Round table examination and discussion methods

Philosophy

Historical Roundtable Takes Place in D.C.

Only a few years ago, cloning and regeneration were considered controversial and potentially unethical by most, if not a majority, of the population, but with scientific strides what was once considered impossible is not only possible, but has happened -- last Saturday. Under close government scrutiny, seven philosophers brought to life and maturity through cloning and regeneration met in a secure room under the White House. For 24 hours, they discussed today's most poignant ethical issues with leaders of several nations, though the existence of the meeting was not released until yesterday, at which time the philosophers had all been relocated by the secret service. Though the philosophers discussed a myriad of important topics, most of the records of those conversations are still classified. This reporter will divulge the details of one monumental discussion.

In order to encourage open conversation, a White House staffer confirmed that the seven philosophers were seated around a round table. In order to encourage a new and innovative conversation, the philosophers were seated in a random order. On one hemisphere sat Francis Bacon, Plato, Galileo, and Anaximander, while on the other St. Augustine, Socrates, and Thomas Hobbes conversed quietly. As one can imagine, the conversation turned quickly to politics and war, spurred by a diplomat's question about the war in Iraq and the current democratic bid for the U.S. White House.

Think about the conditions in Iraq before the United States attacked," St. Augustine said quietly, reflecting. "The people were not merely suppressed, but murdered by a dictator, whom I can say was truly an example of the existence of evil. The war fits all the criteria of my just war theory. It was prompted by pure motives, the United State's desire to free the Iraqi people from tyranny and oppression, was executed by the noble authority of the state, and was motivated by one people's love for humanity and human rights."

During Augustine's speech, this reporter observed Hobbes nodding at points with a wry smile painted across his lips.

A agree," Hobbes began, "that the war in Iraq should not be so vastly questioned by the American people. The state is sovereign, and all people must essentially give up their rights in exchange for its protection and support. For this reason, the American people do not have the right to even question the decision. In addition, I've heard a great deal of expressed frustration by the citizens of this country in regards to their rights, and the impact on their rights by the Patriot Act and regulations put in place by the Department of Homeland Security. Do these people not understand that their rights are nonexistent because of the authority of the state? Like a child and her parents, the state will do what it thinks is necessary for its people, and the people must obey."