Margot+Pitney+RP+Post+1

I: Presentation of research findings:


 * I am leaning towards the option of composing an extended definition since it is the least biased of the options and I am interested in learning the viewpoints of others and using those to expand my own.


 * Since this option is essentially a condensed discussion of a topic, it allows for the most opinions to be expressed. I much rather explore my topic and discover the opinions of others in order to pick and choose what I like from each one and incorporate them into my own rather than strictly pick one side. I do not believe any one side can be completely right therefore the extended definition seems most appropriate.


 * The extended definition paper requires the writer to pull from and understand multiple different views and relate them to form a coherent, unbiased, extended definition.

II: The pursuit of new knowledge:

III: Background and early knowledge:
 * Are all humans born good: Good morals, good values, good character?
 * To what extent do we control our lives and to what extent do others control it?
 * Does fate exist?
 * Is it easier to love or to hate?

My knowledge of this topic is limited to my spontaneous pondering sessions that have taken place over the years. I’ve always wondered how someone can turn, for lack of a better, evil. Are the murderers and criminals simply born to be bad people?

I saw a study done on 60 minutes in which babies were used to test whether or not people innately have a sense of good morals. The conclusion was that they indeed did, but I thought the experiment had flaws so since have always wanted to look into it more.

IV: The rationale

It’s always been mind boggling to me that someone could harm another human and feel no remorse. Lately, in court I feel like these actions have often been blamed on mental illness, which, in my opinion is sometimes a copout and an excuse for the criminal to not get the justice that is deserved. I started wondering how anyone could get to that point of pure evil, with or without a mental illness. That then lead itself to wondering whether or not some people were born either good or bad. Or if everyone is just born neutral and the influences in their lives determine their character. This can go in a very scientific direction, complete with studies and evidence, or it can go down the philosophical path. My worry is that it might go too much down that scientific path, I would rather have it be more philosophical. I am not sure yet if I care enough about this topic, I will have to consider it more and sleep on it. I am still deciding between this one and another of my questions.