Thursday, January 8, 2015
Summary of Russell - pp. 33-36
Summary of the main points of Bertrand Russell's article on the meaning of Philosophy and why it should be studied - and a couple of my thoughts :).
pp. 33-36.
-There is a practical reason because it expands the mind and causes us to question what we normally would not questions.
-The question is more important than the answer.
-the "aim" of philosophy is knowledge.
-Philosophy is important for unity in Science and questioning self (or what we think we know). Russell says philosophy helps us "step outside" of something and ask what it is. When you ask "what is physics" you are actually outside of physics looking in. To gain knowledge we must be impartial, and philosophy helps in this process.
-Philosophy needs to be able to "adapt" to some degree, but to say everyone is always right all the time is a copout.
-Considering those who never study philosophy, they may lose out on an opportunity to practice "enlargement of the self", which eventually leads to more open-mindedness.
-A quote by G.E. Moore: Ethics does not equal Ethical Living. We study philosophy for the sake of it. Russell talks about "the union of the self and not-self". My interpretation of that is the quote:
"Ya don't know what Ya don't know" Jay Robinson, Head Wrestling Coach U of Minnesota
-Russell says to "go outward" and expand yourself. Buddhists would say "go inward" and expand yourself.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Question 2015 Class
What might be some common day-to-day philosophies that we either have, study, could have, or could study right now in real time? Let's see how many areas and things we can list. I'll go first with some ideas so you get my drift. As you will see by my selections, it's okay to have opinions. Be appropriate. You can and should comment on each others thoughts
The philosophy of refereeing Olympic-style wresting. The referee should be in the background almost like a ghost, but in position to anticipate calls. He/she should have some verbal communication to cause offense, but unlike some others I don't think its my "job". If FILA wants more offense they should go back to the days of the mandated "head up" rule. The referee should flow deliberately to anticipate position, but not run or become choppy like a folkstyle referee. Refereeing is part art. There is nothing more silly looking than a guy running around a mat like a chicken with his head cut off, trying to be the center of attention.
Folk music: music that is acoustic is good music, and the lyrics tell a story. It's hard to beat Pete Seger, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young.
There is no real purpose in keeping every single legal fish you catch these days. There's a metamorphosis of sorts, I think, in the development of a true appreciation of the river. Releasing a fish reminds us that we are part of nature, and that we should only take what we need.
Some people think that if you don't catch a trout with a fly, that its not really trout fishing (like in the movie a river runs through it). I think that trout are not as cunning as the romantics like to portray. My philosophy is if they will take a Panther Martin, than go ahead and use one. It's not a sin and you won't go to hell for it.
If you qualify for the state softball tournament in Ft Dodge you pay 400 bucks for your whole team to stay the whole week. They let your coaches stay in the same facility with your players and it's included in the cost, it's close to the facility, and they provide monitors. It's about kids. If you qualify for anything else it's going to cost several thousand dollars minimum. It seems like it's all about Des Moines. Also, that wrestling tournament could happen in two days, not four. They preach to us to guard instructional time, but what actually happens doesn't promote that philosophy. I think that the Des Moines area could create a more economic solution for state tournaments like Ft. Dodge has done. Those dollars saved could be used locally for other things for kids. Success should not be punished.
The philosophy of refereeing Olympic-style wresting. The referee should be in the background almost like a ghost, but in position to anticipate calls. He/she should have some verbal communication to cause offense, but unlike some others I don't think its my "job". If FILA wants more offense they should go back to the days of the mandated "head up" rule. The referee should flow deliberately to anticipate position, but not run or become choppy like a folkstyle referee. Refereeing is part art. There is nothing more silly looking than a guy running around a mat like a chicken with his head cut off, trying to be the center of attention.
Folk music: music that is acoustic is good music, and the lyrics tell a story. It's hard to beat Pete Seger, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young.
There is no real purpose in keeping every single legal fish you catch these days. There's a metamorphosis of sorts, I think, in the development of a true appreciation of the river. Releasing a fish reminds us that we are part of nature, and that we should only take what we need.
Some people think that if you don't catch a trout with a fly, that its not really trout fishing (like in the movie a river runs through it). I think that trout are not as cunning as the romantics like to portray. My philosophy is if they will take a Panther Martin, than go ahead and use one. It's not a sin and you won't go to hell for it.
If you qualify for the state softball tournament in Ft Dodge you pay 400 bucks for your whole team to stay the whole week. They let your coaches stay in the same facility with your players and it's included in the cost, it's close to the facility, and they provide monitors. It's about kids. If you qualify for anything else it's going to cost several thousand dollars minimum. It seems like it's all about Des Moines. Also, that wrestling tournament could happen in two days, not four. They preach to us to guard instructional time, but what actually happens doesn't promote that philosophy. I think that the Des Moines area could create a more economic solution for state tournaments like Ft. Dodge has done. Those dollars saved could be used locally for other things for kids. Success should not be punished.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Ethics Question
You have six views of ethics as quickly summarized below:
1) Kantian: There are "solid" absolute rights and wrongs. Everything leads to the
(Deontology) categorical imperative (Kant's golden rule).
2) Nietzsche We are no rights and wrongs, other than what we create, but make it worthwhile
(Existential) and grand - because we "paint our own picture" of morality.
3) Plato Figure out what's "right" and create "balance" among those things......such as
(Charecter) Truth, Justice, Equity, Integrity, Honesty
4) Utiltarian Morality needs to be practical, maximize the positive, minimize the negative.
(Practical) Ethics should/"ought" to create standards for health, safety, protection. We need to
get the "most good" out of every action, and focus on the "community".
5) Noddings Intuition is sometimes greater than rationality, Relationship is sometimes
(Femanist) greater than truth
6) Objectionist/
(Rational Selfishness) Looking out for number one, might not be all that bad. Ethics should reward the
motivated, the designers, and the risk-takers, while leaving the "leaches and the
moochers" to fend for themselves, rather than enable them.
QUESTION: So considering these above views that vary heavilly:
"How should we then therefore live?"
Remember:
-Ethics Test this Friday: April 26th
-Readings assigned have been: 282-289, 292-296; 297-315, 308-318, 320-326,331-343,
347-353.
1) Kantian: There are "solid" absolute rights and wrongs. Everything leads to the
(Deontology) categorical imperative (Kant's golden rule).
2) Nietzsche We are no rights and wrongs, other than what we create, but make it worthwhile
(Existential) and grand - because we "paint our own picture" of morality.
3) Plato Figure out what's "right" and create "balance" among those things......such as
(Charecter) Truth, Justice, Equity, Integrity, Honesty
4) Utiltarian Morality needs to be practical, maximize the positive, minimize the negative.
(Practical) Ethics should/"ought" to create standards for health, safety, protection. We need to
get the "most good" out of every action, and focus on the "community".
5) Noddings Intuition is sometimes greater than rationality, Relationship is sometimes
(Femanist) greater than truth
6) Objectionist/
(Rational Selfishness) Looking out for number one, might not be all that bad. Ethics should reward the
motivated, the designers, and the risk-takers, while leaving the "leaches and the
moochers" to fend for themselves, rather than enable them.
QUESTION: So considering these above views that vary heavilly:
"How should we then therefore live?"
Remember:
-Ethics Test this Friday: April 26th
-Readings assigned have been: 282-289, 292-296; 297-315, 308-318, 320-326,331-343,
347-353.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Rest of the Chapter Two Required Readings
New Readings
69-72, and bottom of 74-78 (ending with section on Scientific Determinism)
82-88: Hedonism and Epicureanism
97-105: Buddhism
(feel free to read everything in-between as well if you want, but the above it what you "NEED" to read)!
We will cover these in class next week, so have them read by Monday. There will be questions on the first test about these pages - lots of questions. I will discuss these topics which will better help you understand them, so don't worry if you don't "get it" all right away.
69-72, and bottom of 74-78 (ending with section on Scientific Determinism)
82-88: Hedonism and Epicureanism
97-105: Buddhism
(feel free to read everything in-between as well if you want, but the above it what you "NEED" to read)!
We will cover these in class next week, so have them read by Monday. There will be questions on the first test about these pages - lots of questions. I will discuss these topics which will better help you understand them, so don't worry if you don't "get it" all right away.
The Paper Cutter and Sartre'
After reading Sartre' on the bottom of page 72 - 74, and considering the actiivity in class with the paper cutter, discuss some or all of the following:
-Does a paper cutter only become a paper cutter when you can see it, or does it first exist as a form?
-Does a paper cutter's esistence come before or after its essence, and why?
-What is the essence of a paper cutter?
-How is the essence of a paper cutter different or similar to that of a whale?
-What is the essence of a person? Does existence precede essence, or does essence precede existence,and
what does that even mean?
-What doe you think existentialism is, and how does it fit into this discussion?
Please feel free to and do comment on each other's comments. Humor is appreciated, but keep it all in good taste, be appropriate, and consider each other's feelings.
-Does a paper cutter only become a paper cutter when you can see it, or does it first exist as a form?
-Does a paper cutter's esistence come before or after its essence, and why?
-What is the essence of a paper cutter?
-How is the essence of a paper cutter different or similar to that of a whale?
-What is the essence of a person? Does existence precede essence, or does essence precede existence,and
what does that even mean?
-What doe you think existentialism is, and how does it fit into this discussion?
Please feel free to and do comment on each other's comments. Humor is appreciated, but keep it all in good taste, be appropriate, and consider each other's feelings.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Assignments for Philosohy 101
Assignments:
For Friday March 21st:
-Read pages 5-12 and do the self-test on page 7
-Pages 21-25 section called "Fields of Philosophy"
-Page 33-36 on Bertrand Russell
There will be a quizz on Friday over the above readings. I want you to think about what Bertrand Russell feels the aim or purpose of philosophy is.
For Monday March 25th
-48-49 section called "Stoicism's Cynical Origins"
-50-51 section called "The Stoic Universe"
-52-53 section called "Purpose of Life"
-55-56 "Emotions in Life, and "How to Progress Morally".
Also: -You should bring both 'self-tests" you took on Thursday with Mr. Simon.
-You need to tune into the blog - of course if you're reading this you are :), AND I'd like you to
comment on the first question I posted about fate vs. free will.
For Friday March 21st:
-Read pages 5-12 and do the self-test on page 7
-Pages 21-25 section called "Fields of Philosophy"
-Page 33-36 on Bertrand Russell
There will be a quizz on Friday over the above readings. I want you to think about what Bertrand Russell feels the aim or purpose of philosophy is.
For Monday March 25th
-48-49 section called "Stoicism's Cynical Origins"
-50-51 section called "The Stoic Universe"
-52-53 section called "Purpose of Life"
-55-56 "Emotions in Life, and "How to Progress Morally".
Also: -You should bring both 'self-tests" you took on Thursday with Mr. Simon.
-You need to tune into the blog - of course if you're reading this you are :), AND I'd like you to
comment on the first question I posted about fate vs. free will.
Philosophy 101
March - May 2013
So.......... you took the survey in the book to see if you have any traits of Existentialism, Stoicism, Buddhism, and Hedonism. I bet you found that you have some of each. One reason might be because Americans are actually a blend of many cultures................We often practice many (sometimes conflicting) philosophical systems at the same time (whether we know it or not).
You will also find that many philosophies have different "levels" or "degrees". Like at a game sometimes you might be really decked out in Blue and Gold, while others might just wear a blue t-shirt. Both are practicing their colors, but at different levels.
An extreme Existentialist practices a system that EVERYTHING is free will. An extreme Stoic practices a system where NOTHING is free will and EVERYTHING is fate/ and determined ahead-of-time. What do you think about fate and free will?
March - May 2013
So.......... you took the survey in the book to see if you have any traits of Existentialism, Stoicism, Buddhism, and Hedonism. I bet you found that you have some of each. One reason might be because Americans are actually a blend of many cultures................We often practice many (sometimes conflicting) philosophical systems at the same time (whether we know it or not).
You will also find that many philosophies have different "levels" or "degrees". Like at a game sometimes you might be really decked out in Blue and Gold, while others might just wear a blue t-shirt. Both are practicing their colors, but at different levels.
An extreme Existentialist practices a system that EVERYTHING is free will. An extreme Stoic practices a system where NOTHING is free will and EVERYTHING is fate/ and determined ahead-of-time. What do you think about fate and free will?
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