Up@dawn 2.0

Friday, September 20, 2019

Quiz Sep25/26

Midterm report presentations begin today. Consider taking us outside if it's (finally!) nice. Aristotle@dawn-LISTEN (9.25.19)

LH 2
1. What did Aristotle mean by "one swallow doesn't make a summer"?

2. In Raphael's School of Athens, who reaches out towards the world in front of him?

3. What does eudaimonia mean?

4. How can we increase our chance of eudaimonia?

5. Eudaimonia can only be achieved in relation to what?

6. How is "truth by authority" hostile to the spirit of philosophy?

JW
7. Hazlitt says the "soul of a journey" is what?

8. What happens "with change of place?"

FL 15, 16
9. The American pastoral ideal grew out of what?

10. Who called himself a transparent eyeball?

11. What extraordinary (and false) astronomical discovery was reported and widely believed in 1835?

12. What fundamental Fantasyland mindset was exploited and illustrated by the early career of P.T. Barnum?

13. What event celebrating the 400th anniversary of Columbus's arrival in the new world featured more than a dozen temporary, disposable, full-size facsimile neoclassical buildings?

14. What complex was founded in America over the course of nineteeth century?

DQ
  • What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness? 
  • If you were depicted in Raphael's School of Athens whose side would you be on, Plato's or Aristotle's? Or would you be in a posture more like Diogenes's?
  • Do you agree with Aristotle that tragic events occurring after your death, like your child's tragic illness, can still impact your happiness?
  • Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?
  • Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?





  • Would you rather attend Plato's Academy or Aristotle's Lyceum? Why?
  • Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired?
  • Is change the only constant in the Universe? Is that paradoxical?
  • Which God seems more plausible to you, one who is personally interested in human affairs or Aristotle's contemplative and self-regarding Mover? Which seems more compatible with the world as we know it?
  • Are forms in things, or do they stand apart and above as pure Ideas?
  • What do you see as the value of logic?
  • How can a person excel at "the art of living"? (275) Did Aristotle have the right idea about this? Do you have any role-models in this regard?
  • Aristotle said we philosophize not in order to know what excellence is, but to be excellent and become good. (283) Is this a false dichotomy? Do you have to know what good is, at least implicitly, before you can be good?
  • Is art a "cave within a cave" (286), or a source of light and truth? Or both?
  • Do you agree with Plato that "laughing at comedies makes us cyncial, shallow and ignoble"? (289)
  • If you side with Aristotle in preferring to study "earthly things" does that imply less interest in "thoughts of the heavens"? (290)




  • The Life of Aristotle (Edith Hall, video)...


    Edith Hall on the 5 Best Books on Aristotle:
    I was brought up in a strict Protestant family by an Anglican priest of the Calvinist end of the spectrum. I lost my religion completely at the age of 13 and this left a yawning gap. I nearly went off the rails because I could not see why there was any advantage in practising virtue. Without an interventionist or providential deity, I could see no point in trying to be a good person. Of course, I later discovered that it was a major discussion topic in moral philosophy. I had a disturbed teens, as many of us do: I tried all sorts of weird religions and spiritualism and narcotics. I was six years in the moral wilderness and miserable because I needed to have a goal in life, and a reasoned set of guideposts to what would make me happier and those around me happier and, by extension, the whole of society happier.

    The first bit of Aristotle I read was book three of the Nicomachean Ethicsfor an undergraduate essay on how characters deliberate and make decisions in tragedy. I was completely blown away by it. I realised that this was exactly what I had been looking for...

    ...at the risk of sounding flippant, my theory is that Plato invented the theory of the Forms because he was, in contrast [to Aristotle], short-sighted. I am very myopic myself and have had to create an advanced set of images in my head of what things look like to help me move around when I can’t find my contact lenses. I think Plato was the brainy, geeky boy born into a military-minded family of statesmen with tyrannical or oligarchic leanings. He became a philosopher because he couldn’t be a general, whereas Aristotle came striding down from Northern Greece with his 20/20 vision. So, of course Aristotle was interested in empirical study of material, physical reality and what Plato would have thought of as the superficial appearance of things... 


    He fled Athens because he was accused, just like Socrates, of impiety. But unlike Socrates (who wanted to be a martyr and could have left but didn’t), Aristotle sensibly removed himself back to safe exile in his maternal ancestral home. He died, probably of stomach cancer, not long after getting there, a disappointed man, at the age of sixty-two...

    His theory of conscious recollection, which only humans can perform, was a support to me [when my mother was dying]. Animals have memory, he argues, but they cannot deliberately recollect. Aristotle says that this is a uniquely human skill. That idea has also influenced me as an academic: I think I’m a custodian of deliberate recollection because I write history books and consciously retrieve memories of our human past, activate our historical consciousness. But the same notion became invaluable to me, personally, as I went through my memory bank and shared with my mother all my happiest memories of childhood with her. I think that helped my mother as well.

    We know that Aristotle used all sorts of aides-memoires. He had a painting of his mother of whom he had been very fond. He never forgot his wife, who died young. He had a bust of Socrates and a picture of a much-loved former student in the Lyceum too. He wrote a poem in memory of the ruler of Assos who had been a close friend. He used deliberate recollections to keep links with the past, even though he didn’t believe in any life after death. I think that is moving. The man who faced death full in the face, one of the very few people in Antiquity who did that, had this brave awareness that life is not only not a dress rehearsal, but it’s the sole performance and premiere rolled into one. I found him extraordinarily helpful in one of life’s most difficult situations.

    I think Aristotle is quite simply the most important intellectual who ever lived. He has foundational status in so many academic disciplines, as well as having invented a revolutionary human-centred ethics. Everybody deserves to get access to this marvellous thinker.
    (continues)
    ==
    The Stagirite said...
    “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” 

    “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” 

    “Happiness depends upon ourselves.” 

    “One swallow does not make a summer, neither does one fine day; similarly one day or brief time of happiness does not make a person entirely happy.” 

    “Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.” 

    “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”

    “Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.”

    “He who has overcome his fears will truly be free.” 

    “The high-minded man must care more for the truth than for what people think.” 
    ==

    Arts & Letters Daily search results for “aristotle” (18)



    2013-08-08 | Aristotle thought it witless. St. Augustine called it a disease. Only in the 1600s did society start to tolerate curiosity more »

    2016-10-17 | Philosophy, which, according to Aristotle, begins in wonder, has embraced pedantry and protocols and office charts. Can it be saved from itself? more »

    2018-05-14 | Aristotle in America. His understanding of the middle class was a truth upon which the country's founders depended when legislating their own republic more »

    2017-01-14 | Because the study of logic ended with Aristotle, Kant believed, the field had run its course. But what was logic for in the first place? more »

    2014-09-02 | According to Aristotle, to understand something we must grasp what it is not. We must come to terms with nothingness. But how? more »

    2017-05-03 | Welcome to Scrutopia, the English countryside enclave of farmers and philosophers, Wagner and wine, animals and Aristotle. Roger Scruton calls it home more »

    2014-04-29 | Can anyone 'sigh blood? or play ?whisper music? on her hair? No matter: As Aristotle knew, a command of metaphor is 'the mark of genius? more »

    2017-12-06 | Equality is a modern idea. Its detractors have included Plato and Aristotle; indeed, for most Western thinkers, humanity was marked by chasms of distinction more »

    2018-06-01 | Aristotle’s ethics of virtue offers a flexible philosophy for the 21st century. Yet few people read him today. The problem: his academese more »

    2014-02-04 | Aristotle noted four types of lies; Augustine eight. Both frowned on fibbing. But some truths can be conveyed only through falsehoods more »

    2014-06-06 | Aristotle was a big walker ? thus we call his philosophical school Peripatetic ? but is there really a connection between moving feet and moving minds? more »

    2014-08-25 | Long before Cuvier, Darwin, and Mendel, Aristotle was deciphering the mysteries of the cuttlefish's abdominal tract, the ambiguities of hyena genitals more »

    2013-07-17 | A philosopher's biography contends with philosophy's dismissal of biography. To wit, Heidegger on Aristotle: ?He was born, he thought, he died? more »

    2016-08-15 | Aristotle called plot "the first principle." Though many revolutions have tried to replace it with intellectual or aesthetic dazzle, plot always returns more »

    2018-06-08 | Did you know that Aristotle spoke with a lisp? That Socrates enjoyed dancing? The third-century gossip of Diogenes Laërtius is fascinating, if not always factual more »

    2016-12-15 | What does it mean to “know” the future? The question has perplexed Aristotle, Newton, Laplace, Thomas Nagel, and quantum theorists alike. Is an answer possible? more »

    2018-07-23 | Aristotle wrote an essay, “On Sleep and Sleeplessness,” wondering how and why we sleep. Maybe the real wonder is why we bother to stay awake more »

    2018-08-11 | How would Aristotle cater a luncheon? What would he say about résumés or global warming? Such tidbits, among other fluff, make up a new book more »
    ==
    Russell: IN the corpus of Aristotle's works, three treatises on ethics have a place, but tow of these are now generally held to be by disciples. the third, the Nicomachean Ethics, remains for the most part unquestioned as to authenticity, but even in this book there is a portion (Books V, VI, and VII) which is held by many to have been incorporated from one of the works of disciples. I shall, however, ignore this controversial question, and treat the book as a whole and as Aristotle's. The views of Aristotle on ethics represent, in the main, the prevailing opinions of educated and experienced men of his day. They are not, like Plato's, impregnated with mystical religion; nor do they -172- countenance such unorthodox theories as are to be found in the Republic concerning property and the family. Those who neither fall below nor rise above the level of decent, well-behaved citizens will find in the Ethics a systematic account of the principles by which they hold that their conduct shold be regulated. Those who demand anything more will be disappointed. The book appeals to the respectable middle-aged, and has been used by them, especially since the seveteenth century, to repress the ardours and enthusiasms of the young. But to a man with any depth of feeling it cannot but be repulsive. The good, we are told, is happiness, which is an activity of the soul. Aristotle says that Plato was right in dividing the soul into tow parts, one rational, the other irrational. The irrational part itself he divides into the vegetative (which is found even in plants) and the appetitive (which is found in all animals). the appetitive part may be in some degree rational, when the goods that it seeks are such as reason approves of. This is essential to the account of virtue, for reason alone, in Aristotle, is purely contemplative, and does not, without the help of appetite, lead to any practical activity. There are tow kinds of virtues, intellectual and moral, corresponding to the two parts of the soul. Intellectual virtues result from teaching, moral virtues from habit. It is the business of the legislator to make the citizens good by forming good habits. We become just by performing just acts, and similarly as regards other virtues. By being compelled to acquire good habits, we shall in time, Aristotle thinks, come to find pleasure in performing good actions. One is reminded of Hamlet's speech to his mother: Assume a virtue if you have it not. That monster, custom, who all sense doth eat, Of habits devil, is angel, yet in this, That to the use of actions fair and good He likewise gives a frock or livery That aptly is put on. We now come to the famous doctrine of the golden mean. Every virtue is a mean between two extremes, each of which is a vice. This is proved by an examination of the various virtues. Courage is a mean between cowardice and rashness; liberality, between prodigality and -173- meanness; proper pride, between vanity and humility; ready wit, between buffoonery and boorishness; modesty, between bashfulness and shamelessness. Some virtues do not seem to fit into this scheme; for instance, truthfulness. Aristotle says that this is a mean between boastfulness and mock-modesty (1108a), but this only applies to truthfulness about oneself. I do not see how truthfulness in any wider sense can be fitted into the scheme. There was once a mayor who had adopted Aristotle's doctrine; at the end of his term of office he made a speech saying that he had endeavoured to steer the narrow line between partiality on the one hand and impartiality on the other. The view of truthfulness as a mean seems scarcely less absurd. Aristotle's opinions on moral questions are always such as were conventional in his day. One some points they differ from those of our time, chiefly where some form of aristocracy comes in. We think that human beings, at least in ethical theory, all have equal rights, and that justice involves equality; Aristotle thinks that justice involves, not equality, but right proportion, which is only sometimes equality...
    IEP: Aristotle is a towering figure in ancient Greek philosophy, making contributions to logic, metaphysics, mathematics, physics, biology, botany, ethics, politics, agriculture, medicine, dance and theatre. He was a student of Plato who in turn studied under Socrates. He was more empirically-minded than Plato or Socrates and is famous for rejecting Plato's theory of forms.
    As a prolific writer and polymath, Aristotle radically transformed most, if not all, areas of knowledge he touched. It is no wonder that Aquinas referred to him simply as "The Philosopher." In his lifetime, Aristotle wrote as many as 200 treatises, of which only 31 survive. Unfortunately for us, these works are in the form of lecture notes and draft manuscripts never intended for general readership, so they do not demonstrate his reputed polished prose style which attracted many great followers, including the Roman Cicero. Aristotle was the first to classify areas of human knowledge into distinct disciplines such as mathematics, biology, and ethics. Some of these classifications are still used today.
    As the father of the field of logic, he was the first to develop a formalized system for reasoning. Aristotle observed that the validity of any argument can be determined by its structure rather than its content. A classic example of a valid argument is his syllogism: All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; therefore, Socrates is mortal. Given the structure of this argument, as long as the premises are true, then the conclusion is also guaranteed to be true. Aristotle’s brand of logic dominated this area of thought until the rise of modern propositional logic and predicate logic 2000 years later.
    Aristotle’s emphasis on good reasoning combined with his belief in the scientific method forms the backdrop for most of his work. For example, in his work in ethics and politics, Aristotle identifies the highest good with intellectual virtue; that is, a moral person is one who cultivates certain virtues based on reasoning. And in his work on psychology and the soul, Aristotle distinguishes sense perception from reason, which unifies and interprets the sense perceptions and is the source of all knowledge.
    Aristotle famously rejected Plato’s theory of forms, which states that properties such as beauty are abstract universal entities that exist independent of the objects themselves. Instead, he argued that forms are intrinsic to the objects and cannot exist apart from them, and so must be studied in relation to them. However, in discussing art, Aristotle seems to reject this, and instead argues for idealized universal form which artists attempt to capture in their work.

    Aristotle was the founder of the Lyceum, a school of learning based in Athens, Greece; and he was an inspiration for the Peripatetics, his followers from the Lyceum... IEP

    “One swallow does not make a summer,
    neither does one fine day; 
    similarly one day or brief time of happiness does not make a person entirely happy.” 

    “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” 

    “What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.” 

    “Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.” 

    “Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way — that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.” 

    “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” 

    “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” 

    “Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.”

    “The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living differ from the dead.” 
    ==
    Abstract:  Aristotle's ethics is reviewed and his distinction between pleasure and happiness is explained.
    A summary of Aristotle's ethics clarifies several important distinction between happiness and pleasure.

    151 comments:

    1. H01
      https://boingboing.net/2018/09/21/donald-trump-hissing-weirdly-a.html

      Here is a video of Trump hissing at reporters. It's pretty

      entertaining.https://gizmodo.com/the-real-story-behind-that-viral-video-of-president-tru-1829227601
      Here is some context for the video but to me it is still pretty funny.

      ReplyDelete
    2. Erica Combs2:41 PM CDT

      H1:
      What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      In my opinion, pleasure is the short-term joy that a person feels when participating in an act that they enjoy. This could be the feeling after having a good talk with an old friend, eating a food that one finds enticing, playing a game that is fun to that person. Happiness, similar to Aristotle's definition, is a constant enjoyment of just being. One doesn't have to necessarily enjoy the all day, every day; however, happiness is achieved when one is present during unpleasant circumstances, and chooses to see it as a learning experience.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. H-03

        I like this view. You don't need to be in constant pleasure to feel happiness.

        Delete
      2. Being in constant happiness mitigates the values of happiness. Enjoying every single moment of a day is not possible

        Delete
      3. Sky Strube H0110:25 PM CDT

        Good answer! Much more comprehensible than something similar that I said.

        Delete
      4. H02: I agree. Being happy to me is a constant, and to me means feeling content with life as a whole.

        Delete
      5. H-02
        I mostly agree with what you said here... I think pleasure is definitely a temporary wave of emotion that comes out of doing something one enjoys, but I also have been told my whole life that happiness isn't constant. I remember being in sermons and such where the priest harped on how "joy" was a constant state of satisfaction, and happiness was similar to the definition of pleasure that you posted above: temporary. I'm not sure if I agree with that or not, but I found that interesting so there ya go.

        Delete
      6. That's a good way to put happiness, that's how I see it too. Pleasure is an automatic response to something you like. Happiness is a state of being.

        -Sara R (13)

        Delete
      7. McKennah Campbell11:50 PM CDT

        Section 12
        I could not have said this better myself. I feel as if pleasure is something people feel about something or a hobby, but happiness is a state of mind and way of living.

        Delete
      8. I agree. Pleasure is different for everyone, and what it is they like doing. I feel that it’s hard to truly be happy, as you cannot feel that at all times.

        Delete
    3. Jacob Hamm (H-03)
      1.[What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?]
      I think that they are related to each other, but not necessarily interchangeable. I think I agree with the classical idea off “one swallow doesn't make a summer”, or the idea that a few moments of happiness does not make you happy. I think being happy all of the time is impossible, and that we can only define happiness by the bad times in which we do not experience pleasure or happiness at all.

      2. [Do you agree with Aristotle that tragic events occurring after your death, like your child's tragic illness, can still impact your happiness?]
      I do not believe in this, as I have the more pragmatic view that that our happiness is just an emotional response to our surroundings, which is cut off (like all other bodily functions) after death. Although I would be greatly saddened and depressed to hear that my child were to become ill, I would only even be aware of this while I was alive.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. H-03

        #2 - I agree, I don't think it can impact happiness after death. Though the questions suggests an afterlife, I think even then, in the afterlife, worldly events are not going to impact you as much. The point of the afterlife is that you are in the presence of God and that other things should not matter except for what you are being judged for.

        Delete
    4. 1. Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?
      - Am I happy? In a way, I guess. A little bit. I'd say I am more content with the way things are than I am happy. There are a number of things I do that I would prefer not to do, but I do them anyway to save my future self some stress and unnecessary trouble. I am not a hedonist and I don't agree with that way of thinking. There are some deep and powerful things I got to learn and experience and have deeper connections with through unhappy events. I would not have had this if everything in my life was pleasureful.

      2. What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?
      - Pleasure makes you feel good and it's a way to make you happy. However, constant pleasure may not always make you happy. Happiness is an emotion that may come out of pleasure, but not always. In a pursuit of pleasure, you are only doing things that only make you feel good. There's a plate of delicious cookies on the table. In a pursuit of pleasure, you eat as many of the cookies you want in order to satisfy yourself, even though you should not because you want to watch your weight. So in the moment, you get to enjoy the pleasure of the delicious cookies and it might make you a little bit happy, but it was an overall bad decision because you just ate way above your daily calorie intake.

      3. Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?
      - It depends. In this information age, we have to be skeptical. There's so much information and so many people are saying so many different things, there is almost no reason for you to ever believe anything and everything any person, institution, or tradition tells you. I don't think we have a choice. It can also get to a point where it might be dangerous to be constantly skeptical about everything. It feels great to not have to be skeptical- letting go of my skepticism and letting myself believe is much easier on the brain than constantly having my guard up. Generally speaking, I would say I believe everything my educational institution teaches me because I have to trust them. A large part of my day is occupied by school, so it goes without saying.


      ReplyDelete
    5. H01
      weekly essay 250+
      "Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?"I believe that I am getting to be happy. Lately my life has had a series of very low points that slowly I am getting out of. Today I would not really describe myself as happy but I know one day I will be happy. I do try to live in a way that gratifies myself and helps me get towards truly being happy. My goal in life is to live a life that makes me happy but I have this goal so that my friends and family around me might also be happy if they see me happy. My job involves caring for people so acting like I am always happy is definitely a must but I would also like to stop acting and genuinely be happy. I don’t think anyone is capable of being happy all the time. Life hits you hard and it hits you a lot but this is what makes the good parts of life so good. After feeling the depths of sadness for a while and then climbing out truly makes one appreciate the high points in life. My own battle with depression and anxiety has shown me that happiness is something to be treasured. Of course, my life has as many ups and downs as the next person but I always try choose to do the things that make me happy. Whether that be getting my favorite candy from the store one day or spending an evening just being with the people who are important to me. I believe the choice to be happy is an easy one to make if you just let go of the pressures life brings.

      ReplyDelete
    6. Anastasia Hanes H-0311:15 AM CDT

      DQ:1
      Pleasure and happiness are certainly linked but I do understand what Aristotle was saying about these two concepts being different from each other. Pleasure is present tense, it can only be experienced in the present and it can only exist if one can experience it in the present. Anticipation can be pleasurable, but it is confined to the ability to experience it. You can feel pleasure for knowing you are going to feel pleasure, but that sense of enjoyable anticipation vanishes if the event cannot be experienced personally. Happiness is more abstract and thus more continuous. Happiness to me is a state rather than a feeling in this context, it is satisfaction and security along with moments of pleasure. For example, I don’t think it is too presumptuous to say that most people do not take pleasure in spending days and nights studying for a test nor do they experience pleasure from taking a 70-question exam. They may feel pleasure or a sense of pride in the good grade afterwards, but the process is not pleasurable. For a lot of people I know, the “pay off” isn’t actually pleasure but a sense of relief from fear and worry, so then the experience doesn’t provide a surplus of positive feeling. For many people, school work is not pleasurable, yet I would say that for many people schoolwork, or work in general, is vital to their happiness because it provides accomplishment and the increased chance of stability. Happiness is a sense of being comfortable enough to not have to go so far out of one’s way to seek pleasure but rather be in a state where pleasure and a feeling of being content are naturally occurring. Happiness is future and past tense, it exists regardless of one’s ability to personally experience it in that moment.

      ReplyDelete
    7. Anastasia Hanes H-0311:48 AM CDT

      DQ: 2
      I believe I would side more with Aristotle than with Plato because I more appreciate the idea that things should be experienced to help you understand them. I also prefer Aristotle and Socrates's view of how philosopher's should function in society to Plato's hierarchy of unquestionable authority.

      DQ 5:
      I want to say that I don't blindly believe things based on authority but that would be a lie. I feel like in our society you are forced into situations where you have to sometimes believe things of the basis of authority. We have the ability to pick the most well informed authority but we can easily still fall victim to this fallacy. I don't have the resources to physically recreate and observe for myself all the chemical and biological principles I am learning about in my major and must assume that my professor and the people credited with the discovery of these principles did their due diligence and are telling me correctly. On a more social note, currently I have to believe on authority that college is the road to success. I take on authority that the social standards by which people in my position, at this time, and in this place abide by are beneficial. I take on authority that laws are generally just and should be followed in my society. Philosophy questions, or rather it should allow people to question, any information they take on authority but we are part of a society so questioning everything could just as easily lead to the opposite extreme of the skepticism depicted in Fantasyland that allowed people to believe nothing but their own ideas on reality regardless of how right or wrong they may be. So I try to believe as little on authority as I can but I recognize that I am not at the point where I am truly thinking about everything for myself.

      DQ 6:
      As I explained in my answer to DQ2 I prefer the style of Aristotle's Lyceum because it is more experiential. I am generally more interested in understanding the world as I physically interact with it more fully before trying to see to the abstract levels beyond. To use Plato's own allegory of the cave, I would prefer to come to realize the nature of the shadows and the presence of the fire so that I can find the outside world and understand the sun better for having known the fire. The difference being that in reality as we know it to be now, we may not be able to experience the higher levels of abstraction that Plato describes in the Forms and, for lack of a better term, this version of reality may be all we get. That doesn't mean I can't appreciate Plato's pursuit of deeper understanding through disregarding false ideas of appearance but without a grounding in the physical and the experiential I would not feel as much accomplishment and understanding. I also just feel a deep unease at Plato's authoritarian and hierarchical ideas of a perfect society so while it does not discredit his points it does make me less comfortable with the amount of faith a student must have in their teacher to learn.

      ReplyDelete
    8. What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      Pleasure can come in moments of true unhappiness, but happiness only exists after a long pattern of small pleasures.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. That makes sense. Its like with the long pattern of small pleasures, there is not much true unhappiness

        Delete
      2. The idea of pleasure being sometimes considered "fake" happiness is interesting. Substituting stress with drugs or staying with a partner even though you are no longer in love with them.

        Delete
    9. Whats the difference between pleasure and happiness

      The way I see it is that pleasure is the product of our physical seses, whereas happiness is a product of the soul. You can not experience pleasure but still be happy and at peace.

      ReplyDelete
    10. 1. What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      Pleasure is joy in the moment. Something that lasts only for a moment. Happiness is long term joy.

      2. Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?
      I would like to say I am happy, but if I really think about it, my life is in pursuit of pleasure. My happiness has remained the same for a while as I chase pleasure.

      3. Do you agree with Aristotle that tragic events occurring after your death, like your child's tragic illness, can still impact your happiness?

      If your dead you no longer have electric signals in your body, therefore anything that happens after your death cannot impact your happiness.


      ReplyDelete
    11. Personal DQ's Caleb McBride Part 1: H3

      How do you define the term Piety?

      The pursuit of happiness and pleasure is a noble goal, but at what point does it cross over into hedonism?

      Prioties in life are important, what do you feel are your biggest priorities at this point in your life?

      Philosophy is very centered on contemplation, but at what point does contemplating about life start interfering with it?

      Is it possible to fully believe in both religion and science?

      Are animals capable of feeling true happiness, or just pleasure?

      Should personal happiness be a standard goal of humanity?

      Does civilization make it harder for the mondern person to find happiness?

      Are things (like life) beautiful because they end or because they are intrinsically beautiful?

      If happiness is the goal, then what is the purpsoe of suffering?

      With the current cultural trajectory, do you think humanity is heading in the right direction?

      Can one person's avenue of achieving happiness work for another?

      Is it better to know a lot about a little or a little about a lot?

      What are some life changing experiences that you think everyoe should experience at least once?

      Can people change?

      Are people responsible for their own happiness, or is it reliant on others?

      Is ignorance bliss?

      In a modern world, how important is it to "play" instead of work?

      ReplyDelete
    12. (H03) Do you agree with Plato that "laughing at comedies makes us cyncial, shallow and ignoble"?

      Comedy is known as the art of taking experiences or stories, and configuring them in a way that would invoke a reaction of laughter out of an audience. Comedians typically use dark humor within their programs in order to accomplish a couple of things: For one, it is to relieve the tension that occurs when acknowledging controversy and make light of potential darkness. Another, is to relate to the audience’s and their thoughts, which entails a greater possibility for the comedian to connect with his audience, and consequently, yield more profit from his shows. Because of this, it is completely valid for those, such as Plato, to think that laughing at jokes containing such taboo material would make us cynical, shallow, and ignoble. And I do not sway far from that viewpoint at all, except in the sense that it doesn’t make those that do laugh bad people.

      Humans by nature, are judgemental and quick to make rational assumptions. The definition of rational is to utilize the current knowledge one possesses to make decisions that will maximize benefits, especially considering one’s well being. That is unfortunately the underlying reason for mentalities that push towards racism and others. But, comedians such as Chris Rock, Louis C.K., and Dave Chapelle capitalize on these mindsets. They create jokes that are deemed inappropriate for any other setting but in a comedy show, and it gets a laugh out of the people that acknowledge them to have underlying truth.

      ReplyDelete
    13. Personal DQ's Caleb McBride H3

      What are the drawbacks and benefits of a hedonistic pont of view, in your opinion?

      Can happiness be boiled down to brain chemistry? Or is it something more?

      Why do so many people search for happiness in material things (money status...etc.)

      Can happiness be found from material things?

      Can people be genetically predisposed to happiness or suffering?

      Is there a limit to how happy someone can be?

      What event in your life would make you happier if it hadn't happened?

      Is humor a sign of pleasure or happiness?

      Does faith in other people help with happiness, or open you up to suffering?

      Do laws limit happiness?

      Is self improvement necessary for happiness?

      Is there a limit to how happy someone can be?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. (Why do so many people search for happiness in material things (money status...etc.))

        This is a good question, but I think you should change happiness to pleasure for this question. Things like money and status are things that could possibly last forever, but they're mostly things that give you an immediate feeling of happiness, not a lasting feeling. The excitement for having those things will fade, and the drawbacks will make themselves known. People look for happiness in these things because sure, they could solve a problem or two for a short time, but a lot of people don't think about long-term happiness, just short-term. That's why these things bring pleasure, not happiness.

        Delete
    14. WEEKLY 250+ WORD ESSAY
      Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired? H01
      All throughout my school years I had multiple teachers I disagreed with. Whether on small issues, like teaching style, or larger, more moral based issues, there was always someone I disagreed with. However, one particular high school teacher stands out to me as someone that I greatly disagreed with. This particular teacher was very open about their political views. They were never afraid to share their opinions on any of their beliefs. While some teachers I encountered throughout school tended to be forceful about their beliefs, and were disgruntled by anyone sharing their opposing point of view, this teacher was always open. In fact, they loved having discussions on politics, society, and morals and made the classroom a safe place for these conversations. I was never made to feel as though I was less than for my opinions. This teacher always encouraged independent thought, and always wanted us to develop our own opinions and ideas. I have always admired this specific teacher for their passion to teach their students the importance of not being afraid to stand up for what they believe in, as well as to be able to defend their positions on a wide variety of issues. While on a personal level I disagreed with this teacher’s specific political veiws, I strongly agreed with their teaching style, their desire to get their students to think for themselves and not rely on the ideas of others, and their desirt to support this environment within the classroom. Not only was I able to fully express my ideas, but I was also able to strengthen my own opinions by being given the opportunity to defend them.

      ReplyDelete
    15. H01 What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?
      To me,pleasure and happiness are related, but not synonymous. Pleasure can add to happiness, but is not long term. Happiness is more conceptual, and stems from being content with life. Pleasure is a temporary enjoyment of something.

      ReplyDelete
    16. Pleasure is a mostly a want. Happiness is a need to be able to live life. H01

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Khadijah, I agree! Pleasure really is mostly a want, rather than something that you need.

        Delete
      2. Another great way of distinguishing these two ideas. Pleasure comes from indulgence while happiness comes from one's ability to be at peace with one's self or actions.

        Delete
    17. Samual Shapiro H026:45 PM CDT

      (What’s the difference between pleasure and happiness?)
      To me, pleasure is a sort of short term, concentrated happiness, whereas happiness in general is a feeling that lasts for hours or more. Pleasure is the feeling of a surprise visit from a friend or a tasty desert. Happiness, on the other hand, is a feeling of comfort for periods of time that is less influenced by minor events.

      ReplyDelete
    18. Samual Shapiro H026:45 PM CDT

      (Am I happy? Am I a Hedonist?)
      At the time of this writing, I feel happy, though I am not feeling hedonistic. Hedonism, I find, is diametrically opposed to the idea that helping others is the purpose of one’s existence, which is an idea I hold. Seeking pleasure, in my opinion, is completely reasonable and within human nature; I would never expect anyone to forgo their personal pleasures completely to give to others. Likewise, I find it unreasonable to completely ignore the need to give to others to pursue personal pleasures.

      ReplyDelete
    19. Samual Shapiro H027:01 PM CDT

      (Do I agree with Aristotle about tragic events...?)
      I do not. As an atheist, I believe that once my brain ceases to function, I will never experience any feeling ever again. Though I do not wish for unfortunate things to happen in this world after my death, they will never have any impact on me.

      ReplyDelete
    20. Samual Shapiro H027:01 PM CDT

      (Do I believe in anything purely based on authority or tradition?)
      I try very hard to take everything I am told with a grain of salt and then rationalize it myself, rather than believe without question. Sometimes, however, life is easier without spending the effort to argue about the smaller things. For example, diet drinks pass by the FDA, yet many people argue that when consumed in great amounts, diet drinks can lead to medical issues. I don’t drink many diet drinks, so I don’t really care one way or the other, so for the time being, I will just assume that the FDA is right. However, more important issues, even if authority says all is well, deserve to be questioned, such as the quality of tap water in Flint, Michigan. If the quality of something is never taken into question, tap water in this instance, no one will become aware of serious health hazards.

      ReplyDelete
    21. "Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?"

      I always hold what I am told to a certain level of skepticism, I like to think a healthy amount of not outright thinking everybody is lying to me but also not thinking everybody is wholly right in every statement they say. I like to live in a place where if it is the truth, neat, if it isn't the truth, well what is. I will admit, if something makes sense to me logically, I question it a lot less than other things and I honestly won't always hold those with as much skepticism although I shouldn't. I shouldn't rule out things just because they appear logical so I try not to do this but, you know, you don't always have the motivation to fact check every little thing in life especially if it honestly isn't that important.

      "Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired?"

      I actually run into this quite a bit and I try to let this not effect how I view an individual, but there have been many times I'll have respect for somebody from them being a teacher or perhaps just an adults/somebody older than me but then I'll hear their opinions and beliefs and I just can't agree with it. As I said, though, I try not to let this get between me and the individual especially if it's in a setting where I have to deal with them even if I don't agree with them (like a teacher).

      ReplyDelete
    22. Robin Cook8:17 PM CDT

      H01

      I feel that pleasure tends to last for short spurts while happiness is a lasting feeling generally.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Happiness can arise from pleasure, while pleasure does not always arise from happiness. Both are different ideas that set out to achieve the same goal (to feel good).

        Delete

    23. H01

      What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      The difference between pleasure and happiness is that pleasure is the external forces that makes us temporary happy. We are happy because we have received external pleasure from our environment.

      Do you agree with Aristotle that tragic events occurring after your death, like your child's tragic illness, can still impact your happiness?

      For me yes because I’m a Buddhist. My mother always say that during hard times our ancestor are watching over us from above and protecting us. Because of my religion, I believe that if my children were to be hurt after my death it will impact my happiness.

      Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?

      I think I am a hedonist because I tend to pursue pleasurable activities that make me happy. I am not 100% a hedonist because there is a limited amount of time and money in order to be a 100% hedonist.

      Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?

      Yes and no. When writing English papers, any author or institution is credible when they come from a reputable source. I think these sources are credible because the sources are reviewed by several authors who are experts in the field. This doesn’t mean that every person in authority is reliable. For example, people in politics are people of great authority but not everything that comes out of their mouth is credible. In this case, the person of authority doesn’t have anyone to back up their claims.

      What do you see as the value of logic?

      The value of logic is weighted heavily on how much reasoning and details you can use to support your logic. The more support you have for your logic, the more valuable the logic is.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I agree that the value of logic is decided with reasoning for support. Without all those details, it can be difficult to explain it.

        Delete
    24. What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      I believe that pleasure is temporary, but happiness is a lasting feeling. Pleasure is something that makes us feel good for a short period of time. For example, petting a dog makes us happy for a while, but happiness is the eternal feeling that you have about dogs.You are not always petting a dog, but the way that you feel about dogs may always make you happy. (H01)

      ReplyDelete
    25. Ethan Young9:56 PM CDT

      (H02) What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      I would agree with my peers that pleasure is a feeling that is temporary and happiness is everlasting. On a deeper level though, happiness is a state of being, one that is primarily derived from pleasure. In that regard, from my own understanding, it is better to be content. The difference between the three is then as follows: pleasure is a temporary feeling, happiness is experiencing the state of this feeling, and contentment is the choice of being happy with the temporary pleasures you experience from time to time.

      ReplyDelete
    26. Sky Strube H0110:19 PM CDT

      What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      For me, the difference between pleasure and happiness isn’t concrete. You can have both at the same time and you can have one without the other. I associate pleasure with immediate satisfaction. Chocolate, for instance, is pleasurable because it immediately satisfies my desire for a treat. Pleasure is easy to seek out and find. It can be found in shopping for a new pair of shoes, or receiving a compliment, or taking a nap. Pleasure will not cause long term happiness. Happiness is achieved through more of a transition. I don’t think happiness in inherently instilled in us, I think it is gained through experience and dedication. Ultimate happiness for me would mean being married, having a few children, being a homemaker, cooking meals for my family, helping them with what they need, and shaping my family into good people. Obviously, I don’t have any of those things yet. I will go through a transformation to achieve these goals. Does this mean I’m not happy now? No, not necessarily. I would consider myself to be happy right now. I’m a new college student, my classes are going well, I just joined a sorority and am making lots of new friends, my family life is doing well, and I’m managing everything quite nicely. This is my current state of happiness. Do I find my current state of life pleasurable? I don’t, because nothing is immediately happening to me, I am just living and existing. To sum up, pleasure is immediate and happiness is a state of being achieved over time.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I feel exactly the same, especially about the chocolate example. That was a really great, relatable scenario.

        Delete
    27. H01
      What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?
      For me, I think the difference between happiness and pleasure is something like length and depth. Pleasure is something you might get from a cookie or getting your nails done. It makes you feel good, but only for a little while. Happiness on the other hand, has to do with having peace in life. I think it has to do with being able to accept your surroundings and your situation in life. Happiness is being able to still find good in your life even when things aren’t so great. Happiness is, to me, having a firm grip on what you think of and expect from life so that you are better able to deal with the hard things.

      Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?
      I am happy. However, I am not a hedonist. I believe there is more to life than just pleasure.

      What do you see as the value of logic?
      I think logic is extremely important because it leads to your happiness. I think we are all asking the big questions of life. Either we ignore them and shove them down deep inside, leaving us discontent, or we use logic to try and find answers, hopefully finding our meaning in life as well as our own happiness. I believe we all need to answer these questions and logically thinking is the way to do so.

      Do you agree with Aristotle that tragic events occurring after your death, like your child's tragic illness, can still impact your happiness?
      I don’t think so. I am a Christian so I believe that once you are dead, you happiness cannot be affected.

      Would you rather attend Plato's Academy or Aristotle's Lyceum? Why?
      I think I would rather attend Aristotle’s Lyceum. Plato’s philosophy was too abstract for me. I need a good mix of abstract and concrete.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Section 9

        I agree. I'm more concerned with things going on here on Earth. Fixating on whims of the mind doesn't seem useful or practical to me.

        Delete
    28. H01
      (Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired?)

      It's mostly been over political views that I've disagreed with a teacher, but other than that there haven't been huge disagreements between me and a teacher.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Section 9

        For me, it's been issues of morality. Right and wrong. Some people see the world as very black and white. Others in shades of grey. Differences in the two tend to clash on very fundamental ways of thinking that you might have to agree to disagree on.

        Delete
    29. H01
      (What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?)

      For me, pleasure is a very specific type of feeling, like I only associate so many things with pleasure, but happiness comes from many different things for me, large or small. It's hard, because I get happiness from things that are pleasurable, but things that bring me pleasure don't necessarily always make me happy. That sounds confusing but it's the best way that I can describe it.

      ReplyDelete
    30. H01
      (Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?)

      As a college student, my immediate answer is to say no. If I look at my life and how I behave, I'd probably say no, but if I look at how others see me, I might say yes. I don't seek out pleasure necessarily, so I wouldn't call myself a hedonist, but I guess I can give myself come credit and say that I'm happy. The term of happiness is so broad nowadays that I might fit someone else's version of happy, but that doesn't mean that I fit another person's or even my own view of happy.

      ReplyDelete
    31. H01
      Caleb McBride Alternate Question: Can happiness be found from material things?

      I definitely think happiness can be found in material things, especially if reminds you of a person or thing that brought you happiness for a long time. My family had my dog Rosie ever since she was a puppy, and she died earlier this year at the age of 13. For my birthday this year, one of my best friends got me a small necklace with her name on it with the birthstone of the month she was born. My dog brought me happiness for more than sixty percent of my life (yes I did that math before writing this), and this small reminder of her makes me happy and reminds me of all the good things that life has to offer.

      ReplyDelete
    32. What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      The main difference between pleasure and happiness is that pleasure is transient while happiness is a state of being. You can experience pleasure without happiness and vis versa. To get a better understanding of what I mean, lets look at two examples. Someone receiving fellatio, presumably a pleasurable experience, could be rather depressed and thus, unhappy. On the other hand, a soldier could be shot and severely wounded (obviously not pleasurable) but have internal happiness through the fact that he's defending his country and his family. H2

      ReplyDelete
    33. answering DQ "What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?" H01

      I'd say the difference is the depth and length of time. For example, eating a piece of cake brings me pleasure for when I am eating it. pleasure being shallow and short lived. Like in the movie 300 when king Xerxes offers the traitor to the Spartans "all the pleasures he could desire". But that character became unhappy for betraying his country men. The pleasures Xerxes was referring to was wine, food , and women from all over the Persian empire. Happiness id say is continuous pleasure. For me, marrying a woman I love or spending long extended trips hiking with my friends or family would bring long lasting happiness. the happiness coming from a series of meaningful pleasures. While simple pleasures of indulging on primal things like mating and eating would fail to develop in to being truly happy.

      ReplyDelete
    34. If you were depicted in Raphael's School of Athens whose side would you be on, Plato's or Aristotle's? Or would you be in a posture more like Diogenes's?

      If I was featured in Raphael's painting, I would be depicted as one lost in deep thought, perhaps and open book in my hand. I stand aloof. I say this because my thoughts transcend that of the other philosophers around me. H2

      ReplyDelete
    35. Do you agree with Aristotle that tragic events occurring after your death, like your child's tragic illness, can still impact your happiness?

      No. When you are no longer of this world, it's matters no longer affect you or your happiness. Consequently, if happiness is something that can be externally judged, then it is completely reasonable to attribute some event to someone's objective happiness who is no longer with us. H2

      ReplyDelete
    36. Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?

      I am in no way a hedonist. The peace that I posses comes from the river of life. However, this peace does not shield me from the discomforts of life on Earth. Yes I do seek pleasure in my life, but in now way is that my ultimate goal. H2

      ReplyDelete
    37. Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?

      I believe whatever I believe based on the authority of God. My hubris is not so large that I think I have a say in the ultimate nature of anything. I have no problem with authority. Without it, countries could not function, armies could not operate. However fast you try and run from it, authority is everywhere. Everyone is slave to someone or something. If you disagree, then you don't listen. H2

      ReplyDelete
    38. Answering DQ " Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?"

      almost never, I am always skeptical of the source of authority except for a few examples. Scientific studies usually do not need questioning from me as a man of science I can understand the process and thoughts behind what ever discovery, but as man of science I do always look for a hole in the evidence as well. But that is about it. So people I do question authority of are unelected government officials, elected government officials, teachers in public school (K-12) and I hate to say it but also some religious authorities, this is due to the most recent child molestation and sex crimes in the Pennsylvanian Catholic community. Now out of all of these categories, none are completely bad or completely good, I appreciate the good police officers, politicians, judges, teachers, religious authorities (preachers, fathers, nuns, rabies, monks, etc.) However all of these positions have things in common and that is that human beings occupy them, and human beings are all subject to corruption. So for me to blindly obey someone and not scrutinize or question them or why I must trust them and my list of people who have my complete trust is short. when it comes to traditions, I often like to find the origin and determine for myself after modern scientific analysis. For example many religions do not eat pork, this is because pork used to make people sick, when it was unknown why people thought pork was evil or forbidden. In reality Pork is usually tainted by the fact that pigs are a lot like humans in that they do not have a hide like an elephant or a pelt like a wolf. they have naked skin and it can get bitten by insects or infected by a number of things that pigs do like roll around in mud. So the lack of exterior biological defenses are why when people ate pork they got sick not because it was an evil animal. On institution, the biggest institution I think I believe in is the institution of marriage. when respected, you and your spouse will not contract sexually transmitted diseases, have any half or "bastard" children in the original meaning of the word, and supply a two parent household to you child(ren), which is perhaps the biggest blessing a child can have. But even now some marriages are a sham or a lie, for example green card marriages, or royal marriages that the goal is to combine to political, financial, or corporate empires.

      ReplyDelete
    39. H02
      What do you see as the value of logic?
      The value of logic is that it causes us to contemplate the effects of our decisions. By using logic, you form pathways connecting different events.

      ReplyDelete
    40. Topher Kashif12:19 PM CDT

      H01

      I believe that happiness is more of a mentality while pleasure is more of a state.

      I am not quite sure how to answer that as my beliefs on life after death are unclear.

      I am happy. I am currently in a state of euphoria which is wonderful. I don’t think im a hedonist.

      I don’t necessarily place my full belief or confidence in it, however, it does carry more weight if the information is from a specific person or institution.

      Yes, I have sharply disagreed with a teacher whom I have deeply admired. It doesn’t change my feelings for the teacher or professor, however, it does create room for discussion.

      That is more so an oxymoron, however, it does make sense that change is the only constant because something is always changing no matter what.

      I feel art can actually be both depending on what the depiction is.

      I do not agree. Comedies can come in many different flavors, thus generalizing them is not appropriate.

      Not necessarily. Maybe for someone, studying more “earthly things” could lead to even more interest in the “thoughts of heavens.”

      ReplyDelete
    41. H02
      Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?
      I personally try not to believe anything solely based on authority. In the society we live in today, it is difficult to take anything at face value. More often than not, I would need definite proof of an authoritive figure’s claims. However, traditions are easier to follow because you are exposed to them from the time you gain consciousness and then on. This does not always mean that it is good to follow them. In the text, “The Lottery” the townspeople randomly select a person from the town, and this person is stoned to death by the other residents in the town square. No person in the community questioned the tradition whatsoever. This is just an example of how not questioning the traditions and authority around you can cause negative impacts. This issue is especially prominent in our political world. The term “Alternative facts” is a good example of this. These “facts” are a product of an authoritive figure attempting to have his word believed based on nothing but who he is. Because of this current environment, I have become skeptical of most positions of authority. Without expecting honesty from these people, we stop trusting them. In recent years, whether or not to trust figures of authority has become an enormous gap in our culture. Personally, I am heavily reliant on proof and evidence for any abnormal claims that may arise. If we accept all words of authority as truth, we may start living in a world that doesn’t exactly match up with reality.

      ReplyDelete
    42. H01

      Pleasure is doing something that feels good to you, happiness is purely emotional and has a large interpretation.

      I feel as if I would be a blend of both and take what there is to be thought of in the real world and think about it from a different context.

      That would depend on your beliefs, but I would like to think my soul or spirit would live on, so yes.


      If the authority is true I would believe them, if the authority is self-endowed, I would not.


      Just because you have an admirance for a person doesn't mean you always agree with them. With that in mind, yes.

      The value of logic is to immense to put into a few sentences, but ultimately it is the ability to live your life to the best of your ability.

      ReplyDelete
    43. H01-

      Pleasure to me is a fleeting, momentary feeling of goodness. But happiness, takes more work and more determination. Pleasure can very easily bring destruction- an almost addiction quality is associated with pleasures. But happiness is more centered and less reckless.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Section 9

        These are good points. Heroin might be pleasurable, but wouldn't make me happy in the long term. While momentarily unpleasant things can bring great happiness - something challenging or difficult.

        Delete
    44. What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?
      I see pleasure as something that you enjoy, but only for a certain amount of time. Pleasure is something that is fleeting in the joy that is brings. When I think of happiness, I think of a state of mind where one is content with their life. Not only content, but they have a constant feeling of joy that makes them happy. The difference between the two to me would be that pleasure isn’t as long term nor fulfilling as happiness. Happiness also seems to have the idea of goodness tagged along with it but sometimes pleasure has a negative stigma with it. Pleasures can lead to many negative things sometimes if used in the wrong context. Whereas happiness seems to only have positive views.

      Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired?
      Yes, in highschool one of my favorite teachers and I disagreed on religion. This did not effect how i felt about the teacher, because I still respected and admired that teacher. The disagreement led to some great talks comparing each other’s ideas and beliefs so it actually was not as bad a disagreement as it had the potential to be. Many times when people disagree on big things like religion it can lead to hate. This is disagreement only lead to each of us having to have an open mind for the other’s opinion and both coming to the realization that the goal was not to try to convince one another to change our beliefs but rather an opportunity for us to see the other’s ideas and respect our differences.

      ReplyDelete
    45. Section 9

      Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?

      Everything in moderation. Some pleasures can be found in a daily life that would be considered generally happy, but so could some annoyances. I don't think the pursuit of pleasure would make me any happier than I currently am.

      ReplyDelete
    46. Section 9
      Alternate DQ

      Which is more useful to the common person and which would alleviate the most suffering: worldviews and philosophies based on the world as we experience it, or a rationalist perspective based on an impossible (but perfect) ideal?

      ReplyDelete
    47. 1030-10

      1) Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?

      I guess it depends I would need proof. But at the same time, I believe anything that my parents say because they are my parents, they are supposed to be right. They are smart and I trust them. I believe the smart institutes I think because people tell me I am supposed too. But I don’t believe much else. My parents, my textbooks, and the institutes but even with the institutes I will need some proof. I believe in tradition when it comes to my faith for the main reason that it is my faith.


      2) What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      I think pleasure is a momentary good feeling probably from something external. Happiness is a joy inside. A chronic thing that is created by me and within myself. Happiness is a way of life, fulfillment. I thought about this webpage that talks about the difference between pleasure and fulfillment:

      https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/282596.

      ReplyDelete
    48. Section 9
      Pleasure only provides short term happiness. Usually once whatever is providing you pleasure is over, you do not retain that sense of fulfillment like you do when something is actually making you happy. Happiness is long term.

      ReplyDelete
    49. 1030-10

      1)Alt. Quiz questions:

      a)Who is known as the father of the field of logic?
      b)What was most of Aristotle’s work based on?

      ReplyDelete
    50. Section 06
      Here is a link that gives you 10 fun facts about P.T Barnum
      https://www.history.com/news/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-p-t-barnum

      Answer to DQ What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness
      I think of pleasure as a short-lived moment of happiness that doesn’t fill me up all the way and leaves me wanting more. Happiness is more long term in my opinion. It takes more work to get happiness than pleasure. Pleasure is easy to come by and it doesn’t take much to get it, while happiness seems to be once in a blue moon and once you finally get a good grasp of it, you don’t want to let it go. It makes life worth living and gives me courage to do things I normally don’t do. I cherish happiness more than pleasure, though I don’t mind a few pleasures in life. I like to think of happiness as the sun. When the sun is high in the sky, you don’t pay it any mind or want it to go away because it is bothering you, but once it is gone for a few days, you begin to yearn for the sun and take its presence for granted. The sun has more worth to you, but you only realize after it is gone. Happiness is more than putting a smile on someone’s face, it is leaving an impression on someone that makes thing change for the better.

      ReplyDelete
    51. 006
      What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?
      I believe that there is a difference between pleasure and happiness. Pleasure is fleeting and will not satisfy you for a long time. Happiness will last you an eternity. It will also help you in your life by brightening up your life and subsequently everything that touches it.

      Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?
      I do not strictly believe everything on the basis of authority, but I do believe that authority should be respected. I do not think that I have to necessarily believe in something in order to respect it. Furthermore, I believe that everything that is said on the basis of authority should be questioned.

      Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired?
      I have disagreed with a teacher. I did not agree with some of his morality. He was perfectly fine with giving criminals the most pain they can feel when they are being executed, and I felt the opposite. We had a long discussion over it, but we both agreed to respect each other’s opinions.

      What do you see as the value of logic?
      The value of logic is great. Logic can dictate what we feel, see, or think. We can logically debate with ourselves with an idea or function. If we are to simply rely on emotions, then no rational conversation can be had with another.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. 006
        DQ Questions:
        1) Can a cynic be able to understand certain topics created by Aristotle? Why or why not?
        2) How has authority shaped your life? Has it made you more cautious or more carefree?
        3) Is America unable to crawl out of Fantasyland? How do we even start to climb out?
        4) Have you wanted to disagree with a teacher but was unable to, because you were scared of the repercussions?

        Delete
      2. 9
        I agree with you. I think pleasure is something that only satisfies you temporarily, for a short time like you said. I think happiness is something that lasts inside you, and is more of a mental state than just a feeling.

        Delete
    52. DQ: What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?
      Please is a momentary experience and happiness, while momentary as well, is less of an experience and more of an emotion. Pleasure is external and happiness is internal.

      DQ: Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?
      I definitely believe historical and scientific ideas on the basis of authority, mostly because these are things that I am not an expert in and may not be able to experience for myself. Regarding subjects such as theology or philosophy, those ideas must be proven or logical rather than just told to me by an authority to be believed.

      DQ: If you were depicted in Raphael's School of Athens whose side would you be on, Plato's or Aristotle's? Or would you be in a posture more like Diogenes's?
      I would definitely be on Aristotle's side. For the most part I am a materialist and believe that what happens on earth is most immediate, affect-able, and important.

      DQ: Do you agree with Aristotle that tragic events occurring after your death, like your child's tragic illness, can still impact your happiness?
      No, I do not think that tragic events occurring after death affect your present happiness. It is based off of current situations and mindsets. While anxiety or excitement about the future may affect happiness, the future situation itself does not.

      DQ: Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired?
      Yes, politically and theologically I completely disagree with a high school teacher of mine, and yet he is also someone I deeply admire for the way he thinks about things and cares about people. While we disagree, we both have logic and reason to back up our points and he does not let you off the hook for believing in something simply because you want to believe it. You must prove it.

      DQ: Which God seems more plausible to you, one who is personally interested in human affairs or Aristotle's contemplative and self-regarding Mover? Which seems more compatible with the world as we know it?
      More plausibly, a god who could interfere and cared about human affairs makes sense. But this does not seem compatible with the world today, at least if that God hopes for our good.

      DQ: What do you see as the value of logic?
      Logic is valuable as it shows reason behind belief and allows us to learn, grow, and challenge ourselves, our actions, and our beliefs.

      DQ: If you side with Aristotle in preferring to study "earthly things" does that imply less interest in "thoughts of the heavens"? (290)
      Yes, absolutely. Earthly things are more immediate and impactful upon us. Heaven may be a wonderful goal and could possibly exist, but as it is unproven, we must focus on making the here and now more like that heavenly ideal.

      Alternative quiz questions:
      1) What word quintupled in American books in the 1700s?
      A: "Sublime"
      2) What book did Henry David Thoreau write about his experience of living in the woods for two years?
      A: "Walden"
      3) Who was the first fully merchandised candidate for president?
      A: William Henry Harrison

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Owen Martin11:28 PM CST

        This is by Owen Martin

        Delete
    53. Abby Pittman section 6
      Just thought I'd share this article. It's been a year since the Parkland shooting, and the testimonies from the students there says a lot...

      https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/13/us/parkland-anniversary-marjory-stoneman-douglas.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

      ReplyDelete
    54. Section 6:

      I would probably say I’m 1/2 way a hedonist. I love experiencing things that make me happy, so I do tend to search for new adventures/new experiences that I can expand my joy with. There is definitely a difference between pleasure and happiness. I would classify happiness as a state of mind, but it’s important to mention that we simply can’t be happy all of the time. However, we can find pleasure in things even when we are unhappy.

      ReplyDelete
    55. What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      To me happiness generally has a more positive connotation to it, it feels like joy of the mind and the soul, meanwhile pleasure has a more negative or impure connotation to it. Pleasure feels like joy through the medium of flesh and ecstasy, while happiness is a pure type of joy.

      ReplyDelete
    56. 9
      Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?

      Yes, I am happy. I like to do things that make myself happy. I am a hedonist to an extend, but I also think that in life, it's important to help others. Helping others makes me happy though.

      Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?
      I want to say that I do not, but I think it deoends on the situation and how much I actually think about what they say. In the past, I used to believe in everything that the church my parents made me go to said. But as I have learned more and stopped going, I no longer do. I like to think for myself, and usually have my own opinion on things.


      ReplyDelete
    57. Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?

      I'm not really happy, and I'm not a hedonist. If anything I'm just there. Yes i can be any range of emotions, and I'm not always happy. I feel as if to say, "Are you happy in life" is a really broad term, its impossible to be happy all of you life 24/7. I just have the feeling of simply existing, and whether or not I'm happy or feeling any range of emotion for that matter, really depends on the situation and environment. And if anything at all, I'm content.

      ReplyDelete
    58. Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?

      Not completely, I think somewhat believing someone on the basis of authority is not completely wrong, however also strongly believe you should not take it to heart as well. Humans make mistakes, and just because you are more prestigious or credibility does not mean you can not be wrong or mess up. I would say to find the answer for yourself, before enacting upon hasty speculations from authority figures.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. There are many things that I believe on the basis of authority.

        Delete
    59. Is change the only constant in the Universe? Is that paradoxical?

      The universe is definitely changing, but I believe it is more in terms of Entropy (lack of order) and Negentropy (order), the universe is always heading towards entropy no matter what. However, we as humans beings are defying that enacting Negentropy, because our cells come together to form us, we are defying the universe, therefore in that respects the is always change, but change can be taken differently, there is change in the amount of entropy and/or the change in the amount of negentropy. Also for something to "change", there would have to be an original form to it. If the universe is changing is it a result from the big bang? or is it because the universe is simply returning to its void self? Therefore if it is reverting back to its original form, it is reversing the change, so if taken in certain terms change isn't a constant, the amount and way it changes is always different. But if you take it in a literal sense, we are always changing in away. On the matter of paradoxes i think it all lies in them mind of the beholder.

      ReplyDelete
    60. Are forms in things, or do they stand apart and above as pure Ideas?

      Forms are anything you want it to be, it can be physical or metaphysical, just because it does not technically have a physical form, it has its shape, its borders, its guidelines through us. A metaphysical form can just be concept bound rules to a idea. Thus giving it a shape in our minds in language. We can not picture the metaphysical form, however we can define it. By defining it, to me that means it has a non-physical form. Form can be a broad term for defining anything, be it shape or in concept.

      ReplyDelete
    61. Do you agree with Aristotle that tragic events occurring after your death, like your child's tragic illness, can still impact your happiness?

      No, once you die you become nothing, you go into a eternal sleep with no dream. You do not exist anymore, therefore if you do not exist anymore, you can not feel happiness or sadness, if you child is hurt, you won't know it. I believe you just cease to consciously exist and feel.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I agree with you. if you dead then how can you feel anything? Aristotle reasoning make sense but in reality its non sense.

        Delete
    62. Phil 1030-009 – 250+ words
      Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?

      I'm happy. I wouldn't call myself a hedonist by any means. Instead by some sort of 'instinct' I find happiness in all things. Subconsciously I make a point to enjoy even the most mundane of tasks. I believe that to be happy you must decide to be and I made that decision about 11 years ago. Its pretty strange that I remember that, but I was in highschool and I posted something on facebook about how happiness was a choice and that I was going to be happy for the rest of my life. I got some pretty low replies, mostly from older people saying things like "good luck with that" or "yeah okay, you'll grow up soon enough" or "let me know how that works out for you" All I could think is wow these people must be pretty unhappy. 11 years later I still believe happiness is a choice and I've ingrained that mentality. That's not saying that I can't be or am never sad, upset, frustrated etc because those feelings have their time and place. In all actuality those 'negative' feelings are what makes us human, and how we deal with and get through them is how, in part, our individual humanity is defined. This world we live in is pretty horrific. I don’t live in a bubble of happy times and obliviousness. I understand all the cruel and damaging decisions humans make all over the world – past, present, and future. But allowing yourself to sink into the chasm of Grouchland helps no one. Most people are good, and most people need happy humans around them.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. https://theconversation.com/what-is-hedonism-and-how-does-it-affect-your-health-78040

        Delete
    63. PHIL 1030-009
      Discussion Questions
      1. What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?
      - For me pleasure is something that is enjoyable, like eating a piece of chocolate. So, pleasure has to be caused by something. Yet, happiness is just part of being. It can be caused by something, but it mainly comes from within and from your perspective on things.

      2. Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired?
      - Yes. I had a teacher in high school, who was also my club director, and I thought she was amazing. She was very intellectual and she was nice, however I thought she was quite strict on her rules and I did not always agree with the rules she had because of it.

      3. Do you agree with Plato that "laughing at comedies makes us cyncial, shallow and ignoble"?
      - I do to some extent, because there a lot of things that people make jokes about that really should not be funny. Yet, at the same time I feel that sometimes people have to let loose and laugh.

      Quiz Questions
      1. What did happiness mean to Aristotle?
      2. Why did Aristotle think children couldn't be happy?
      3. What does the phrase 'seek happiness' mean?
      4. What is Aristotle's Doctrine of the Golden Mean?
      5. What the unfortunate side effect of Aristotle's brilliance?

      ReplyDelete
    64. Alternative quiz question
      What does eudaemonia mean to you?
      Link:
      http://transcendentalism-legacy.tamu.edu/authors/emerson/wilson2.html

      ReplyDelete
    65. 009

      What is the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      I think that pleasure is an enjoyment you get from an activity. It's a feeling or emotion that is brought about while you are doing something that entertains you. I feel that happiness is afeeling or emotion that comes from these events. Happiness though , in general, is a positive out look on life. A glass half full type of living in which you are satisfied and living life to its fullest potential.

      ReplyDelete
    66. What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      Pleasure lasts for a short while and its based in the physical. Good food, sex, or a beautiful person can all cause pleasure. Happiness comes from deep within you though unlike pleasure which comes from external stimulants. Happiness has a deeper meaning than pleasure because it comes from within.

      ReplyDelete
    67. If you were depicted in Raphael's School of Athens whose side would you be on, Plato's or Aristotle's? Or would you be in a posture more like Diogenes's?

      Id be in the middle but leaning toward Aristotle side. Theres so much about the world we inhabit that we dont know about but many people want to ignore learning about it. This is one of the many reasons that the earth is in the condition that it is right now.

      ReplyDelete
    68. PHIL 1030-010
      "What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?"

      I personally feel like pleasure is a temporary feeling - there are numerous activities that we can derive pleasure from, such as eating, swimming, singing, dancing, etc. and I believe that these feelings result in temporary feelings of happiness and elation that can compound into a greater overall mood and sense of content.

      Happiness is more a state of mind; it is something to be achieved by the process of experiencing pleasure on a greater, more inter-personal basis, or by realizing one's own purpose or the motivations that drive one's journey to goals and aspirations.

      It is a state of nirvana, so to speak - I believe that it is derived from a deeper sense of self-understanding, resting entirely upon the state of mind of the individual, and I believe that the activities and people that we surround ourselves with help contribute to our moments of pleasure, and, in the greater scheme of things, our life-long goal to happiness.

      ReplyDelete
    69. Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?

      No, I have to question who ever is giving me the information because I can not see their thoughts or experience their experiences. They may have believed a lie and now they may be unknowingly trying to get me to believe the lie too.

      ReplyDelete
    70. PHIL 1030-010
      "Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?"

      I would say that as of right now, I am a hedonist.

      Overall, I would say that the end-goal of my pursuits is to truly achieve happiness in my lifetime, but I have no way of telling how long that might take. For right now, I find it best to just simply take my time - I might not be happy right now, and it may be a while before I can say with utmost certainty that I am truly happy, but I'm willing to take my time if it means that I get to experience everything I can.

      ReplyDelete

    71. What do you see as the value of logic?

      Yes, I do. With out logic you bay just be in the wind. Being in the wind to me means making all your choice based on feelings. That is how you get dragged around by life. Logic can also lead you down the wrong path to though. If you trust your own logic to much then this will happen.

      ReplyDelete
    72. PHIL 1030-010
      "Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?"

      To put it bluntly, no - I will always question my belief in anything regardless of who or what hands it to me, but to what extent is variable.

      I am more likely to believe in something if this authority has credibility - for instance, I am more likely to believe something if my parents, people in greater education, or police officers say it, but that doesn't mean that I won't question it at all. I will always question something regardless of who introduces me to it, but I often find myself questioning everything, just so I can form my own opinion on the subject and find my own voice.

      The authority of the figure often dictates how likely I am to follow that belief. I won't completely disregard the laws, rules, and inputs of those in power or those who I look up - in fact, I am much more likely to believe in that, given that I don't have an incredibly negative opinion about them; but my only parameter is that I allow myself to find my own personal view on it, and make sure that I have the greatest scope on the situation before I blindly believe anything.

      ReplyDelete
    73. PHIL 1030-010
      Here are some alternate quiz questions, as well:

      1. Who, supposedly, invented a "certain kind of entitled, upper-middle-class extended adolescence?"
      2. What was essential to both William Henry Harrison, as a political candidate, and patent medicines, at the time?
      3. William F. Cody enlisted who to "co-star" in Buffalo Bill's Wild West?

      ReplyDelete
    74. 1030-10
      Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?

      No, I personally do not believe that just authority alone doesn't make you highly knowledgeable, neither does experience. As times change we need to make sure that we keep updating our traditions and rules as we go.

      ReplyDelete
    75. Section 10
      What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      Pleasure can bring a brief moment of happiness, but I think happiness is is alonger term state of well-being.

      ReplyDelete
    76. Section 10
      Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?

      I don’t believe anything on the basis of authority, although I respect many authorities and must abide by them, there are some things in life where it is better to live by our own personal beliefs in relation to Churches.

      ReplyDelete
    77. Section 10
      Are you happy? Are you a Hedonist?

      I would say I’m happy and not. Hedonist. Although many parts of life can be tough and laborious, I am very happy and glad to be alive in this exciting time.

      ReplyDelete
    78. Section 10

      What do you see as the value of logic?

      I see Logic as the reasoning behind certain things. Without logic, our way of thinking can be skewed in the wrong directions.

      ReplyDelete
    79. Section 10

      Which God seems more plausible to you, one who is personally interested in human affairs or Aristotle's contemplative and self-regarding Mover? Which seems more compatible with the world as we know it?

      I think the God that seems more interested in human affairs seems to be more plausible even though our World today seems as if there is no God, but I think that there is a generl creator who cherishes karma and supports life.

      ReplyDelete
    80. Section 10

      Is change the only constant in the Universe? Is that paradoxical?

      I do think change is constant in our Universe. It is always changing, growing, and adapting.

      ReplyDelete
    81. Section 10

      Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired?

      I have not sharply disagreed with a teacher that I admired yet. I have admire many of my favorite teachers because of their consistent beliefs and lessons.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Madona Kozman8:02 PM CDT

        section 13
        However, sometimes we just get molded to become like them just simply because we love them. And for this reason, I decided to respect their opinions, but not always agree. Simply because, I don't believe that there is two humans who can be exact all the way.

        Delete
    82. Is change the only constant in the Universe? Is that paradoxical?
      - I think time is the only constant in the universe. Time never ends so one could say time never changes (not talking about timezone, time in general as a whole)

      Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired?
      -definitely. I admire people for their courage to think for themselves and their motivations for everything they do. They might think differently than me but if they have good intentions for why they do then I think they are admirable.

      ReplyDelete
    83. Section 12

      DQ: Is art a "cave within a cave" (286), or a source of light and truth? Or both?

      I think it largely depends on the artist. However, I think more often than not, art is a source of light and truth. Artists, like philosophers, are deeply creative thinkers who look at the world from a different angle than most. I think art helps fuel discussion and thinking about deeper topics in our lives, which isn’t even close to what a “cave within a cave” would do.

      DQ: Would you rather attend Plato's Academy or Aristotle's Lyceum? Why?

      I would rather attend Aristotle’s Lyceum. For one, peripatetic classes sound like fun! I also think I would enjoy learning about Aristotle’s ideas surrounding how to “flourish” in life through virtue, as well as “earthly things” such as how and why things are the way they are. In comparison, I think those teachings are more applicable to my life than Plato’s theory of forms.

      COMMENT: Here is a great video summarizing Aristotle and his Virtue Theory for those who are interested!
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrvtOWEXDIQ

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Riley Fox12:22 PM CDT

        Very interesting video!

        Delete
    84. Madona Kozman7:51 PM CDT

      Section 13
      What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?
      For me, happiness is a state. People either choose it or not. But pleasure can be found in each person's life in doing certain activities without having to live a happy life. Happiness should not be as temporary as pleasure.

      ReplyDelete
    85. Madona Kozman7:57 PM CDT

      section 13
      Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?
      It depends. I would believe people who I trust that they have enough knowledge and experience in life to answer my questions.

      ReplyDelete
    86. Madona Kozman9:37 PM CDT

      Section 13
      This is the link for the study guide for Test 1 (in a quizlet form)
      https://quizlet.com/_74let1

      ReplyDelete
    87. Section 13:

      DQ: What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?
      I agree with Aristotle, although I didn’t know until now. Pleasure is something enjoyable that only lasts for a short period, it’s finite. Happiness is sustainable enjoyment and contentment with all factors that make up your current life. Those factors can change for the better or worse, and happiness is not guaranteed for everyone. Ultimately, the bottom line is happiness is something you cultivate/achieve and maintain, pleasure is a momentary experience.

      ReplyDelete
    88. Section 13:
      DQ: Do you agree with Aristotle that tragic events occurring after your death, like your child's tragic illness, can still impact your happiness?

      I neither agree nor disagree but am intrigued by this possibility and am open to exploring it. If it is true that tragic events negatively impact our happiness after death, then the same could also be true for the positive impact of good events after our death. In that sense, it’s almost like a form of immortality with the consciousness continuing on, experiencing the ups and downs of life right along with those still living.

      ReplyDelete
    89. Section 13:
      DQ: Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired?

      Absolutely, but I still admire them for other reasons. One does not impact the other in my case. Admiration for someone should never prevent you from seeing them just as human as anyone else, and no human is 100% right all of the time. If you think someone possesses this magical skill and you take everything they saw as fact without further thought or research, you are doing yourself and your professor a great disservice. They too benefit from being challenged; this is how ideas progress! BUT the important thing to note here is that disagreement doesn’t have to mean hostility or even ill-will, it’s just a difference of opinions, that’s all.

      ReplyDelete
    90. Section 13

      Whats the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?
      - To me, pleasure would be like a temporary feeling of satisfaction. Happiness, on the other hand, is more of a feeling that we as humans strive to always experience. I think you can be unpleased with something, but still be happy. One can exist without the other.

      Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired?
      - Yes, I have, but that did not make me admire them any less. I think there will always be something 2 people will disagree on, no matter who that person is or what they mean to you.

      What do you see as the value of logic?
      - I believe that the value of logic is that essentially every concept of anything needs logic in order to be believable.

      ReplyDelete
    91. McKennah Campbell12:01 AM CDT

      Section 12
      Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?
      I believe in my own personal opinions, not based on any authority figures. If an authority figure tends to hold the same beliefs and views as me, then I may look up to them as a role model, but I do not base my own values off others. When it comes to tradition, I am always open to keeping it, as long as it is reasonable and sensible

      ReplyDelete
    92. What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?
      Happiness is just a state of feeling good, but pleasure is when you take joy in doing something.

      Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?
      Yes I am happy. I would consider myself a hedonist to an extent. I do not live my life purely in the pursuit of pleasure; however, I do try and take pleasure in everything I do.

      Do you agree with Plato that "laughing at comedies makes us cyncial, shallow and ignoble"? (289)
      I strongly disagree. Laughing at comedies does not make us base or ignoble or cynical or anything else that Plato said. Sometimes, it ain't deep.

      ReplyDelete
    93. Howie Schubert11:50 AM CDT

      Section 13
      I think change is one of the only constants that we know of in the universe and i do not think it is paradoxical for that it is a natural thing that happens and needs to happens.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Brian Perez1:02 PM CDT

        Agreed. Change is inevitable. We can speed it up or slow it down, but it will always come to impact our lives.

        Delete
    94. Howie Schubert11:53 AM CDT

      Section 13
      What i see as the value of logic is something of resourcefulness and kinda common sense as to not do anything that is not too stupid or hardworking and use logic to work better or be safer.

      ReplyDelete
    95. Riley Fox12:19 PM CDT

      Section 12

      Happiness is a state of mind, rather than a reaction to external stimulation(aka pleasure).Happiness is usually long lived and allows the individual to be truly grateful and satisfied with his life. When an individual is satisfied with their life and their actions and beliefs are in congruence, the individual tends to be happy. This does not mean that life has to be perfect at all times and filled with positive experiences alone. Happiness is not dependent on external factors. While on the contrary, pleasure is a "in the moment state". For example, when having a delicious meal, you feel pleasure. This is because your body is enjoying the positive experience through the senses. However as soon as the experience ends or else the external factor is removed, you move back to the original state.

      I chose not to listen and accept one SINGLE authority figure regarding knowledge. I say this because doesn't that contradict everything we have been told? Don't use biased sources, challenge the status quo, do research. In all my classes, if I didn't like an answer, I always fact checked multiple sources and did hours of research. I do this because , to this date, our physical laws governing are universe, our technology, and many other aspects of our lives are still evolving to this date. We can't just accept knowledge without questioning it because then we just become a stagnant society without progress.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. 13
        Question about the first discussion question you answered, Do you think you can experience happiness without pleasure?

        Delete
    96. 12
      What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?
      Pleasure is the fleeting feeling of joy gained from partaking in activities or consumption that one enjoys. Happiness is the broader, more general state of feeling good.

      Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired?
      Yes, many times. I am a very opinionated person especially in regards to politics, but despite my far left stances I have a great deal of respect for many moderate individuals.

      Is change the only constant in the Universe? Is that paradoxical?
      There my be other constants besides 'change' but that simple doctrine does permeate through the universe. I personally don't see this as paradoxical.

      Which God seems more plausible to you, one who is personally interested in human affairs or Aristotle's contemplative and self-regarding Mover? Which seems more compatible with the world as we know it?
      The version of God that seems both more plausible and compatible with the world as we know it would have to be one that isn't deeply concerned with or meddling with the life and the universe.

      ReplyDelete
    97. Section 12
      What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      I think happiness is more of like an actual mood, like a state of feeling. You feel happiness, you feel good, positive vibes all around. Pleasure to me is more you are receiving something happy, and you are receiving happiness, if that makes sense.

      Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired?

      I would not say this is something that has happened often, but it has happened before. In the past it has been with grading, politics, or just simple opinions.

      Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?

      I would overall say I am a happy person. I was raised and brought up in a good family and household. I have had a few harder times in my life where I have been sad, sure, but overall I would say my life has been pretty great so far. I would not consider myself a hedonist, but I do agree with some of the practices, and I would consider my happiness as ONE of my top priorities in my life.

      ReplyDelete
    98. 13
      What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      I find pleasure to be like instant gratification, whereas happiness is a lasting feeling. I do thing that it is necessary to experience pleasure to be happy, but you do not have to experience happiness to feel pleasure.

      ReplyDelete
    99. Brandon Beech12:51 PM CDT

      I think that Aristotle's "truth by authority" precaution is one to be truly understood. It was said that many of Aristotle's beliefs were taken as fact and not tested or questioned simply because Aristotle said them. We see later how many of these "truths" came to be false. Not surprisingly, this is what Aristotle would have wanted all along.

      ReplyDelete
    100. 13
      Would you rather attend Plato's Academy or Aristotle's Lyceum? Why?

      100% Aristotle, I feel like Plato was kinda a pretentious guy, also the whole idea of drawing conclusions basically on shadows of things compared to Aristotle's needing to experience everything to make up his mind... If you want to learn about a cat, look at a cat. Don't just think about it.

      ReplyDelete
    101. Brian Perez12:56 PM CDT

      Section 12
      Do you believe anything strictly on the basis of authority, whether that of a person, an institution, or a tradition? Why or why not?

      I've always been told by my mother and other relatives that drugs are something I never want to dive into. I always kept away from any drug users in my life and rejected any thought of doing drugs. I've been offered and asked why I think drugs are bad, and I've simply said,"I don't need to do drugs to know they are bad." To this day I still think that they are not useful in my life, therefore I will not use them.

      ReplyDelete
    102. Brandon Beech12:56 PM CDT

      Section 13
      DQ: What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      Aristotle's definition seems to reign true for this point. As young men and women, this truth can seem a bit misunderstood or even farcical, but as an individual grows older and experiences much more of life, they recognize the truth in this pattern. Momentary pleasure or joy does not fulfill or sustain true happiness.

      ReplyDelete
    103. Brandon Beech1:00 PM CDT

      Section 13
      DQ: Do you agree with Aristotle that tragic events occurring after your death, like your child's tragic illness, can still impact your happiness?

      I am not entirely certain that I agree with Aristotle's interpretation of this theory. It seems to depend on your particular viewpoint on what death means for someone. To imply that someone still experiences happiness after death is questionable.

      ReplyDelete
    104. Anonymous1:12 PM CDT

      Section 12
      What is the difference,for you, between pleasure and happiness.
      There is a big difference in my opinion between something giving you pleasure and something giving you happiness, pleasure is giving an individual or many a sense of good feeling and happiness is actually feeling content within.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I think that pleasure can be felt without happiness. Feeling fulfilled is often separate from happiness.

        Delete
    105. DQ: What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      In my opinion, plesure would be something that could lead to happiness. like I get pleasure out of talking to people and hearing their story, I gain happiness being able to solve an issues they may have. And sometimes pleasure can be looked upon as bad because people seem to enjoy pleasure more than true happiness, I often feel as if a situation gets to good then something bad may be taking place soon. So by cutting off feeling of happiness then the bad side of pleasure comes out, so majority of the time it depends on the situation that determines the difference between them.

      ReplyDelete
    106. Brandon Beech1:19 PM CDT

      Section 13
      DQ: Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?

      I can assuredly say that I know I am not truly happy. By definition of hedonism, I do not strive to behave in this manner. Although every human to some extent gravitates toward pleasure and away from pain, pleasure in and of itself is not my ultimate goal. True happiness, in the achievement perspective, seems to take much time and it not concrete to pin down for any one person. Though, what to do in the meantime while making sacrifices of happiness is a better question.

      ReplyDelete
    107. Ruj Haan1:20 PM CDT

      Section 13
      -What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?
      Pleasure is something you do physically and that can bring temporary happiness, however happiness is something emotional and not temporary.

      -Are you happy? Are you a hedonist?
      College brings a lot of stress and makes many of us to believe that we are not happy. If I ignore the school portion of my life, which means homework, project deadlines, exams, and other responsibilities that come with the pack, I will say I am happy. I am definitely not a hedonist, I truly believe that there are a lot of things which don’t bring pleasure instead, they bring great learning experiences.

      Discussion questions:
      -Do you feel that you have to work hard and be miserable now in order to be happy later?

      ReplyDelete
    108. Stephen Byers1:40 PM CDT

      Stephen Byers Section 13
      What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?
      Pleasure is simply a rush of dopamine. It is the short term happiness that makes you feel good for one certain reason. Happiness is a state of mind, and is more relative to serotonin in my opinion. Happiness is a true good feeling about life and everything in general.

      ReplyDelete
    109. Stephen Byers1:42 PM CDT

      Stephen Byers Section 13
      Have you ever sharply disagreed with a teacher whom you nonetheless deeply admired?
      Yes. In high school I was in a bible class because I went to a private school. I like the teachings of the bible, but couldn't agree with the fact that it was "unarguably the truth". The teacher was one of my favorites but he talked about how sad it was that the smartest people he knew that were scientists didn't believe the bible... And I think I would trust the word of experienced scientists more than the jump of faith that Christianity is.

      ReplyDelete
    110. Stephen Byers1:44 PM CDT

      Stephen Byers Section 13
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIwLWfaAg-8
      TED talk: Elon Musk talks about the future of Earth.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Section 11
        That's a good video thanks for the link.

        Delete
    111. What's the difference, for you, between pleasure and happiness?

      To me, The difference between pleasure and happiness is the level of difficulty in obtaining them. With pleasure, a person usually has an easier time getting it through material items like cigarettes, money, girls, etc. Happiness is obtained over a longer period of time, allowing for its true concept to be understood. Pleasure lasts for a short time, while happiness can last for a longer period.

      Discussion Question for the Question above
      Which is easier to obtain, Sex or True Love? Why is one easier to obtain than the other?

      Alternative Quiz Question
      According to the Stagirites, what is the meaning and purpose of life?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Section 11
        Happiness and joy are the 2 I have always compared happiness is a fleeting thing while joy can last an entire lifetime.

        Delete
    112. What do you see as the value of logic?
      Logic is valuable in that it helps us make decisions that can benefit us and others. Logic means considering the pros and cons and making an informed decision.
      Is art a "cave within a cave" (286), or a source of light and truth? Or both?
      Art is one of the things that makes life worth living. It can be simple entertainment or help us reflect on ourselves. I would call lit a source of light and truth.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Section 11
        Logic is beyond priceless with out it there would be no reason and no working arguments no right and wrong.

        Delete

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