Hello, all.
Today Dr. Oliver lectured extensively on Spinoza, and briefly on Locke and Rorty; in group we discussed Spinoza and whether we are in agreement with his beliefs or not.
One question that Dr. Oliver asked us in order to kick off our group discussion was whether it was more comforting to believe in a god that is separate from nature, or a god that is nature. Is it more comforting to pray to a god separate from nature, knowing that everything is under his control? Or is it more comforting to seek love and support through fellow human beings? A couple of people in our group had some interesting answers -- but I'm really interested in hearing more! I feel that not enough people are speaking and sharing ideas within the group. So please feel welcome to include your ideas in your comment below!
--Hailey Lawson
Since I'm not religious, I feel that fellow human beings are all we have in life; so I think we should find support from the people around us.
ReplyDeleteRicky (16-3)
ReplyDeleteFQ:George Berkeley was an idealist, became a bishop but most famed for _____? (Answer: Metaphysics p.89 in PBB)
DQ: Sometimes we can't tell apart hallucinations from real things because of our perception. Why do we trust/rely on our perception when not everything perceived may or may not be true?
Dialogues from George Berkeley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs1MeDUgEOA
I really enjoyed Monday's discussion, I like to hear others ideas about religion, especially when in society we are highly suggested to stay away from the topics of religion and politics.
ReplyDeleteFQ: Berkeley's philosophy must be understood against the background of which scientific revolution? -Seventeenth century
DQ: Campbell asks, "how do we form a conception of such a world in the first place?" What is your answer to this question?
LInk: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/g/george_berkeley.html
16-2
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting how prominent figures in the past, such as Gottfriend Leibniz, could say that anything that happens is absolutely perfect and is meant to be. Innocent people suffering just because is not perfect and is neither goodness that has a little evil in it. There is nothing good or perfect about it.
Another thing, maybe I read it wrong, but i feel like Berkley's philosophy contradicts itself: he says that if no one is there to observe something, than that something is not there; but then he points out that god is experiencing it and therefore it is real. What was the point of this philosophy?
FQ: What is the name of the Voltaire's novel and the name of the main character in it? (Candide)
DQ: Does anything that stops being observed ceases to exist?
Three minute video on Voltaire
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcCWquxr6KA
Anthony Helton 16-3
ReplyDeleteFQ: Was Voltaire's real name Voltaire? (No, it was Francois- Marie d' Arouet)
DQ: If a tree falls in the woods does it make a sound?
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pheHVGvDw2I
FQ: Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature was written by which modern philosopher? (Richard Rorty)
ReplyDeleteDQ: Does our perception of nature actually mirror what is there or could we be missing something?
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjhVk-0Vhmk
Rorty discusses the compatibility of religion and science.
Personally, I feel like it is most comforting to pray to the God that created nature and finding love and security in that as well. Although, I do find seeing God as "in nature" is a very interesting idea and love to find comfort in friends and family! Sounds like yall's conversation was a very interesting one!
ReplyDelete