Permitted vs. Not Forbidden

[joesteph]

This is something I give to my (high school) philosophy students. It's when we discuss human freedom that I ask them to consider:

Do Only What Is Permitted vs. Do Whatever Is Not Forbidden

At first, the students think they're the same thing, that the words may be different, but there's no difference between the two. After I have them write their thoughts about each at their desks, we then discuss them, and a great difference comes to light.

In philosophy, there's a theory that people have to learn to be free, so in psychology, there are those who find emotional comfort in doing only what is permitted, and that to do whatever is not forbidden is a great step to take. It can be a scary one for them, and many people, during their formative years, establish boundaries that are a "safe distance," meaning it's uncommon for them to get into trouble (usually in the social setting of school and school-related). There are others who, during their formative years, "push the envelope" and more regularly get into trouble (again, such as in school or what is school-related), but tend to become more independent adults.

What do you think?

~ Joe

[bushido_man96]

This is interesting, and I can see where it would be an eye-opening exercise.

I'd have to admit that I wasn't one of those that would have been an envelope pusher.

[twistkick kid]

Interesting viewpoint...

One question: would "pushing the envelope" be only related to doing poorly in school, or does it also involve being a risk taker?

I'm not one to push the envelope, but I take some big risks at my "job" and in my athletic pursuits

[joesteph]

One question: would "pushing the envelope" be only related to doing poorly in school, or does it also involve being a risk taker?

Excellent question, Twistkick. It would take in a risk-taker.

And it need not be that the student is doing poorly in school, but might choose to challenge what is stated in the textbook--or even what the teacher says is the way to interpret, say, a historical event.