Thursday, March 18, 2010
The HSMSE Society
Today, Mr. Devecka had introduced the idea the hot and cold society from reading the Apology dialogue, where the idea of the hot society is one where the rules that regulate society is understood and known by the people of the society and the idea of the cold society is one where the rules aren't necessarily known, but is implied. Which idea of society correctly applies to the rules and regulations that we have here in HSMSE? Explain and connect to back to other aspects that Mr. Devecka mentioned in his lecture.
3 comments:
The rules we have here in HSMSE apply more those of a hot society. This is because most of these rules and regulations are known and understood by the students and staff. This is indicative that they are backed up by reason, which is important because it contributes to the essential idea of a society that is "hot." This reasoning can be examined and questioned, enabling these rules to be improved, thus advancing society.
The revolution of these rules and regulations around this "reasoning" is a reflection of the somewhat "hot" society in which we live today. For example, a court case today would be composed of lawyers, jury, physical or witnessed evidence, and a judge. The case is an argument, the foundation of which is laid by the evidence.
On the other hand, Athens, representing a "cold" society, has rules and regulations that are not really supported by reasoning, but formed by the opinion of the powerful majority. Therefore, society cannot really advance and improve (is cold) because the reasoning is not up for question or argument; it does not actually exist. A court case in Athens is thus more of a show and essentially composed of the jury. The court case is really over who ends up being better liked rather than who gives the logical, coherent argument.
The idea of a hot society applies more to MSE, rather than a cold society. One of the necessities of a hot society is to have explicit laws/rules. HSMSE as well as the rest of the NYC public schools adhere to the rules listed in the "Citywide Standards of Discipline and Intervention Measures" made by the Department of Education as well as local rules created by the faculty of the school. This was not the case in Athens, however. There was no explicit law code implemented. The rules were only implied, perhaps by the majority. There is very little reasoning as to why these implied rules are law and thus can lead to confusion and prosecution of those whom did not know there were breaking the "law"
Our society in MSE is hot because to those who implement. We have teachers, deans, vice-principals, principals, superintendents, and so-on. We also have evidence. In Athens, the lack of police officers, lawyers, and judges eliminated the foundation of making concrete laws. This only leaves the jury, the (majority of) people of Athens, to "implement" the "rules" of society.
niHere in HSMSE, the characteristics of a hot society apply more. We have specific rules, regulations, and codes that are to be enforced. Examples of these include the nefarious "no hats in school" policy. The content of these rules is based on necessity, respect, and safety, meaning that they have a logical reason to be put in place (though I'm sure that many students would like to dispute this). The basing of these rules off of logic is what allows them to be questioned, supported, or revised to fit the society's needs.
Conversely, in an environment like Athens, many rules and laws are not explicitly set in stone, and are even made up on the spot. Because of this, they are unable to be reassessed, changed, or even correctly used, making it a cold society.
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