A response to What Does It Mean To Be Cool? By Dr. Thorsten Botz-BorNstein 
(http://www.philosophynow.org/issues/80/What_Does_It_Mean_To_Be_Cool?ref=list)
Central
argument: The definition, the behaviors of being cool, and different type of
cool according to different philosophers.

              
“What Does It Mean To Be Cool?” is an article by Dr. Thorsten Botz-BorNstein
that explains the different meanings of ‘cool’ according to different
philosophers. Everyone wants to be cool. Even the old citizens want to be cool.
No one likes it when he or she unexpectedly does something that is uncool. Just
like many other words, the definition of ‘cool’ differs from place to place,
generation to generation, and time to time. ‘Cool’ can be defined differently
in the school (high school) surroundings and the outside world, however there
is just a fine line separating them from one another.
              
According to the Oxford Online Dictionary, the definitions of ‘cool’ are “the
quality of being fashionably attractive or impressive” and “showing no
friendliness towards a person or enthusiasm for an idea or project.” People
want to be cool all the time, but why would people want that. As interpreted
from the Oxford Online Dictionary’s definition, ‘cool’ is just the outer self
of a person. Which shows that people have to pretend to be something else they
are not just to be able to stay ‘cool.’ Like in High School, everyone wants to
be in the ‘cool’ group and act ‘cool’ all the time; why is that.
              
High School’s environment is the perfect example to show the definition of
‘cool’ in the modern era. Kids who are considered cool are the ones of
popularity in the school and most of the times are the bullies. Obviously,
everybody would want to be in the popular group of the school. That is simply
because to avoid being the bottom of high school chain and being the bullied.
Superiority is also includes in the cool group. If you are cool, people look up
to you. And of course, as a kid, you will always want to be heard and the head
of everything. Lastly, kids love attention and when you are cool you get
attention from everyone in the school. ‘Cool’ kids in the school usually
involve good looks, sport participations, grades (only in some schools), and
something that great that stands out.
              
In the outside world situation of ‘cool’ is quite similar to the one of a high
school. There are only small differences between them. Sometimes people think
of cool when they do something that is considered cool like smoking or drinking
alcohol. However, this is wrong ideology. Drinking or smoking does not
automatically make a person cool. Just because a considered ‘cool’ person does
it, doesn’t mean it is the same for everyone. ‘Cool’ in the outside world can
also mean when someone is doing something different then other people,
something that catches attention from others.
              
Overall, being ‘cool’ does not necessary mean that you are on top of the world.
‘Cool’ means pretending. It is best to be whoever you are, rather than live up
to other people’s expectations. You are the best when you are yourself rather
than trying to be somebody else. Also that getting a lot of attentions from
others also means bigger reactions to mistakes you do.