Today our group discussed a documentary on Netflix about how Buddha left his family and newborn child to go pursue his personal dream. Dr. Oliver talked to our group about the dalai lama. He also told us about a guy who got tapped to be the next Dalai Lama, but he denied the request in order to continue his music. This was all very interesting, and led us into a discussion about whether or not leaving your family to pursue Nirvana is a selfish act. It seems relatively contradictory.
Fact: What are the "Four Noble Truths" of Buddhism?
1) Life is suffering
2) Suffering arises from selfish craving
3) Selfish craving can be eliminated.
4) One can eleminate selfish craving by following the right way.
Discussion: Buddhists say you are essentially insignificant in life and in the universe. Does the thought of being completely insignificant make you feel angry/sad/useless or is it a positive thing for you?
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ReplyDeleteThe thought of feeling insignificant could easily be a positive thing for many people,because that could be an excuse to just be lazy and non-productive your entire life. However, I think the thought of being insignificant is very disturbing. I think that it makes life useless to live. I'd like to think that I have some kind of purpose. I'm only gonna be a teacher, but still.. I hope to impact at least one person in my lifetime. I simply cannot grasp the thought of living life from birth thinking it has no meaning. Sounds like a recipe for quite the pitiful life.
ReplyDeleteFor Wednesday, February 1:
Fact: Aristotle was a student of ______.
Answer: Plato
Discussion: Aristotle believed that creatures were arranged in a graded scale of perfection rising from plants on up to man. Do you agree with this theory or disagree?
I have to agree with brittany here. The thought of having no importance is pretty depressing. I could not be happy thinking that I am absolutely insignificant.
ReplyDeleteWed. Feb. 1 discussion,
Aristotle (384-322 B.C) unlike previous philosophers was more into science and to using his senses. He also was more interested in the one wold aspect verses the many different worlds outlook that other philosophers at times used.
Discussion question: Is it more important to look and focus on our world or to look and a grand scheme of all that is into many worlds?
Fact question: what was Aristotle's definition of substance and essence?
answer: substance- any individual thing
DeleteEssence- what makes a substance what it is
I don't believe I could ever view myself as completely insignificant. Sure, when viewed in the entirety of space and time my life wouldn't even show up on the radar, but I fail to see how some rock floating a billion light-years away in some random era of time has any direct relation to me. What I do know is that I can walk up to someone, and depending on if I pay them a compliment or kick them in the shin, I can change the course of their day and, as a result, the days of others. While that doesn't amount to such actions as bringing peace to a country or discovering a world changing innovation, I feel that it is proof of significance.
ReplyDeleteFact: What is the study of the purpose of things?
Answer: teleogy
Discussion: Aristotle argues that when someone loses their essence, they cease to be that person. Does this apply to someone who has suffered severe brain damage? How about in the decision to cut life support?
The thought of being insignificant is a daunting one indeed. While most people of the western world deny the thought with every essence of their being, choosing to believe that they are special and have a unique purpose in life, one might in fact find the thought enlightening. Understanding that your life is but a single cell of the body of the universe can put things into perspective; your individual existence isn't really important, but together, all of our lives mean something very important.
ReplyDeleteFact question: Did Aristotle believe in a good life that is filled with reason and friends?
-He did indeed
Discussion: How did Aristotle's views contrast with his mentor's?
Significant or insignificant? I guess it depends on what you're referring to. I guess if your talking about the Universe, there's no possible way we could know since we don't know the meaning to life. But now we have societies and we have created 'significance'. We have given meaning to life on Earth (whether it exists or not) in our everyday lives. I know for a fact that I am significant to my family and to my particular workplace. Overlooking the objects humans have created, I suppose its entirely possible we have no meaning at all since there's no 'proof' telling us otherwise. But I guess that's the entire point to philosophy in the long run.
ReplyDeleteFactual Question: What is the translation of the Greek word "eudaimonia"?
A: "Doing well".
Discussion Question: What is significance?
I believe that if I am indeed insignificant, then the universe around me is also insignificant.
ReplyDeleteFact: When did aristotle die?
.....322 BC
Discussion: Can reason trump experience?