Name:_________________________________________________________Period__________Date:___________

 

TALK SHOW: WHICH TYPE OF GOVERNMENT IS BEST?

 

Throughout history there have been many arguments concerning which type of government is best. Is a dictatorship, aristocracy, democracy, or pure anarchy superior?

 

The class will have the opportunity to learn about the philosophies of 7 of the major thinkers by becoming involved in a talk show simulation. The philosophers we will depict are: Plato, Mussolini, Hobbes, Locke, Henry David Thoreau,  Rousseau, Machiavelliand Augustine

 

 

 

 

PROCEDURE:

            1) The class will be divided into 7 different groups; each group will be responsible for one 

     major philosopher.

 

            2) The simulation will take 2 days. You will have 2 half-days (Wed. and Thu.) day to research the

     philosopher and prepare arguments to support why your idea of government is best.

     The talk show will commence on the third day (Fri.). Although you will get one resource

     link from the teacher, it is your group's responsibility to research additional information.

 

            3) You will also be responsible for knowing the other group's philosophies so you can

                 refute their claims. 

 

            4) On the day of the Talk Show, the teacher will pick one member of your group to role

                play your group's philosopher. It will be this person's responsibility to synthesize your

                groups research. The speaker can use all notes and information that the group                         

                researched.

 

 

OTHER ROLES:

            There will be two talk show hosts picked by the teacher. They are responsible for:

                                    a. developing the format of the talk show

                                    b. researching each philosopher in order to develop relevant questions

                                    c. set up of the room

                                    d. dress

                                     

GRADING:

-  How well did you defend your philosophy and how well did you prove the other

    philosophies as being inferior.

- Every group must have a placard (big enough for people to see)

- The group member who is chosen to depict their group’s philosopher must dress

- All research will be collected at the end of the talk show and will be graded on thoroughness.

 

Philosopher:__________________      Group Members: _______________________________

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