Cornucopia of Philosophical Questions (5)

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Donyell asked:

I was wondering if anyone has read George Orwell's 1984. One of the questions was, What is the one thing that Winston believes will save man, and why does he believe this?.

Jackie asked:

I am writing a philosophy paper in which I have to give two opposing viewpoints. One point is that made by Epictetus, who said that we live our lives based on how we interpret situations. Some people blame others for everything, and some blame no one.

The trouble is that I can't figure out which philosopher would be his opposite. I was thinking maybe Epicurus, because he basically said pleasure is pleasure, and is all good. Avoid all pain.

Is that right, or am I way out there?

Vivian asked:

What is the pathos of being bad?

and,

What is the pathos of being good?

Berta asked:

I will be a teaching assistant next semester in an undergraduate course on ethics. It is basically a history of ethics, but will be focusing on the topic of war. I was wondering if you know of any articles by philosophers on recent events (e.g. Iraq, 9/11 etc) that would be accessible to students who are new to philosophy and most of whom are only doing it to fulfill a requirement?

Velissarios asked:

First of all I should say that I am very glad to be able to exchange ideas with people that really care about philosophy.I should also apologize for my question being so novice but.. I am a novice!! I would like to ask a question that has to do about Nietzsche and Buddhist philosophy. I understand that Nietzsche and Buddhism have something in common: the belief that "there is no thinker behind a thought". That the "self" is fictitious. Nietzsche's objection with Buddhism begins when the latter starts to seek ways to eliminate the "self". Suppressing passion is Nihilism Nietzsche says. Nietzsche also says that we can replace the concept of "absolute truth" with whatever promotes life and creativity (Beyond Good and Evil). From what I know Buddhism says that suppressing passion is not the objective. The objective is being able to choose at any particular moment either to be "absorbed" by, or "descend" to a situation (concept of Bodhisattva — Mahayana Buddhism) or to "stand above" this situation.

P.S. Please excuse my bad English! I study from bad Greek translations...

Velissarios also asked:

Many years ago a little paperback, The Way Of Myth — Talking with Joseph Campbell Fraser Boa, (1994 Shambhala Pocket Classics, ISBN 1-57062-042-3) started my interest in philosophy. But I've noticed that Joseph Campbell (who died in 1987) was never accepted into the mainstream philosophical family. Yet to me he undoubtedly had a philosopher's wisdom. Have you heard of Campbell and, if so, do you have a view as to why he is not thought of as a 'true' philosopher?

Joseph Campbell also started my interest in philosophy with his book A hero with a thousand faces. I believe that Joseph Campbell was one of the greatest contemporary minds. With his theories about monomyth (the idea that beneath all mythologies and religions lies the same story — the adventure of the Hero) he helped people understand the symbolism in their religions and use it in order to seek their own Holy Grail. In order to do that he combined philosophy, anthropology, psychology, history, archaeology together with a deep respect for "life as it is". But as Campbell himself has said, he was not an expert in any of these subjects. He did not produce any original philosophical or other theories although he used Kant, Nietzsche, Freud, Jung, Buddha, Dante, Goethe and many others in order to make us think about what is important for us and how to achieve it: Passing through the stages of our lives in a way that helps us being creative and content. And maybe learn how to die.. So probably the answer to you it's a matter of definition.

Michael asked:

This is more of a 'theory' than a question, yet I need an answer...

My claim: I'm omniscient.

Taken from Merriam-Webster dictionary (http://www.m-w.com/home.htm):

Omniscient: having infinite awareness.

Infinite: immeasurably or inconceivably great or extensive.

Awareness: having or showing realization, perception, or knowledge.

Using Rene Descartes' Cogito, I think therefore I am; I know that I exist. Because of this knowledge, I must know that I know that I exist. Also that I know, that I know, that I exist... ad infinitum. This sequence of knowledge (awareness) is infinite, thus I have infinite awareness.

It is important to note that "knowing everything", a common definition/ description of omniscience is different from having infinite awareness, (used in my dictionary reference), which is knowledge an infinity of things.

Now the questions: On who lays the Burden of Proof? I cannot possibly prove, beyond reasonable doubt that I exist, as Descartes said...

What errors are there in my line of reasoning?

Betty asked:

Cicero indicates that right reason in agreement with nature applies to everyone; and Kant asserts that one should act as though the rule of one's actions is universal. This raises the question whether the rule that Cicero and Kant are talking about is absolute? Or is it merely relative to different situations and circumstances? And what, after all, do you think about it? Stated another way, how can a rule that resides only in the individual be applicable to everyone, or in other words, how can it be absolute? And what about Cicero's statement that we are not to look outside ourselves for an authority? The overall question for this assignment is: What do you think are the arguments for and against the positions presented by Kant and Cicero, and what do you think is the solution?

Can you please also tell me where you got your information from like references or works cited?

Kim asked:

Could you help me better understand both the philosophy of Karl Marx compared to Soren Kierkegaard? Your help in comparing dialectical materialism and existentialism will be greatly appreciated.

Solomon asked:

What are the weaknesses and strengths of:

St Augustine

St Thomas Aquinas

Siddharta Gautama

Niccolo Machiavelli

Karl Marx?

Kamtra asked:

Where do our modern day philosophers fit into today's society, and is it possible for a woman like myself today to have the wisdom and the knowledge as the queen of Sheba (Mehkeba) was said to have?

Kamtra asked:

If true love is to be felt in the heart, mind, body, and soul of true-life soulmates, then why must words ever be spoken and how could one never submit to the love he feels, but rather be tormented by the pulling and tugging of love's spirit and simply ignore what is to be. How is it that our hearts can't be told who to love? If communication is a way to understanding, what happens when one does not understand?

Ata asked:

I am stuck on some logic questions I am studying. Can you please help me it is very urgent.

Basically I have to translate the arguments into predicate logic symbolism and test for validity using semantic tableaux:

a) No one is happy unless Albert is. But Albert isn't happy. hence everybody is unhappy.

b) If Paul is rich someone is rich. If Paul is rich someone isn't rich. Thus Paul isn't rich.

Alex asked:

Compare the Kant and David Hume concern with Moral Obligation.

Danielle asked:

In my Philosophy class we are talking about Plato, Socrates, Descartes, and Nietzsche. The question we have is what is the essential nature of truth for each one?

Jean asked:

What did David Hume say about Plato's "Allegory of the cave"?

Ant asked:

What is the role of faith supporting religious belief?

Kimberly asked:

Is Kant's account of freedom as autonomy a good definition of freedom? why or why not?

Kimberly also asked:

Does mill have an account of freedom; if so does he need it, if not does it harm his theory?

Princesse asked:

What are some of the main questions, concept and theories of epistemology dealt with by Aristotle?

Kim asked:

Does considering the values and/ or experiences of other cultures help the project of traditional ethics? why or why not?

Halle asked:

Why does Augustine include a long argument for God's existence in "On Free Choice of the Will"? How is the argument relevant to the dialogue as a whole?

Clent asked:

What are the views of Plato and Aristotle on freewill and fate?

Elizabeth asked:

Are miracles about fact or belief?

Sumaiya asked:

Assess the view that all of our concepts are derived from experience.

Richard asked:

Luigge states in his question, "Man will cease to exist upon the discovery of his origin", yet when man discovers his orgins, won't it tell where he comes from and not to where he is going?

Sadia asked:

How do Aristotle's Golden Mean and the Great Commandment of Jesus compare?

Tatiana asked:

To what extent does our culture identify happiness with material things? Is the main obsession of humankind is our era to make ourselves comfortable in the world?

John asked:

Western philosophy is said to originate in Africa. To what extent is it true?

Dore asked:

In your opinion, does order come out of chaos? or the opposite?

Chad asked:

What is John Hick's view on free will? Does he have an opinion on free will? I can't find anything on that subject.

Ben asked:

Salvation is what in Thomas of Aquinas' view I'm interested because it would have to be a line between him and Aristotle unless teleology was involved.

Maria asked:

What is Gadamer's position on truth? Does he think there is an absolute truth or does he think that truth is influenced by other factors? (such as history, culture, etc).

Karen asked:

How would I go about answering the following question: 'Outline and asses Plato's Defence of Philosophy known as critical thinking'?

Juliano asked:

Do you agree — like some do — that it is Plato who is the father of Western Philosophy?

If not, who would you say the mantle falls on?

James asked:

What are the dates for Basil Mitchell?

Jesse asked:

What is Thomas Hobbes Social Contract Theory? What is the State of Nature, and what will persons do to exit it? What is essentially Good and essential evil?

Jessie also asked:

Explain Ayer's views that philosophic ethics is merely emotive expression. What is the difference between ethical (normative) terms/ sentences and meaningful terms/ sentences.

Laura asked:

Could we become virtuous without facing real dangers? Show why this is or is not the case.

Prince asked:

I am Joseph Maliyil doing my graduation in philosophy. (I am an Indian.) I would like to know more of cognitivism (constructivism). According to constructivists, "knowledge is the result of a cognitive process which involves an active contribution of the perceiver". What is your view regarding constructivism?

Laura asked:

What is Situation Ethics?

Gurnow asked:

Who are the major advocators of intuitive reasoning? The basis of this question stems from Wittgenstein's declaration concerning nonsense in regard to what we cannot know from a logical positivist perspective. In short, there are those who believe if a declaration cannot be justified by observation that it cannot be known — I would like to know those who state we can have knowledge of the unobservable via intuitive reasoning.

WIsam asked:

How is the question of free will and pre-destination answered by philosophers and within Christianity and Islam?

Rochan asked:

The old theory about gravity and levity was wrong. But it explained quite a lot of everyday things, so it wasn't a bad theory. Describe any other scientific theory you know about that we now think is wrong. Do you think it was a good theory, in it's day? Give your reason.

Jessica asked:

I'm analyzing Kant's categorical imperative in regards to comparing its universalizability formula (CI1) and the "treat people as ends" (CI2) formula. I'm trying to find some similarities between the two and figure out if they are actually reformulations of the same principle. Can anyone help?

Kristi asked:

I need to write a paper on John Rawls responses to the question of the increasing poverty rates in the US How would he respond to this trend and How would he view the current social safety net? Also how would he view the institution of State colleges in regards to income inequality and power?

Jan asked:

Explain how utilitarianism and contextualism would apply to each:

A person of moderate income stealing money from a millionaire who due to their wealth may never miss the amount taken.

and,

A person offered a large sum of money to execute a world leader who is dangerous to democracy or world peace.

Amir asked:

I'm searching Through non-standard logics and want to know what exactly "Stoic logic" says.

Christine asked:

Do you agree or disagree with Socrates' assertion, "He who knows what good is will do good" and why?

Do you agree or disagree with Plato's assertion, "An unexamined life is not worth living" and why?

Do you agree or disagree with Aristotle's assertion, "virtue lies in the golden mean between two extremes" and why?

Umar asked:

As a Nigerian, I am not easily web accessed; and I really want to express my argumentative feelings for the propositions "Earth Does Not Move" and "Human Soul Is Situated Somewhere Around The Heart".

Steve asked:

How does one get into philosophy, and where can a good introduction to it be found?

Adam asked:

Why does Adorno think that rationalisation in music is not the way forward?

Someone asked:

How can philosophy and philosopher survive in this more and more money-motivated world? Is it the best way for a philosopher to stay in a book room for a lifetime?

Ryan asked:

Basic but tough, I think:

Do you think that he world would be a "better" place if we were all part of one religion, or no religion at all?

Please include your thoughts on war and open-mindedness.

Ngozi asked:

What is voltaire's critique of the kind of instrumental solution to the problem of evil as found in Leibniz' notion that this is the "best of all possible worlds"?

Nabil asked:

What is the description of love in Kant's system of thought?

Reyes asked:

In the second Matrix movie, here is a conversation where one of the bad guys states, "There are no choices, just illusions of choices". what do you think?

Oliver asked:

How does Merleau-Ponty link body and world? do you think it is a sustainable account?

Anna asked:

What is the difference between Aristotles' account of substance in the Categories and in the Metaphysics?

Keith asked:

Like most really hard questions this starts as a tale.

I learned in the army years ago that you can go along time with out doing laundry or washing yourself. BUT, eventually you can't stand the smell of your clothes or yourself and simply MUST cleanse the clothes or yourself.

So my question is, when do you wash your mind? Cleanse it of that funk that others "smell" on your psyche. Yet for some reason you didn't. But now, now you to can "smell" it. How in the world do you clean up that mental mess?

Bill asked:

If you exist then you know the answer to my question, "Is the world all in my head?" But how can I ever know?

Ferris asked:

How would St. Augustine's views attack Descartes' views and visa versa? Also how would St. Augustine defend his views against Aristotle? or are there sites to help me with these questions.?

Cynthia asked:

Have reality TV shows gone to far?

Carol asked:

Why do we have to ask ourselves, "who am I"?, or better yet, "what is my purpose"? Do we have to ask these questions in the first place? Why do we have this "need to know" mentality? Maybe I don't want to know.

Nicky asked:

Why are the countries that produce inventions all European? Don't make the common mistake of saying that the computer was invented by the Americans because it was not. The English invented it and sold the idea.

Jan asked:

Explain how utilitarianism and contextualism would each deal with this situation: a physician assisting the suicide of a terminally ill person.

Pam asked:

Give a philosophical critique of the play Hamlet by Shakespeare.

Peter asked:

There are a number of mechanical procedures that can be used to solve logical problems, such as truth-tables and truth trees.

Are there any deductions in predicate logic that you cannot solve mechanically (say, with truth-tables or the tree method). Can you give some simple examples of such deductions, if there are any?

Bill asked:

Final test that you have found a good answer — What exactly is the conventional test for this? What are some views on this other than the conventional one?

Linds asked:

What is the soul? What are some good references on this topic?

Zansha asked:

Could you briefly discuss two of Feinberg's Principles of Distributive Justice, such as Need, Eligibility, Effort, Contribution, and Merit? Which of these would be considered legitimate, if any? Should any of these be taken more seriously than the other?

Leah asked:

What are the different views and definitions of beauty between aestheticians and philosophers? How do we know what is and is not beautiful?

Vince asked:

What does a philosopher do, in terms of career; and how much do they get paid? (if any).

Tataiat asked:

1. What are the factors that lead to the appearance of the philosophical pattern (System)?

2. What are the differences between a Philosopher and a Thinker?

Robert asked:

How would you compare and contrast Philosophy and Religion? Where can I find materials to cite about this subject?

and Nongluck asked:

What is the difference between philosophy, science and religion? It would be appreciate if some examples can be provided.

Nongluck also asked:

I do not quite understand the difference between natural science and human science in terms of ontology, epistemology and particularly in axiology.

Hideeliza asked:

What is philosophy of man?

Jesseca asked:

What are some of the weaknesses of dualism?

Davinder asked:

Are there ever any situations where a person could argue that using force or violence against another human being was the morally right thing to do?

Ryan asked:

I'm really bad at philosophy and I have to write a paper about Locke. My teacher wants my to give a Lockean analysis of the recent conflict between the United States and Iraq. What would Locke say to the leaders of each of the countries?

Make sure to consider:

are the two countries in a state of nature with each other?

are they in a state of war?

how would the law of nature apply?

how is property involved?

Locke's views on conquest.

Clarence asked:

Discuss the underclass and the effects of racial and economic discrimination and its relationship to crime.

Why are white collar criminals treated more leniently even though white collar street crimes are more deadly?

How would Marx view these issues?

Carrie asked:

I was just wondering if you could tell me the main points of Jean Jacques Rousseau's theory on Pluralism

Jarrell Todd asked:

How did Jean-Jacques Rousseau agree or disagree with the ideas of one of the other philosophers?

Luigge asked:

Having never taken a philosophy course, I'm not quite sure as to how to approach this theory (or question). One thing I do know is that I gave up on religion at a VERY young age and have been searching for a deeper meaning ever since. I'm not sure why, or maybe I am [subconsciously], but it seems as though I'm coming up with new (to me at least) ideas every six months. I usually tend to satisfy my questions with research, but this current one has been giving me considerable difficulty. This is a good thing, though, for it's forcing me to utilize sources and discover avenues that I didn't know existed. Basically, I was hoping that you could elaborate on the following thought:

Man will cease to exist upon the discovery of his origin. Furthermore, mankind has, and has always had the knowledge of it's genesis. In other words, if now, or at any other time in humanity, one single person were to acquire the knowledge of every human being on this planet, then that person would discover his origin, and would therefore cause the end of mankind.

Theresa asked:

My teacher at one point spoke about different institutions and ideological and knowledge frameworks. What are these institutions and ideologies? and how does someone resist or acknowledge these frameworks?

Peter asked:

How does Descartes refute the skeptical claim that no beliefs or propositions can be known to be true with certainty. How does Descartes prove that the claim is false?

Nicole asked:

What are the philosophies behind coeducation and single sex schooling?

Alex asked:

I am to write an essay involving the psychological and sociological critique of [theism]. I have read about Freud and Durkheim but am still having trouble. Could you possibly give me a simple summary and analysis of the two critiques?

Kristin asked:

I am writing and essay on R.G. Collingwood's, "The Relation between body and mind", from the New Leviathan. I have been asked to summarize his words as if speaking to someone who knows nothing about philosophy. I need to summarise the Double Aspect Theory through Collingwood's eyes. I have been raking my brains for 2 weeks...and still have nothing!

Alicia asked:

What is John Locke's theory on tabula rasa?

Madjid asked:

I want to know about William James research [and its relation to] contemporary analytic philosophy.

Mike asked:

Is the path of the Bodhisattva no more than a restatement of the Noble Eightfold path?

Bucho asked:

How does the psychological approach explain human behaviour?

Tiny asked:

How would one evaluate the effectiveness of a lesson?

Tam asked:

I need assistance in the analysis of Plato's Sophist Section 243 e. Book version Hackett, translated by Nicolas White.

Irene asked:

How would I find reference material linking sociological existentialism and symbolic interactionism with understanding the choice and behaviors of heroic rescuers, such as those involved in the Holocaust of WW II?

Evie asked:

From a deontological point of view, is killing animals ever justified?

Anne asked:

Can someone please describe Ortega y Gasset's distinction between alteracion and ensimismarse?

Jonathan asked:

What are the main distinctions between the radical, moderate and deconstructive interpretations of Heraclitus' flux?

Robert asked:

In the Communist Manifesto Marx accuses the bourgeoisie of resolving "personal worth into exchange value...", "stripping of its halo every occupation hitherto honored and looked up with reverent awe" and "in, one word, for exploitation, veiled by religious and political illusion, it has substituted naked, shameless, direct brutal exploitation." Discuss Marx's view of exploitation and alienation as an effect of the bourgeois mode of production (Capitalism) and how these two children of Capitalism come to threaten the limited but convincing ideas of what humans are and can be.

Ivette asked:

I am new to philosophy. This in fact is the first course I have taken. I am having so much trouble grasping the concept of it period. I want a simple explanation in layman's terms on the debate between Father Copleston and Bertrand Russell on the existence of God. Did anyone actually win the debate? What is Russell's point and what is Copleston's point?

Ahmadgoli asked:

1. As a university student (M.A. student) in Islamic philosophy, I want to know what are differences between islamic philosophy and western philosophy?

2. What's the influence of Molla Sadra on western philosophy?

Caroline asked:

I am reading Aristotle's The Politics and Hobbes Leviathan and the differences between the two are easy to see. But I'm having trouble seeing similarities in the men's views. Did they agree on anything concerning human nature and how human beings become bound to one another?

Anna asked:

Examine the arguments and evidence in favour of the view that childhood is socially constructed.

Christina asked:

I would like to know your opinion about the Sleep-Test Ethics. Do you think this theory can be helpful in solving ethical problems related to business?

Patrik asked:

Is there such thing as "quality"? Isn't quality all about reception by and relationship to, for instance, a customer, patron...?

I am asking this question as the person responsible for a new media policy for Stockholm Public Library.

Hammad asked:

What is your assessment of the disagreement between rationalists and empiricists regarding the theory of knowledge?

Tehut asked:

Is there a theory similar to Mill's Harm Principle where one must intervene if someone is hurting others, to justify intervention if someone is hurting themself?

Shaquella asked:

What is the ethical question in each of these work place situations?

1. The Sales of the Section 8 voucher by an employee. 2. The theft of resources for a family by an advocate

What is the ethical question in several state funded programs removing children from their mother's custody, because she contacted the Board of Health for various violations?

Joe asked:

Do people perform good deeds out of fear or love?

Ruby asked:

Could you give me definitions of belief, behavior, and attitude?

Nicole asked:

What are the four main arguments that Plato presents in Book 8 of the Republic?

Duunyia asked:

I have so many questions to ask, but now I will ask two question that are always in my mind. 1. Why or how do people make choices on their own? 2. Where does philosophy come from, how do people use it?

Klare asked:

"Assess whether the utilitarian or the deontological approach is the most useful for dealing with the moral issues concerned with abortion". this is a question I was given by my tutor, I'm just not sure how I'm supposed to attack this question.

Shivani asked:

Can Dworkin be defended against the critique of John Mackie in his article 'The Third Theory of Law"?

Bode asked:

How would you compare and contrast Rene Descartes soul or self versus David Hume on personal identity and immortality of the soul?

Jana asked:

What are the cons of the advancements of scientific research in Descartes: Discourse on Method, Part 6?

Hannah asked:

I am currently researching different views on life after death, and in particular resurrection. Do you think that resurrection theories are on the whole incoherent and should be dismissed?

Zee asked:

What is Logos?

David asked:

Does everything need a reason?

I was thinking recently, that one might explain matter, and beauty, etc, simply by considering that the things which are considered to exist only as concepts, are the true reality, and the universe we perceive is merely the canvas, the medium through which they exist rather than in which they exist. I may not have followed this train of thought fully yet, and admittedly, I am a relative novice in the field, being a physics student, but I am interested to hear some reasoning on this matter, for I see some logic in it.

Vickie asked:

Please explain the philosophy of the Marquis de Condorcet. His philosophy of "Nothing is more common than the maxim of humanity and justice; nothing is more chimerical than to propose to men that they base their conduct on them" does not seem to coincide with his belief in the perfectibility of man nor in his optimism.

Linda asked:

Which philosopher and theory stated that seeing something will remove violent emotions?

Sophie asked:

Why does Pojman think Utilitarian ethics is a better system than Kantian ethics?

KC asked:

What the main differences between Chinese Philosophy and Western Philosophy?

Someone said that Western Philosophy is a more well-defined discipline. Any comments?

Jennifer asked:

Descartes attributes the human propensity for error to the unfortunate influence of sensory experience. True or false?

Marie asked:

How can philosophy help us know the difference between right and wrong? This is a pretty straightforward question. I am more interested in how can we know the difference than in any particular account of right and wrong.

Nallely asked:

Must art be beautiful to be art?

Mike asked:

I am interested in Natural Law and the writings of Aquinas and their applications to ethics, political philosophy, and legal theory. I have found the works of Ralph MacInerney, Robert George, and especially Alasdair MacIntyre and John Finnis useful in my studies. I understand that there is a major divide between the 'new' natural law theorists like George, Boyle, and Finnis on one hand, and the more traditional Thomists like MacInerney (and to some degree MacIntyre, though I realize that his focus in Aquinas is not natural law), but have not fully been able to discern what the divide is. What are the major points of contention between the two camps in their interpretative understanding of Aquinas and their use of natural law in philosophical application? Are there any works in which the two schools directly confront each other?

Haider asked:

Please tell me about the role of emotion in morality.

Dixie asked:

What does Schopenhauer mean by 'representation" in The World as Will and Representation section 17 and following?

What according to Schopenhauer is the really real, the thing in itself?

Trent asked:

What is Scheler's definition of essences?

What is the main difference between Scheler's phenomenology and Husserl's? Also, I got a previous question back about Husserl and it was stated that Husserl unbeknowingly started Deconstruction — how is this?

Amanda asked:

Every time me and my boyfriend talk on the phone he always asks me to ask him questions but I never have anything to ask him. What should I do? Or what questions should I ask him?

Lisa asked:

I am new to philosophy and would like some help on clarifying what Thomas Aquinas's views were on faith and reason, metaphysics, theory of knowledge, ethics and his political theory. I have written my essay, but would like confirmation that I am on the right track. It is a very difficult topic for a first time essay, and any advise or clarification would be greatly appreciated.

Nokuthula asked:

Discuss Marx's account for human nature. Does the call for revolution make sense in the light of Marx's theory as a whole?

Rhowenna asked:

Why was Confucianism created and where did it originate?

and Ricardo asked:

Is Confucianism a religion or a philosophy? why and why not?

Annabel asked:

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Natural Moral Law?

Charles asked:

What are the current social implications of left realism theory?

Stephen asked:

What connections are there between the field of philosophical counselling, and the technique of Logotherapy pioneered by Viktor Frankl?

Also, and this question may be more practical than philosophical in nature:

In Lou Marinoff's book Plato, not Prozac!, he argues that psychological counselling is ultimately unsatisfying for many people, and so recommends his technique of philosophical practice instead. (Quite a sales push, no doubt...)

I would consider it a better option if, rather than trying to compete with traditional psychotheraphy, philosophical techniques were instead combined with other (psychological) therapeutic models, in an eclectic method.

From studying both philosophy and applied psychology, I feel that applied philosophical counselling would combine especially well with cognitive therapeutic techniques (with the emphasis on rationality), as well as with humanistic techniques (which are less scientific, so perhaps are more in line with applied philosophic methods, rather than 'scientific' approaches).

This may also have the consequence of helping to bridge the gulf between philosophy and psychology in the academic world, in particular regarding the application of each, and thus benefitting both disciplines.

What do philosophical practitioners (and counsellors) have to say about this issue?

Kristen asked:

How is sportsmanship not a moral guide for life?

Sara asked:

What is beauty? Are all things beautiful or not?

Carolyn asked:

Is Britain becoming a classless society and is there evidence that this is possible both from sociological theories and relevant sociological evidence?

Personally I feel that Britain will not become a classless society as evidence suggests that as each generation moves towards closing the social gap, the upper class moves the goal posts such as raising university fees and separating the best schools etc.

Damares asked:

What is John Locke's philosophy concerning what decides fate or free will?

David asked:

Holbach's argument has left me confused. Please explain the reasons that are adduced in favor of his conclusion.

Danielle asked:

1. Say I said, "You can choose your friends but you cannot choose your family." Why would a Hindu raise his/ her eyebrows and explain why I am wrong?

2. How do controlling myths in Hinduism end up creating ethical paradoxes?

3. Explain Taoist cosmology along with Hindu cosmology, what is the nature that they inhabit?

4. Four goals, four stages of life, four Yogas... explain how these are expressive of Hinduism and how they interrelate and reinforce each other.

5. How have you been affected by the controlling myths of your culture?

6. Last but not least.... How does cultural controlling myths influence the way we interpret the world and our life experience?

Chris asked:

Tell me about Epicurus, his self discipline. Tell me about Saint Augustine and the love of God. Tell me about Saint Thomas Aquinas, and morality and natural law. Please explain in detail.

Stephen asked:

I have been thinking of Plato's response to the following:

"Pegasus does not exist. Therefore pegasus is nothing. It is impossible to think about nothing. Therefore it is impossible to think about Pegasus."

HELP!

Lelsie asked:

Please compare Aristotle and Kant.

Ida asked:

While surfing the net and looking for interesting things, I bumped into a discussion where people gave their opinions on differences between science and the arts. I'd really like to know your opinion on whether science truly is universal and collective, when art, on the other hand, is individual and personal. How true is this?

Suresh asked:

1) What is the brief sketch of Marx's Philosophy in over all?

2) What are the connections between Hegel and Marx in their philosophical views?

Dennis asked:

I'm having trouble with an essay question, "Man is created to praise and reverence and serve God our Lord by this means to save his soul."

Sylvia asked:

What is the egocentric predicament?

Kevin asked:

What is the value of the definition of sanity, if it results in bringing to light more insane men?

Kathy asked:

In theological circles, who is currently working on critical realism?

Manny asked:

How does J.S. Mill define virtue in "Utilitarianism?" Is is being habituated to follow the "secondary" rules?

Ross asked:

I am currently researching and contrasting Plato's Apology and Crito, more specifically critiquing Crito. I am however, finding it extremely difficult to determine the actual consequences of the contradictions made by Socrates. E.g., I am aware that Socrates states in the Apology that he will ignore state laws and continue to philosophize as God instructed him to do so, thus implying that divine law matters most. However in Crito he seems to imply that the state law IS the divine law. Getting to my problem, I am unable to determine why Crito can be critiqued..

Kara-Lynn asked:

To what extent is Aristotle's methodological emphasis his alone and not Plato's? Critically discuss.

H asked:

What are Augustine's moral rules and lights?

Lisa asked:

What is justice? Evaluating Plato's conception, how is it useful or not useful today?

Luciano asked:

What is the compatibilist's case in justifying that one can be held morally responsible for one's actions although they've been determined?

Sarah asked:

Can the moral rightness of something like murder be justly assessed by the Subjectivist theory?

Jan asked:

Is the dream world less real than the waking world?

Tishaun asked:

Can you please tell me all you know on life having no other meaning other than the projection towards death?

Gonzalo asked:

How can one reconcile the concepts of responsibility, the concept of good and bad and postmodernism. I would like to know if you could recommend a few critiques of postmodernism. I hope that my request is not too demanding. I hope to hear from you soon.

Sally asked:

I am having a lot of trouble with answering the following question.... "Justice beyond fairness is the central human value".

Laura asked:

Assess the usefulness of functionalism for an understanding of the family in the UK society.

Christina asked:

What is the Golden Mean and why is it important to understanding Aristotle and his critique of Plato?

Dane asked:

What is the difference between determinism and fatalism?

A asked:

How do teleological and deontological theories apply to Aquinas?

Lawrence asked:

If everything has a causal relationship yet this conjunction can not be proven, but only shown out of habit, then can we ever truly know anything? Is there even a question of free will involved if causal relationships can not be proven?

Melinda asked:

What was John Locke's view on the nature of truth?

Stephen asked:

Although Rene Descartes was a devout Christian, could it be said that he, with his philosophy, unknowingly started the ball rolling which finally killed off God?

I ask this because Descartes' philosophy seemed to play a major part in the development of modern thought, which ultimately led to our modern, scientific outlook, in which it is far easier to be an atheist than before the modern revolution in science and philosophy (especially since the likes of Darwin).

The same question could also be asked of Newton, Kierkegaard, and other philosophers who called themselves Christian, yet whose work was ultimately developed by later thinkers into an atheistic stance.

Would it be justified in saying that these thinkers were false friends of Christianity? Or would their unwitting contribution to atheistic thought be better viewed as merely an unfortunate offshoot of their philosophies, given their religious standing?

Catherine asked:

I need to figure out the distinction between myth and science and their explanations of the universe with regard to the Presocratic philosophers such as Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes and Heraclitus.

Laura asked:

How is there any reality if you cannot prove anything?

Tee asked:

I am writing a paper that argues against the utilitarian who believes that our duty is to do that action which produces the highest combined sum of achieved happiness for the majority. What would be the best way to consider the word 'majority' in the sense that I will argue against the utilitarian's idea?

Rachelle asked:

If Kant basically said that reality is a mixture of both reasoning and experience, how do we know that two people are going to use the same reasoning? If we don't know that, then isn't this the same thing as relativism or subjectivism?

Elizabeth asked:

What are the obligations of the ruler to his/ her subject?....and summarize and evaluate the positions of Plato, Machiavelli, and Marx on this point.

Rina asked:

What is process of reasoning in which a coherent series of facts and judgements are arranged top establish a reasoning?

Jessica asked:

"Ethical maximalism makes business impossible."

"Ethical minimalism makes business unethical."

Which of these statements is correct?

Jessica also asked:

Is it morally justified for an employer to place life-style restrictions on employees outside the workplace?

Teisha asked:

Discuss the penalties and counter penalties proposed in the Apology.

Jonathan asked:

What in your view are the consequences for empiricism of Wittgenstein's Private Language Argument?

Rebecca asked:

Could free will, the idea that one's decisions can have an effect on their future, possibly exist without being a part of a deterministic world?

Archanna asked:

"Liberation theory sounds like a christian version of marxism." Comment on this statement?

Zaidin asked:

If fate is a decided answer is life simply to follow all of fates decisions?

Rita asked:

Explain the role of teleology, theory of the psyche, theory of ideas in Plato's ethical theory.

Rita also asked:

What are the nature and origins of moral value? What determines which acts have this value and which acts lack it?

Rita also asked:

What do Sophists believe about the nature of reality? How do they support their views? Are their arguments successful?

Rita also asked:

Does Plato think that pleasure is the supreme good for all human beings? What are his weakest and strongest arguments for his position?

Tiriel asked:

What is the true definition of the Father God?

Tara asked:

Are we determined as to how we are going to be when we are born, or does fatalism automatically take over?

Andreas asked:

Why do Sociologists disagree about the importance of sport in society?

Salika asked:

What is the difference between moral relativism and moral absolutism?

Angela asked:

What is the difference between the first-order and second-order of belief? Can there be a second order of sensations? Why or why not?

Jennifer asked:

What is real?

Kim asked:

Would Machiavelli think that the prince would be served better with the support of nobles or people? Why?

Captain asked:

If one's character is determined, how is it the choices one makes can be persuaded or influenced by others?

Dave asked:

Could this be a good way to argue the relationship between the mind and the body?

The mind and brain could be compared to a flashlight and its light. The brain (like the flashlight) has parts which can be identified and catalogued, the functions of these parts can be determined. The mind (like the light) can be affected by the state of the flashlight's parts but its true nature cannot be defined (much like the question of light being a particle or a wave).

Maura asked:

I am a law student, who enjoys reading philosophy in my spare time. My jurisprudence professor encouraged me to read The Reasonableness of Christianity by John Locke. I am having some trouble understanding it. Is there anywhere I can find it broken down and explained? Perhaps I have been reading cases for too long.

Artis asked:

What would be a sufficient lesson plan for elementary school children using Dewey's complete act of thought?

What kind of lesson would effective using the Socratic method?

Describe a realist teacher?

Tucker asked:

Why is it important to clarify in Dennett's story "Where Am I" (The Mind's I Dennett and Hofstadter Eds.) whether the source of consciousness (distinct from its content) is supposed to remain with the body or with each of the "brains"?

Funmi asked:

Please I will like you to help with the question, "compatibility and incompatibility of determinism and freedom".

Althea asked:

Why are philosophers by virtue of their profession experts on moral issues?

Himangsu asked:

"Existence of a spaceless, timeless Being in this universe implies the relativity of space and time." My question is whether from the premise "existence of a spaceless, timeless Being in an universe" we can rightly draw the conclusion that "space and time in that universe will be relative".

Aliya asked:

I am being asked by my teacher to pick an issue that you are concerned about (examples might include today's economy, the destruction of the rain forest, Iraq war etc.). Which philosophy, if any, mainly governs the way the nation is approaching solutions to the problem? Please support your answer with examples.

I am also being asked to pick an individual who is much in the news (this can be anyone from president Bush to Britney Spears). State the philosophy you believe he or she is working from and describe how you believe that philosophy is evident?

Nancy asked:

I am working on a class project asking couple of people the question, "How do you explain good will". How they can answer it differently?

Carmelo asked:

How can we understand or reveal the thoughts of someone who is talking with us? And how can we make him understand what our thoughts are while questioning or answering? Is there any proper way how people must communicate with each other?

Emily asked:

Do you know a poet named Sylvia Plath?

Kevin asked:

I have been studying Kant as an undergraduate student for 2 years now and, though I agree with much of what he has to say, his account of the moral status of animals is suspect. I am aware that he gives them no moral status, as he views them as non-rational. However given the modern discoveries on the neurological workings of animals, do you think he would rethink his conclusion? Furthermore, would there be some sort of hierarchy formed, with those most capable of pure cognition higher on the chart than those with less cognitive capabilities?

Yolande asked:

How do I apply virtue ethics to genetic engineering (stem cell research and cloning)?

AP asked:

With regards to music, is their such a thing as objective beauty? How does this function in relation to deconstruction?

Bryan asked:

I have a question about time. I think this is about philosophy if it isn't please tell me. If someone goes into the future by some means, and writes their name on a certain tree, (we'll call it tree "a"), and than they go back in time, and cut down tree "a". How will the future be changed? ( keep in mind he wrote his name on the tree in the future).

Fiona asked:

What are the duties of a patriotic citizen? How is a patriotic citizen obliged to struggle for the respect of human and democratic rights?

Michael asked:

As one of Plato's cave dwellers I see the world around me as, my world, and all that is in it as being my reality.

I take comfort in a statement made by John Brandon in responding to question on What does 'external world' mean? When he replied:

Suffice it to say for the purpose of answering your question that within this complexity is a general notion that there can be no real proof available of an external world, because we do not have direct access to such a world; all we do have access to are our own mental interpretations of what is given to us by our senses.

From my solipsist position I have to consider that any answer that may be given is generated out of my own imaginings. Though some would argue that having a language at all to be able to pose this question negates me being the solipsist.

So is there a state of affairs where both language and no proof of an external world can co-exist?

Kathryn asked:

I am a freshman in high school. We are studying Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates. I am supposed to write a 5 page paper about how the philosophers uh..philosophies would work in our world today. I am completely lost given we haven't studied many of the philosophers. I chose Plato to write about. What were his main idea of life, what where his philosophies? Do you know any good websites I can go to that would help me?

PS I am definitely putting this website in my favorites!

Jorena asked:

In my philosophy subject I really don't understand this thesis statement: "Everything that happens must have a reason."

When is what we say or do not determined by reason? Please explain it briefly that I can understand easily.

Don asked:

The great thing about philosophy is its ability to pamper truth. I was just wondering, if a word is an expression of thought, then in the medium of conversation, what drives the mind to the next word? If spoken communication does not require conscious forward thinking for each word, then as a thought process, how does the mind put together intelligent strings of words?

Phillip asked:

Explain the role that logic plays in the development of totalitarian ideologies.

John asked:

Is there any possible connection between Heidegger "being toward death" and family life cycle (family therapy)?

Claudia asked:

What do you think Ghandi means by this quotation: "No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive."

A asked:

I am trying to find any information on the topic of philosophical illiteracy.

Tori asked:

Please could you try to explain the question, "On what grounds might Plato's understanding of human reason be questioned?" This is really annoying me.

Katie asked:

Why does Antigone chose to commit suicide? Does it suggest her mother's death, or is there an important difference? Creon's wife is on stage momentarily, yet she plays a key role in Creon's disaster. What does her suicide mean to him?

Aaron asked:

When in conflict should the letter of the law take priority over the spirit of the law? If so list reasons why.

Davehu asked:

Compare and contrast the main features of work of the classical school of management and the human relations schools.

Paula asked:

How does Sartre relate morals to politics? I am writing a paper for PH 101 and I want to apply it to an election.

Pam asked:

Can you direct me to web-sources on behaviorism? I have an oral presentation to complete on this topic and need ideas for an entertaining presentation.

Jennifer asked:

I want to put forth an idea which I would describe as post-existentialism mysticism. I hope this does not sound pretentious. I am sure that my idea is not new, but I have never seen it put forth in quite the same terms in which I am about to express it. Please tell me if this resonates with anything you have heard before or if it is understandable. To ask if life has a meaning is to say that it is lacking something that it ought to have. This is presumptuous because the existence of life is beyond the concept of meaning. Many people say meaning when they really mean purpose of justification. To say that life needs a purpose is to say that it is less than something else i.e. the thing which it justifies. The existence of life is beyond all concepts of justification or purpose, because that would make it less than the wonder that it is.

We do many things in life which are fulfilling or pleasurable, but these things do not justify life, we do them because we live. Some of the best of these things include music and friendship, but it would be wrong to say that these things justify the existence of life itself, because the existence of life is simply beyond any concept of purpose or justification and this does not make life absurd or lesser bur greater than we understand it to be.

Melissa asked:

I am doing an essay for my philosophy class. I know what I want to write, I would just like another opinion, and some clarification to see if I am on the right track. So here is the question I have to answer in my paper: "What is the value of knowledge? IS a more knowledgable person happier than a person with less knowledge?" I think that it has many values — helps better in life itself (jobs, problems, experiences, etc) and through feelings and stuff (like problem solving, thoughts, feelings) and also, knowledge is only so valuable to an extent — way too much is not good. Does that sound alright for my essay?

Kelechi asked:

What are the relevance of political philosophy in the third world countries? I am doing a critical analysis of Aristotle's philosophy.

Mary asked:

What, exactly, is the deontological principle of forfeiture? Can you provide an example?

Dan asked:

What is Doomsday Argument?

Jeeps asked:

What is the difference between man and animal, and is it a fundamental difference?

Annie asked:

what is Tabula Rasa? may I have a complete summary of John Locke's life. what is his philosophy of man?

Tawnya asked:

I need to know the difference between Ayer and Holbach's opinion on the word 'free' and was Socrates really free to leave his prison?

Janet asked:

Is there a justifiable purpose in today's world for humanistic education?

George asked:

Could you give me the issues presented in the movie 'Saving Private Ryan' and its conflict setting?

Lindsay asked:

Explain the problem with the fanatical majority.

Betty asked:

What does Descartes' dilemma argument assume about the knowledge of mathematics?

Domini asked:

How do today's teachers use the findings of Socrates and Plato?

Karmen

How would [argue with] Thrasymachus' view [in Plato's Republic] that justice is nothing but the advantage of the stronger? Does Hume agree that justice benefits the stronger? Is that all is does in his view? Do Hume and Thrasymachus account for the differences in laws from society to society in the same way? In what ways,if any, does Hume think justice is the same from society to society?

Stephen asked:

What does it mean to say that a person should or shouldn't feel how they feel?

What does it mean to say that a person should or shouldn't believe a certain thing?

Such notions often seem to be used to coerce (or emotionally blackmail) people, and thus often seem to be disapproved of (for example in clinical psychology), however, such counter-approaches are often purely naturalistic.

This seems to be pointing at a difficult area between psychology and ethics, namely, how particular emotions can be pointed out as being evil, given the complexity of human emotions.

As an example, if a person consistently feels violent rage (due to some unfortunate events in his past, say), and ends up committing murder, given that murder is wrong, could it be said that his violent rage (or 'ill temper', maybe) was wrong? Or merely how he dealt with the emotion (by letting it lead him to murder), and not the emotion itself?

Since a person may psychologically have little choice over feeling such emotions (which are not pleasant), can such emotions be rationally viewed as wrong?

In particular religions, as an example of such a belief about this, emotions such as resentment are viewed as sinful. What would it mean, though, to say that a person shouldn't feel resentment?

Kaylee asked:

Do you believe that Plato would be for or against capital punishment and why?

Lyndsey asked:

Why is knowledge necessary?

Ramonita asked:

I still have to reread Plato's Republic but just glancing over my notes I saw the instructor stated that in the Ship analogy Plato uses is a false analogy. Can someone clarify that one up for me? Why is it false?

Chelle asked:

How would one agree on Aristotle's view on 'Justice is equality', in current times?

Brita asked:

What would existentialists think about the inclusion of emotionally handicapped children in regular classrooms?

Jennifer asked:

What is the role of doubt in the search for knowledge that is true?

Albino asked:

What is the primary question dealt with in The Apology. Is it something like "what is wisdom"?

Allyn asked:

Assuming the existence of god, however defined (e.g., prime mover, eternal intelligence etc.), is god part of creation (or the cosmos or universe, if you prefer), or is god separate and distinct therefrom?

Tolgay asked:

I am an international student and I have a problem with my homework. The question is. "Describe in details and show the interwovenness of Russell's Conception of the enlargement of self, Plato's conception of healthy skepticism and Peirce's conception of the irritation of doubt in the context of the Value of Philosophia."

Larry asked:

Is it appropriate for a director or manager to bring his or her personal religious or philosophical ideas into the work place or performing arts space?

Elboury asked:

I am looking for a translation into french for the document written by Josef Seifert on the truth on the dignity of the human person and on god as a source of perfect community between Muslims and Christians. Unfortunately I couldn't find the original in french I will be very grateful if you could help me

Tracy asked:

Can you help me out with a discussion paper that I am writing re: Machiavelli.

Machiavelli develops a new teaching about politics. I believe that his concept of politics from a scientific perspective and separating it from religion are the origins of political science and essentially a new approach, but I am failing to find enough evidence to demonstrate how new this concept was compared to the contemporary political realm. Would you be able to help me out with some clarification or direction?

Eric asked:

What did Plato and Aristotle disagree about in reference to rhetoric?

Winston asked:

Evaluate if moral skeptics succeed in challenging the aims of moral philosophy.

John asked:

What critiques would have Kant used against Mill's system of ethics?

Cat asked:

I am writing an essay and would be grateful for some direction. There is much written on Determinism, Freewill, Determinism Versus Freewill and all the debates surrounding it, however my essay is about their compatibility. Are they are compatible at all? does it really have to be one or the other? If you could suggest particular resources I could study that would be great!

Bob asked:

Contrast Socrates type of speech versus the typical kind of speech used in court. Show why these distinctions are relevant in Socrates predicament

Joy also asked:

How does the oracle force Socrates on a quest, what is the meaning and relevance of the quest, how does it pertain to his predicament, and how is it exemplary of Socrates principles? Why is it impossible to abandon the quest, and why would this be like deserting one's post in war?

Mike asked:

What is ethnocentrism? and how does it relate to the various origin myths?

Lieve asked:

I am a Belgian girl. I have to write an essay about modern philosophy. More specifically about philosophers who are for or against suicide. Can you give me a few names of philosophers who said something about suicide?