"Gaming Can Make a Better World"

Our discussions yesterday about the Gregory Bartman activity got me thinking about this video. TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) is a global set of conferences that is owned by a non-profit organization with the goal of sharing "ideas worth spreading". They have been running these conferences for over 20 years.

In no way am I endorsing the below video as "Truth". I did, however, think there were some intriguing ideas and connections to what we were talking yesterday, specifically why games can be addictive and provide a sense of fulfillment for some individuals and possible skills that games can develop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE1DuBesGYM

The Stranger and Camus' Absurdism

Camus was a self-proclaimed "absurdist." Based on The Stranger and Meursault’s beliefs, how would you define "the absurd"? What role do concepts like "detachment," "alienation," "acceptance," and "society" play? How is absurdity reflected in (a) the events in Meursault’s life, (b) the relationships Meursault finds himself in, and (c) the attitudes with which Meursault faces, and subsequently rejects, the world?  As always, use evidence to support your interpretations. 

The Stranger and the Weather

How does the weather - in particular the sun - affect Meursault’s mood and behavior? As always, use evidence to support your interpretations. 

The Stranger Book 2 Discussion: Meursault the Monster?

To what extent do Meursualt and his philosophy threaten “the universe” (122)?  Is Meursualt “the monster” and therefore rightfully imprisoned and punished; or is the “gentle” and “indifferent” universe and those in it “the monsters” for refusing to understand Meursualt’s plight (122)? Is he more or less dangerous than a criminal who commits a crime with clear motive? As always - use evidence to support your interpretations. 

The Stranger Book 1 Discussion: To Shoot or Not Shoot

Before he commits murder, Meursualt states,

The sun glinted off Raymond’s gun as he handed it to me.  But we just stood there motionless, as if everything had closed in around us.  We stared at each other without blinking, and everything came to a stop there between the sea, the sand, and the sun, and the double silence of the flute and the water.  It was then that I realized that you could either shoot or not shoot (56).

What are the implications of Meursualt’s realization that “you could shoot or not shoot,” and how do these implications inform us of Meursault’s approach to reality?  You might want to consider how Meursault’s declaration explains his attitude towards his family and friends and his behavior in his public and private lives.  As always - use evidence to support your interpretations.