Up@dawn 2.0

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

The Philosopher's Guild (Honors)

We began our plethora of philosophical discussions with one pertaining to Lou Marinoff's counseling proposal. We agreed that it could be possible in many milder cases, but in extreme cases (caused by chemical imbalances or the such), it would be better to see a more qualified professional. We then moved on to Aristotle's view of a happy life. We pondered the truth of happiness being affected after one's death and eventually dismissed the notion, saying instead of happiness, it should concern a fulfilled life.

-Graham

11 comments:

  1. Evan Mason6:34 PM CDT

    Philosophical Question:
    1)Is there an increase in American socialization? and 2) if so does this increase in social participation increase the philosophical intellect of America?
    Factual Question:
    Who authored the book "The Rise of American Philosophy"? Bruce Kuklick
    Comment Here:
    What really is happiness and success in life? Aristotle presents the idea that happiness is directly linked to success in life. I dislike and disagree with this definition. Happiness is entirely subjective, just as with self esteem. Unless a person chooses to feel a way, or allows themselves to be altered by society, happiness is all their own. Well other than chemical imbalances, lesions, malformations, and a whole host of other neurological possibilities, but alas those are arguments for another day. Supposing health, and wholeness of personal mind, happiness is subjective. Success within ones life is also subjective. I mean others can judge but again any person can choose to ignore or accept those judgements. And after death no one really cares to look back.
    Comment There:
    On highlanders
    Link:
    http://www.policymic.com/articles/51383/9-most-interesting-upcoming-supreme-court-cases

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is interesting that your group said happiness is a fulfilled life. Most of our group said that happiness comes and goes according to that moment.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I agree that Marinoff's methods may be able to treat mild cases. It would be interesting to see this alternative gain momentum in years to come.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Factual question:Who argued that the fear of death was a waste of time and based on bad logic? Epicurus
    Discussion question: Does the study of philosophy today encourage to use it practically by putting your thoughts and ideas into practice? Or does it focus mainly on the thinking and musing side?
    Comment: I know we didn't have a huge amount of time (or it seemed energy) to have deep discussion in class but I enjoyed what we had. I think that Aristotle's belief that what happens after our death affects how full our life is measured, is not only wrong but an odd idea. our death ends our life and the measure of our lives and this was the first I have ever heard an argument otherwise. It is an interesting concept to ponder though.
    Link: This is a possible depiction of Epicurus- http://wiki.epicurus.info/Image:Candacehsmithmap.jpg

    ReplyDelete
  5. Factual Question: what school of philosophy is Pyrrho credited with founding? (skepticism)
    Discussion Question: Do you believe in Epicurus' theory that there is no afterlife because the gods are not concerned with us?
    Last Time: I enjoyed speaking about Aristotle and comparing his beliefs to that of his teachers; I enjoyed how he had his own ideas instead of simply following their teachings.
    I commented on Section 16, Group 3's post!
    If anyone else is interested in Epicurus, here are a few of his translated works: http://classics.mit.edu/Browse/browse-Epicurus.html

    ReplyDelete
  6. Olivia (The Highlanders)11:23 AM CDT

    I, also, found it interesting that this group defined happiness as having a fulfilled life. I am curious as to what you defined having a fulfilled life as? Our group touched on the same thing and determined that it was to live a virtuous life, and living for something or someone outside of yourself, but then can you really do anything without selfish intent?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Factual question: How did Epicurus sum up his whole philosophy?(I was not; I have been; I am not; I do not mind)

    Discussion question: is it better to be skeptical about everything, or trusting of everything?

    Comment: I love meeting with our group. I end up learning so much about so many different things, even if they are a little off topic every now and again.

    Link: here is a link to an article on the epicurean philosophy
    http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/epicurus/

    ReplyDelete
  8. I think it's really cool your group discussed philosophers acting as counselors. I agree that for mild cases of depression, grief, etc they could be effective and come from a different viewpoint than Psychiatrists.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I agree with using philosophy as a sort of therapy like psychology with of course the exception of chemical imbalances like you noted.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Factual Question: What was Cicero's philosophy called? (Stoicism)

    Philosophical Question: If we could not feel anger or fear, could we feel joy or calm?

    Comment: All I have to say is that I am INCREDIBLY embarassed that I didn't do my job.

    Link: Ta-Da! A town named after Cicero. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicero,_Illinois

    ReplyDelete
  11. I feel like a philosophical councilors are an interesting idea...I don't know if I would go to one if I were in need, but some people might feel that they do not need psychological help and just want a new perspective to view life with...or at least a few new ideas on life and their problems.

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.