Rifkin RSAnimate

 some questions to consider:
1.  Do you agree or disagree with Rifkin's assessment and analysis of human nature (empathic vs. aggressive)? 
2. In what ways are modern day educational, political and economic structures set up that prevent us from reaching Rifkin’s idea of an “empathic civilization”?
3. What are some of the social, political, and historical implications of not realizing Rifkin’s vision for the future?
4. What personal connections can you make to illustrate your opinion of Rifkin’s main ideas?
5. Considering the implications considered in question 2, to what extent is Rifkin’s vision for the future an ethical obligation we have to future generations?
6. To what extent does culture hinder Rifkin's ultimate realization of an ultimately "empathic civilization?"

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David Brooks TED Talk

Some questions to consider:
1. What personal connections can you make that illustrate some of Brooks' main ideas?
2. What connections to the different Areas of Knowledge does Brooks make in his talk?
3.  How does he view the relationship between emotion and reason?  How is his view different from that of many Enlightenment philosophers?