Socratic Method

Exploration leading to thesis development

Columbus... Hero or Villain ?

How can we effectively sort objective history from myth and legend ?

…WE can start with a little brainstorming for our Exploration

Heroic … “traits” Exceptional Attempt, Risk+ Accomplishment Bravery, Worthy Cause Positive Impact Values Reinforced Role Model Behaviors Actions Justified

Villainous …”traits” Needless harm inflicted Damage was intentional Callous + Selfish Stealing from others Negative Impact Victims Exploited Greed Rewarded Hypocrisy Evident

Christopher Columbus

Hero

• • • • • • • • • • •

humble background / religious successful pitchman for voyage daring adventurer / bravery successful risk taking exploration role model entrepreneur begins “Columbian Exchange” cultural diffusion + knowledge Commercial Revolution launched literary / artistic impact on Renaissance individual “exceptionalism” epitomized Christianity replaces “pagan” worship

Christopher Columbus

Villain

• family relations = immorality • greedy lust for fame + fortune • tyranny over crew / distrustful • deception with Native Americans • brutality with Native Americans • abysmal leadership in America • example for later Conquistadores • destruction of cultures / ethnicities • prison time in Spain • de las Casas criticisms / complaints

Sample questions:

1. Were the motives for the actions of Christopher Columbus honorable?

2. How much of a factor is the historic time period (1400s-1500’s) for criticism or praise for the legacy of Christopher Columbus ?

3. Who would most value / appreciate the Columbus Heroic p o v ?

Why ?

4. Who would be most offended by the Columbus legacy ?

Why ?

Applying Tension Model Concepts:

1. Columbus’ actions had both positive + negative motives.

2. Columbus’ actions had both positive + negative outcomes.

3. Columbus’ legacy is disputed based on the values of the observer.

4. A “TENSION” loaded thesis p o v would include the counter-argument but be certain to more substantially support their stronger convictions with historic evidence and sound rationale. …after weighing the evidence in a thoughtful discussion / analysis… … write your P o V as a tension loaded thesis statement.

Tension Loaded Thesis Statements: … 2 typical resulting p o v s

…please note … the “counter-argument is conceded 1 st …

then the “stronger conviction is delivered 2 nd

1.

Although Christopher Columbus has been labeled a diabolical villain responsible for the downfall of primitive Meso-American cultures,

his greater heroic historic legacy is richly supported by the notable spread of Western Institutions imbued with respect for individual rights and achievement.

2. Despite the increase in European wealth and cultural diffusion precipitated by the voyages of Christopher Columbus,

the more accurate historic legacy is a villainous “Black Legend” of Spanish conquest, tantamount to a genocide of Native American ethnicities, cultures, and civilizations.

Seminar Exploration Conclusion

It seems the Columbus Legend is nearly mythical… …so much change was set in motion by his actions there is a tendency for hyperbole, overstatement, etc… …European Conquest meant so much to the course of World History…Columbus’ actions receive added attention relative to other factors causing dynamic shifts and upheaval…