The document discusses whether the current era is experiencing another "Axial Age" of great thought and change comparable to the period in ancient societies. It asks the student to argue how modern society has changed in the last 150 years in areas like philosophy, religion, science and technology, and compare this to the transformations during the Axial Age. It also prompts analyzing a passage from an ancient epic read in class to identify the cultural beliefs and worldviews it reflects, and whether modern societies still adhere to this view or if it was more specific to that historical context.

1. 1. Consider how the Axial Age was a period of
1. Consider how the Axial Age was a period of great thought, philosophy and change across
the societies we’ve looked at. Many people think that we are living in times of great change
now. Do you think our current age (last 150 years or so) is experiencing another type of
Axial age? Make an argument discussing the ways and depths of change in current society
(this is open to whatever you want to and can discuss) and compare that to the kind of
change during the Axial Age for the societies we studied.2. Reflect on the epics that we have
looked at in this class and how those narratives reflect a culture’s values, beliefs, and
understanding of the world. Choose a passage from one of the epics we’ve learned about
and discuss what beliefs and worldviews this might be demonstrating. Is the idea you’ve
identified something current (and to narrow this question, let’s say American) societies
adhere to still or is this something that may have been more reflective of that society and
time?