The title to this posting may seem a little contradictory at first to me at least.  When I think of agency, I think of something that I have at least some control over.  From this definition, the word control would imply that the outcome of my action has some intentionality behind it and because of this, doesn't it mean that we must be aware of both our action and the intended effect it will have?  This is where I began become confused during last Thursday's discussion group.  We eventually reached a point where it seemed to be agreed upon that there might be times where we would unconsciously affect someone else.  If I remember correctly, it was said that we might say something or do an action which causes affects someone else who sees or hears us.

I'd like to go back and address a topic we discussed before the break. The basic question of 'why don't we stop trying to figure it out...?' was brought up in a classmate's post, which to me brought the idea of ignorance as bliss. There are those who question every little thing and want answers for every minute detail of life, while there are others who prefer to leave those unanswerable questions alone and just go on their daily lives without these daunting questions looming overhead. In some situations, the blissfulness of ignorance may seem best, eliminating any internal turmoil. What happens when we ask questions is that we get some answers; what happens when we open our eyes to our surroundings and become involved is that we find out things that may be unpleasant.

What's working, and what needs working on, for you as an individual?

I think the amount of readings and other preparations that we have to do for the class are fair. Weekly posting seems to help to present organized thoughts that were not said during the class. I think the current system is working out fine.

What's working, and what needs working on, for us as a group (on-line, in class, in conversation and on the panels)?

It is hard to tell what is working or what is not working as a group, but I think that everyone seems to be participating fairly well and presenting thoughtful ideas.