Online Lesson #12 Logic and decision making

What is the common theme among the scrolls inside each of the caskets? How does this theme relate to how each suitor (Morocco, Arragon, and Bassanio) chooses their particular casket?

The scrolls inside the casket revolve around the theme of morals and values. The scroll test the character of the person, and also how they actually choose which scroll to pick. Those with different values would therefore think differently, and thus choose different caskets. They also all judge based on Portia's character. However, their opinion of her still vary.

In the Prince of Morocco's case, he judges the casket scrolls based on their definition, and what he feel that they may bring. Also, he judges based on which the scroll describes Portia.Therefore, he choose the gold casket, stating "Who chooseth me shall gain what many men desire". He feels that Portia is more than just "enough", and that she would bring about brightness in his future, and therefore makes a wrong decision with his judgement.

In the case of the Prince of Arragon's case, he thinks to highly of himself. He feels that he is above others, and therefore looks down on them. Therefore, he would feel that Portia is definately his. Therefore, he made a wrong decision too, due to his arrogant character.

However, in Bassanio's case, he is deciding based on his love for Portia. He shows his willingness to sacrifice his life for her, and thus picks lead. It states "Who chooseth me must give and hazard all he hath". This really shows the true character of a person, and if they are willing to give all they have to win Portia, is a test of how much they love her.

Therefore, these would revolve around the values and morals of one's character, and the test to see if they are the right person, and are in love, to marry Portia.

Expository

In one's life, they would definately make decisions using logic. Such cases are like deciding one's future, persuing which career, and also the decision which school to go to.

Firstly, one can use logic to decide their future. For example, a person could choose to migrate to another country to find a job. However, in this case, the man must consider the factors, and also how it affects his life. Using logic, this can be clearly thought through, and would allow him to make the proper decision.

Secondly, one can use logic to choose which career to persue. During university, a student must choose which degree to persue. In making this decision, using logic would benefit a lot. One can understand what are their strong points, and what they would then be suitable for them. Therefore, by using logic, it would help in making this decision.

Finally, it can also help us choose which school to go to. For example, when I was in Primary 6, I had a tough decision to make on which school I wanted to go to after PSLE. To Make this decision, I considered the location, the acadamic standards and so on. I used logic in my decision, and created a list of pros and cons to aid my decision. Finally, I decided that Hwa Chong would be most suitable for me.

In these example, using logic in decision making would benefit a lot. It allows us to make clear decision, in cases such as deciding one's future, which career to persue, or which school to go to.