A collaborative search for wisdom, at Middle Tennessee State University and beyond... "The pluralistic form takes for me a stronger hold on reality than any other philosophy I know of, being essentially a social philosophy, a philosophy of 'co'"-William James
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
and a few more pictures
Group 2 (01)
It is befitting that our group should have another Frenchie. This has been our theme after all.
The factual question:
Camus Factual:
Who wrote "Myth of Sisyphus?"
A Mark Twain
B Albert Camus
C Thomas Paine
D Emma Goldman
"B" Albert Camus
Discussion Questions (in the order of Tim, Lacey, Shannon, and Megan).
How is it that consciousness is what makes humanity victorious and how is the idea of human consciousness constructed within our society?
Discussion: Do you agree with the words of Camus when he says, "The workman of today works every day in his life at the same tasks, and his fate is no less absurd. But it is tragic only at the rare moments when it becomes conscious." Why or why not?
Do you think, as Camus claims, that "acknowledging the absurdity of the human condition is what saves us"? That by recognizing and confronting the setbacks we encounter, we can discover our own individual paths to contentment in life? Or are there too many external and uncontrollable factors acting against us that make true happiness unachievable?
Do you agree with Camus's point when he says Sisyphus finds happiness in knowing that "his rock is his thing?" Is knowing that our life or burdens are our own create a sense of happiness or is it too overwhelming?
So, that is it! I have personally enjoyed my group because we are the best. I would not have had this class any other way. Thanks for being awesome ladies!
And so now, I think that I should leave my personal philosophical reflection. I have many thoughts on philosophy especially concerning social philosophy. But beyond the social, that is our existence, I think that this is a nice way to sum up the absence of existence, which we must all face:
Remember, we can't always be. One day we will all be sand on a beach by the sea.
Just kidding but on a more serious note....
A topic I would like to hear discussion on is the Occupy Wall Street Movement.
Do you think it has merit? What does it tell us about the overall level of happiness of society? Do we need wealth to be content? Is greed the only explanation for the growing income disparity? Would religion better substitute riots? Are we capable of being a harmonious society with such gaps in wealth? Can one enjoy life in American society without some wealth and hope for opportunity?
Sec. 17 Group 2 Presentation: Celebrities and Philosophy
Lady Gaga is the alter ego of singer/songwriter Stefani Germanotta. The biggest star of the 21st Century, she has won 5 Grammy awards and has had number-one singles in songs such as “Poker Face” and “Just Dance”. Her perfect blend of pop and dance has captured the hearts of over 16 million Twitter followers. But what separates her from the other pop stars is her nutty fashion sense and her involvement in politics and belief.
It’s easy to say that Gaga became famous because of her meat dresses and her choice of transportation (i.e. an egg). Diversity owns the market, and she knows that. What truly sets her apart from the others is her use of garb as a political statement. She is promoting the individual and living up to the “be yourself” mantra. She is following in the footsteps of humanists such as Thomas Paine and Christine de Pisan.
Her spoken political message also has some philosophical offerings. She has been a proponent of the gay rights movement since the beginning of her career. Songs such as Born This Way tell the audience that it’s okay to be born with “life’s disabilities” and they should not “be a drag, just be a queen.” She is fighting against the social norm, just as doubter Nietzsche did.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
group 2 presentation ( celebrities and philosophy)
Next
On Thursday in H1 we'll do as many final report presentations as we can, so everybody be ready. Non-presenters' final essays are due Tuesday.
Final presenters in all sections: please bring me a brief summary sheet of your main points, and give us a factual and a discussion question pertaining to your topic.
Section 1 Group 4 Asiyah, Allie, Hannah, Katie
For example, Madalyn O'Hair filed a suit against her sons school because they began each day reading a chapter in the bible. She played a huge part in making this a prominent issue where the court ruled in her favor and banned any type of bible reading as a requirement in a public school.
In this case the Atheist side opposed the religious side with no prominent Agnostic middle.
Taking this into account, it's interesting to think about the religious vs. nonreligious side and what form of structure they'd prefer.
In VERY general terms, (in case I offend anyone in this statement), many of the people with strict religious views are ignorant and selfish with the world that doesn't concern them directly. By looking at their selfish religious take often results in them being content with the belief that only people like themselves are safe. They can live with this theory with no weight on their conscience about the rest of the people on this planet, and won't even take into account that their view is actually a view of the minority.
Compare this to capitalism. There is strong evidence that proves that capitalism has been a main contributor to the horrible economic state our country is in. Capitalism is a nutshell is the economic system in which investment in and ownership ofthe means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth ismade and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations, and in theory this provides jobs for the rest of the community
Now which group of people have the most support for a capitalistic society? Conservative Republicans, looking around at the "bible belt" we can see that a majority of people with strong religious views consider themselves both.
DQ. Once again I am not generalizing every religious person in this statement but if you look at the selfishness that equates to both sides can you draw the same parallels I did?
Question
Madalyn O'Hair had what view?
A. Christian
B. Buddhist
C. Muslim
D. Agnostic
Answer: D
Group 3 H1 Philosoraptors
Doubt in the New Millenium (Group 005, Section H01)
I am a Christian. I'm just going to put it out there. I was raised in a Christian family but have at times asked myself the very questions that most people inquire of (all) religion. My experiences - and the feeling that I hold a "soul" within my physical body - lead me to believe in a God and an afterlife. Christianity, at least from my perspective (anyone may feel free to disagree with me), is arguably the most controversial and scrutinized religion in the world today. Hecht is good enough to include several Arab philosophers who call for a necessary closer look into the theologies of other religions, including Islam. Salman Rushdie said that the issues at stake involved Islam, even though the U.S. government was trying not to make it about Islam (this is what he said.) By making the events of 9/11 disconnected from the Muslim faith, Rushdie claimed that the U.S. was trying to preserve peace for Muslims. However, Rushdie advocated for a scrutinized examination of the religion - this was required if Muslim countries were to take on the principle in which the modern world is based.
Ibn Warraq has stated that the Koran needs to be studied "scientifically" and that Muslims should "look at their own religion in a critical way as well." I not only agree with this, but I also believe that this should apply to all religions. As a follower of Christianity, this statement has made me conscious that I am also free to approach my religion in a scientific - and not just religious - way.
Hecht then lists a roll-call of modern day atheists, many of whom are prominent in our entertainment industry. These include: George Carlin, Katherine Hepburn, Christopher Reeve, Jodie Foster, and John Lennon. It's true that we are now in an age of science and intellectual uncertainty. Hecht is right to say that the ancient methods of doubt are again alive today. But, in my opinion, it's also a new age for religion in the sense that followers of different faiths are looking more closely in their beliefs and values. For me, it means confirming my beliefs, reconstructing old ones, and sometimes throwing some values that I see out-dated and obsolete. A dedication for inquiry and free thought is necessary here. If that is what is called for, then I believe that (for the most part) that is the right thing.
Factual Question: Which one of these does Hecht not mention in there being doubt in?
A) Modern society
B) Modern art
C) Modern cosmology
D) Politics
E) Modern entertainment
(Answer: E.)
Discussion question: Do you think that doubt is an aspect of inquiry that everyone should have in order to be a free thinker?
suggestion
Monday, November 28, 2011
Communists are simply misunderstood. Seriously is this the face of evil?
Group 1, Section 1
Factual:
Q1: Which was the first nation to encourage dissent and ensure the right to doubt?
A: Soviet Russia
B: France
C: United States
Q2: Who believed that religion was bad but it was unnecessary to attack religion because once wage slavery was gone, religion would disappear?
A. Foucalt
B. Lenin
C. Marx
D. Stalin
Discussion Question:
Do you think secular or nonsecular ties create a stronger unity in a society?
Camus Group 2 (16)
Group #4 - Section 017
A) Communist
B) Satanist
C) Political Leader
D) Hero
Answer: A
Discussion: One of America's main focuses in the Cold War was setting ourselves aside from communists in the sense that we believe in god. Do you believe this had anything to do with the real issues of the Cold War?
Tyler Wilson 5-17 Questions
Group 2 (01)
Anywho, we decided on a factual question and we decided to just post all of the discussion questions.
The factual question:
T/F - All of the names associated with Americana (Edison, Harrison, Johnson, Goldman, Sanger, and Twain) were firm defenders of Christianity and belief.
False
Discussion questions (in the order of Tim, Shannon, and Lacey):
How were African Americans in Harlem encouraged to become more creative and how has this changed Black culture within American culture?
Which Americana writer do you think had the most lasting impact? Which had the most controversial statements or arguments? (And why).
Hubert Harrison said, "Entre nous, I doubt whether I will ever be anything but an honest Agnostic because I prefer, as I once told you, to go to the grave with my eyes open." What is your stance on agnosticism? Do you think that agnostics tend to be more open or was Harrison's statement more of a contradiction?
New Intro to Philosophy text?
Wittgenstein Group1 Section16
Zach Pigg - group 4-17 questions - November 28, 2011
A) Communist
B) Satanist
C) Political Leader
D) Hero
Answer: A
Discussion: One of America's main focuses in the Cold War was setting ourselves aside from communists in the sense that we believe in god. Do you believe this had anything to do with the real issues of the Cold War?
3(16) Frankl
Group 2 (17)
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Garrison B. 3-17 Victor Frankl and the Meaning of the Holocaust
5(16) New Atheism
Group 2 (Americana, Camus)
Saturday, November 26, 2011
group 2 project (reality celebrities and philosophy)
Kim Kardashian is well known in the media, especially now with her recent stunt of faking a marriage. (why she would do this who knows.... oh wait money) With all the hooplah surrounding this individual i asked myself where she came from, she seemed to just appear out of nowhere. A little research yielded that Kim is the daughter of OJ simpsons attorney, she was also apart of Paris Hiltons party posse (enough said there), lastly what really sent her over the top was a certain "home video" she made with singer/actor Ray J that leaked on the internet. And as a result of all that birthed a clothing line, commercials, magazine covers, and reality show(s). Therefore i felt with all this nonsense surrounding her, that I would conduct my presentation on Ms. Kim. Particularly i will compare her lifestyle with that of the Cynics (a bit of a stretch, but venture with me). Cynics were said to live like dogs, they lacked shame and didnt care for the opinions of others. "Cynics felt that the way people lived in civilized society was full of falsehood, emotional discomfort, and pointless striving. Yet honesty, ease, and repose were available to anyone who merely stopped lying, role-playing, and striving" (Hecht). Comparing this philosophy to Kim is like night and day, with all of the antics behind Kim (and all other b-list reality stars) it's clear that she has a thirst for fame, a desire for public acceptance. A cynic would say that such actions to gain fame are pointless and will not yield happiness. additionally cynics would disagree with any attempt for fame by anyone especially if it didn't better society and privileging the universe. The superficial lifestyle of Kim would also be a target of criticism, marrying a little known basketball player only to divorce and rake in money from the publicity, is deception at its peak. All this just boost ratings and pushes negative messages out to society. I'm not saying we should all be like Diogenes and "do our business in the street", but what i am saying is that we should take some of the cynics philosophy into consideration. Let's stop the psuedo reality, the superficial lifestyles, and worry less about public acceptance and more about the betterment of society. If there is a lesson that Kim K teaches, it's that fame can leave as swiftly as it arrived, therefore use it to push a positive message instead of selfish personal gain.
Next
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Group 4 Section 16
Our factual question was:
The Future of an Illusion was loosely based on who's dialogue?
A. Plato's
B. Schopenhauer's
C. Kant's
D. Confucius
and our discussion question was:
Do you think that fear of community rebuke has anything to do with people not rejecting religion?
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Questions for Group 3 Section H01- Jonathan Driver
Next: Happy Thanksgiving!
Group 005, Section H01
Factual question: What caused Bertrand Russell to doubt his belief in God?
A) The question, "What caused God?"
B) Insufficient physical proof to the existence of God.
C) The hypocrisy that Christians display toward their own religion.
D) He simply did not believe in the Bible.
(Answer: A.)
Discussion question: Russell said that many believers - such as Immanuel Kant - disposed of the intellectual arguments in favor of God and instead only chose to believe in the moral arguments for God. Are moral arguments enough to believe in a religion, or is more needed?
Evolution and Einstein 3-17
Monday, November 21, 2011
Group 1, Section 1
A: The Essence of Christianity
B: The Essence of Atheism
C: Christianity's Essence
D: Essence (the popular magazine)
Discussion:
What are your opinions/thoughts about Feuerbach's idea that there is no God- what we call divine is coming from us?
A: Robert Chambers
B: Epicurus
C: Desmond and Grant
D: Darwin
Discussion:
In Doubt, it is said that at one time in history, "there were attempts to take on the idea of evolution even among the religious." What do you think of this? Is it feasible?