Hello Everyone from Group #1
Speaking of Socrates and allowing ourselves to theorize on our understanding of him from what we discussed in class, 08-30-2012, compared to the text from A Little History of Philosophy.
We discussed our views on what philosophy is and in some cases how it applies to what we see around us. Though we all had great examples on different aspects of our understanding we touched on creating a situation where philosophy begins and how it could or could not define us as individuals.
What was it that Socrates did when he walked the streets of Athens and how was he viewed?
From this answer we reflect over our own situations and experiances. How do we compare to Socrates if at all? Are there situations that we deal with in the present or things that we experianced which could be handled from an additional aspect?
Michael Lucas
08-30-2012 Sec. 13 Tues. / Thurs.
In what way was Socrates sentenced to death?
ReplyDeleteIs there a correlation between morality/immorality and good/bad? In other words, is it possible to do an immoral action for a moral reason, or does that simply contradict the very definition? More over, is it easier to come to the conclusion that by nature humans are immoral, though in an attempt to be moral we strive to do such deeds?
Rachel Grahek Sec. 13 Tuesday/Thursday
When Socrates was taken to court (at age 70) what was he accused of?
ReplyDeleteIn the Little History book, there's a story about people being chained to a cave, facing the wall. Regardless of whether their "reality" is real or not, do you think anyone has a right to tell them otherwise? In relation, is reality subjective? Just because someone sees one thing and knows it to be reality, is it right for someone else to come along and say, "No, THIS is what's really going on..."?
Katie Young, Section 13, Tues/Thurs
Zach Cox Sec. 13 T/R Group #1
ReplyDeleteHow would we as a society view Socrates as he was in our time? The revolutionary he is? or A loon with a crazy psyche?
What type of government did Plato insist on being the way to run society?
I think that our last discussion on how we are or are not defined by our philosophy or actions reflects how Socrates was viewed by society. He seemed to be a dirty old loon, but actually was very intellectual and some officials found him dangerous because he teaching and new age thinking would urge society to see more clearly and think of the state of things from how they previously perceived it.
ReplyDeleteSocrates Section #13 Group #1 Tues/Thurs
ReplyDelete09-04-2012
Our understanding of Socrates is evolving and how his actions, lifestyle and the actions of others who associated with him intertwine with our lives.
Today we discussed one of the theoretical concepts that Socrates had. This was the view in which a person was put into a situation where one would take their own life through the use of a knife. We know that by taking the knife "AKA Stealing" that is a decietful and immoral act. However; if the knife was taken to prevent the ending of ones life is it possible to consider the stealing of the knife to be immoral or decietful? We had good responses to this topic and this showed to be a great conversation.
Give another example in how this scenerio could be applied or share your experience where this concept was applied.
We also understand that the jury which provided his sentence to death was biased to the church and disturbed by their interpretation on how he was speaking or influencing the youth of that time. If Socrates was in our time how would one of our juries view him?
Knowing that church was a large influence during that time and the people were encouraged if not forced to be of one perticular expression of regligion what would Socrates be in our time and why? Egnostic? Christian?
Michael Lucas
PHIL Section #13 Group #1 Tues/Thurs.
(We Know Nothing - Pyrrho)
DeleteI found this chapter more entertaining rather than intellectually stimulating. I wasn't sure whether or not to take this guy seriously or if he was providing comic relief to the otherwise perplexed readers. None the less, as it's the material for our group discussion today, I decided to formulate some potential discussion topics/questions.
Is it beneficial to be open minded, taking into consideration the philosophy of Pyrrho, and just not be an idiot?
We have been instilled with 'instincts' and a little voice in the back of our head telling us when things aren't quite right. What's the purpose of this if nothing is as it seems and we are not to trust what is in front of us? Where does it come from?
One of Pyrrho's though processes was "What difference does it make if you're dead or alive?" (pg. 17 in A Little History...) if that's the case, What's the point of living? Why even live at all if nothing is real and nothing matters? In that case then, what should we do with our lives?
Since I missed posting before the class on Tuesday, I went ahead a made a few factual questions that we could use.
ReplyDeleteWhat did Socrates believe that wisdom was?
Since Socrates didn't believe in writing things down, how do we know what he was like?
How was Socrates put to death?
What were the Sophists of Athens?
Also, reading further in A Little History of Philosophy, in chapter 2 about Aristotle, the author talks about how we increase our chance of eudaimonia (happiness). Aristotle believed that you must develop the right kind of character, which goes back to how you have been brought up. I think this goes back to what we were talking about on the first day of group discussions. This could be something to be further discussed because of the different viewpoints on how you are raised relating to a person's happiness.
I like Socrates mainly because he challenges ideas and theories. Since we can't apply every rule to every situation, I believe he wanted people to keep an open mind to the various situations in the ever changing world. His ugly features and brilliant mind proved that you shouldn't take everything for face value.
ReplyDeleteThe method used to break problems down into a series of questions?
I believe that Pyrrho's views are crazy. I don't really understand the logic behind his beliefs, other than him just wanting to live out life to the fullest. However, like the book said, if we all lived by his beliefs we would all be dead.
ReplyDeleteA factual question that can be asked is where do we believe that Pyrrho got his ideas from? Or What inspired his beliefs? Another is what does it mean if a person is dogmatic?
Good Evening Everyone,
ReplyDeleteMy apologies for my lateness in posting this.
DISCUSSING PYRRHO & EPICURUS
There are some considerable differences in philosophers now. When we started off with Socrates and the semi-close relation to Plato we could see the link from teacher to student. However; as we move forward to Aristotle and jump into Epicurus we see that side we may not have known was there. Skepticism to using our senses by objective perception.
We discussed in class our views on weather Pyrrho was just a mad depressive person or an adrenaline junkie who craved a thrill all for the sake of mental training. Epicurus on the other hand emphasized a way of living in how we could view being happy. This is a good topic to review in there are many ways to view life and how its worth living. Epicurus also made a strong point on how we view death. Lets save this discussion for class. I have a feeling this will be good.
Michael Lucas
09-12-2012 Section 13 Group #1 Tues/Thurs
Learning Not to Care - Epictetus
ReplyDeleteEpictetus’ approach is fueled by his apathy and indifference to the matter at hand. Through his life and personal experiences he has adapted a coping mechanism to the fact that “Shit happens”. Though I find myself to remain still more passionate about various topics, I acknowledge that he’s got a good point. Often times we get ourselves all worked up about things that are out of our control, and in tern fail at staying on top of the only thing we are the masters of, ourselves.
Factual Question: During his time as a slave what appendage was permanently injured? (Answer: Leg)
Discussion Question: “They believed emotions clouded reasoning and damaged judgement. We should not just control them, but whenever possible remove them altogether.” (pg. 29, A Little History...)When we rid ourselves of emotions all together what is gained vs. what is lost?
Rachel Grahek (Section 13 Group 1)
I feel as I learned more about myself than anything today. I learned that even though we must be logical to make the best decisions. We must also have our feelings play apart of what we decide. Without feelings we have no passion, no drive. What I get from all of this is that there is no just black or white areas. You can't be in just one. You have to be like a traffic cop in the middle of the crossroads, seeing where others are coming from. You have to live in the grey areas to be a balanced person and that will ultimately give you that piece of mind that we strive for as philosophers. We don't have to know the universe, just understand and emphasize with it.
ReplyDeleteF?-How was Seneca killed?
D?-How might stotic views be used effectively or not at all in todays society?
Casher Brown(Sec 13 G1)
While listening to everyone talk about their feelings on the balance between emotions and stoicism, I realized that a lot came from how you were raised. I was raised by an emotional family, so it makes me more emotional than stoic. However, there is a balance that must be found when making decisions. A decision can't be based on only your feelings or only logic; there is a commonground between both that will help you make the best decision possible.
ReplyDeleteFactual question:
Where did Epictetus start out?
How did stoicism help Epictetus make it through slavery?