"What is Philosophy?" Section 13; Group 4

Hello Everybody!  I apologize for the tardiness of this post.  I have worked three sixteen hour shifts in a row, and am just now able to write.  I appreciate your patience.  When we were first told that this class would be purely discussion, I was a bit nervous.  I hate awkward silences and I know that, too often, those exist when participating in classroom discussions, especially when dealing with new classmates.  My mind was changed immediately when I got into my group.  We had an extremely open group who enjoyed the engagement and had much to say on our topic.  Several people sparked topics for discussion and asked insightful questions that promoted further discussion.  We started by going around in a circle and introducing ourselves to the group.  We discussed religion in relation to philosophy.  We agreed upon the fact that everybody has a philosophy, whether they are able to communicate it or not.  It was also discussed that the most difficult part of philosophy is being able to communicate such deep, inner thoughts verbally.  When we were discussing what we thought philosophy was, we had trouble coming up with the adequate words.  Philosophy, to us, cannot be narrowly defined.  A person's philosophy, whether verbal or internal, reflects an individuals innermost being--a person's innermost values and ideas on every aspect of life and the world.  We agree that a person's philosophy is ever changing, in that we as human beings are encountering new experiences each day and each moment.  After attempting to define philosophy, we went around in a circle and shared our personal philosophy's with one another, as well as how we feel about taking this class.  Mathew defined himself as a secular humanist.  He practices goodness towards others and supports arguments that leave animosity to the side.  Caleb, like myself, holds a Christian view of the world.  I believe that faith and trust will guide you through life's experiences and your given path.  I also believe that good will always triumph evil, in every situation.  Haley believes that people should not be judged, but accepted.  She states that you never know what people may be going through and you can never really walk in the shoes of another, so judgements must be put aside.  Amanda has an open mind and meditates.  She believes that nobody should allow the world to influence one's happiness, because this is something we create ourselves.  Chelsea stated that she had always been quite close minded, but enjoyed listening to our views and agrees that this class may open her mind much more.  Anthony  practices the golden rule and discusses the important lifelong mission of finding one's self and what makes yourself happy.  He states that communication is key.  The group could not have agreed more.  Megan is learning to communicate, and like Chelsea, agrees that this class will be a great opportunity for her to open up to others.  Caitlyn was raised Christian.  She strayed away from her parent's ideas to develop her own.  She agrees that we live and learn.  She also talks about the power of actions over words.  Caitlyn is curious and enjoys hearing others' perspectives and exploring the world.  I feel that each person left our group that day feeling much closer to one another.  We look forward to a great semester of discussing perspectives and ideas with one another.

Arielle Roides (PHIL 1030-013; 4)