1. The
period from roughly when to when represents the high water mark of freethought
as an influential movement in American society? (151).
2. What
was the one political concern that united all freethinkers? (153).
3. The
most masterful articulator of the secularist vision was? (157).
4. How was Ingersoll’s attitude toward women
unusual? (164).
5. What time was Ingersoll looking for? (173).
6. American freethought in the West was
largely what? (177).
7. What did Darrow, Debs, and Ingersoll have
in common, apart from their agnosticism? (180).
8. Ingersoll did more than anyone to restore
Americans’s memory of what? (184).
Alternative discussion questions.
1. Ingersoll’s creed was: “Happiness is the
only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way
to be happy is to make others so. This creed is somewhat short, but it is long
enough for this life, strong enough for this world. If there is another world,
when we get there we can make our own creed.” Do you agree or disagree and why?
2. Why was Herbert Spencer’s philosophy more
popular in America than in England?
Alternative DQ:
ReplyDelete1. I believe his creed is good in theory, but it doesn't lend itself to moral application. Sometimes the good is in personal suffering. The good is in refugees who fight back in the hopes that their children will one day have a happy life. If happiness was the only good then the parents wouldn't worry about fighting back. Children wouldn't protest gun violence when they know they will be punished by their schools. Good can be found in many places, and only looking to happiness, burns the bridge of suffering for the sake of progress.
Alt Questions:
1. 1875-1914
2.Separation of Church and State
3. Robert Ingersoll