|
|
Post by Adam Elashi on Jul 5, 2015 20:28:40 GMT
1. Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy?
To answer this question i would like to use a quote from the book Quantum Weirdness “deep understanding of the very limits of the scientific enterprise and how human investigations of objective phenomena are intimately limited by its own apparatus. This raises a philosophical conundrum which is age-old.” Page 15 Many people think that physics and understanding the general rules of the universe are the only viable ways to answer many of the questions on this planet and in the universe but to me having a deep knowledge in physics and truly understanding it will unlock the hidden potential this universe has to offer. Physics and philosophy are both intertwined in a way that they both need each other to work, philosophy requires one to have a background in the sciences and understanding how the universe works for if you're trying to prove your theory for if you make on mistake at one level in your argument it collapses because it is flat out wrong. The quote I used above is a good example of why we can't always trust science to answer our questions, it a revolving them in this course its that we are limited to our own apparatus. That is why we need philosophy more than ever for it doesn't put computation ahead of conceptual clarity which can lead to confusion. in the amazing video “Quantum Uncertainty: Einstein Doesn't Gamble” it talks about how einstein was fundamentally problematic shows that science can be wrong too.
2. What is eliminative materialism? Provide three examples of it.
Eliminative materialism is the process of using a systematic set of processes that doesn't circulate around the use of common sense rather the fundamentals of subjects that we know like mathematics, science, sociology and psychology. In the video eliminative materialism part one it talks about how “If the phenomena cannot be explained fully and comprehensible ny mathematics then one turns to physics and if that doesn't work to chemistry than to biology then to psychology.” There are three examples that our professor gave us that we can use for eliminative materialism in the video “Eliminative Materialism” the first one is that instead of talking about the god Of thunder Thor we talk about electromagnetic currents that were around us. The second example is instead of talking about spirits as the causes of diseases we talked about bacteria's and viruses as the real causes of diseases. The third example in the video talked about how we used to believe that there was tiny little ghosts pulling on our muscles we later talked about we had a central nervous system. We eliminated physiological beliefs in the past and now rely- on the hard sciences for our answers which is the right way to do things.
Extra Credit: Nicole's post 2 Hours Ago
Week 2 Question 2:
I really like where your going with Eliminative Materialism it shows that you understand it really well. Replacing the old idea with a new idea is a good example of how Eliminative Materialism works in retrospect of a new generation coming in replacing the other generations beliefs. Mysticism was a great tool for our ancestors and early humans for it gave them a reason to explain the unexplained.
|
|
|
|
Post by jsayanath on Jul 6, 2015 1:25:33 GMT
Week 1:
1) Why was Socrates sentenced to death?
Socrates was sentenced to death because he was charge with two accusations. Charges were brought against him. One was that he did not believe in God's recognized by the state. The second charge against him was that he was corrupting the Athenian youth by his teachings. Socrates didn't deny or confess the first accusation made against him. The second accusation was absurd and they couldn't condemn him of such thing but the judges agreed to have him die by drinking the poisonous hemlock. Socrates believed that, although he was wrongfully accused, he was given a fair trial through the eyes of the law. The fact that he was given a fair trial meant that he was given a fair punishment. If this punishment is not carried out, justice will not be served. Escaping punishment would cause a conflict between his teachings and his actions. This would eradicate the moral reputation that Socrates had built for himself throughout his life.
2) Why is there conflict (for some) between science and religion?
Over centuries, the epic battle between modern science and ancient religion rose to the level of wars, resulting in millions of deaths all over nations. Since the days of Galileo, religion has tried to kill any kind of scientific thinking, logic reasoning, or theories. Science is no innocent victim as it has always tried to wipe out any religious meanings and the existence of God, throughout contaminated evolution theories and philosophical thinking. However, scientists nowadays are more reasoning; believing that faith is a gift they haven’t yet received. "Great is our fear of the unknown." Titus Livius made this statement in a time when science and religion were one and the same; a time when pagan mysticism gracefully intertwined itself in the sparse gaps of scientific knowledge. The two have since diverged and people-- society-- have had to make a choice: will science, or religion, sate the innate curiosity borne by human beings?
|
|
|
|
Post by jsayanath on Jul 6, 2015 1:30:14 GMT
Week 2:
1) Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy?
Physics is the study of matter and its motion through time and space along with force and energy. Philosophy is the study of fundamental and general questions that have to do with existence, reality, knowledge, values, mind, reason, and language. I do believe that to understand Philosophy it would be helpful to understand other subjects. Along with understanding other subject and open mind would go hand in hand with philosophy. Being able to ask questions and observing scientific theories humans have come a long way.
2) What is eliminative materialism? Provide 3 examples of it.
I believe that Eliminative materialism is one way of Humans trying to understand observations through scientific means. Eliminative materialism replaces spiritual and mythical explanations of the observations. According eliminative materialism is “eliminative” because it eliminates spiritual explanations. An example that I saw on the films was one of sleep paralysis. How some cultures believed that a ghost would lie on a person's body, it was later explained that was not the case. It didn't happen while a person was awake or asleep. Second example, would be the one of Thunder. How some believed "Thunder God's" would make thunder, but in reality it was the electromagnets. Third one is diseases. How some believed bad spirits would cause diseases.
|
|
|
|
Post by antonia on Jul 6, 2015 2:52:14 GMT
Week 2
Question #1: Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy? At first glance, one might not see the similarities between philosophy and physics and how they relate to each other. On closer examination, one would see the two ideologies generally follow comparable waves of thinking and execution. Physics tries to take concepts such as the matter, energy, and force and examines their relation to the everyday world. Philosophy generally examines the nature of knowledge, reality, and existence through the observation of the real world. Understanding how physics helps in exploring philosophy is to understand the relation between our knowledge and the raw material furnished by sense impressions (15). As Bertrand Russell puts it in Quantum Weirdness, "We all start from naive realism, i.e., the doctrine that things are what they seem. We think that grass is green, that stones are hard, and that snow is cold. But physics assures us that the greenness of grass, the hardness of stones, and the coldness of snow are not the greenness, hardness, and coldness that we know in our own experience, but something very different (15)." So in other words understanding physics and the general rule of the universe is important to doing philosophy because as far as the laws of physics refer to reality, they are not certain; and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality (14). This concept is essential in doing philosophy because it help us guys navigate through those muddled and gray areas. Question #2: What is eliminative materialism? Provide three examples of it. Eliminative materialism is basically the belief that our ordinary, common-sense understanding of the mind is wrong and that some or the entire mental states postulate by common-sense do not actually exist. In addition, eliminativists believe if one scientific concept does explain certain phenomenon, they can be reduced and eventually should be eliminated. From the clips on Eliminative Materialism, it is understood that eliminative materialism operates to try and disclaim a folk psychology way of thinking. For example, instead of focusing on Thor the god of thunder, we started discussing electrical magnetic current. Or instead of talking about spirits as the causes of diseases we turned to bacteria and viruses. And instead of talking about tiny ghosts as the cause of tension in our body, we look at the body's central nervous system. In conclusion, we were able to eliminate “gods and spirits” in favor of more precise and accurate explanations. Extra Credit: 1. Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy? To answer this question i would like to use a quote from the book Quantum Weirdness “deep understanding of the very limits of the scientific enterprise and how human investigations of objective phenomena are intimately limited by its own apparatus. This raises a philosophical conundrum which is age-old.” Page 15 Many people think that physics and understanding the general rules of the universe are the only viable ways to answer many of the questions on this planet and in the universe but to me having a deep knowledge in physics and truly understanding it will unlock the hidden potential this universe has to offer. Physics and philosophy are both intertwined in a way that they both need each other to work, philosophy requires one to have a background in the sciences and understanding how the universe works for if you're trying to prove your theory for if you make on mistake at one level in your argument it collapses because it is flat out wrong. The quote I used above is a good example of why we can't always trust science to answer our questions, it a revolving them in this course its that we are limited to our own apparatus. That is why we need philosophy more than ever for it doesn't put computation ahead of conceptual clarity which can lead to confusion. in the amazing video “Quantum Uncertainty: Einstein Doesn't Gamble” it talks about how einstein was fundamentally problematic shows that science can be wrong too. Your explanation of why we need to understand physics and the general rules of the universe to do philosophy is because I believe the two are linked as well. As I said in my own posting, Physics tries to take concepts such as the matter, energy, and force and examines their relation to the everyday world, while Philosophy generally examines the nature of knowledge, reality, and existence through the observation of the real world.
|
|
|
|
Post by brenda on Jul 6, 2015 3:14:31 GMT
Why was Socrates sentenced to death?
Socrates was sentenced on two accounts. One that he didnt believe in the Gods recognized by the states and two that he corrupted the youth with his teachings.He also didnt deny the accusations but stated that he was sticking to the teachings from his culture and that he feared God more than man. He clearly believed that saying it on p2 "“He neither denied nor confesses the first accusation, but shows that in several instances he conformed to the religious customs of his country, and that he believes in god more than he fears man” Socrates dying for his beliefs showed that he was a man who stood for hi beliefs. The second accusation made about corrupting the youth was by Melitus but socrates could not be held responsible for the charge. None the less he was found guilty and sentenced to death by drinking poisonous hemlock.
Why is there a conflict (for some) between science and religion?
There is ongoing conflict because both science and religion because both sides have different ideas and cant come to agreement with one another. Science is based on findings, facts and religion is based on God, and spirtiual belief rather than stone hard evidence. Science believes in things that occur naturally rather than Religous people thatb believe God created all things.Lane says "ironically the dilemma isn't between matter and spirit...but misleading definitions of them." (p.13 par.2)
The religious side tends to use “Folk Psychology” terms such as "desire," "motivation," "love," "anger," and "free will," (p.22) in describing daily activities, and dogmatic, conclusive statements as a basis of morality. Also said that However, this is a big issue for the scientific side. As stated in the great myster people use words like this as a sense of comfort." The idea that we are light gives us a deep sense of liberation p.2 (the great mystery)
What is matter?
Matter is everything, a book for example. In"what is matter" the video says that matter is millions of cells which are made up of smaller bits called molecules. And even smaller than that is atoms. Matter isnt just one thing but many layers, each of which can demonstrate what different things matter can do. Matter is everything from the waves in the ocean to mount everest, Author Edkin stated "something unknown is doing what we dont know, Matter is a Mystery". Therefore matter cannot be identified as just one thint but everything.
|
|
|
|
Post by jessica1822 on Jul 6, 2015 5:37:12 GMT
Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy?
I believe that understanding physics and the general rules of the universe are important in doing philosophy because the coincide with one another. Physics is the understanding of nature/ universe and how matter moves through space and time. Having a better understating of the general rules of the universe and how it works is the starting point of philosophy. In the reading quantum theory it was stated that " whenever a man has altered his bodily or cranial limits he has extended his world". What I took from this was that most of us have a limit into which our minds will expand or question things as they are or can be. In that particular sentence it points out that we have the ability to "extend our world". In that the study of both philosophy and physics allow our minds to alter our limits.
2. What is eliminating materialism? Provide the examples.
Eliminating materialism is the process of elimination in explanations of phenomenons or happenings. Most scientists believed that the most promising way to tackle the subject of consciousness it through eliminative materialism. One example of eliminative materialism is portrayed in part two, they explain how they turned from believing in Thor, ( the god of thunder) to electromagnetic fields that studied it through waves. Another is the elimination of inexplicable phenomenon to help us better understand things and the way they work. Lastly they go through a process in which they test through mathematics if the findings cannot be concluded they then turn to physics,chemistry,biology,psychology,and then sociology ;if through that process of elimination they do not come to a definitive answer they then say "God did it"
|
|
|
|
Post by courtney leos on Jul 6, 2015 5:58:19 GMT
Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy? I believe that understanding physics and the general rules of the universe are important in doing philosophy because the coincide with one another. Physics is the understanding of nature/ universe and how matter moves through space and time. Having a better understating of the general rules of the universe and how it works is the starting point of philosophy. In the reading quantum theory it was stated that " whenever a man has altered his bodily or cranial limits he has extended his world". What I took from this was that most of us have a limit into which our minds will expand or question things as they are or can be. In that particular sentence it points out that we have the ability to "extend our world". In that the study of both philosophy and physics allow our minds to alter our limits. 2. What is eliminating materialism? Provide the examples. Eliminating materialism is the process of elimination in explanations of phenomenons or happenings. Most scientists believed that the most promising way to tackle the subject of consciousness it through eliminative materialism. One example of eliminative materialism is portrayed in part two, they explain how they turned from believing in Thor, ( the god of thunder) to electromagnetic fields that studied it through waves. Another is the elimination of inexplicable phenomenon to help us better understand things and the way they work. Lastly they go through a process in which they test through mathematics if the findings cannot be concluded they then turn to physics,chemistry,biology,psychology,and then sociology ;if through that process of elimination they do not come to a definitive answer they then say "God did it" Courtney's extra credit: I liked that you included a quote from the book, it really helped your answer to number one and it shows that you understand the reason physics is important in philosophy especially since like you said, science doesn't always have the answers. |
|
|
|
Post by ronaldkkh on Jul 6, 2015 6:59:21 GMT
Week 2
1. Why is understanding Physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy?
Philosophy is the study of fundamental nature of reality. However, it is known that human brains's understanding of reality is limited to senses and their brains are not ‘well adapted to understand either the very large or the very small’ (Quantum Weirdness). Since we are only able to understand reality through matter of facts from our senses, the use of physics can help us understand the universe and the reality. Physics is the study of matter, so it helps us understand reality by showing cause and effect of phenomena, so humans can obtain accurate terminology to understand how the universe actually works while doing philosophy beyond senses in a logically oriented way. Therefore, understanding philosophical truth needs the help of physics. In Quantum Weirdness, it states that “The observer, when he seems to himself to be observing a stone, is really, if physics is to be believed, observing the effects of the stone upon himself.” The use of physics contributes to our knowledge of doing philosophy, which helps us understand reality and is crucial in seeking philosophical truth beyond senses.
2. What is eliminative materialism? Provide three examples of it.
Eliminative Materialism explains that people's common sense understanding of the mind is false and certain states of mind do not even exist. We used to explain many phenomena that cannot be explained in acadamia as ‘God did it’. (Eliminative Materialism video). As we continue to improve in scientific knowledge, we can replace old concepts that explain phenomena that have been believed to be caused by God in the past with new and more accurate terminology and information. For example, ancient Greek Mythology explains that thunder was caused of the thunder god, but now we are able to explain that thunder is a result of electrical magnetic currents. We no longer believe that diseases were punshiments from God but we know they are the cause of virus and bacterias. The last example is that people used to think that our movement was caused by tiny ghosts pulling our body, but now we know a central nervous system that causes our muscles to function. Eliminative Materialism is ‘reasons run large’, so we are able to change the way we used to think from mythology of God to logical reasoning.
|
|
|
|
Post by ggonzalez170 on Jul 6, 2015 7:01:30 GMT
1. Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy?
I think that understanding the general rules to the universe are important in doing philosophy because everything in the universe leads to what makes up the world. In the book “Is The Universe Really Made Out of Tiny Rubber Bands?” By Shawn-Michael Lane the author says: that Richard Feynman was asked to explain physics in and he did explain with something very simple. “Things are made of littler things that jiggle.” We sometimes just think and understand things that we can see with our own eyes. But we have to keep in mind that we are surrounded by things that we can see and the things we can see are made up of smaller things that we can’t see. It is important that we understand physics because everything is made up of atoms and atoms are broken down to protons and electrons which in turn make up the elements that make up what is around us. Quantum mechanics make us understand physics a little better. We are made up of tiny little particles and if the sting theory is believed to bring the large and the small things together in one theory. The general rules of the universe are that everything is made up of littler things. It is believed that the string theory it can have the theory of the small things as well as the theory of the large things and then this will make sense to the universe.
2. What is eliminative materialism? Provide three examples of it.
In the first movie Eliminate Materialism part 1 it showed me that scientists go through a process of elimination. The way they go about eliminating the process of consciousness is by process of elimination. The scientists go through mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, psychology and sociology. They follow these because they want to find a scientific response to the topic they are contemplating. In the video it also states that they have a “joke” for the times they can’t find the answers in that situation they say “God did it”.
The second movie Eliminate Materialism part 2 showed me that in the universities they were talking about electrical magnetic currents instead of Thor. They also talk about bacteria and viruses and diseases. They also talk about the new medicines that were found. I sure am glad that instead of talking about things from the past they were ready to look for what new diseases and viruses that were new in that time. I think that it is important to eliminate the old information with new found information to have medicine that will help with illnesses that people might not have had in the past.
Eliminative Materialism part 3 showed me that a person either reduces or eliminates the phenomenon. It talks about desire, motivation, love, anger and free will. It is said that certain states of mind are false and do not exist. It is a little hard for me to follow this particular video because I have experienced love, anger, motivation to be the best person I can be and also love. I don’t really comprehend how a feeling of anger can be non-existent when I have experienced every one of the states of mind mentioned in this video. I’m so happy and thankful that there has been scientist willing to go beyond and find a cure or a better way to deal with things and move forward.
|
|
Zhiren(Isaac) Zheng
Guest
|
Post by Zhiren(Isaac) Zheng on Jul 6, 2015 7:17:59 GMT
Week 2 1. Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy? By definition, philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. That is saying that seeking the truth of the universe is also part of the study of philosophy. In order to differentiate the appearance and the truth behind the veil, often time, philosopher need to applied physics, which is the ground of our understanding of the universe, to their logical thinking. Along the time, the mean we study the subject of physics align with our approaches to truth. However, the discovery of quantum mechanics challenges the way we seek the truth. We are now told whether or not we make the observation alter the experimental result, which is saying that when we observe the objects, this very action makes an influence on how the objects behavior. The validity of what we see and the pattern we conclude based on the observation are challenged. What we see, named Phenomena, "which constitute the our experience" and the truth, named noumena, "which are the (presumed) things themselves" are not necessary the same (Quantum weirdness 31). All the achievements on science, which are examined by our observation, "apply only to the phenomenal realm, not the noumenal" (Quantum weirdness 31). That also means "we don't unlock nature pure and pristine, but as nature reacts to our measuring devices" (Quantum weirdness 31). We may question that whether we are "the prisoners in Plato's allegory of the cave" as we cannot tell the difference between what we see and what the truth really is (Quantum weirdness 34). This dilemma in science realm also put philosopher into confusion. As Bohr said, "it is wrong to think that the task of physics is to find out how Nature is. Physics concerns what we say about Nature” (Quantum weirdness 34). Is it still right that the way we explore about the truth? Only when we have a better understanding of physics and the general rules of the universe, can we make a better shoot on what the truth may be. 2. What is eliminative materialism? On our way to the understanding of the nature, we don't usually go directly to the point. At the time we observed some phenomena that we cannot explain using the knowledge of one subject, we turned to another one. But if we still could give them a good explanation based on our knowledge, we tended to link that to our religion consciousness. However, when we make advance on the subject of science and we have a better understanding of the phenomena, we replace "the old and outdated concept of the part with the new and more accurate terminology, which reflects our new understanding of our body and universe at large" (Eliminative materialism, part two). By doing that, " We eliminated god and spirits in favor of more precise and accurate physiological explanation, hence the eliminative materialism" (Eliminative materialism, part three). Even though we made good progress on the understanding of the nature, to ourselves, we still do not know our emotions very well. As it was said in the video, " the words we use to describe our motivation emerged from religion consciousness rather than the understanding of neurology" (Eliminative materialism, part three). Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy? I believe that understanding physics and the general rules of the universe are important in doing philosophy because the coincide with one another. Physics is the understanding of nature/ universe and how matter moves through space and time. Having a better understating of the general rules of the universe and how it works is the starting point of philosophy. In the reading quantum theory it was stated that " whenever a man has altered his bodily or cranial limits he has extended his world". What I took from this was that most of us have a limit into which our minds will expand or question things as they are or can be. In that particular sentence it points out that we have the ability to "extend our world". In that the study of both philosophy and physics allow our minds to alter our limits. 2. What is eliminating materialism? Provide the examples. Eliminating materialism is the process of elimination in explanations of phenomenons or happenings. Most scientists believed that the most promising way to tackle the subject of consciousness it through eliminative materialism. One example of eliminative materialism is portrayed in part two, they explain how they turned from believing in Thor, ( the god of thunder) to electromagnetic fields that studied it through waves. Another is the elimination of inexplicable phenomenon to help us better understand things and the way they work. Lastly they go through a process in which they test through mathematics if the findings cannot be concluded they then turn to physics,chemistry,biology,psychology,and then sociology ;if through that process of elimination they do not come to a definitive answer they then say "God did it" I agreed on your point that "both philosophy and physics allow our minds to alter our limits" and they have "the coincide with one another'. Indeed, before human beings ever advance in physics, philosophy provided people a general guideline on the exploration of the universe and the truth. When people learn more and more about the universe and form physics, still, philosophy works as a criteria how we should view the discovery we found. Just like the dilemma we face in quantum physics, it brought us back to the question of philosophy, but at the same time, it also alternate our way of viewing things philosophically. |
|
|
|
Post by Tyler Van Voorhis on Jul 6, 2015 20:34:33 GMT
Week 2 Questions
Tyler Van Voorhis
1) Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe important in philosophy?
The basics to philosophy such as physics and the universe provide a solid structure to start understanding the different ideas expressed in philosophy. Philosophy combines science, mathematics, physics, religion, morality, and ethics. Physics is a science of measurements. In the book “Quantum Weirdness”, it states, that at least 90% of the universe is dark matter, in which we cannot see. Socrates was known to be one of the greatest philosophers of all time. He was known to question everything, and not settle for the basic information given on any given subject. This thought process has expanded philosophy throughout the years by many people. Although science has evolved exponentially throughout the years, there is still a question of what is real and what is fake. Socrates said, “laws cannot be just or unjust because what is just?”. How does one really know what lies beyond our perception or beliefs if we do not question the unknown. Understanding philosophy, combines reality, existence, and prior knowledge to get a predictable outcome of the world.
2) What is eliminative materialism? Provide 3 examples
Eliminative materialism is an idea in which our ordinary, common-sense understanding of the mind is deeply wrong. In other words there are certain classes of mental states that people believe in that do not exist. If things cannot be explained by mathematics, biology, sociology, astrology, etc. then it is believed something extraordinary did it, a higher force, such as god. The mental states such as desire, intent, belief, are all examples of a state of mind not believed to exist. The reason these mental states are irreducible is not because they a non-physical, although that would be the most obvious reason, but rather because those such states as described by the common-sense psychology, do not exist. Common-sense psychology is the human capacity to predict and explain the mental state of other people. Those mental states are not identifiable by the understanding of common-sense psychology.
|
|
|
|
Post by kirvin on Jul 7, 2015 6:28:32 GMT
WEEK 2- Natural Philosophy and the Universe
1. Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy?
- Having a firm understanding of physics and the general rules of the universe is so important in doing philosophy for a number of reasons. According to the required reading Quantum Weirdness, the use of physics and science is used to further understand the boundaries and limitations set upon this world. In fact the author states that a, “deep understanding of the very limits of the scientific enterprise and how human investigations of objective phenomena are intimately limited by its own apparatus”(Q 15). This suggest that by having a strong foundation of physics and other sciences will ultimately help in seeking the new and old mysteries of the world. Both physics and philosophy work together in such a way that it becomes impossible for one to work without each other. Indeed, the use of philosophy requires a firm foundation in the sciences and understanding how the universe works in order to obtain knowledge of the truths and mysteries of the world.
2. What is eliminative materialism? Provide three examples of it. Be sure to support your answers with references to the required readings and films.
-Eliminative materialism is the process of elimination with explanations of phenomenons or happenings. For instance, if something cannot be explained with the use of science and mathematics, it is assumed to be the work of some higher force or a God. During the film Eliminate Materialism part 1, it was shown how scientist go through a whole process of elimination using all the sciences and mathematics in order to come up with an answer. The video claims, “God did it” whenever the answers cannot be found. During Eliminative Material Part 2, it was discovered that whenever we make advances in the grounds of science and we have a better understanding of things, we update the use of our terminology based on these findings. In fact the film quotes, "the old and outdated concept of the part with the new and more accurate terminology, which reflects our new understanding of our body and universe at large" (part two). Lastly, film talks about how people believed in these little ghosts that pulled on our muscles, and come to find scientist discover the central nervous system. This is interesting to see how people are able to eliminate their beliefs and use science to develop new more concrete beliefs.
|
|
|
|
Post by sara cardenas on Jul 7, 2015 23:55:30 GMT
Week 2
1. Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy? Understanding physics and the general rules of the universe is so important in doing philosophy because they go hand in hand. If the philosopher doesn’t understand physics then there will be “deep philosophical repercussions” (8). "It’s necessary that enough propositions of the conceptual system be firmly enough connected with sensory experiences…should show as much unity and parsimony as possible” (17). So “philosophy can, after all, not get along without metaphysics” (17). The book talked about how you first start out by observing the grass being green, but then physics shows that there’s more to it. “Bohr’s reasoning is asking to what we find in Plato’s allegory of the cave” (22), “we are the prisoners in the cave and only from that position can we both induce and deduce what may or may not be ultimately real” (23). The debate that occurred between Einstein and Bohr regarding quantum mechanics is very similar to the way Socrates would debate with others to try and find an answer. For example when they are trying to explain the string theory, they say that if they can’t prove the theory then it’s not science it’s just philosophy. Physics brings up a lot of philosophical questions and vice versa. Both are trying to find answers about the universe. 2. What is eliminative materialism? Provide 3 examples. Eliminative materialism is using the sciences deductively until you find something that can explain the posed question. For example (in the video of eliminative materialism), Thor was considered the God of lightning, but when electricity was discovered then the idea of Thor was eliminated. Eliminative materialism is something that isn’t used to explain what is happening in the human body. Other options like psychology are used. An example of eliminative materialism is biology, geology, chemistry and physics. It's going through steps, so if biology can't explain something then chemistry is used and if not that then physics is used. Extra Credit Response: I really like how you used the example of Socrates to explain how philosophy is related to physics. Philosophy seeks to understand many of the things that are going on in our world and why those things happen. Physics does the same, but uses science i.e. mathematics to show how it relates to reality. I didn't really put the whole idea of the mental states that don't exist in my answer for eliminative materialism, but I like how you showed that psychology is used to explain these states even though technically they don't exist. Extra Credit: An Interview with Brian GreeneBrian Greene is vegan. He starts talking about how there are many universes which are called multiverse. There’s a difference between he observable universe and the entirety of the universe. Physics uses mathematics to explain reality, but it has to be confirmed by observation. Even if the string theory isn’t true, Greene would be content since it would be one step closer to finding the truth. Super symmetry is the idea that there’s a “cousin” or the opposite of a proton, neutron and electron. They’re called sparticles. There are many different theories that try to explain the multiverse. An analogy would be seeing the whole thing as a loaf of bread and each slice is a universe. Week 2 Questions Tyler Van Voorhis 1) Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe important in philosophy? The basics to philosophy such as physics and the universe provide a solid structure to start understanding the different ideas expressed in philosophy. Philosophy combines science, mathematics, physics, religion, morality, and ethics. Physics is a science of measurements. In the book “Quantum Weirdness”, it states, that at least 90% of the universe is dark matter, in which we cannot see. Socrates was known to be one of the greatest philosophers of all time. He was known to question everything, and not settle for the basic information given on any given subject. This thought process has expanded philosophy throughout the years by many people. Although science has evolved exponentially throughout the years, there is still a question of what is real and what is fake. Socrates said, “laws cannot be just or unjust because what is just?”. How does one really know what lies beyond our perception or beliefs if we do not question the unknown. Understanding philosophy, combines reality, existence, and prior knowledge to get a predictable outcome of the world. 2) What is eliminative materialism? Provide 3 examples Eliminative materialism is an idea in which our ordinary, common-sense understanding of the mind is deeply wrong. In other words there are certain classes of mental states that people believe in that do not exist. If things cannot be explained by mathematics, biology, sociology, astrology, etc. then it is believed something extraordinary did it, a higher force, such as god. The mental states such as desire, intent, belief, are all examples of a state of mind not believed to exist. The reason these mental states are irreducible is not because they a non-physical, although that would be the most obvious reason, but rather because those such states as described by the common-sense psychology, do not exist. Common-sense psychology is the human capacity to predict and explain the mental state of other people. Those mental states are not identifiable by the understanding of common-sense psychology.
|
|
|
|
Post by vanessamagdaleno on Jul 8, 2015 4:46:37 GMT
Week #2: Natural Philosophy and the Universe
Physics relies on empirical evidence. Ultimately, physics wants to be able to explain and predict everything with an all-encompassing theory. (The Great Mystery) However, humans are not well adapted to understand the very large nor the very small. (Quantum Weirdness) With out the use of certain devices we cannot study tiny structures like cells nor can we see macroscopic phenomena like distant galaxies orbiting one another. Humans are limited and as of yet physics is limited. We can only study so much and some of the things we can study we ultimately alter with the devices we use to even see them. With the help of reason and logic, philosophy helps us venture out and create highly possible explanations for phenomena not yet observable or explained by physics. Physics gives the basis for philosophy to venture out and create possible explanations. And philosophy can also take us to new places for experimentation that might lead to further empirical discoveries. These new discoveries will eventually add on to the theory of everything.
What is eliminative materialism? Provide three examples of it
- Eliminative materialism is the process used to explain certain phenomena in respect to pure matte or materialism (which involves empirical evidence). It is trying to stray away from explaining things in spiritual terms. Eliminative materialism attempts to explain things starting with one subject, for example, mathematics. If mathematics cannot explain it then they will turn to the next subject and so on until we find a reasonable explanation. It has been noted that certain phenomena that has not been able to be explained by any subject then people will just slab on the explanation that “God did it.” (Eliminative materialism video:Pt.1) However, a lot of the things we used to explain in terms of spiritual aspects have been ruled out by science. For example, we used to believe that certain sicknesses were caused evil spirits and demons but now science has proven that bacteria and viruses cause sickness. Another example is when we used to believe little ghosts traveled from our brains to our arms causing them to move. Now we know that our arms are able to move because of neurons transmitting messages. A third example, we used to believe that the thunder god, Thor, controlled thunder but now we know that it is caused by electrical magnetic currents. "We have allowed eliminative materialism to change everything we look at.” (Eliminative Materialism: Pt. 3)
|
|
|
|
Post by jmagallon on Jul 9, 2015 5:05:35 GMT
WEEK #2
1. Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines philosophy as the study of knowledge, truth, the nature and meaning of life. With that said one can easily relate physics and the rules of the universe with philosophy. In order to understand life man has developed physics and documented the rules the universe governs. Physics helps unlock the mysteries and inner workings of the universe. These same understandings are used in philosophy to help answer and prove any findings. It is convenient for both philosophy and physics because one can help the other and vice versa.
For example quantum physics is a difficult subject to understand and needs philosophy to help explain some of it. Sometimes you cannot definitively demonstrate something with a lab experiment but can be explained philosophically. Simply put there is a limit to how far human understanding can go when discovering the functions of the universe. This limit does not allow conventional science to explain life and there for needs a different approach. It is at this limit that philosophy helps overcome and explain. This overcoming is best associated with Plato's allegory of the cave (Page 22). Conventional math is the shackles that are the limit and once one is freed from the shackles with the use of philosophy one can see the light and understand. This same example can be turned around with philosophy being the shackles and math being the freeing light. At first something can be explained by mere words but man needs assured knowledge that has been proven to be true (Page 16). It is this assurance that benefits philosophy to continue to be an important subject to man.
Source: Quantum Weirdness by David Christopher Lane and Andrea Diem-Lane
2. What is eliminative materialism? (Provide three examples of it.)
Eliminative materialism suggests that the common sense we use to explain the conscious mind is wrong. One example is “Well God Did It,” which is a process used by scientist to explain the subject of consciousness by use of math. If that does not work then use one of the following until you find one that works: physics, chemistry, biology, psychology, and sociology. Now, if all of those fields have been used and one can still not find an explanation then according to eliminative materialism God did it and that’s a reasonable explanation. The second example is “The Death of Thor,” states that when there is advancement in astronomy, medicine, and physics the outdated concepts and understanding are replaced with more up to date ones. Such as Thor the thunder god used to explain lightning and thunder. We now know there is not a god in the sky controlling such elements, but instead it is electrical magnetic current being generated. The final example is “Intelligent Reductionism,” mentions how reason will start from otherworldly level then to a practical one. Which helps us to explain and understand ourselves. The problem is because the terminology used is sometimes not changed. Such as the terms used to describe emotions, these terms can be viewed as outdated, and to correct this problem they must be updated with the consideration of the new discoveries that explain emotions.
|
|
