Cornucopia of Philosophical Questions (4)

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Karina asked:

How can natural law be applied to a moral situation

Kelly asked:

Why did Socrates and Descartes begin their philosophical thinking with doubt? How did they find a way out of this doubt?

Jennifer asked:

What is justice? How do we know it?

Stephanie asked:

Aristotle is less dualist than Plato. How do we know about this? what about his general philosophy and how does that influence his view of commerce?

Harriet asked:

What were Plato's ideas about truth and what it was?

Ryan asked:

How does Daoism define reality?

Tammy asked:

What is positivism?

REYREY asked:

Why is it hard to live, but it is easy to die?

Tessa asked:

How do I approach this question: "You are God's reflection. What are the two most outstanding traits God has given to you? how did you use them to help others?"

Ramonita asked:

Let me just state I do not have any background with political philosophers. Currently, in my political science class we are reading from The Leviathan by Hobbes in the Classics in Political Philosophy book by Jene M. Porter. Any suggestions on how I should approach this reading? Is there anything you can read to help you understand The Leviathan better?

Rudabaga asked:

Your site got me thinking.

Is there a teleological aim to philosophy. Is there a meaning to it? There is some intrinsic value to it I would say but then could this be recreated using drugs and electricity?

What would be the meaning of philosophy, in the end. I mean we all die so what is the point in reading on compendium and grand and high stuff?

Dawn asked:

Is it possible to reconcile the positions of science and religion with regard to the origins of the universe?

Amadea asked:

What are the grounds for the search of truth?

Solomon asked:

What would be the basis for holding the concept of bad faith as the ethical foundation of existentialism?

Elko asked:

I am currently writing my literature review for my PhD at Leeds University Business School. The first part is about knowledge. I would like to write about contributions of the most respected philosophers regarding knowledge and perhaps knowledge sharing. As I do not have a philosophical background it is pretty difficult to determine which philosophers paid a great contribution in this area. I really hope you can help me out!

Lia asked:

Should religious doctrines and practices be regulated according to their moral worthiness, or should religion be permitted to operate free of outside interference?

Shylyn asked:

I have to do a debate on the question "is it reasonable to believe in an all-powerful, all-knowing, all-good God?" and I have to support the yes side. This is for my philosophy class, so I know that this might be a tough question, but if you could help I would be greatly appreciative. I have to write a 5-6 page argument, so any information you could give would be great.

Rah asked:

Why do we do what we want to do?

Ady asked:

When an observer claims that someone is an intellectual what do they mean by this?

Maurice asked:

It was by accident that I first came across Philosophy. Even in childhood I always questioned things but always to no avail. Then I read Sophie's World and to this day I am inspired by it. Here is a sound basis for understanding the meaning of myself, the world and the universe. Now I find that I am constantly looking to the Soul that animates all people and things. Indeed I sometimes feel that I have a mission to enlighten people to the Great Treasure that lies within each one of us, but, in order to do this I need to understand the psychology and psychotherapy of the mind. A greater Theological understanding would also help. Indeed, I have tried e mailing Jostein Gaarder, the author of Sophie's World to see if he would publish a Theological work something along the lines of Sophie's World but again to no avail. I feel 9/10 of the world is crying out for something — and that is Philosophy, how to open people's minds? now that's the rub.

Sarah asked:

What are David Thoreau's ideas in terms of metaphysics, epistemology, anthropology, and sociology?

Miguel asked:

What is the philosophy of Plato? Confucius? Aristotle? Voltaire?

Eri asked:

Do you think that human freedom is an illusion? Please give me a supporting evidence of philosophy!

Cristina,

Why when you have two or more paths to choose from, you always have to choose the wrong one, or the hardest one? Is there any explanation why we make our lives harder, or is it more unconscious, or why? Why is there always two paths in our destiny, why can't it be just one to be followed? Is there a way to change destiny, or do we make our own destiny?

Robert asked:

J.L. Austin's How To Do Things With Words was written about by the Philosopher John Searle, in his book Speech Acts.

Consequently, several dictionaries have followed Searle's take. The result being that 'illocution' and 'illocutionary act' are in the lexicon of the English Language.

Was his extraction and reduction of the full scope of How To Do Things With Words justified? I think not but I'm open to informed commentary. Austin's William James Lectures delivered at Harvard University 1955 are published under the title How To Do Things With Words Harvard University Press 1955.

Janet asked:

The poor in most inner cities are burdened with a much higher than average infant mortality rate due largely to poor nutrition, undiagnosed illness that could easily be treated and tragedies caused by carelessness or inexperience. Some "equal access" advocates argue for local support for prenatal clinics. They argue that this is more important than using equal funds to support a domed stadium in the city. The city already has a fine stadium, but infants are dying and are born deformed due to poor prenatal care. Stadium advocates claim that it would be filled with 45,000 happy fans most weekends. If you are a city council person, for which project will you cast your vote? Why?

This is a case analysis I have for a class. I am troubled with the term "equal access" and what my teacher means by this. Can you please give me an idea on how to answer this case analysis?

Florence asked:

1) How to solve the problem with "loan sharks"?

2) Is globalization a boon or bane to mankind?

Sofia asked:

I am writing an essay about freedom and solitude in our modern society and my question is: As we gain more and more freedom (the freedom to choose) do we get more and more lonely?

Earth asked:

Is Krishnamurti a modernist or postmodernist thinker?

Bruno asked:

On what grounds can the Grand Inquisitor say to Christ, "Thou hast no right to add anything to what Thou hadst said of old"?

Kevin asked:

What is the relevance of Plato's Euthyphro to morality?

and Bela asked:

What does the Euthyphro dilemma argument show about the relationship between morality and religion? Is there any other important way in which morality depends on religion?

Ashlee asked:

What did Plato want us to learn and how does he still teach us today?

Emma asked:

I'm having real difficulty understanding Plato's analogy of the cave

and Samantha asked:

How can you compare Plato's allegory of the cave to today's society?

Krista asked:

I would like to know the two reasons that Socrates told Crito, "why he would not escape from jail".

I would also like to know the five reasons Crito gave to Socrates, on "why he should escape".

David asked:

I've had a bit of relationship problems as of late, and I was wondering about something that's mildly related to my problem, and the question is "Is it possible for one to forget how to feel [emotions] if one does not allow oneself to feel often"?

Jessica asked:

Is Spinoza's theory of mind an improvement on Descartes? Also, would Spinoza be considered a materialist? What is the difference between a materialist and a rationalist?

Anne asked:

Why do we have to pay taxes? Analyze this in terms of the political theories of philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Machiavelli and Rousseau.

Meghan asked:

Would Aristotle view capital punishment as acceptable or not?

Brooke asked:

What is it to be a boyfriend?

Joseph asked:

How do I know if my present girlfriend would be a good wife for me if I marry her in future?

Alisha asked:

Explain Pojman's solution to the question of selfishness vs. unselfishness.

Adam asked:

I am currently researching into the philosophy/ aesthetics of Charles Mingus, an American jazz composer who was most prolific around the 1950s and 60s. I'm interested in tying in what he thought (Or what I think he thought...) with 'mainstream' aesthetics and philosophical thought.

At the moment, I'm considering the following paths:

1. The bebop musician as a living embodiment of Nietzsche's superman (live for life, walk on those who are inferior to you, take everything you can get etc).

2. Original, flawed genius as commented on by Wagner, Schumann, Schopenhauer, Hoffman and many others.

3. Music as a true signifier of the noumenal world (Kant) and giving us a glimpse of a higher world order (Schopenhauer).

4. Music as a language of the emotions, and the emotions as a thing in themself (Kant's 'Ding an sich').

5. The suffering of the great artist.

6. Art imitating nature (links to the reflection of a higher order).

7. Dualism in music: body and mind interaction.

I'd like to know if anyone has any possible links/ ties that they think may be worth exploring, and if they think that the points above could be re-enforced by reference to other philosophers and their texts. Or if I'm pushing a point too far!

Patricia asked:

What do you think are the problems when we set mind "over" nature to analyze and describe phenomena, and forget that we are part of nature? Do some contemporary problems stem from this attitude? Example — the human being as controller of nature or as part of the natural process. This question relates to Descartes' Second Meditation.

Rugabaga asked:

Paul says somewhere in his letters that he has forgotten his old self. I just wondered how this might fit in with Kierkegaard's view of living in faith. Does the bible have anything to add or affirm to Kierkegaard's philosophy? I just would like another view point on this.

Sam asked:

What does the word ruthless mean?

Sam also asked:

How did Paul assist the Jewish Religious leaders in trying to stop Christianity, and explain the impact this had on the development of the early church.

Kerry asked:

How do I apply the theory of functionalism to analyze a general school issue?

Librado asked:

What's the end and is there an end of all?

Sam asked:

I am writing a paper about ethics related to abortion and need some names of philosophers on this subject. I can find plenty of information, but no names of "philosophers" and their views.

Ana asked:

Are dreams a way of liberating the ideas that we have trapped in our minds?

Walker asked:

Why does unfaithfulness happen between husband and wife if they love each other. What makes this need?

Tom asked:

Warburton states,"My freedom to swing my fists ends where your face begins." is such a limitation of freedom truly justifiable or is it just simply a paternalistic infringement of one own liberty?

Chiji asked:

What are the core qualities of a human being? that is, those qualities that pertain to both man's material and spiritual nature?

Barbie asked:

This is my first year taking philosophy 1301. Could you please email me some examples on how to write a protocol paper on 'Plato, Universals are real'. I've tried very hard and I just can't seem to get it.

Rian asked:

Can you explain Democritus' Basic Constituents of Reality?

How can you relate it to Business Ethics?

Jennifer asked:

I would like to know the pros and cons of Greeks governing their own cities and states. I talking ancient times now, so I hope you can help me with as much information as you can.

JoAnn asked:

What is an individual? Are there any real individuals in society? What is the individual's role?

Mya asked:

How would Socrates advise President Bush on postwar Iraq and war on terror?

Jem asked:

Socrates, where was he born?

what sort of person was Socrates?

what did Socrates do in the market place?

how did we now what Socrates said?

why was Socrates sentenced to death?

how did Socrates die?

Sakban asked:

I am interested in — using Dilthey's term — human sciences. Would you tell me more, of course, in term of philosophy of science? Is it academically acceptable to use that term?

Stephania asked:

Who said that "If man is free there is no good".

Olobade asked:

I'm an undergraduate in the Art Faculty Department of philosophy in LASU (Lagos State University) Lagos Nigeria.

I am writing a term paper on Kant's Political Philosophy:

Does Kant have a political philosophy?

What is Kant's political philosophy?

Erica asked:

What is Truth?

Prabhath asked:

How can the ordinary teacher be transformed to become a Montessori Directoress taking the following points in to consideration:

(a)As a guardian of the environment

(b)To stimulate the child to the right type of activity.

(c)withdraw from direct interference.

(d) And leave the child free to follow his inner directives to become a self leaner

Prabhath also asked:

When learning numbers 1-10 the child is introduced to a carefully graded series of activities which enables him to gain a clear conception with the scientific apparatus. How does this happen?

Prabhath also asked:

The exercises of practical life provide the child with material that interest him satisfy his inner needs, develop co-ordination, build confidence, introduce a pattern of work and lead to independence. Discuss.

Prabhath also asked:

Explain briefly how the study of grammar makes a child realise the value of words in sentence construction in their relationships to one another. Support your answer with appropriate sentences from simple to more complex in design involving all the parts of speech.

Lydia asked:

What are the objections made by other authors and theories against cognitivist and humanist theories of learning?

Stephen asked:

To what extent do we create our own reality?

Tania asked:

I watched the film 'Final Destination' and I was left with the question whether we have a written destiny or not?

and Cynthia asked:

Is destiny already written, or do we make our own destiny?

Amir asked:

I'm not a philosophy student or anything of the such, but I am interested in the 'subject'.

Savannah asked:

What philosopher quoted "God is dead. Superman shall live!"?

Brandon asked:

I have read the statement that knowledge is when you realize you know nothing, which is true technically. My question is do we "really" know anything?

Sid asked:

I'm a student in RCC. I want to ask a question about Plato: what according to him is the source of moral obligation on us that makes us to do one thing rather than another?

Sarah asked:

What is the deliberative process of the moral agent?

Why does Plato bar poets from the Republic? and why does Aristotle think that they're important?

What is the modern political continuum?

James asked:

Why be Moral or Ethical?

Michelle asked:

What is the difference between dualism and monism? I do not understand the concept especially when it applies to psychology.

JoJo asked:

I was wondering:

What is beauty?

What is moral?

What is truth?

Rob asked:

About Descartes' awake or dreaming: Doesn't the very distinction between awake and dreaming as different and alternating states guarantee that at least one person at one time has made this distinction, hence by a simple referencing back — to the original distinction — can certainly know that he is not now dreaming?

Debendra asked:

Who is it that God is?

Is God within man?

Melanie asked:

Are we controlled by something or do we control ourselves?

Olobade asked:

What is the relationship between Fichte's Idealism and Kant's Critical philosophy?

Olobade also asked:

Discuss legal realism as an objection to natural law theory.

Jason asked:

[Philip asked whether we really enjoy our jobs, or whether there is a social need for work.]

Whether you live now or in the past we have always been with a job. A job is the solution to your need to survive. Even in cave days we had to get off our ass and hunt for food. However you are correct that the social structure and displacement of money could be used in a more equal matter. There are laws, restrictions and other things.

and Emma asked:

...Its all well and good stating 'I believe life should be lived seeking real knowledge, and nurturing friendship', but who is to say what 'real knowledge' is, if in fact there is such a thing? If you believe in this philosophy why not live it, and see how far you get (presumably not far). Your question is more concerned with the question of freedom. There is only a need for work if you are not free, some may claim, others claim like yourself perhaps that work is a choice, so you either like it or hate it, work or don't work.

Michael asked:

Can you provide an overview (outline) of the fields of philosophy — a basic intro to the field? I need a 'map' to guide me.

Mike asked:

I've just re-read George Orwell's novel 1984 and have decided to write a paper (for my own benefit) on the metaphysical discussions between Winston and O'Brien. When O'Brien is trying to make Winston 'sane' he outlines several theses which are generally anti-realist in nature, the ones I have identified are:

1. The past has no real existence.

2. The future doesn't either.

3. Truth is determined by the party, which consists of humans, truth is not dependent on an external reality.

4. There is a possible identity between the numbers 4 and 5 (4 equals 5 if the party says so).

I can see his arguments for 1 and move from epistemic problems of access to the past to denial of its metaphysical existence. 3 and 4 are just extreme forms of pragmatic theories of truth as far as I can see.

Now to the questions, first can anyone see any other philosophical assumptions implicit in 1984? Second, any ideas for tackling them? Third, other than what I've said can you see a unifying thesis underlying Big Brother's philosophical framework?

Max asked:

My question is about fallacies. (1) What are the criteria by which we distinguish between legitimate reliance upon authority and the ad verencundian fallacy? How do you think questions of bias, interest, and ideology enter your evaluations of the statements of authorities? (2) What are the criteria for distinguishing between legitimate appeals to popular opinion and the ad populum fallacy? How do you decide whether a law was fair or not?

Nang asked:

How is the Athenian position in the Melian Dialogue similar to social Darwinism? Do you think social Darwinism is a defensible position? What are the ethical limits to "survival of the fittest?"

Shagufta

"Philosophy without epistemology is meaningless?" how far do you agree with this statement?

Steve asked:

I realize this may be a little more trivial than many of the questions you are asked, however it is driving me nuts not being able to express myself with an acceptable answer. In any case, the question is this: We have a fantasy football league and a trade was made in which one team gave away the number two pick overall for the other team's second, third and fourth round picks and will not pick until twenty one. He has seven picks between twenty one and fifty. The argument is whether or not he can pick seven of the top fifty or not. I concede the opportunity to get seven players from twenty one to fifty, but are those players really considered the top fifty, given the fact that he will not have an opportunity to pick any of the best twenty players who will be chosen before he gets his first pick? Trivial question in the big picture of reality? Yes. Will an answer help put an end to three days of frustrating emails? YES! I look forward to your answers. Thank you very much for your time.

Troy asked:

I understand the "Law of Identity" is attributed to Aristotle. Is the concept of "Cause and Effect" widely attributed to any one philosopher?

John asked:

When it comes to living together in a diverse world, Is the nature of man good or evil?

Someone asked:

Can someone be happy on the inside, but the opposite — like sad, angry, etc. on the outside, and vice-versa? (sad on inside happy on outside).

Also, is there anything besides being classified as living (alive) or dead? (I mean is there anything between that?)

Shagufta asked:

Why do we exist in this universe?

Edward asked:

1) My question is with God and the religions we know. Christianity says God has only one son. How can we be so sure he does not have another nor will have another? Similarly, Islam says Mohammed is the last and only prophet. How can we be so sure that there will never be a prophet again?

2)Is religion hard wired (computer technology term) into human beings?

Tina asked:

1. Write 5 Fallacies of Presumption And give 3 examples to each.

2. Write 5 Fallacies of Ambiguity and give 3 examples to each.

Tina also asked:

Compare Aristotle's Philosophy with that of Plato.

Gary asked:

[What is] Johann Fichte's theory of what constitutes male and female?

Kristina asked:

I just read a book by an author called Dan Brown. The title of this book is The Da Vinci Code. It raised many questions about the holy grail and specific groups of people that have been searching for it/ supposedly protecting it for centuries. It also raised interesting questions about Mary Magdalene and the nature of her relationship with Jesus Christ. I would like to know what other people think about these issues as well, so could someone please elaborate and explain some of these issues or suggest other books that I could read?

Craig asked:

What are the differences between existentialism and fatalism?

Malcolm asked:

Why does Nietzsche use a physiological grammar in his works?

If the correspondence theory of truth is doubted (if so where and by whom) what other theory of truth could we have? Also how important and prevalent is the correspondence theory of truth, does it exist as a basic necessary assumed truth for all philosophers, or most?

The word dialectic is used by many philosophers — Nietzsche, Hegel, Kant, Sartre — to name a few, but is it the same thing for each of them and what does it mean anyway?

A question I thought up after reading sartre — Are metaphysics and epistemology somehow dependent on each other?

Sean asked:

Note: Before I submitted this question, I went through a search of the archives and couldn't find anything related...

Here's my question... hopefully somebody has some ideas on it... I'm sure you are all quite familiar or at least somewhat acquainted with Kierkegaard and the basic tenets of his writings and ideas... While reading through his book Either/Or, I came across a saying that left me somewhat confused. Here it is:

"There are, as is known, insects that die in the moment of fertilization. So it is with all joy: life's highest, most splendid moment of enjoyment is accompanied by death.

Why does Kierkegaard attempt to connect sex and death? At least it appears that that is his intention here. Are sex and death somehow interrelated? Is Kierkegaard's idea in any way similar to the Freudian notions of "Death-wish" and the all encompassing sex-drive? Does it have more to do with the idea of the fruitlessness of the aesthetic sphere of existence? Or is it something completely different? Hopefully someone can shed a little light on this for me.

Sean — a Philosophy student from the US

Rajiv asked:

Hi I'm a student and I really need help on what kind of research I should do for this dissertation, also any other ideas:/P>

My topic concerns people's perception of the environment outside their car, and the way in which a driver's perception of risk can be heightened through the physical manipulation of the space within the car.

My design is going to be a 'tyre' that will "physically affect the driver's space, therefore his attitude."

Hypothesis: Risk perception is increased by speed bumps, traffic lights, speed camera.

Theory of Rules and Regulation: perception of 'law' — regulation by traffic lights, speed bumps etc. Rules and regulations are a 'social construct' — created by people. How can a Law be physical or at least our understanding of it?

Example: the faster you drive in your car the faster the signs disappear ....risk perception heightened!

Other examples: 1. Pebbles on the road....creates slow driving, 2. Driving in the dark, 3. Bendy roads....careful, cautious driving, 4. Barriers create steady traffic.

Narendra asked:

What is self realisation? how you can realise why are you here? how to go inner in your self for search of reality?

Gregg asked:

What is truth? Please be elaborate and detailed in your answer.

Chidi asked:

Did you do any philosophy before studying it as a course? Can you list and explain some philosophy questions?

Trey asked:

What are the fundamental differences between hard and soft determinism, other than moral responsibility?

Karan asked:

"Words are more treacherous and powerful than we think." Evaluate the extent to which the characteristic Sartre claims for words affect — negatively or positively — different areas of knowledge.

and Neha asked:

Are "words more powerful and treacherous than we think"?

Kelli asked:

How would you define human intelligence?

Ayo asked:

What is knowledge all about in Theaetetus?

Bryan asked:

What is the role of devil according to Rene Descartes?

Kevin asked:

I'm a grad student in "politics and government" at University of Richmond. I've considered myself an ethical relativist for some time, but have grown dissatisfied with it because I don't think it adequately describes my position.

I've come to see the term 'ethical pluralism' as a more appropriate label but can not find much info on the difference between the two. What is the difference and where could I find good representative readings of pluralist, as opposed to relativist thinkers? I admire William James a great deal, but am not sure whether he 'straddles the fence'. Can you point me in the right direction?

Eric asked:

Brad asked, "Is justice for all is possible?" Justice is a fairly subjective term because the extent to which punishment is dealt to the "guilty" party can be too lenient or harsh for the plaintiff's taste. Further, since Justice is subjective, what is justice for one person is a great injustice to another. Example: For Hitler and his regime it was divine justice that the Jews die, of course, to the rest of us, this is one of the greatest injustices in history.

Amanda asked:

I would like some explanation on the Myth of Eternal Return and the Amor Fati and the relationship between Nietzsche's view for a type of 'Superman' to overcome the tragedy of nihilism.

Amanda also asked:

I would also like to know exactly what the Buddhist view provides that goes beyond the ethics of Immanuel Kant? and is this view warranted? And lastly, is this an achievable goal for all animals, and not just pets?

Amanda also asked:

I am having a bit of a problem with the argument of capital punishment. From what I understand it wastes non-renewable natural resources and over-develops to the destruction of nature and all for unnecessary, petty self-indulgent ends. What in your opinion has this challenge done to what we call the American way?

Cameron asked:

What is an empiricist? Many scientists today describe themselves as empiricists. But the meaning of empiricist today seems different from the days of Locke and Hume. What is the modern meaning?

Shomaila asked:

I want to know that how can you understand the people so quick. What's your secret. What exactly do ask from them [to get] the main point?

Johanna asked:

Questions on epistemology:

1. What objections are there to the doctrine that perception consists in inferences from data of sense? Can these objections be rebutted?

2. Why should I believe what you tell me?

Joe asked:

What was Plato's Theory of the Ideas? Was he trying to explain the difference between opinion and knowledge? Explaining that opinion and knowledge were two different entities? I'm a bit confused with the readings.

Nuno asked:

Observing that existentialism came to an abrupt end with Nietzsche and Sartre, and gave a rise to a return to the old ways of Hegel and the logical views of thinkers like Wittgenstein and Moore, was this the natural way to end a cycle or simply an easy way to not face the problems that arise from a more extreme view of individualism in the modern society?

Keme asked:

Summarize not more than three pages: (a) plato's theory of knowledge, (b) plato's political philosophy, (c) the philosopher king.

Raed asked:

1. Why is there a problem about our idea of necessary connection according to Hume?

2. What does Hume think our idea of necessary connection really amount to?

3. What is Hume's skeptical solution to his skeptical doubts about man's tendency to form beliefs about the future?

Raed also asked:

1. Why does Kant think that empiricism naturally tends to lead to skepticism?

2. Explain Kant's view that intuitions and concepts are both necessary for knowledge.

3. Where does Kant think that the ideas of substance and causation comes from?

4. Why does Kant think that these ideas must be applicable to experience?

5. Explain Kant's views about the source of the categories.

Adam asked:

What is critical thinking and what rules apply to critical thinking?

Cynthia asked:

What is one condition that's necessary for an argument to be "nonfallicious?

Tom asked:

How effective are treatments of deficit disorders by the use of medicines, if medication is believed to be the solution in the mind of the patient? Could a patient ever become focused in their own path if they think medication relaxes them when in reality it was that they had differently probabilities associated to that of usual thought? I feel most mental problems are due to a person's probability for a thought being too high. When medication is taken, that probability is lowered because of the factor of medication in their life.

Mike asked:

What are the philosophical inclinations in the play Lysistrata?

Diann asked:

How does Plato's Theory of Forms relate to rationalism, empiricism and Kant's theory?

Mital asked:

Outline and critically evaluate Kierkegaard's accounts of the differences between aesthetic, ethical and genuinely religious forms of life.

Lulu asked:

What are examples of a moral systems or code of ethics?

I need to develop a personal one for myself.

Rina asked:

Define political science and explain two methods of political science, scientific and unscientific.

Karla asked:

I would like to know the different views of Plato and Aristotle on immortality.

Lex asked:

When attending a wedding a man noticed that the friends of the bride were composed of one ethnic background while the friends of the groom were a multi-ethnic mix. He became curious about the parties backgrounds. One was the daughter of a doctor and the other the son of a mechanic. Concluding that the doctor's daughters friends and family where only of one ethnicity because they excluded other ethnic backgrounds, he felt disgusted. The two were wed and later during the reception, a member of the bride's family approached the young man and proceeded to flirt with him, something that he thought unlikely to happen due to his ethnic background.

Was he the one with a racist mentality or were the bride's family apparently racist due to their environment? and if it is indeed the environment, does this very environment (what I like to refer as a country-club society) by being exclusive in its member selection perpetuate the appearance of inequality among different groups whether or not they be minorities?

Samira asked:

I am searching for information about P.H. Hirst. What are conceptual schemes in literature and fine arts? Mr. Hirst has suggested that literature and arts are forms of knowledge and they have conceptual schemes but I cannot understand what the conceptual schemes are in these two subjects. Meanwhile, has Hirst changed from his liberal education or not?

Christopher asked:

Is there any commerce in using Derrida's deconstruction to evaluate the phenomenon of scientific writing? If deconstructionism can stand on its own as criticism, what might scientific deconstructionism look like in evaluating economics (for example)?

Ricky asked:

I am a Law student studying in Oxford, UK. Could you give me some information on Rawls and some philosophers who may be compared to him, whether it be a critique or one who shares his views?

Jane asked:

What are the various epistemological theories that consider experience as:

a. pure passivity

b. pure immanence

Ranganath asked:

What is the point of life? are we just supposed to "live" our lives and then die? we amass a lot of knowledge over years of living and everything is gone the instant we die. So why gain knowledge in the first place? One answer to this could be "to give it to others... help them". Well, what do they do with it? in turn give it to others?

Prince asked:

What is nihilism and how does it affect morality and ethics?

Sidra asked:

I'm a student of BBIT and studying philosophy as an introductory course. Our teacher has given us an assignment:

"What are moral values and their relevance for contemporary life and business?"

In my 3rd semester.we have an assignment:

"What is metaphysics? how can you make a case for it in the present-day predominantly anti-metaphysical trend in philosophy?"

Nikki asked:

What does Simon Blackburn mean by high, middle, low ground and why does he feel reflection is dangerous?

George asked:

Is love just for use of the other person? When two people are a couple is it just for use, person's A needs being fulfilled by person B. A cooperation of two people to facilitate the satisfaction of needs?

Leanne asked:

I have a presentation on body/ soul distinction. using the following:

Plato

Descartes

Aristotle

Dawkins

and Hick

The first three I know about but the others I can't seem to find them anywhere! Do you have any information at all?

Edward asked:

1. If Wittgenstein's Tractatus does not use much formal reasoned argument, then in what other ways does it get it's power, 'truth,' etc. For a theory, perhaps it is tidy, concise etc.

2. In Being and Time, does Heidegger mean essence by the 'ontic' (could we say say he means this). Is he saying that existence precedes essence, in his ontological over ontical priority, in the question of being?

3. I would also like an answer to the question how do I understand everything, how do I like Kant or perhaps Nietzsche before me, achieve intellectual liberation. Presumably this would come in a flash, a flash of enlightened being.

Here's an example of what I mean. If you watch Germaine Greer enough (in programs like the Late Review) you realise that she always has something to say, on any question. There is no area that she answers problems with 'I'm sorry, being mortal I do not know everything.' Now is it possible to understand everything, to know everything? My first answer was no, of course not, but then I thought, why not? after all Einstein, spending most of his time at his desk (in the patent office) eventually understood the universe (the visible parts) he actually understood the far side of the universe (planets, space, time etc) without even getting rained on. I suppose Newton did as well, predict planetary behaviour, I mean. So perhaps it is possible to be like God after all.

Emily asked:

What is the parable of John Wisdom's garden about? and what is the message it is portraying? what has it got to do with falsification and verification? and what is Basil Mitchell's 'the stranger' all about? and what has that got to do with verification and falsification?

Thomas asked:

What is a philosopher?

Nizam asked:

Why is it said that the purpose of human life to be a perfect human being?

Carmen asked:

How would you compare functionalism in philosophy with the current automotive situation in the United States? Comparing the average assembly worker to the use of robots in the auto plants across the country.

Laura asked:

I have a problem talking in my sleep. My boyfriend has questions about what I say in my sleep. Sometimes he is upset in the morning because of what I say, which I don't remember. It sometimes has to do with other men. Can you tell me what these dreams mean or why am I having them? I love him and don't want him to be upset or question my true feelings for him.

Gramble asked:

In Aristotle, what is the difference between the absolute mean and the golden mean" Can you give me an example? I am trying to figure this out, but it is hard to distinguish.

Richard asked:

Is truth impossible in philosophy?

Sconse asked:

Is it right to force freedom and/ or democracy unto others?

If it is, I rest my case. If not, then what's wrong with the USA?

Ian asked:

If one takes seriously the principle of the moral equality of all individuals, what are the implications of such a commitment in respect of asylum seekers and/ or refugees?

Lulu asked:

How can I justify euthanasia especially passive euthanasia within the Kantian concept or the utilitarian model?

Brad asked:

Is justice for all possible?

Paul asked:

Who was the english speaking person who called the earth 'the earth', as in planet earth. Or the original word by any language?

Ruben asked:

Mr. X is the second highest ranking Police Officer in a country. He is 45 years old and unmarried. He has a relationship with a schoolgirl, whose age according to him is 20 years old. The duration of this relationship is unknown, but he had an earlier relationship (in the eighties) with her aunt, who is currently her guardian. He had also made advances to his girlfriend's older sister before the relationship, which was turned down by her on the basis that he is too old for her. Despite warnings from her not to get involved with such an old man, her younger sister went ahead with the relationship.

Mr. X had recently made attempts to her aunt/ guardian to propose his girlfriend as a fiancee, but she rejected the proposal, saying that she cannot allow a man to sleep with her and then with her daughter.

One evening during this month the girlfriend visits Mr. X's house. She finds him with two women and demands an explanation. He tells her that they were just friends. He then takes her home. The next morning, she calls him and tells him that she is not feeling well. He suggests that she consult a Doctor. She calls again in about a hour's time, telling him to come to her house and, when he gets there, jump over the gate and he will find the keys inside the door. He will find her inside.

He becomes worried, calls the police and proceeds to the house. Arriving there, they find that she had hung herself. They find a suicide note that said that Mr. X should explain the reason for her taking her own life. The media run the story and Mr. X eventually rejected any accountability for her death and stated that the family was fully aware of their relationship and that, above all, she was over the age of consent (which is 16 years in the country of concern). 'She liked it', he said. The official government birth certificate is presented by her family, which indicates that she is 17 years old. Mr. X is subsequently suspended from the police force due to strong public outcry.

Questions:

Are there moral/ ethical dilemmas in this case?

If there are, what are they? If not, why not?

Which ethical and moral principles are being contravened?

Sconse asked:

Is democracy a really good thing?

Considering that appealing to the majority in order to justify something is considered a fallacy, would it mean that democracy is also fallacious?

Considering that the culture, intelligence and knowledge of a population can be represented by a gaussian curve: The "average" people would always outweigh in number the "above average" and "below average" ones.

The above and below average would be quite similar in number, and could, more or less, cancel out each other's votes.

Assuming this, would it be right to say that intelligent, cultivated and educated people's votes mean near to nothing in democracy? Only the middle, the average, really matters. Therefore, democracy can only lead to mediocre results, mediocre government. (Mediocracy?)

Going further:

If the above is true, would it be really oppressive to deny the right to vote to average and below average people? (This is, of course, assuming we know a way to precisely and objectively quantify the intelligence, culture and knowledge of every citizens.)

I've been considering this for a while, and I really am not sure. This all comes from a theory called geniocracy, and this theory basically says that only the top one per cent (the geniuses) of a population should have the right to be elected as rulers, while only the top forty per cent (the above average) should have the right to vote. That's elitism, of course, but would this kind of elitism be really bad if everyone had the same rights except the right to vote and be a candidate?

Jason asked:

Compare and contrast Teleological and Deontological ethical theories.

Closyl asked:

Which came first, idea or object? Who are the philosophers who said that the object comes first?

Stephen asked:

Do you believe, in a general sense, that a person who is best able to perform an action for the benefit of others has an obligation to do so?

Nikki asked:

"Words are more treacherous and powerful than we think." Evaluate the extent to which the characteristics Sartre claims for words affect — negatively or positively — different areas of knowledge.

Laura asked:

Are sense data a good guide to reality? What does Descartes, Kant, Mill or Aristotle think about this?

Fol asked:

"In order to find out how things really are, one must understand the filters through which one perceives the world." Discuss and Evaluate this claim

Jay asked:

What is the best response to the problem of scepticism about the reality of the external world.

Angie asked:

What is the relevance of Plotinus for today's psychologists?

Ahkira asked:

What makes Anaximander a philosopher?

Emma asked:

I was wondering if you have any thoughts or ideas about "the problem of other minds"? How do you know that the person sitting next to you in class is not just a robot? Do you feel this supports a specific philosophical theory, such as functionalism or pluralism?

Katerina asked:

Who did Plato teach? (who were his students).

How did everyone else learn about Plato's teachings?

What was Plato's focus on philosophy?

Susan asked:

What do Plato, Aristotle, and Skinner have in common regarding use of knowledge?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Plato, Aristotle, and Skinner?

What do Plato, Aristotle, and Skinner say about values?

April asked:

Did or would Plato's Republic achieve the balance of Power and Authority?

Stephen asked:

What is the difference between an emotion and a sensation?

Both are said to be 'felt', and the word 'pain' is used with both emotional and physical connotations. Is there any significant difference between emotional and physical pain?

Is happiness merely a physiological state of arousal? (And thus, a state of body rather than of mind?)

I recognise that these questions may have different components, relating to physiological and psychological factors, as well as philosophical ones. How do these factors fit together?

Kitsy asked:

What does Kant believe is life?

How does he define life?

Did he believe that life is real?

Adam asked:

If one is in a conversation with another person, how can one tell if someone has had some philosophy training? And, are philosophers better thinkers than others trained in, say, literature, political science, history and so on?

Cindy asked:

I am a college student, and I am doing research paper on title of "just war theory" and I want to know philosopher's opinions about just war:

1. What do you know about just war theory, what is your point of view of just war?

2 .Do you think war as sometimes necessary?

3. What do you think about the war on Iraq? Do you think it is an overuse of just war theory?

4. Do you have any examples about war that apply to just war?

5. should we rethink just war theory in new situations?

Maria asked:

If caring for others is an art, then caregivers should embody Aesthetic knowledge. Where does it come from and what should we do to improve it?

Saurabh asked:

"Words are more treacherous and powerful than we think." Evaluate the extent to which the characteristics Sartre claims for words affect — negatively or positively — different areas of knowledge.

Patricia asked:

I have read Paul Tillich's, The Riddle of Inequality in English but am having trouble understanding Tillich's viewpoint of inequality. Would you be able to clarify his opinion?

Jane asked:

I am writing a paper of pragmatism in an educational setting. What can you tell me about this philosophy?

Mundow asked:

What are some of the contributions of political philosophy to human relationships?

Kat asked:

What is the relationship between goodness and eudaimonia? Does wanting a happy life give you a reason to be morally good?

James asked:

What are the opposing manifestos or viewpoints to Alain Locke's Manifesto on Modern Black Literature and who were the leaders of these opposing views?

Ovie asked:

How is aesthetics related to the defence of free will?

David asked:

I am doing a term paper and I wish to ask you a question in which you might be able to help:

What is the relevance or non-relevance of Hinduism to humanity in the contemporary world?

What is the compatibility or incompatibility of Buddhism with the modern Western Mind?

Are Taoism and Technology compatible with each other?

Paul asked:

What is the significance of Dietrich Ritchel to capitalist economist theory?

Aloce asked:

I was wondering what Dawkins' concept of the soul was, if he believed in the soul at all and this argument for life after death.

Emily asked:

I wonder how and why kinetic architecture intrigues curiosity and brings in surprises even though its movement has been witnessed a few times? And why are human being always fascinated with surprises?

North asked:

I am having a hard time understanding Plato's Simile of the Line, could you please explain it, and give an example of how it could be used to analyze something like justice or prejudice?

Colin asked:

Is someone born at 10 am in Australia yesterday born at the same time as someone born at 10 am yesterday in England?

Lara asked:

I am a Bond University Student and have been set an essay question concerning Plato's The Republic. I am not looking for you to write my essay I was just hoping you could give me an indication of where to go to find more information about the following question or some guidelines.

The question is as follows:

"What arguments does Glaucon put forward for the view that being virtuous is an unpleasant and unrewarding business? How does Socrates counter these arguments?"

Mei asked:

What are the ten commandments of Philosophy according to Pojman?

Angelica asked:

Referring to Immanuel Kant's "fine art is the art of Genius" from the Critique of Judgement, I'm finding it difficult to highlight issues advanced in the reading, and also to raise strengths and weaknesses of the author's case.

Mary asked:

Why ask sociological questions and what kind of questions do sociologists ask?

Nicole asked:

What is philosophy all about?

Nynke asked:

For school I have to make an essay about Wittgenstein. One of the questions I have to answer is: "What does autonomy mean according to Wittgenstein?"

Zelda asked:

Please explain the difference between political power and social or economic power. Is political power necessary to ordered relationships among human beings?

Zelda also asked:

Please explain Plato, Aristotle, St.Thomas Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes and Marx's theories of Human Nature and psychology. Are there any similarities?

Zelda also asked:

Please explain the nature and origin of the concept of natural law and then describe the major eclipses and revivals of natural law over the last 2500 years.

Natacha asked:

How has the nature-nurture debate come to be personified?

Regarding John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, why could it be argued that the nature-nurture debate in contemporary Psychology is dead (or at least a misrepresentation of the real issue)?

Sabrina asked:

How do you define Meno's Paradox and the implications for ethical reasoning?

How do you evaluate the validity of these ethical ideas to bio-ethical decisions: Principle of double effect, ordinary and extraordinary means, consent and confidentiality, care for the dying, commission and omission?

Post asked:

How is the problem of false belief related to the Meno Paradox?

In a comparison of Plato's and Aristotle's solution to the Meno Paradox, would either accept the other's solution? In part or as a whole?

Paul asked:

Why does social inequality exist?

Jessica asked:

What is Lorenz's view on aggression in lower animals?

Heather asked:

How does the question of the relationship between happiness and work relate to Josef Pieper's Leisure?

Amna asked:

What is knowledge? What are the possibilities of acquiring knowledge? If there is knowledge, what is the nature of this knowledge?

Colmanzou asked:

I'm writing my master-degree thesis. Which topic is best for post-modern perspectives on science and technology?

Can you suggest some sources of information about Paul K. Feyerabend and Bruno Latour?

Josie asked:

My faith cannot grow any more because it's all there. It's amazing the way god answered all my questions. I work for him, the thing is that now life has been different for evil appears before my eyes, the sad thing is it's people I know. I asked god for knowledge to see the difference good between bad and I can...

The attacks I have been through have been many but the shield that surrounds me protects me from any harm...

Recently I had had a couple of dreams. I am in my house through my window I see seven soldiers. One of them cries out, "Run in here she knows the difference between good and bad!" One of the seven was a lady, as I turned to see her I knew she was evil, and I said, "You are the one they need to know." She started taking off her clothes and my dream ended. In another dream, I walked out to my back yard and saw three ladies with their hands up in the air, above them were three little girls, they were actually doing this with their hands. One of them looked at me and said with a smile, "This is the power that our god gives us, ah ah ah what does your god give you?" I was looking at them did not say anything but all of a sudden a force was lifting me up, they were astonished to see me above them, I got away. Is their anybody out there who is going through what I am?

Tamara asked:

What are the strongest aspects supporting Plato's idealism?

What other proofs of the forms exist besides mathematics and natures if any?

Jamie asked:

What is the meaning of life?

Alex asked:

Please help me answer this question, I have it for a presentation in my philosophy class and I'm totally stuck!

"Can purposely misleading the public be justified, as sometimes seen in politics or advertising, in these and other areas of knowledge such as science, history, or the arts?"

Donovan asked:

Would you please give me some questions about sociology?

Zeeshan asked:

How does the government feel about the philosophers?

Lisa asked:

What references are there in Kant's Critique of Pure Reason to help explain causal determinism?

Edaw asked:

Do we know nothing because what we know is only the past and since the past is different to the future it can therefore be considered as nothing?

I thought of a reason why we are unable to find antigravity in properties of object. It is simply because they have flown away.

Marie asked:

What were Nietzsche's view on women? were they inspired by a hatred or is he misunderstood?

Alexis asked:

Hello, and thank you for this great service.

I was assessing the impact of religion on the concept of philosophy. I want to approach this objectively from different perspectives. An issue is obviously to what extent did religion restrict the concept of free thought?

Josh asked:

Would an existentialist argue for the possibility of having a priori synthetic knowledge? Here's an example: As a young kid I hear my parents telling a joke using words I had never heard of, making the joke completely puzzling, but later find out what some of these words mean and finally realize the humor in this joke. If I am completely alone in my own reality, I constructed this joke before I even realized the humor in it, just as I constructed everything in my reality.

Josh also asked:

Is it really resolved that infinity is greater than finite — for example, "god" must be an infinite being to be perfect?

Viskii asked:

What is naive idealism?

Stephen asked:

In Hume's Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals, Appendix II ("On Self-Love"), Hume said:

"There is another principle, somewhat resembling the former; which has been much insisted on by philosophers... that, whatever affection one may feel, or imagine he feels for others, no passion is, or can be disinterested; that the most generous friendship, however sincere, is a modification of self-love; and that, even unknown to ourselves, we seek only our own gratification, while we appear the most deeply engaged in schemes for the liberty and happiness of mankind."

Is this a pre-Freudian conception of the unconscious mind, driven by our unconscious needs and desires? It struck me how seemingly sophisticated an account of the unconscious this was by an 18th century philosopher. Although Hume seemed to reject this view somewhat (in his conclusion of that chapter), this raises the following question:

How widespread was such a conception of the unconscious, and unconscious desires (or those "unknown to ourselves") in Hume's day, and in later pre-Freudian times?

Jackie asked:

Melanie said, "I want to argue against any 'God'. Which doesn't leave me with many arguments."

Two philosophers she could look at Feuerbach and Hume. However, I suggest Jonathan Livingstone Seagull and Illusions by Richard Bach to get a general picture of an argument against religion.

Betsy asked:

Why shouldn't the Federal government enact a mandatory voting requirement for all citizens?

Don asked:

Where can I find an English-language glossary of German philosophy terms?

Lisa asked:

Do you think that accepting Plato's view that morality is absolute would lead society to a moral way of living?

Gilbert asked:

1) Euthyphro cannot provide a definition of piety. Why is that such a problem for us?

2) Why do philosophers have a big problem with dogma?

3) How is it that Marx, whose focus was on the influence of the "material" might be called an idealist?

Macrio asked:

1. Cite one condition that is necessary for an argument to be non-fallacious.

2. Cite one condition that is sufficient for an argument to be non-fallacious.

3. Cite one condition that is both necessary and sufficient for an argument to be non-fallacious.

4. Cite one relevant condition that is neither necessary nor sufficient for an argument to be non-fallacious.

Vas asked:

Ok, I was thinking about Spinoza's traditional Pantheistic argument.

God is the greatest being possible and so is infinite in every way.

Everything has to be part of God, otherwise that would imply boundaries on the infinite.

I say that what is meant by 'infinite in every which way' is things that have existed, existing, and going to exist and everything in between and beyond. A set of all sets which will subsequently never change.

Now how does a Christian work around that proof? If (s)he says God is not infinite then that goes against God as He is the greatest thing possible. If (s)he says that God is infinite, then the only possible outcome is the one I already stated.

Peter asked:

Some moral philosophers hold the opinion that social and policy decision making should be motivated by utilitarianism consideration while others believe such policies should be guided by deontological considerations. Explain these two positions.

Alex asked:

Could someone please explain Lyotard's notion of the sublime? Does the idea of the sublime itself make sense without an idea of the transcendent or metaphysical?

Tamara asked:

Compare and contrast the two moral philosophies, and the bases each type of philosophy uses to evaluate morality.

Adam asked:

Should philosophy be taught in secondary schools? If so why? or why not? And what criteria should there be for a teacher to teach philosophy to high school students?

Ali asked:

1. What are the differences between epistemological and methodological researches? Would you please direct me toward a main references (or websites or specialists) in order to get a full answer?

2. What is the difference between a " Fallacy" and a "Paradox" in logical language?