. You can choose to write about one paragraph, or one page, from the text assigned for that day. You must include a brief quotation (or two) from the passage you are writing about, and you must indicate the quotation’s page number. Put the source [either Moral Life or Folio] and the page number, in brackets right after the quotation. i.e., ... “Some things are up to us, some are not up to us” (Moral Life, p.388). I will assume you are using the assigned Seventh Edition of the textbook. If you are using a previous edition of the textbook, indicate which version in your citation. Do not spend any time on biographical information about the philosopher.

-In the second paragraph, the task is to demonstrate that you have thought critically about this portion of the text by offering some sort of critical response to it (i.e. what you think about the ideas in this portion of the text, and why you think that). The second paragraph must be at least as long as or longer than the first paragraph. AGAIN, THE WORD COUNT IS OVER 700!!!!

Answer 1

In the narrative concerning Wallace, Seaman Holmes, and the longboat of the William Brown, we delve into a gripping tale of survival and human endurance amidst dire circumstances. The story unfolds as Wallace and his crew find themselves stranded in a tempest. After the sinking of the William Brown, the survivors, including Seaman Holmes, are faced with the immediate reality of navigating their longboat while contending with the elements. The psychological strain of the situation weighs heavily on them. As they drift upon the tumultuous seas, their camaraderie is indispensable. Wallace reflects on the chaotic nature of their plight, stating, “We were cast adrift upon the raging ocean, left to endure the whims of fate” (Moral Life, p. 152). This moment not only underscores the peril they face but also serves as a commentary on the unpredictability of life itself. As resources dwindle and hope begins to fade, the bond among the survivors becomes a lifeline, emphasizing the resilience of the human spirit. The interplay of despair and determination encapsulated in this section highlights the inherent struggle between survival and surrender in the face of overwhelming odds, ultimately portraying a poignant exploration of human vulnerability.

Critically engaging with this narrative reveals numerous layers tied to existential themes and ethical considerations. The plight of Wallace and Holmes can be interpreted as an allegorical examination of human agency, particularly how individuals navigate extreme situations that test their moral and physical limits. The harrowing scenario prompts us to question the extent of our control over circumstances that seem wholly indifferent to our existence. Wallace’s assertion that they are left to endure “the whims of fate” brings forth the philosophical debate between determinism and free will. This disarray compels the survivors to confront not only the physical challenges but also their inner moral compass. Ethical decisions arise amidst the struggle for survival—who to prioritize, what sacrifices to make, and how to maintain one’s humanity in the face of dehumanizing conditions. This aspect resonates profoundly with contemporary struggles against adversity, suggesting that, even in despair, ethical considerations shape our humanity. The interactions among the survivors reflect the necessity of cooperation and the profound impact of shared experience in such traumatic situations. This component of the narrative may incite readers to reflect on their own responses to crisis—will we lean on each other for strength, or will self-preservation lead us to fracture? Such questions provoke a deeper understanding of our shared human experience and the inherent fragility of life. The resilience depicted in Wallace's storytelling challenges our assumptions about human nature under pressure, inviting contemplation about how we define our identities when stripped of societal structures and comforts. As we revisit this tale of survival, we are prompted to consider: what constitutes survival versus mere existence, and how do our moral decisions shape our collective outcomes? Through their experiences, Wallace and Holmes illuminate the intricate tapestry of human relationships, the ethics of survival, and the ways in which adversity births both conflict and camaraderie, leaving us with a profound understanding of resilience.