AnalPhilosopher

10-31-84 . . . I had a "riot" today on the Student Union arcade. Each afternoon, several student groups situate themselves on the walkway leading into the Student Union Building, distributing pamphlets and discussing issues with anyone who happens along. I enjoy stopping to talk to these groups between classes. Today, for instance, I discussed foreign policy and Zionism with a group of Iranians, domestic policy with the student Democrats, and assorted other political issues with the Young Republicans. Terry Mallory and a couple of my students came along with me, and seemed delighted at the way I got into and out of arguments. I feel like a young Socrates with my disciples as I fend off verbal thrust after verbal thrust, always keeping my composure and letting the other person make his or her points as fully as possible. These give-and-take situations are good practice for a budding philosopher (or attorney, for that matter), for they require quick thinking and a knack for using the language. I will miss the political dialogue after the election on Tuesday.