julia
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Path to becoming a philosopher...
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Post by julia on Jun 27, 2015 9:19:53 GMT
WEEK ONE
Essay Questions
1. Why was Socrates sentenced to death?
Socrates was sentenced to death because " one he did not believe in the gods recognized by the State, the other that he had corrupted the Athenian youth by his teachings". The reasoning behind his dead can be understood by analyzing the charges against him. In society, individuals are (usually) socially accepted if they understand and agree with the ideas of the public. The behavior of individuals are judged appropriate or inappropriate depending on the public's prior understanding of social norms. A behavior or idea that is socially accepted generally means that it is "normal". However, determining what is socially accepted comes from a complicated process. How do humans judge whether what is right or wrong? Laws are created to protect the people, but how do the lawmakers know whether the socially accepted ideas are moral or immoral? Socrates was sentenced to death because he "did not believe in the gods recognized by the State", or in other words, Socrates had ideas that were different from what society believed. When analyzing this information, it can be suggested that the public sentenced Socrates to death because he was different; instead of following the beliefs of the majority, he tried to increase his understanding of the world by creating new ideas of his own. Thus, the public may have felt threatened by Socrates. Most individuals feel comfortable when they think that they have an understanding about a topic.Having an understanding of the world brings comfort and a sense of familiarity. Thus, when an individual questions the morality of a socially accepted idea, the general public feels a bit threatened and becomes defensive. By believing in a god that was not recognized by the State, Socrates proved that he had a different attitude than the general public. Sharing opposing beliefs also proved that Socrates did not surrender to the pressure of conformity, rather he had an independent mindset.
When examining something as great as life itself, it can be overwhelming and frightening. Common ideas are generally accepted so that individuals feel a safe in their existence. Socrates had "corrupted the Athenian youth" by sharing his different ideas. By sharing his new ideas, he suggested to the youth that it is acceptable to hold contrasting views from the public. Socrates can be viewed as more enlightened or wiser because did not pretend to believe what the public believed. Socrates was shamed because he questioned the knowledge of the public. Socrates encouraged the people to have their own understanding of the world. Perhaps while doing so, the public started to form hostility towards him. Forming an own opinion is far more complicated than believing in a commonly accepted idea. Having a personal understanding of a concept forces the individual to question what is right and what is wrong. Thus, there is a space of uncertainty that lies beneath the surface. Socrates encouraged his listeners to question ideas, and while doing so he may have proved to them that they are not as knowledgeable as they initially thought. He was believed to have "corrupted the Athenian youth" because he encouraged them to ask questions rather than just accepting what is told to them. He taught them to think and understand concepts before accepting ideas. Socrates was sentenced to death because he threatened the ideas in a stable society.
Quote Source: How Socrates Died
2. Why is there a conflict (for some) between science and religion?
There is a conflict between science and religion essentially because there is a "linguistic confusion over what the term 'matter' means and what is ultimately implies" (1). Religion is solely based off of faith and the belief that there is a being that is superior to the world. It also acts as a pause button for something that is unknown or not explainable. Religion and science come in conflict because it forces the individual to choose between faith or logic. Science can be explained through various theories and data, however, religion is solely based on the individual's faith in God. The conflict branches from the idea of "matter", although some "tend to think that matter and spirit are opposites and that focusing on one discounts the other and vice versa... the real problem may be linguistic and not existential ...it may be the outdated definitions and mythological remnants inherent in those definitions" (3). Science contains theories that explain matter, and the many layers that matter consists of. Essentially, it explains how the inner components of everyday objects. Thus, this conflicts with religion because each religion has its own set of ideas that explain how life was created and how life works. Science and religion are not merely opposites, rather they work together in explaining in different dimensions. When examining the differences between science and religion, there are multiple points that explain this "confusion".
Science can be considered the "truth", while religion can be considered the individual's consciousness. Science can study the physical aspects of the body, while religion focuses on the mental aspects of the individual. Science and religion may often come in conflict because they both offer explanations for the existence of life. Science uses data and proven ideas, while religion focuses on the spirit of the individual.It is easy to see the opposing ideas between both science and religion, "...spiritual paths must be open to varying interpretations and must be open to falsification... for any endeavor to be justifiably regarded as 'scientific' it must be willing to be corrected, to be changed to be wrong" (14). Something that is considered "scientific" must be open to change, however this idea contrasts with religion itself.Religion is based on the foundation of faith, thus it is nearly impossible to change or correct, because the idea itself is considered to be the "truth". Although these two often clash, other times they compliment each other. Science offer facts that prove life's existence, while religion explains the beliefs of the individual.
Quote Source: The Great Mystery
Extra Credit (Student Response)
Hello Iann,
You made great points in your post about the essay question #2. There is a conflict between science and religion because science focuses on data and theories while religion focuses more on the spirit of the individual. I liked how you brought up that the conflict is heavily shifted towards the religion side. Something that is scientific has to be open to future changes, but this idea is impossible to relate to religion because religion itself is considered to be the "truth", which is correct and cannot be changed. There is a "confusion" between science and religion because the two often clash in explaining the existence of life. However, at times the two compliment each other. Science explains the physical aspects of the body, while religion explains the spiritual aspects of individuals.
Extra Credit (Flash)
The literal definition of matter states: "subject of though, speech, or expression". The word matter has believed to have been derived from the word "mother". It is interesting that the word derives from the word mother, because everything on Earth is made up of matter. Thus, it acts as a mother or creator of all things that exist. When understanding what matter is, an individual can examine all the particles that make up objects. All objects are made of layers of small parts. Objects contain cells, which are made up of molecules. These molecules can be broken down into atoms. Atoms are structures that essentially act as the building foundation of objects. Initially, it was believed that "things are made up of indivisible particles, which cannot be cut further..", however as science progressed, Max Planck had an intriguing discovery. Planck realized that atoms could also be broken down into more structures such as the nucleus and electrons, and thus the nucleus and electrons would break down into photons and quarks. Comprehending the concept of matter can be understood by examining the statement "Things are made of littler things that jiggle". The simple saying is a statement that explains that matter is a system of layers that are able to perform under different circumstances.
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iann
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Post by iann on Jun 28, 2015 5:52:15 GMT
I agree that Socrates was sentenced to death entirely because his society of people felt that he was different than everyone else, and that he is not socially acceptable by their standards. The only way to rid of him, according to them, would be to charge him for inconformity to society. By developing his own method of teaching, people found ways in which they could exploit him and find a reason to get him the death penalty. |
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julia
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Path to becoming a philosopher...
Posts: 14
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Post by julia on Jul 6, 2015 2:52:47 GMT
WEEK TWO
Essay Questions
1. Why is understanding physics and the general rules of the universe so important in doing philosophy?
The four illustrations of quantum mechanics, the Schrödinger's cat, Spooky action at a distance, Objective reality, and Uncertainty principle, all relate as to why physics and the rules of the universe are so important in philosophy. Philosophy is the study of knowledge, reality, and existence; understanding physics is key to comprehending the ideas of philosophy. The quantum theory "calls into question the very process of how we know things. It is for this reason that Albert Einstein resisted the implications of quantum theory because he knew that what it portended was an end to determinism and an end to a strict causality governing the universe" (1). The quantum theory brings uncertainty to the world; there is a sense of indeterminism that comes from analyzing quantum mechanics. The quantum theory relates to philosophy as it hopes to explain reality and the existence of life. Quantum theory is the foundation of physics that explains the function and nature of matter; "quantum mechanic is essentially a probabilistic model to provide us with how an uncertain realm can yield quite predictable, even if occasionally quite odd, outcomes and trajectories. Physics and the general rules of the universe are important to philosophy because they all offer an explanation to how the universe and life exists. Understanding physics and the rules of the universe are important because they provide data and a "truth" to the philosophical ideas pertaining to reality and existence. Philosophical ideas are supported by physics, and thus they all work together in providing a certainty, or understanding, to the ideas.
Matter is examined in multiple levels, thus it is not possible to examine or "unlock nature as nature, or electron as electron, or matter as matter" because the form alters under how it is examined. Though, the definition of "matter" is itself a theoretical idea that explains a system of particles that exist within other particles. There is a uncertainty principle that states that "it is impossible to extract an unlimited amount of information from a quantum system, that means there's a limit to the precision of any measurement including the measurement of time". The idea of matter relates to philosophy because it offers valid reasoning or logic to the philosophical ideas that are presented. The string theory also offers the idea that "Everything in the universe is made out of very small loops of matter, much, much smaller than anything we can see in atoms". The theories of science all give validity to the claims from philosophy.
Quote Source: Quantum Weirdness, Quantum Thinking, Quantum Superposition: The Newton-Einstein Correspondence Paradox, Is the Universe Really Made of Tiny Rubber Bands?
2. What is eliminative materialism? Provide three examples of it.
Eliminative materialism can be defined as some sort of elimination process that analyzes human consciousness, explained "if a phenomena cannot be explained fully and comprehensively by mathematics then one turns to physics, but if that too is incomplete then to chemistry, then to biology then to psychology, then to sociology..."; it offers logical explanations for the occurrences in everyday life. Eliminative materialism is essentially a process in which old ideas are eliminated and new ideas are created through various advancements in science. The newly created ideas thus represent the current understanding of the universe. One example explained in the video is the story of the lightning god Thor. Before, people would believe that lightning came from the gods, however, further research in science proved that lightning could be explained through electrical magnetic currents. Another example was the belief that spirits caused diseases. With further studies of diseases and illnesses, scientists proved that disease was spread through bacteria and viruses within the human body. The last example relates to the belief that there were spirits that controlled the muscles in the human body; however, this idea was proved false when scientists began discussing the nervous system. Thus, as a result, the scientific explanations simply replaced the ideas pertaining to the spirits. Eliminative materialism has changed the way people think - from a spiritual approach to a more logical or reasonable approach.
Source: Eliminative Materialism, Part One - Three
Extra Credit (Student Response)
Hi Hansen,
I thought your response for #2 perfectly answered the essay question. The three examples you listed that were explained in the second video, (Thor, disease, nervous system), are in fact "better, more accurate explanations of why things work the way they do...". As science advances, commonly believed ideas also begin to change. As a result, through eliminative materialism, "new knowledge and understanding" begin to replace "older understandings". I also liked how you concluded you response by stating "eliminative materialism is the quest of the best explanation". As our knowledge about the universe widens, our ideas and theories begin to alter to further fit with the new understandings. Thus, eliminative materialisms seeks to find the best explanation because it constantly replaces old ideas with newer, more logical approaches.
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julia
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Path to becoming a philosopher...
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Post by julia on Jul 12, 2015 9:22:41 GMT
WEEK THREE
Essay Questions
1. Why is the theory of evolution so important in understanding how human beings behave?
Charles Darwin defines the evolution theory in his work On the Origin of Species, "Owing to this struggle for life, any variation, however slight and from whatever cause proceeding, if it be in any degree profitable to an individual of any species, in its infinitely complex relation to other organic beings and to external nature, will tend to the preservation of that individual, and will generally be inherited by its offspring. The offspring, also, will thus have a better chance of surviving, for, of the many individuals of any species which are periodically born, but small number can survive. I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term of Natural Selection, in order to mark its relation to man's power of selection" (5). The theory of evolution explains how human beings were introduced into the world. Understanding the theory of evolution is important to understanding how humans being behave because it forms a solid foundation that explains the actions and thoughts of human beings. The theory explains the "purpose" of human beings and their way of survival. The comprehension of the idea is also necessary in the understanding how organisms have changed to introduce new or adapted species. As living individuals on Earth, there is constant competition, whether it be between two different species or within the same species.
The evolution theory explains why and how human beings change over time. Evolution explains both physical characteristics, such as appearance, and mental characteristics, such as individual morals and values. While analyzing the theory of evolution, it can also be described as the development within a species. Development in physical traits are beneficial to survival. However, changes within the mentality of a group is essential to promoting better survival within a community. Thus, the physical and mental aspects of humans constantly change to better fit the current environment.
Consciousness is also essential when understanding the idea of natural selection. In "The DNA of Consciousness," author Andrea Diem-Lane states, "to understand why philosophy arose in the first place, we have to begin with delving into the mystery on why consciousness itself rose" (18). Consciousness is important in survival because it allows the individual to be aware of the current surroundings, thus leading them to properly judge whether a situation is safe of unsafe. Lane also describes consciousness as "literally a virtual simulator, and that is why it has been so helpful in allowing humans to survive globally, even when our bodies were not adapted to certain environmental niches" (20). The connection between consciousness and survival is important when understanding the theory of evolution. Consciousness is the individual's thinking process, and these thoughts eventually influence the actions of individuals; how individuals think and act revolves around their consciousness. Thus, consciousness explains why humans behave the way they do and also offers more information about the idea of evolution. Evolution can also be described by the acronym "VISITED" (Variation, Inheritance, Selection, Including, Time, Equals) presented in Lane's video Evolution Explained in Four Minutes. Human beings are not perfect, rather they are constantly changing to better adapt to the current environment. The evolution theory is important in understanding human behavior because humans have changed and developed over time to best suit the environment, "Knowing the conditions from where we originally arose is a central key to understanding why we survive as we do in the present" (7).
Quote Source: The DNA of Consciousness, Evolution Explained in Four Minutes
2. Which questions do you think evolutionary theory cannot answer?
The evolutionary theory explains the physical and mental development within a species, however, it cannot fully explain the complex minds of individuals and why individuals have a desire to continue to survive. The biggest motivation for humans is survival: do whatever it takes to survive in this world. Certain genes have been selected to benefit individuals. Thus, overtime more desired traits have developed commonly within newer generations. A question that the theory of evolution cannot fully answer is why individuals have a desire to survive. It explains how species evolve over time to increase their survival in the changing environment, however, it ceases to explain what happens after an individual has no more desire to survive. This idea is explained in the video The Evolutionary Imperative: To Be or Not to Be. The video depicts the myth of Sisyphus, where a man struggles to push up a rock that is constantly falling over. When the man is finally able to push the rock up, he is exhausted. The ideas in the myth can be viewed as symbolic objects that connect back to human life. The heavy rock symbolizes life itself, thus the man is constantly pushing the rock up to continue to survive through the struggles of living. At a certain point, the man has to ask himself whether pushing up the rock is actually worth the end point. This myth brings into question whether life is actually worth living. This question is also depicted in the hypothetical situation of being on a rollercoaster that is incomplete. The individual has to judge whether they want to remain seated until the ride finishes (living their life until it ends) or ultimately jumping off (choosing to end their life at a given moment). All of these situations bring into question the idea of suicide. The evolutionary theory explains the act of survival, however, it does not explain why and when survival is desired. Humans develop overtime to "become good enough to survive the universe's version of The Hunger Games," but at what point do individuals judge whether life is worth living (Evolution Explained in Four Minutes). Why do suicides occur, if the purpose in life is to continue to survive?
Quote Source: The Evolutionary Imperative: To Be or Not to Be, Evolution Explained in Four Minutes
Extra Credit (Response to Student)
Hi Iann,
I agree with your response to essay question #2. The evolution theory offers an explanation as to how humans have evolved to survive in the environment. However, the theory does not explain WHY people have a desire to survive. Sometimes I think humans survive for each other rather than themselves; some have a desire to remain in this world for their families and friends. The question that I thought the evolution theory did not explain was the origin of the idea of survival. I think everyone is born with a desire for survival, but at some point in life the individual questions whether life is worth living. Thus they start to contemplate suicide. I agree that the evolution theory promotes the sole idea of survival, but where did the idea of survival originate from? Also, how do humans judge whether survival is actually desired?
If evolution promotes survival, why do some people struggle to find a balance between the ability to survive and ability to be fully happy? People often have certain careers to support their families, but often times these careers are not ideal. Thus, people essentially sacrifice some part of their happiness to support their families' survival in the world. As a result, some cases lead to depression. People work to survive, however, this work can ultimately jeopardize their ability to survive (both in physical and mental terms).
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julia
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Path to becoming a philosopher...
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Post by julia on Jul 20, 2015 2:50:26 GMT
WEEK FOUR
Essay Questions
1. Explain the virtual simulation theory of consciousness.
The virtual simulation theory of consciousness explains that we have a false perception of the world; what we "perceive around us is not as it appears" (2). In Cerebral Mirage, professor Lane describes the necessity of consciousness in a promising individual, "simply put, a theory of human consciousness necessitates a deep understanding of biological evolution and natural selection, since it is the guiding mechanism for why certain species flourish and others decay into extinction" (14). Consciousness gives an advantage to humans (this was covered in The DNA of Consciousness and Evolution Explained in Four Minutes - Week Three Q. #4), as it acts as a "virtual simulator" or "pivotal foot" in providing or exploring unknown areas in the human life. Humans can create a false reality in which their minds can visually experience certain situations without the body physically doing so. Consciousness essentially "map(s) out future competitive strategies," which ultimately helps in increasing survivability. Consciousness acts as a key survival tool, however, there reaches a certain point where our "false reality" from consciousness blends in with what is actually real; consciousness "operators as a virtual simulator", however, the mind sometimes forgets "how easy it is to be taken in by such simulations" (16). Sometimes "we don't always recognize these projections as projections is of elemental importance, since the power and persuasiveness of any vision is equal to the degree that we believe them to be real" (16). Consciousness creates a visual simulation that allows our minds to perceive something that is not real.
Thus, our perception is not actually what is real in the world. Instead, it is a mere illusion of the collection of ideas that are believed by the individual. Consciousness creates a simulated reality, in which the individual cannot differentiate the simulated "false" reality from the real "true" reality. The virtual simulation theory of consciousness explains that humans may be living in a "false reality" simulation created by their own minds; "neuroscience, evolutionary biology and quantum physics have demonstrated that our day-to-day reality is a relative construct, built upon a scaffolding of information bits that betray their real origin and causation... the world of appearance is a beguiling illusion which hides the truth of the universe's real essence" (36). The video The Disneyland of Consciousness also emphasizes how easy it is for the human mind to be convinced through deception. The video gives examples of how humans can be convinced of a false reality through the deception of appearance, "what we believe to be conscious... turns out to be unconscious".
Quote Source: Cerebral Mirage, The DNA of Consciousness, The Disneyland of Consciousness
2. How does the brain trick us and for what benefit is it for our genetic survival?
The brain tricks by making us believe in a world that is not actually real. In the book Is the Universes an App?, it provides an example of Faqir Chand and his life experiences written in his autobiography The Unknowing Sage. Through his experiences, Chand realized "that his numinous experiences were not indications of a transcendent state of consciousness but was rather projections of his mind. When he began to doubt the reality of these vision he broke through into another state of awareness which itself seemed more luminous than the stage preceding it. But even this new ascending form of consciousness he believed was a projection... Faqir summarized this best near the ned of his life, 'So what I have understood about Nam is that it is the true knowledge of the feelings, visions, and images that are seen within. This knowledge is that all the creations of the waking, dreaming and deep sleep modes of consciousness are nothing but samskara (impressions which are in truth unreal) that are produced by the mind. What to speak about others, even I am not aware of my own Self" (47-48). Chad's story provides further information about the understanding of consciousness. The video Consciousness as a Mobius Strip also explains consciousness as very complex. The video compares consciousness to a mobius strip; simply moving the mobius strip will change the appearance. The idea is the same with consciousness; when an individual tries to define consciousness, he/she merely describes it as the "content of what is experienced". However, "consciousness cannot be exported as a piece of content, since it is the whole context in such appearances arise. By attempts to reduce that whole idea to parts, its so fact means that whatever follows will be irretrievably lost in translation". The brain tricks us by giving us a visual simulator that creates a sense of false reality. Differentiating the false reality and true reality brings a sense of uncertainty because the individual is unable to understand what is actually real and what is the deception created by the simulator.
Consciousness is beneficial because it allows the mind to experience something without having the body to physically perform it. It "is a way around pure chance by developing an internalized map of probabilities which can be visualized internally without having to be outsourced prematurely" (Brain Burn). The video Brain Burn explains the connection between consciousness and survival. It asks "What is the best way to survive chance contingencies?" and provides the answer "By developing a statistically deep understanding of what varying options portend". Consciousness "arises as dissociation so it can play out via its internal machination .. Without physical harm, alternative scenarios disappear is four F's: fuck, food, flee, fight". Consciousness is also beneficial as it may create a different reality. The brain makes the mind believe something that is not real to protect the individual. Consciousness acts as a visual simulation and it allows the mind to "experience" the situation without having the individual actually perform the action. This is a key method for survival because the individual is protected from his/her own curiosity. Individuals are also of themselves and their surroundings. In the The Cerebral Mirage, it states that the "brain tricks us into believing something to be real when it is not, provided that suck ticker provides with a survival advantage.." (78). With these advantages, the individual is more likely to survive because he/she is mentally sheltered fro the dangers of the world.
Quote Source: Is the Universes an App?, The Cerebral Mirage, Consciousness as a Mobius Strip, Brain Burn
Extra Credit (Response to Student)
Hi Cecilia,
I liked how the quotes and examples you used for your response for week 4. I thought the video "The Disneyland of Consciousness" simplified the main points described in the reading Cerebral Mirage. The video emphasizes how common and easy it is for the human mind to be convinced through deception. Like you said, these characters are so realistic that the mind believes that they are actually real. This idea can also be used to answer the second question of how the brain tricks us. Through the virtual simulation theory of consciousness, our minds create a sort of false reality. Consciousness is beneficial because it allows our minds to visualize an experience without having our bodies actually perform the action. I liked how you connected what was stated in the reading/videos to real life activity/experience.
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julia
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Path to becoming a philosopher...
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Post by julia on Jul 27, 2015 5:56:12 GMT
WEEK FIVE
Essay Questions
1. Do you think artificial intelligence will be a significant problem in the future?
I do think that artificial intelligence will be a significant problem in the near future. However, I also agree with Ray Kurzweil and the statement that this intelligence "is coming within our civilization and the whole point of it is to extend our reach...". The idea of supply and demand can be applied to describe the constant desire for advancements in technology. The public has a high demand for what is best on the market; companies strive to offer the public what they want in order to maximize marginal profits. In the video The Coming Singularity, Ray Kurzweil continues to explain, "in 25 years, these technologies will be a billion times more powerful than they are today" explaining that similar advancements have already taken place through the invention of computers to cellphones. Kurzweil also states "by 2029, and I've been quite consistent on this date, we will have completed the reverse engineering of the human brain... will have reverse engineered and modeled and simulated all the regions of the brain and that will provides us with the software algorithmic methods that simulates all of the human brain's capabilities including our emotional intelligence and computers at that time will be far more powerful than the human brain...". However, in the video The Wolfram Conclusion, it argues, "Looking at the progress of science of the course of history, one might assume that it would only be a matter of time before everything would somehow be predicted by science. But the principle of computation equivalence and the phenomena of computation irreducibility now shows that this will never happen. There will always be details that can be reduced further and that will allow science to progress. We now know that there are fundamental boundaries to science...".
Although the advancements in artificial intelligence seem necessary at first, there reaches a certain point where the individual asks himself/herself whether it is actually helping human beings as a relative whole. While examining the positive aspects of technology and artificial intelligence, it is easy to say that technology is, in fact, benefitting the community. For example, we can now access any given information through the click of a button. Instead of obtaining a dictionary and finding the correct definition for a specific term, we can now type in the term on a search engine and receive any desired information within a matter of seconds. Artificial intelligence acts as a powerful tool that has the ability to unlock and offer knowledge to a given individual. This powerful tool can also be a major problem in the future because it changes the way humans think and act. Human are able to obtain any source of information they desire with very little effort. At first, this sounds beneficial to the humans as a collected whole. However, with further examination, there are various downsides to the phenomenon. We lose a sense of humanity when relying on the machines to perform. It requires minimal effort to obtain information using artificial intelligence; this changes the way people behave and think in general. We begin to rely on the artificial intelligence that it creates a higher demand for greater convenience. We have become so reliant on artificial intelligence, that the statement "If it is not on the net, it does not exist" (The Codex Funeral), can be applied and commonly understood. Thus, we are so involved with the artificial intelligence that we merely become major parts of the complex mechanism. Artificial intelligence begins to take over our lives. People have lost their jobs as machines are now able to perform quicker and more accurately. Though we are able to extend our boundaries of knowledge, we are also limiting our potential to essentially act as human beings.
2. How has technology impacted your life?
Technology has impacted my life (as well as everyone else's) both positively and negatively. It has impacted our lives negatively as it has created a constant distraction. In the video Global Positioning Intelligence, the narrator explains a scenario that almost everyone that owns a smartphone can relate to. With all the functions that comes with having a smartphone, people have created a higher demand for convenience. Technology has changed our expectations while minimalizing our efforts. We expect more from people and minimize our efforts because it is so easy to receive what is desired from AI. Although these are common concerns about the advancements of artificial intelligence, there are obvious benefits from technology. My thoughts relating to the positive and negative effects of technology are the same as those explained in The Codex Funeral. In the video The Codex Funeral, it emphasizes common thoughts pertaining to negative effects of technology, stating "we are suffering from digital overload... we are entertaining ourselves to death" while also highlighting the beneficial aspects of technology, explaining "we have killed the book, but in so doing we are witnessing the resurrection of knowledge without pre-made boundaries...". Advancements in technology can both benefit and harm humans. Technological advancements help in many industries as it creates more efficient techniques that in return, produce better or more outcomes. Through the use of technology, goods and services are also provided to the public with a lower cost. However, technology can also harm humans in many ways. People become dependent on technology, and machines begin to take over jobs that once required human workers. Technology has impacted our lives drastically, as it has changed the way we think and behave.
Extra Credit (Student Response)
Hi nathanabcede123,
I agree with what you said about technology and liked how you hinted both the positive and negative effects, while emphasizing the positive aspects. Through the use of technology, we have changed the way we think and act. If we limit ourselves to the use of technology, it can help in making our lives easier and more entertaining. It offers a sense of freedom for the individual to explore whatever they desire whenever they want. However, I also think that technology can create a sense of unnecessary dependency and convenience. As we become more exposed to technology, we also become more limited in "living life to the fullest". I agree that if we manage our time efficiently and limit ourselves, technology can act as a beneficial tool.
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julia
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Path to becoming a philosopher...
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Post by julia on Jul 27, 2015 6:25:37 GMT
WEEK SIX
Essay Questions1. Why is Faqir Chand's experience important in understanding the projective nature of religious visions and miracles? Faqir Chand's experience is important in understanding the projective nature of religion vision and miracles because it provides further information about the idea of consciousness and the mind's ability to create these "visions or miracles". Explained in The Unknowing Sage, it states, "Faqir Chand revealed in detail the secret behind many inner visions and miracles: 'Now you see no Jesus Chris comes from without in anybody's visions. No Rama, no Krishna, no Buddha, and no Baba Faqir comes from without to any body. The visions are only because of the impressions and suggestions that a disciple has already accepted in his mind. These impressions and suggestions appear before him like a dream. Nobody comes from without... different types of love, affection and adoration. So, whatever you have to gain, it is all with this faith and belief that your ideal is perfect. What you gain, you gain it as per your own faith and belief....You always have this faith and firm belief that your Guru is within you. Do not think him ever away from you in any human form. Guru is Knowledge or correct understand" (4-5). Faqir suggests that these vision or miracles are merely representations of how the individual perceives reality. The reading compares the guru to a group of people that have different perceptions of a woman. The different individuals have different roles, thus each receives a different reaction or treatment. The individuals will have no negative thoughts against the lady because they already have a "perfect" perception of the lady. This idea relates to a guru, as the book states" You always have this faith and firm believe that your Guru is within you. Do not think him ever away from you in any human form...". In the disciples' minds, the guru is perceived as this perfect individual. Thus, everything he/she preaches, as the book states, is gained "as per your own faith and belief". This idea is important to Faqir's understanding of the connection between visions/miracles to the conscious mind. Faqir's experience is important because it emphasizes the complex abilities of the mind. Faqir recalls people explaining that he has helped them during crucial moments of their lives. However, he also explains that people have claimed that they have seen him when in actuality he was never present. He explains, "Faqir asked himself,' What about the visions that appear to me? Are they a creation of my own mind, and does my guru also not know about his appearances to me?' Only then, according to Faqir, did he realize the truth: 'All manifestations, visions, and forms that are seen within are mental (illusory) creations" (11-12), while further adding "I do not initiate anybody. People regard me as their guru according to their faith. Sant Tara Chand Ji told me that I helped him in reaping his (farm) crops in the scorching heat. But I know that I did not go to help him" (49). Faqir's experience is important in understanding the projective nature of religion visions and miracles because it suggests that faith and hope helps the mild create illusions that will guide the individual through crucial moments. Sant Tara Chand Ji envisioned Faqir helping him during his time of need. Although Faqir was not physically present, Sant Tara Chand Ji's mind was able to create an illusion that made him actually believe something that was nonexistent. Essentially, the individuals are hallucinating, "The overwhelming majority of inner vision are projections of one's own mind which have no substantial 'reality check' with either the outer world or the higher inner regions" (15). Focusing on Faqir's experiences offers explanations as to how individuals perceive the world differently. The mind creates illusions and presents life in an image that we are able to explain and describe. Faith is a factor that plays into the individual's consciousness. Individuals have different perceptions of reality because they have different faiths and beliefs. The visions and miracles can be described as the mind's efforts to creating an illusion that guides the individual through moments of panic. 2. What is meant by the phrase, "philosophy done well is science; philosophy done poorly remains philosophy." "Philosophy done well is science" essentially describes the process in which philosophical ideas lead to a scientific discovery or improvement. This process can be thought of as the scientific method. The purpose of the scientific method is to study and perform experiments that will strive to provide explanations for the hypothesized idea. Philosophy done well is science because science provides data and a truth to the philosophical ideas pertaining to knowledge and reality. If done well, all the philosophical ideas should be supported by science. Thus, science and philosophy work together in providing a certainty or validity to the theories of the world. "Philosophy done poorly remains philosophy" describes philosophical ideas that are unable to reach the filed of science. In other words, these ideas cannot be experimented or tested. Thus, there is not real "truth" behind the theory. These ideas remain philosophy because they are unable to be analyzed well enough or explained through data and evidence. A good philosopher is able to introduce new ideas while making it easily understandable to others. The connection between philosophy and science was briefly covered in the course in week two. The scientific method starts off with a theory that is researched, experimented, analyzed, and shared. The idea firsts starts off as philosophy. However, it leads to science because it requires various experiments that reveal an outcome. This outcome acts as proof and validity of the truth to the idea. Philosophy is done poorly when the idea remains merely an idea. The differences can be seen when examining the conflict between science and religion. Philosophy and science have reciprocating relationship, where one cannot exist without the other. Philosophy relies on science to provide validity, while science relies on philosophy to create the initial ideas that are later proved. Philosophy done poorly can be seen when examining religion. Religion relies solely on the faith of an individual. Thus, there is no evidence to the proof of religion. There is no "truth" to this idea, rather it lives within the individual. By no means does this suggests that religion is "philosophy done poorly". Rather, it is used as an example to explain how philosophy leads to scientific discoveries. The theories of science give validity to the claims of philosophy; when philosophy is done well, it is validated as a truth. The saying "philosophy done poorly remains philosophy" does not mean it is incorrect. Instead, itimplies that there are philosophical ideas that are simply unable to be examined through the scientific method. Extra Credit (Student Response)Hi Iann, I liked how you responded to the essay question #2. I think when philosophy is "done right" it can lead to greater discoveries in science. Through science, we can use data and evidence to prove and offer explanations to these philosophical questions. A "good" philosophy first begins with a question or observation. This question must then be researched and experimented before it can continue to lead to greater discovered. I think "philosophy done poorly remains philosophy" means that the philosophical idea remains uncertain. It cannot be experimented, thus it is unable to reach the field of science. There is no "truth" behind the idea, so it remains philosophy. This thought relates to your statement: "This is because anything done wrong will remain a mystery. It means that if it were done wrong, it will a remain a concept, misunderstood and unsolved by science. " and I thought you summed it up really well. |
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