Reading Interaction Journal - Essay Example

? Philosophy Task: Philosophy In Chapter d ‘Philosophy and what it’s not’ I learnt that past events in life such as going to school for the first time or a family wedding define one’s life significantly. However, when one embarks on the journey of philosophy, it is a different matter because one changes his earlier perceptions. A person undergoes a rite of passage that eventually reforms his mindset in matters pertaining to knowledge and religion. Therefore, becoming a philosopher is not a complicated affair because it only requires critical thought and contemplation. This leads to be cautious with gurus. For instance, in India a guru or a wise man is a revered person with followers comprising mostly the young people. Additionally, the path set by gurus is full of respect because it assists in the search for wisdom. On that note, before attempting to become a guru, one should understand the underlying implications such as doubt and preparation instead of harboring skepticism and doubt. This implies that a critical mind is fundamental in developing a philosophical approach. This affirms that critical thinking is crucial in various spheres of life ranging from economics, social issues and for democracies. Unfortunately, even in situations where freethinkers exist, tyrants and dictators make it hard for such minds to thrive. Critical thinkers, according to the author, were even accepted in the ancient times but this does not permit a person to develop superior complex habits. The mind should only be used for comprehending philosophy. In the next chapter, there is the urgency to understand the meaning of words. This includes making assessment on one’s personal development before entering a philosophy class. Accordingly, philosophy being a mysterious subject, it is imperative for the learner to draw examples from multiple facets of life such as listening to the prime minister on the radio. Contrastingly, origins of philosophy can be traced to Greece and science hence its mythical status. Philosophy is also attached with the love of gaining wisdom or knowledge and should follow the ancient Greek customs. In the same trajectory, associating historical monuments with great philosophers such as Nietzsche, Kant and Descartes exposes philosophy as a broader subject. It, therefore, implies that approaching philosophy is a tough act unlike visiting a monument. Similarly, philosophical traditions espouse values and ideas that encompass quoting people such as Moliere, Aristotle and Plato. Overcoming large words is another obstacle afflicting many people who are interested in learning philosophy. This requires complete patience and mastery of important jargons to attain the possibilities. When it comes to trying out philosophy, it is not recommended with cafes. As noted in chapter 6, disagreements erupting from such settings may prevent people from distinguishing between what is good and bad. Conversations that are lively between friends often degenerate into strong exchanges that lack substance. Philosophy may become an emotive subject especially if it attacks figures such as Andy Warhol without considering the existing concepts that define philosophy. It is thus advisable to assess the reasons behind any argument before delving into any exchanges. However, in the scene of Socrates and Hippias, the two characters are competing in terms of brilliance and sophistry. Socrates, for example, is a man who is focused on modesty in order to understand others such when he meets a certain braggart. This demonstrates a complicated problem where he tends to act to fit in an evolving society. Hippias, on the other hand, attempts the value of appropriateness but fails because he does not have a higher critical thinking as shown by Socrates. Conversely, there is a difficulty with Plato as a philosopher who writes subtle dialogues and complex narratives that attempts to connect harmony and coherence in life. On that perspective, it differs from Socratic dialogue that has a direction in the definition of a conclusion. Failure to give ideas an elevation as conducted by Plato demonstrates largely the space for doubt in determining the essence of existence. Imagination of the mind is equally fundamental because it gives us a chance to question our belief system in regards to forging an intellectual outlook. In the same context, studying how knowledge and wisdom is dispensed by great minds aids in understanding the nobility of humanity in a world that respects and admires great men. Philosophers such as Heraclitus, Blaise Pascal and Parmenides influenced people in interpreting pithy thoughts that define how mischief is integrated into the art of philosophy. Aristotle continued perpetuation of the reconstruction of ethics also ensures that critical readers examine the subject of political independence as was exemplified by the Roman Empire. Assessing the impact of modern philosophers and their deeds is important because it aids in connecting the flow of philosophical thoughts. This means the idea would undergo a test to verify its reasonability or plausibility before being implemented or accepted. On the other hand, the close reading of philosophical schools such as Neoplatonism, Stoicism and Epicureanism intensifies the intellectual activity of learners interested in the commentaries and analysis of varying monotheistic religions. It is systems that spurred Descartes in his Discourse on Method to understand two possibilities that aid in guiding a systemic reasoning. Kant replicates this in the Critique of Pure Reason when deducing the existing logic in facts through a consistent critical thinking. Contrastingly, in analyzing the history of famous thinkers, a formidable philosophy should exist to attain balance that knows what is wrong in the exchange of arguments while seeking for a solution. Therefore, the explicit use of the common sense provides a neutral platform of bringing two warring camps together to display a broader philosophical reflection in turning the course of history such as accepting rejected ideas. However, children’s curiosity of asking questions should not be ignored because it propagates a sense of wonder and inquisitiveness that inspires critical thinking. He or she also develops a fundamental attitude to question the world’s existence in relation to Newton’s universal law that explains gravitation. It equally makes matters philosophical by allowing children to formulate their questions by asking right and wrong questions to test the limits of knowledge. Man has been the subject of inquiry for ages because distinguishing him from the animal species is proving hard with time. While evolutionists agree that man came from apes, man’s use of articulate languages means he has immense power of other animals. In other words, a perfect communication gives man a chance to think, establish morals and customers and even develop the characteristics of finding food to survive. Philosophy, however, attempts to investigate how such increased freedom has expanded man’s ability to live while pursuing other agenda of life. The repercussions of freedom of action are also complicated because it fails to examine and analyze the emerging repercussions. For instance, while refusing to abide by stipulated rules in life sometimes warrants rebellion in order to gain freedom, other critics still wonder whether it is positive in the long-term process. A closer examination of basic desires and instincts often determine the things that affect human condition in the quest for freedom while also seeking a space in the world for eventual survival. Additionally, moral freedom and political freedom have a direct connection especially in setting a standard of behavior that abides by Kant’s maxims of a practical conduct. It means while moral freedom is an important thing, it should also reflect the well being of others. Political freedom, on the other hand, only thrives where nations are stable in terms of constitutional makeup and citizens understand their rights and freedoms. The power of God with emphasis on his omnipresence continues to spark human imagination because nobody has ever seen him. Generally, the idea of God has been questioned by several philosophers who believe that only a blind faith holds people from questioning certain things. Belief systems also increase the argument because the presence of a divine being that controls the world is an allusion in some quarters where logic challenges the superfluity and obsoleteness of God. However, according to Kant, philosophy has concepts that derive from the existence of a Supreme Being. This means religion requires unwavering faith that fails to question whether God exists or not. It is what Kant remarks in his book concerning convictions of believing in heaven where the creator lives. However, he possesses a rational conviction that is supported by a different solution for the users of science and technology to question God’s existence. It thus suggests that religion and philosophy should not have a conflict because this only alienates its believers especially without a dialogue in the whole context. Uncontrollable warring between faction groups such as that pitting atheists and theists also reduces happiness among members from both divides. This leads to the question of defining happiness in regards to having good health, athletic or academic success or still, romantic satisfaction in life. Contrastingly, the opposite of happiness arises in experiencing depressive feelings that are usually caused by subjective or psychological components in life. According to other philosophers, happiness remains an absolute goal in finding content in life. Chapter 19 notes of the conflict of desires in terms of the unconscious and the conscious. Our desires are primarily unconscious in the sense that they do no attach to reality. Further philosophical argument from the Freudian thought system reveals that desires are insatiable elements that transcend the mere physical satisfaction. It is arguable that that desires may split into different forms. To begin with, there are desires that nature places in individuals. This entails factors such as sexuality and nutrition. On the other hand, there are desires of the mind, the spirit, and morality. There are also desires of an individual and those of the society. The discussion on technology arouses questions about its ethics and influence on the unconscious of an individual. Technology, in the form of advertisement, manipulates our instincts and compromises on our ability to judge actions within a rational frame. This is a refutable position since rationality can be developed to tackle illusions. A fully developed rationality will tend to sieve marketing notions. The instance of cloning ignites the idea of perceiving human beings only as a means of achieving certain ends. It is, however, crucial to highlight that there is still a sense of nobility in cloning. In human development, it is essential to highlight of the importance of the good and evil. Chapter 21 promotes the concepts of the good and the evil as the foundations of morality. The concept of evil and good is divisible in notable forms. On one hand, a society may set up the divisions of the good and the evil. On the other hand, an individual may develop one’s own sense of morality through the development of the conscience. In chapter 22, there is vital discussion about the essence of art. Art is, in certain contexts, a form of entertainment to human beings. However, this is not the sole role of art. Art has a social role of informing and influencing the insight of individuals. Art fills an intellectual role that transcends beyond the instinctual life of attaining physical pleasures in sex and food. In this perspective, consumption of art fulfills the highest of needs in terms of spirituality, morality, and intellect. It is arguable that art cannot replace morality; it instead props morality. The discussion of Nietzsche in the next chapter reveals the insanity that is inevitable in being an intellectual. Nietzsche immersed himself in his works to the point of destruction. (Janicaud 2010, 76) It is arguable that this element is attributable to the self-immersion that a thinker faces when dealing with deep thoughts. In this perspective, the revelations reveal a sense of vanity that that is explicit in an ordinary life. In this perspective, an individual can be a thinker, but one never loses the individuality. This is unlike the unachievable rationality that Socrates advocates for thinkers. The discussion on the state and society, in the 24th chapter, reveals an inherent idea in societies. This regards the concept of the public that eventually binds a person (Janicaud 2010, 80). For instance, politics is a critical element that is instrumental towards shaping societies. A philosopher, as part of the society, possesses the purpose of employing one’s thoughts to transform societies. However, this binding constrains the ability of the philosopher to discuss issues that affect the individual. In addition, in this case, philosophy may attempt at solving a utopia that it should analyze. The 25th chapter raises vital concerns about the limitations of philosophy. This is an idea that should be rather analyzed from the view of the philosophy and philosopher. In this view, philosophy and the philosopher are two separate elements. In as much as the philosopher faces the limits of his mind and thoughts, philosophy is capable of analyzing several problems. In addition, it is crucial to highlight that philosophy is a continuous process as much as science. This means that philosophy cannot stop as it seeks to reexamine and discover issues concerning the welfare of humanity. In the 26th chapter, there is a crucial note about exploring authors. Reading is an indispensible activity in the life of an intellectual. This is because it exposes one to an ultimate structure of the thoughts that another individual strove at espousing. When a learner takes hold of an author’s original text, one attains the objective platform for appreciating and reviewing the ideas of others. It is arguable that the essence of reading lies in attaining the varied opinions of other thinkers. It is arguable that the presence of science in philosophy has much to do with the philosophers rather than the practice of philosophy itself. The earliest philosophers engaged in other fields because of the nature of societies during such periods. Humanity was beginning its advancement and such intellectuals were enthusiastic about many disciplines as a means of supporting the growth of societies. Descartes lived in the French context whereby mathematics was a popular subject. This has much to do with the context rather than the art of philosophy itself. In the third last chapter, there is considerable reflection on the essence of truth and justice in sciences. This is a tricky question in the context of sciences whose work should remain objective. The objectivity in the sciences is the foundation of inventions and innovations. On the other hand, it is difficult to dismiss the role of ethics in science. Ethics should act as a guideline towards retaining the essence of humanity amidst scientific work. This means that human welfare remains sacred in the face of scientific work. The discussion of love in the second last chapter is a vital intellectual discussion. Love is a complex matter that previous philosophers, such as Plato, split for comprehensive discussion of the subject. Philosophy should assess love as an ideal rather than as a necessity. This is because love in its true form is an unattainable element. The spiritual state of love does not consider pragmatic human capabilities. Love has remained an incomprehensible concept. While certain schools of thoughts may view love as a decision, some discuss love as a feeling. The discussion of wisdom is an interesting subject in philosophy because there lies a strong correlation between the two elements. There is, however, a vital contrast between wisdom and philosophy. While philosophy is a continuous process, wisdom is a state. Wisdom is, thus, an ideal that humanity strives to achieve through religion, philosophy, and other tools. The incorporation of wisdom in philosophy is bound to create contradictions because the former involves asking constant questions about the world. Reference Janicaud, D (2010). A beginner’s guide to philosophy. Toronto, CND: Pegasus publications. Read More