Justifications

1. After learning about how the Bosnian War began and the role of Karadzic and Milosovic, was it fair for the Independent to use the word "monster."

- I think that the word "monster" might have been a bit harsh. I suppose that what Karadzic and Milosovic did were indeed very harsh, but it takes a lot to call someone a monster. After having our discussion in TOK, I believe that the things they did were monster-like, but I don't believe it is fair to call them a monster, because of what a monster actually is, and the feelings that go along with hearing that word. (more about that in question 3)

2. How do you think this phrase would be justified, according to Plato? Use specific examples from the reading and the documentary,The Death of Yugoslavia, to justify your claims.

-This is justified through knowledge by authority, because CNN is broadcasting it, and they are an authority figure. They call the men "war criminals." A person can also justify it through reason, either deduction or induction. An example of justification by reason through induction would be..." All peoplle who ethnically cleanse are monsters. Karadzic ordered ethnic cleansing. Therefore, karadzic is a monster." They can also justify this through empiricism, because the people who were there can say that they saw it happening; or they heard people saying things.

3. When the term monster is used, what do you think it means?

-When I hear the word monster I think of something that isn't human. They have the inability to show compassion, they don't know right from wrong, and they aren't civilized. I think of a big green monster, that can't control what they are doing, because it is just how they are. It kind of reminds me of the hulk in a sense. However, I think in this sense they are trying to convey the two men as power hungry dictators, rather than my version of a monster.

4. Has your answer changed since your first entry? Why or why not?

-I do agree with my previous answer, because although I do not agree with what they are calling him, they have their ways of justifying it which are completely acceptable. If I changed anything about my answer, it would be adding a few more specific details, like what I mentioned in question 2, now that I ahve read more in depth into it and see the documentary.