Watch the video, then work through the lesson tabs
Before you watch: The video explores a philosophical thought experiment about a dictator's son raised in total isolation from normal society. As you watch, ask yourself: Is JoJo responsible for his actions? Does your answer change as the video progresses?
While you watch — focus tasks
- 1st watch Get the overall argument. Who is JoJo, and why does his case pose a problem for ordinary moral judgement?
- 2nd watch Listen carefully for the names of the philosophers and their specific positions. How does Wolf's view differ from Watson and Frankfurt's?
- Vocabulary Listen out for: appease, duress, atypical, predetermined, transcend. Can you infer their meaning from context before checking the Vocabulary tab?
- After Try the Gap Fill tab next — it tests the first minute of the video in detail — then work through Vocabulary, Grammar and Comprehension.
Read the opening of the video transcript — choose the correct word for each gap
Jo the First is a 1 dictator who rules his country with an iron fist. Whenever he wants something, everyone hurries to 2 him. And since 3 are permanently banished, Jo's terrified servants treat his every whim as a wise and noble decision. To most onlookers, his rule appears cruel and 4. But his beloved son JoJo doesn't see any issues. This life is all JoJo's ever known, and he never 5 any fear from Jo's subjects or violence against them. All JoJo sees is his father's strength, and his subjects' 6 and praise. After spending his entire childhood in the castle, JoJo grows up to 7 his father's role and his style of rule. And just as with Jo the First, it's clear that JoJo's actions are wrong. But his case raises a question about morality that can also 8 less extreme cases: given JoJo's 9 upbringing, does he bear full moral 10 for his actions?
Part 1 — drag each word to its correct definition, then check your answers
Words
Definitions
Part 2 — click any word to reveal full definition, example, and register
Click each rule to expand the explanation and examples
Gap fill — use the correct form of the verb
1. If JoJa their father's tyranny, this suggests JoJo could have done the same.
2. Wolf that upbringing makes JoJo less responsible.
3. The debate for centuries.
4. He never any fear from Jo's subjects.
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Choose the best answer — click to reveal the explanation
Click each question to reveal language support and a model answer opening