Rashomon Lesson Plan

Debate: Moral Relativism vs. Moral Absolutism

Kind of Activity:

Performance

Objective:

To discuss the different moral viewpoints of the two characters in this story; to learn about moral relativism and moral absolutism; to practice relaxed debating skills.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.4

Structure:

1. The samurai’s servant and the old woman in this story have very different views on morality. Ask students to comment on how these viewpoints differ. Students should discuss the fact that the servant seems to think some things are wrong no matter what, while the old woman thinks that whether something is wrong depends on the context.

2. Show the class the...