Grades

            We are back to the same old routine of scenery and philosophy. But this time, it was different. They want on a hike, and the topic came up about Phaedrus and the elimination of grades. He tried this in his rhetoric class, and the student had to think for himself or herself. This forced them to make the right decisions, which could also be considered quality judgments. This same idea of quality came up in the previous chapter, which is an allegory with the mountains. The ideas are sometimes confusing, but they make sense. I think the grade idea is an interesting concept because I, as a student, have experienced the same. When grades are distributed, the wok becomes about getting a good grade, not about learning. That is honestly what school is about nowadays. It is somewhat sad, because there are very few classes in which I actually obtain knowledge that is useful. I would have more knowledge if grades were not given, because I would not care for the, as much, and this would result in a better decision. This is all based on Phaedrus’ idea. I personally do not know whether I like grades or not. They keep me motivated, but also stress me out. I am constantly thinking about doing work for the grade, and I do not learn and retain information because of it.

            Another concept that goes hand in hand with grades is the fact that everything is expected to have a definition that is sensible. This is shown in the novel through Phaedrus and his concept of Quality. This frustrates me. It may be because of the fact that it is the way our generation was raised to believe that grades are important, but I want a clear thought on what Quality is. And I know I have not gotten that. I really hope I eventually do. I need more answers from this novel. There is so much I do not know and I am so frustrated. I do not care that the scenery is pretty and peaceful. We already understand that Chris does not stop complaining and that he acts out. The worst part is that his father lets him. The parts of the novel I do find interesting are the philosophical thought, in which I still end with a sense of confusion.