Learning by Teaching a Class on Intergenerational Ethics — Lesson 12
November 27, 2009Daniel No Comments »
Lesson 12 was the last lesson of the semester. The students in the class bought me a Jesus soft toy, because they wanted to inspire me to become a great ethicist like Jesus. I thought that was really sweet of them! Although I do think that the soft toy kind of looks like Einstein, don’t you? 
Being an instructor for this house course has been a defining experience for me. A few days ago, I asked myself what personal significance this course has had to me. The one word that jumped out at me was TRUTH.
I believe in the notion of truth. I believe that it is often complex, confusing, hidden or elusive. But there is such a thing as truth.
At an academic institution like Duke, I’ve had the opportunity to hear countless experts talk about their views on a great number of issues. It often amazes me how many different opinions on the same issue you’ll hear from experts. This is true whether they’re talking about scientific theories, healthcare, leadership, the economy, the environment, or engineering practices.
Considering the fact that some of the smartest people in the world can’t agree on what is correct, it’s tempting to think that everything is relative or circumstantial or situational– that absolute truth does not exist.
But this house course has been a reminder to me that although the truth is often hard to sieve out, truth does exist. Through the assigned readings and the students’ sharing of their personal experiences and beliefs, I feel like I’ve come that much closer to finding the truth in many ethical issues.
I’m an idealist at heart, and one of my favorite quotes is by writer Joshua Harris:
“Ideals are like stars. We will not succeed in touching them with our hands, but by following them, like the sea-faring man on the ocean, we will reach our destiny.”
This house course has helped me to see that truth is an ideal we must never give up on.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving– Thanksgiving Day was yesterday–I’m thankful to have had the chance to be an instructor for this class, I’m thankful that I got to know my students who are such amazing people, I’m thankful to have been able to learn so much from all of my students, and I’m thankful that there is such a thing as truth
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