Cornucopia of Philosophical Questions (6)

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Samantha asked:

How would you describe the difference between a Kuhnian knower and a Cartesian knower?

Kim asked:

What is the relationship between the thoughts and feelings we experience, and the biological processes that occur in our bodies?

Stephen asked:

What is the connection between love and truth?

Murphy asked:

Is euthanasia wrong? I am in need of reasons why euthanasia is morally wrong and why society should not accept euthanasia. Or why they should accept euthanasia.

Mandola asked:

Why is killing wrong? In terms of uncontroversially wrong kinds of killing of people. NOT controversial kinds of killing such as abortion, euthanasia, the death penalty, killing in self-defense, killing of soldiers in war, suicide, assisted suicide, etc. Why is killing wrong in general in the more ordinary cases?

Mary asked:

Why are gay and lesbian relationships rampant not just in the US but all over the world?

DaLee Brown asked:

What is Socrates hoping to accomplish in his defense against charges of impiety and corrupting the youth?

Michael asked:

Briefly distinguish cultural relativism and individual relativism. Is there something logically funny about the claim that ALL values are relative?

Michelle asked:

I am taking Intellectual Heritage, and most of the readings are pretty far over my head. I'd really love a philosopher's opinion on these concepts.

What is the role of sense perception in regaining the soul's awareness of the Forms?

In what way does the theory of knowledge as recollection, the separate existence of the Forms, and at least the belief in the pre-existence of the soul, stand or fall together?

Michael asked:

What is ENTELECHY and how is it significant to Aristotle's ethics, specifically to his theory of virtue and happiness?

Danny asked:

In Hume's Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion what is the argument of design?

Michael asked:

Compare and contrast naturalism and idealism.

Michael also asked:

Describe the general structure of the ideal state as Plato presents it it the Republic. What are the cardinal virtues and how do they relate to Plato's theory of the ideal state?

Michael asked:

How did Democritus alter the Parmenidean picture of reality? As part of the answer, compare their views of empty space.

Adeel asked:

What is a free will? What is the difference between "free will" and "determinism"? Why do most of the religions and societies forbid free-will and call it a burden? Do we negotiate between free will and determinism in our daily lives?

Tish asked:

Can you explain the Plato's theory of justice?

Why does it relate to the Greeks?

Mary asked:

Since the Enlightenment the Western world has been transformed as a result of the combination of rationalism, empiricism, and practical science and technology. How do you account for this? How did Enlightenment thinkers both differ and agree with Classical philosophers about how truth could be accessed through observation and experiment?

Steve asked:

How does Aristophanes' Socrates compare to Plato's Socrates?

In the Apology, Socrates says that Aristophanes (in the Clouds) helped spread the rumors about him that eventually led up to his indictment. Explain this.

What criticism does Aristophanes make of Socrates?

Why does Socrates teaching of old Strepsiades and young Pheidippides lead to disaster?

Stephen asked:

Suppose it is a historical fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

Could the existence of the Christian God be taken as an inference to the best explanation in such an instance?

Or could the application of Occam's Razor provide a more rational explanation for such a phenomenon?

Donovan asked:

I wonder if anybody could suggest any criticism of Sartre's bad faith. I am writing an essay on it and I am struggling to find any criticism.

Anthony asked:

The elation of okra (soul) and honam (Body).

What is the conception of a human being when it relates to okra and honam?

What is the philosophical problems such as the mind-body issue?

And what is the difference between logical and ontological?

Jay asked:

I need help in finding out how Shakespeare compares politics to theater. And if Shakespeare's and Plato's thought are the same.

Lauren asked:

Is greek homosexuality (as in Plato's Symposium) moral or immoral?

Roberta asked:

I am studying philosophy of law and I am reading Natural Law and Natural Rights by John Finnis. However I would like to have a short description of Chapters 7 and10 (Justice and Law).

Mark asked:

What assessment might Aristotle make of a female Statesman and the society who elects her?

Patricia asked:

How does Socrates understanding differ from Maslow and Rogers was of understanding the good life?

Rosalyn asked:

In My Ishmael, What are some examples of constructivism and socratic questioning?

Hojjat asked:

What is the educational implication of Lyotard's postmodern point of view?

Lydia asked:

I am a student teacher studying technical and vocational education. I would like you to give me tips on how to identify learners with problems and the ones who take their academics very lightly.

Sherlyn asked:

Whenever I close my eyes, I see millions of miniature people. At first I only saw the outline of heads and shoulders. Now I'm starting to see the eyes, nose, and mouth. Every person is the size of a point 12 character. Not only that, in the background I see a geometric abstract which seems like a never-ending hallway. The walls, ceiling, and floor are chequered board patterns. When my eyes are open I see abstract space. I'm having trouble understanding what I see. Personally I have found no knowledge and understanding in what I see. The conclusion that I have come up with is, I'm seeing realistic illusions.

This is not a matter of concern!

This is a mater of understanding!

John asked:

I am seventy years old and retired.

I have trouble pronouncing the names of the philosophers, and the names of other philosophical terms. Terms like empiricism, rationalism, and many other terms used in philosophy. Can you recommend a book that will put the words in mnemonic so that I can pronounce them and know what they mean. I am trying to study philosophy on my own and it is very difficult.

Carissa asked:

How has togetherness enriched life and how an it improve the lii=ves of all other beings on earth?

Ellen asked:

What is your inner and outer self?

Isaac asked:

How has the western world has affected Africa morally, both positively and negatively?

Marie asked:

I have decided to do my thesis on what the tradition would say on the topic of gay marriages. I think I have plenty of arguments against, however, I am having trouble finding a philosopher's argument for. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Ilaw asked:

What is the relationship of Heidegger's time and freedom?

Emmett asked:

What is reality?

Kharlam asked:

Please send a reference to a book on philosophy of science and technology not less than 200 pages.

Donneth asked:

1. How do literary works treat or present philosophical issues and questions?

2. Of the major fields of Philosophy which is most often covered by literary works, why so?

Jammy asked:

What do you think about the concept of Pietism in Plato's Euthyphro? is Euthyphro real or just a creation of Socrates? can you tell me more about this "pietism" so I can understand well?

Bill asked:

Is this a good Question?

Wondering asked:

I have been in deep thought of late. If love is lost between a man and a women, was it ever there to begin with? Also, is there such a thing as true love? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Gwendolyn asked:

What is absolutism and relativism?

Jessica asked:

Do you think the way the opposite sex is presented or presents it self is in any way justifiable? (issues like language or the dominance in particular walks of life-politics religion cinematography.)

Rosa asked:

I really do not understand the debate among the presocratics (or even who they are) on the reality of change and plurality and how sensation and abstract thought contribute to knowledge. I have to refer to Thales, Pythagoras, Heraclitus, Parmenides and Zeno and Democritus. I have no solid understanding about their debate or who half these people are.

William asked:

I watched the movie "Being There" and it was really thought-provoking. It made me think about how the things we do in life could be, more than we like to think, attributed to chance. I like to think I am in control of everything I do because I have the ability to make choices. But the character, Chance, accomplished a lot in life just by "chance". Do you think we could all just be really smart versions of the character Chance?

Or at least to some degree, because I believe we have some free will, but also that a lot of our life is chance.

Sangely asked:

In their ontological theories, both Plato and Rene Descartes were dualist. Compare and contrast their ontological theories.

Samuel asked:

This is my belief on human life. We are conceived with a certain potential, which already defines everything we could possibly accomplish, learn, do, etc. Then everything after that, our environment, diminishes our chances of reaching our potential.

We never reach our potential, but our environment forms us based on our potential. Do any notable philosophers share this belief? is there a better way of explaining this?

Gladys asked:

What questions would you ask a person from a different culture and religion?

Cecilia asked:

Can we know something that has not yet been proven to be true?

Chris asked:

This question has been floating in my mind for years. Im 15 and im the only one who sees it. Ignorance seems to be taking over the world! Everybody I talk to in school and adults and seniors alike, they all show signs of unbelievable ignorance. People in my area seem to be racist and homophobic, they respect nobody but their own kind, they hate everybody else. Now, I come from a Greek blood line and I'm glad for that, for Socrates is floating in my blood, but my skin tone attracts a lot of hate in this world. Please in all that is good, tell me why the population is so ignorant. Anybody's answer would be greatly appreciated.

Cyrrell asked:

1. What are the merits and demerits of the following:

a. Man is absolutely determined (Skinner)

b. Man is absolutely free (Sartre)

c. Man is situated freedom (Merleau-Ponty)

2. Describe man's structured or situated freedom by means of examples.

3. What is the relationship of freedom, justice, and intersubjectivity or participation?

Sophy asked:

how is it possible to both "force a people to be free" and to insist on civil disobedience?

Kenneth asked:

"The sources of morality has been a philosophical puzzle." Discuss.

Sue asked:

Is everyone a philosopher?

Donneth asked:

I need this for my examination. What is the difference of time and freedom on Heidegger's view?

Diana asked:

How does technology affects human beings? Give some examples of technology, citing the advantages and disadvantages of each

June asked:

What does it mean to say that Husserl's phenomenology can accommodate pluralism, while Kant's version cannot? Is there any way of disagreeing with this? What are the relevant doctrines of Kant and Husserl in developing this discussion?

Okunlola asked:

"Knowledge is like other resources whose utility brings about human benefits." Discuss.

Lauren asked:

Does anyone have an opinion (agree, disagree) on the following statement? "Language is helpless when confronted with anything real."

Tommy asked:

I have read Pieper's Leisure the basis of culture and I have a question dealing with St. Thomas Aquinas in the book. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, the difficulty in performing an act is either a measure of the goodness of act, or a measure of the goodness of the one performing it, or a measure of God's delight in the act, or none of them.

Lisa asked:

1. What do the three Philosophers have in common if any?

2. What are the differences between the three if any?

3. Do they share any similarities?

Socrates

St.Augustine

Confucius

Jenn asked:

How are the Sun Simile, the Divided Line and the Cave Simile related in Plato's Republic?

Judith asked:

Can you give me an argument or quotes that defend the pro side on capital punishment being morally justifiable?

Ivonne asked:

"Who are you?" Every time that I ask this question, nobody can tell me a good answer! I imagine that someone who is more than 25 years old, should have a good answer to this question. Then I think that almost everybody doesn't know who are they are. I would like to know, how a philosopher would answer this question,"Who are you?"

I think that I am someone different to someone else. (I don't know if what I think is wrong or right.) And if I know who I am? I think that is something that I have to discover every day! (Am I right with that?)

Why is this question so difficult?

Does knowing who we are have any effect? Will it be better if we know who we are? I am 16 years old, I think that I am young to know who I am. Am I right?

Brandon asked:

Are emotions the most natural thing about us? Is the fundamental purpose of society to control our emotions? Does civilization inevitably alienate us from our emotions so that we have no choice but to become neurotic? Or does organized society do us a favor by providing us with mechanisms and traditions (like table manners) for channeling our emotions?

Nancy asked:

What relations did Confucius believe were important? what function do they serve?

Joy asked:

Why are subjectivist and relativistic ethical views ultimately useless in the true practice of the science of ethics?

O'Neal asked:

How do eastern theories differ from western theories? How are they alike?

Sara asked:

Is luck a cause? Aristotle believes that luck is also properly described as a kind of cause. Is this right? Does luck cause things? Why or Why not? If so how can we make sense of this idea? If not, how do you understand the way we talk about luck?

Henry asked:

What does it mean for anthropology to be philosophical?

Is philosophical anthropology a fundamental science of man?

Lillian asked:

What are the purposes of punishment for Durkheim; and how can we compare and contrast Durkheim's argument with one other major tradition?

Tiffiney asked:

I am not sure how to distinguish the difference between the premiss and the conclusion of an argument. What is the best way to determine each?

Julianne asked:

1. The tendency for all aspects of a culture to function as an interrelated whole is called what?

2. The evolutionary mechanism by which individuals with characteristics best suited to a particular environment survive and reproduce with greater frequency than do those without them is called what?

Joanna asked:

According to John Stuart Mill, it is better for a man to become dissatisfied than for a pig that is satisfied. What does this mean in relation to the existence of person and how is it shown in the novel Sophie's World?

How can we as normal persons break the fabric of reality? Is this really possible?

Existence seems to be the central core of the novel Sophie's World. What does 'reality' mean for Sophie and her companions?

The dog in Sophie's World is named Hermes. Of what importance is the name of the dog in novel in relation to reality?

Sartre claimed that man is condemned to be free. How is this philosophy portrayed in the novel Sophie's World?

What is your initial reaction to the garden party in Sophie's World when the characters seemingly lose their sense of morality? Can this be a reflection of morality?

How is the philosopher Hegel important in the tract of the story in Sophie's World? What made his philosophy central to the theme of Sophie's World?

Can we really grasp reality in its utmost essence? How did Sophie react upon learning the truth at the end?

In the novel Sophie's World, How can the earth produce a live frog? How in the course of the history of philosophy was the question of life answered?

What did Sophie together with Alberto Knox discover as the the true meaning of reality?

Jane asked:

Is science a supreme knowledge compared to other areas of knowledge? How do you justify your answer?

Diane asked:

There is a scripture in the Bible that speaks about how long you live and after that age you live in sickness, I have been trying to find it for the longest and cannot. Can you help me with this?

Angela asked:

I am taking a philosophy class for the first time. We are studying Plato but I am having a hard time understanding some of the concepts:

In the dialogues the Meno and the Phaedo, Plato argues for the doctrine of Forms, the immortality of the soul and the acquisition of Knowledge in this life as a process of recollection.

What role does Socrates solution to the "paradox of inquiry" play in the process of the acquisition of knowledge?

What is the role of sense perception in regaining the soul's awareness of the Forms?

In what way does the theory of knowledge as recollection, the separate existence of the Forms, and at least the belief in the pre-existence of the soul, stand or fall together?

I need to do a paper and answer these questions in an argumentative essay. Any suggestions on where I could find something to explain this in language I can understand or if someone can explain it.

Homer asked:

What is the philosophy of Jeremy Bentham on human life?

Homer also asked:

What is the philosophy of Thales of Miletus about freedom?.....

Fidelina asked:

I was hoping you can perhaps provide me with some insight. I am examining Book II of Plato's Republic and Book II of Aristotle's Ethics. I am having a hard time since I really do not understand it. I realize they have some things in common but the thing is, Where do both of Plato and Aristotle say we can find virtue and where can we not find virtue?

I have read and read and I know the soul is divided according to them but I just cant seem to wrap my brain around it maybe the answer is staring me straight in the face. Also How are these virtues or justice acquired? Is it through being a just and moral person? Also, how can these virtues or justice be lost or are there people that never acquire them? Are those the criminals of society that never get virtues? As you can see I am in over my head but I would really appreciate if you could help me because I need to write my own philosophy and I need to understand this.

Trent asked:

Can one, using Descartes' method of doubt and the evil genius, and taking it to its extreme, doubt the conclusion of the cogito?

How does Descartes not know that the I, which is a thinking thing is not merely another deception of the evil genius? Can not the I, or mind that he believes is the proof of his existence not be a deception of the evil genius?

Shannon asked:

Could you define these terms and relate them to human personality and give me an example for each:

1. Arete

2. Hubris

3. Ate

4. Nemesis

Cordell asked:

What were John Locke's early influences?

Noah asked:

Is there a connection between Leo Strauss' Structuralism and Plato's Theory of Forms?

Noah also asked:

What is the contention formulated by Popper on Platonic politics?

Catherine asked:

Please explain monism and dualism and how it affects us as people.

Davinia asked:

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Aristotle's views on causality?

Blanca asked:

I'm reading on St, Augustine and other topics such as the tenseless theory. My questions is:

Why would St. Augustine reject the tenseless theory?

Barb asked:

Who won the Protagoras' wager?

Mena asked:

What is the difference between conflict theory and functionalism?

Chaz asked:

In the Greek play Antigone what does Antigone plan to do? what is the conflict of the drama?

Merritt asked:

I have been asked to write a commendation for the presentation of an award of heroism for two Boy Scouts who rescued two of their hiking companions on a hike in the Grand Canyon. I am struggling with a way to describe heroism in personal terms. I really feel it is a demonstration of character and doesn't require a grand act such as leading a charge up a hill. What have the great thinkers had to say about this subject?

Stephen asked:

I am a deaf mute idiot savant who communicates primarily in ASL (american sign language) and the question I have for you is if human behavior is indeed determined, how can we be free? Now although I captured this serpentine sounding screen name whilst imprisoned on charges that never materialized, (a corrupt or otherwise misguided law enforcement officer had taken the liberty of putting words into my mouth because it was erroneously assumed that since I supposedly could not speak for myself, it thus became necessary for him, the deluded officer, to speak on or in my behalf) either way, suffice to say that I seek only to debunk those central tenets of determinism and would very greatly appreciate hearing back from you on this issue with all deliberate speed because I am most assuredly on the trail of angels.

Christopher asked:

In his question, Mike said that J.S. Mill's Utilitarianism could be expressed as, "An action can be considered morally correct if it brings the least amount of harm to the greatest number of people."

I thought J.S Mill said that an action was morally correct if it brought the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people, not the least harm to the greatest number of people.

Larry asked:

Did George say that those who do not read history are doomed to repeat it?

Greg asked:

What is a person?

Kaye asked:

What was John Locke's greatest influence on American Political Theory?

Tim Pavestar asked:

Does Kropotkin succeed in showing that Hobbes is wrong about human nature?

Mark asked:

In Spinoza's philosophy, what is "the relation of the idea to the object"?

Indera asked:

Reflective teachers constantly think about such issues as values they transfer, the worthwhileness of the goals they are trying to achieve, the type of teaching methods they used and how effective those methods are and the extent to which their methods and goals are supported by scientific evidence.

By citing appropriate example and elaborating on the important issues show how you as a reflective teacher achieve what is stated above.

Brandon asked:

Should we value the knowledge that we gain from logical thinking and empirical evidence more than what we receive from culture and tradition or from intuition?

Wesley asked:

What were the three basic philosophical underpinnings of Greek Art during the Hellenic period?

Mukti asked:

How is existentialism a humanism according to Sartre?

Mukti also asked:

In what sense is Hegel's dialectical method triadic? how according to him does absolute mind unfold its truth?

Mukti also asked:

Why does Rousseau consider education and culture more of an evil than good?

ARF asked:

What does "philosophy" mean?!

Assie asked:

What is important in morality, the deed or the moral character? Was Oskar Schindler (Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List) a moral person?

Donna asked:

I am a new teacher in philosophy A-level and was wondering if there is anyone out there who may be able to give me advice on teaching Nietzsche's Beyond Good and Evil and how to approach the Synoptic Study. We will be doing the question which compares Russell and Nietzsche's contribution to our understanding of knowledge.

Jeff asked:

Name and describe the five classic (going back to Aristotle) areas of philosophical inquiry. Can you say something in about the kinds of questions raised and "answered" in each of these areas?

Amit asked:

Why did Rousseau say that there is no god, but there is morality?

Karen asked:

Which philosopher is most known for the belief that human nature in general is good? Also, which philosopher is known to believe the opposite — that everyone is naturally bad?

This is for a philosophical story relating to traffic roundabouts and public perceptions of them.

Adam asked:

I was wondering if you could please let me know what philosophers explored the nature of good and evil?

Veronica asked:

Hobbes states that we are all materialistic and therefore egotistical.This in turn leads to continuous competition amongst one another, but he also states that we are all equal and have the ability to destroy one another.

Well, from this being said pertaining to his view of the state of nature is it safe to assume that this state of nature was somewhat chaotic and out of order? Who was said to be in power? or in this view, did he not see a state of power? What was his goal for the state of mankind? It is obvious with other philosophers for example Plato — that his goal was for a better state, it is not so obvious here with Hobbes.

Gerald asked:

My question is on theories of truth (deflationary, correspondence, revisionary, identity, coherence, pragmatic). Can anyone give a simplification of each theory in an example? I am wondering which theory is close to Einstein's theory of relativity. And which theory would parallel Christianity? That was a mouthload, I really am hoping for someone to answer this.

Chris asked:

State three things that affect a person's identity or character.

Joancamille asked:

What is the analysis of the philosophical implications of human labor?

Joancamille also asked:

What is the analysis of My Body by eduardo jose Calasanz?

Sebastian asked:

Why does Kripke treat Frege and Russell together, as if they held the essentially the same view about proper names?

Natasha asked:

I would like to know what does Aristotle, Plato and Socrates have to say about gambling? Do they consider it morally wrong? Are there any punishments for this action and is the individual enjoy the act?

Cassandra asked:

How would you explain Descartes casual proof for existence of god? do you think you could effectively convince a non-believer in god with Descartes casual proof? why or why not? do you support/ critique his proof?

Porscha asked:

Describe the nature of Plato's dualism. Why is it a reality that we need to consider in terms of philosophical discovery, logical debate, and growth as human beings?

Nathanial asked:

I am studying Dworkin at the moment and I was wondering the following: Do you think that utilitarian justifications should ever be used to over-ride rights?

Hannah asked:

Why was the universe — or anything — created in what we call "the present"?

Joey asked:

Compare and contrast the importance of the Buddha in Zen and Pure land Buddhism?

Marcus asked:

Why are people psychologically drawn to Reality Television?

Melissa asked:

What are some good questions supporting euthanasia?

Laura asked:

What is Augustine's philosophy of law and is it natural or positive theory?

Chris asked:

The sceptical paradox (rule paradox) in Kripke's Wittgenstein (Wittgenstein on rules and Private Language 1982) seems to be based totally on Nelson Goodman's 1954 projectibility paradox in Fact, Fiction and Forecast although Kripke only references Goodman in passing (he only gets two references in the index on my copy of Kripke — although grue gets more).

Are there significant differences between grue (Goodman) and the use of the operator 'plus' (Kripke) or is Kripke's 'only' contribution the application of Goodman's paradox to the private language argument?

Marshall asked:

Who was a better philosopher, Aristotle or Plato?

Corky asked:

Does consciousness define the universe?

Anna-Kaye asked:

Can you please outline the main similarities and differences between client-centered counselling and psychodynamic counselling?

Thom asked:

If men have ruled the world since history began what qualities could women bring and what results would they realize and what ingredients emotional and otherwise would they bring to history?

Allison asked:

What philosopher agrees with St. Augustine and his Problem of Evil? What books or sources can I get to prove this and find reason for it?

Laura asked:

What is Aquinas' cosmological argument and what are Hume's criticisms of it?

Something must have caused the universe but what?

Denise asked:

How does the movie "The Matrix" relate to Socrates' "Allegory of the Cave?"

Fliss asked:

What influence, if any, do the writings of Kant have on Emile Durkheim's theorizing?

Adam asked:

When someone says they are an existentialist, what do they mean?

Kai asked:

If love is an emotion without a certain ultimate standard out there for people to achieve — if each person sets their own standard — then how can you tell if what you're feeling is "love" and not just the temporary desire for someone else's love to you? So that after you have gotten what you wanted, you would cease to value that person or thing as you had before? Was that desire a kind of love?

Evistella asked:

Define philosophy in full detail and explain the type of philosophy in full detail.

Angene asked:

I have a question about Heidegger's Letter on Humanism. I am not exactly sure what he means when he says "Every valuing, even when it values positively, is a subjectivizing"?

Elizabeth asked:

I am using this facility not to ask you a strictly philosophical question but a question on the topic of philosophy all the same. I am trying to write a critical examination of Hart's inaugural lecture, "Definition and Theory in Jurisprudence" and was wondering if you knew any useful resources on linguistic philosophy or any literature, critical or otherwise, on Hart's theory contained within this essay.

Maureen asked:

I am doing a essay on how psychological evidence, impacts on early life experiences and if it at all effects ones life, and would be most grateful for any input you feel you may be able to give especially with regards to how you feel this effects society.

Do you think that early life experiences have an effect on how we deal with life and how we see society and do you feel that we are able to change or not?

Dee asked:

Why do people complain?

D asked:

Some insight please...Where does "Thales, Anaxagoras, Anaximander, Anaximenes, Heraclitus, Pythagoras, Parmenides, Zeno, Democritus, Leucippus stand on concerning the subject of Homosexuality? What were their view points and were any of them homosexual themselves? I'm not requesting each of them but at least an answer or two.

Elisha asked:

What is humanism, who founded it and when was it first seen?

Shanta asked:

Hypothetically, if fish (say) had a god, it might be a great fish. Does this remark express a form of 'relativism'? what interpretations might be associated with it?

Nicole asked:

"The philosopher has a double status" critically discuss

Od asked:

What are some problems associated with each horn of Euthyphro's dilemma?

Anne-Marie asked:

Is an avatar part of an individuals identity or something completely separate?

Tiffany asked:

Is the golden mean really a moral guide?

Dean asked:

This is really more of a history of philosophy question.

Who was the first intellectual or what was the first intellectual movement that began equating the concept of freedom of intellectual censorship from the government to the "right" to have one's views broadcast by some medium of the media? In other words who first promoted the idea that it is censorship if a TV station won't broadcast someone's views?

Osita asked:

Justify the saying that philosophy started because of wonder.

Jess asked:

Is functionalism the most successful physicalist philosophy of mind?

Rachel asked:

What is the difference between substance dualism and attribute dualism? What are the merits and problems of each position?

Gerald asked:

Can all philosophers be broken in two camps, when tracing their philosophical belief structure back to Plato or Aristotle? If one is a "professional" philosopher or "amateur" philosopher, can you reduce their arguments to either being from Plato's camp or Aristotle's camp?

Becki asked:

Could you please highlight the contribution Hume has made to the freewill verses determinism argument.

Damian asked:

My statement below that A can only be at P or distant from P is not based on the concept of motion but is a basic premiss, a first principle — and it seems to inform us of the nature of local motion.

Let any body A, after being at any point P, move away. A can only be at P or distant from P, therefore its motion away from P is, first, its being at a particular quantity of distance from P, and, then, its being successively at a series of particular quantities of distance from P.

The following objection can be raised: at any point of time after A is at P it IS distant from P, so the above tells us nothing. The answer to this is that to refer here only to any point of time after A is at P is to fail to draw attention to the fact that "A can only be at P or distant from P" implies that A is distant from P also "in the period" which follows A's being at P and which abuts A's being at P. However, A's being distant from P in this period which abuts A's being at P implies A's moving at infinite velocity, which is impossible. We must conclude that A is not distant from P in the period which abuts that that A is annihilated at P and is later re-created away from P (I understand that this accords with Relativity Theory, which speaks of the annihilation and re-creation of matter — which surely means the constant annihilation and re-creation.)

Ian asked:

Who is the best philosopher to read on the subject of predestination? I am looking for the most cogent, accurate and non-theological. In talking of the dilemma of predestination I have studied the works of Max Weber and Jaspers, and feel nobody can compete with these except possibly Noam Chomsky. What do you recommend?

Can there be in this age of the irrational iotronic Selfish Gene theology any room afforded for the plebiscite that precedes the 'norm' — that precedes the existential, that precedes the law? Can there be, in existence, a comprehensive yet naive metaphysics?

Sarah asked:

What is true beauty? How do you find it?

Solomon asked:

Which are the books of Plato that did not come from Socrates?

Charlotte asked:

What is the difference between a proposition and an intension?

Amanda asked:

In Peter Strawson's "Freedom and Resentment", is he implying that the fact that we have personal and impersonal reactive attitudes implies the truth of the doctrine of determinism, or that it shows that we have free choice but are still determined (compatibilism), or that we are totally free and determinism is wrong? I am a little confused.

Also, what does he mean by the "objective" attitude — does this again re-inforce or refute determinism?

Dennis asked:

What did Immanuel Kant contribute to Ethics?

Matt asked:

If the option to be "evil" is removed, is the person still "good" by doing only what they can, which is "good"? Does this choice between good and evil not make us human? If that choice is taken away, aren't we losing exactly what separates us from the non-living? If that choice is taken away, does that make us...dead?

Reyes asked:

"If I am not who I say am, then you are not who you say you are." What does that mean?

Ariel asked:

In Plato's myth of the cave, the climb from the cave represents the climb from the dark cave of ignorance up into the light of knowledge. Can you suggest other reasonable interpretations of Plato's parable?

Kostas also asked:

Suppose someone objected, "If philosophy is an ongoing process, what's the point of engaging in it? You'll never get any certain answers, your search will never end." Such a prospect is depressing. How would you respond to this criticism?

Peter asked:

With all due respect sir, could you tell me where the final destination of man is?

Jhun asked:

What is washing a car to David Hume? and to his topic of atheism?

Augustine asked:

What are features of a philosopher?

Why are the prepsocratic philosophers not regarded as truly philosophers?

What is the role of speculation and intuition in philosophy?

What is Rene Descartes 's view on idealism and materialism?

How is philosophy the study or science of everything?

Can you explain Chinese, Indian, African, Western philosophy?

David asked:

I live in a small town in Ione, Washington, U.S.A., a small town in rural Washington state, near Seattle. However, my fiance lives in Vinnitsa, Ukraine. I am not very religious, and she is of the Ukrainian Orthodox faith. People have a different way of considering life in terms of analogies there. I told her about this Ukrainian guy who said he had a black stripe in his life, "Miserable luck," but it would soon turn to white.

My fiance said that life is not black and white bars, it is a diagram. Because this is so, we can enjoy every moment in life to the fullest. I suspect this relates to her faith in some way.

My question: What is this diagram and what does it mean? Why would this analogy help someone enjoy life, including bad times?

Joniel asked:

I'm writing a reaction paper about "Existentialism and man's search for meaning". Could you please state some reactions about this topic?

Vikram asked:

As my mind thinks I am never content to write little. Good minds rather seek conversation, consequently I do not seek an answer. The very notion that many people I saw reflect that a certain question troubles them is not similar to mine. The possibility of an answer is only secondary to possibility of question. The more words I use the more there are chances of an apparent misunderstanding; the less words I use still the more chances of misunderstanding. Perhaps I have asked my question but I have to make myself clear as I have never read 'established philosophy'. I have been almost in oblivion for the mind I have, so I do not know the way of my contemporaries. I do not come with a request for an answer but will be as much happy to share it. I also do not know how many have pondered upon similar, surely you might just come up with an answer from the the minds bygone.

The more I want to know a man the more I have to talk to him, the more I talk to him the less is he, whom I wanted to know. To measure the temperature of a body I need to bring the thermometer as close to it. The more they are close the more there are chances of an accurate reading, but still the more chances that they might try to attain an equilibrium. So I can never get what I want. Similar manipulations are found in quantum physics, like in the Heisenberg's's principle. The fact is that it is the manifestation of a single form of prevailing uncertainty, all in Physics, language, philosophy, social behaviour of organisms and everything that I perceive. There is a gravity of questions to be questions.

I think I am clear enough and hope you understand it. Converse propositions have a rather nagging tendency to multiply themselves rather than dividing (in pure mathematical sense), almost as if an identity exists proportionally to the counterparts of an an equation (again in pure mathematical sense.). It means in any case uncertainty increases, which should be taken as natural tendency. [...]

Eric asked:

Another question about axioms: Is the predicate "All knowledge is based on axioms" the very first axiom?

Tiger Lilly asked:

What is the difference between moral and natural evil?

And how do they cast doubt on the existence of god?

Edward asked:

Ironically, I'll be attending as a grad student in philosophy in your country at Essex. My question concerns what should I read for the following philosophical position? I have noticed a reification in terms of human judgment. Everyone has a functional/ utilitarian approach to judging the value of a thing. I am wondering if this is not an age where the "in-itself" has died. I want this question not to be restricted to aesthetics, but certainly should look at some type of value theory. I would also want to look at any sociological data that would support how humans cognize things in terms of reification.

Ady asked:

Why, if at all, is it important to have a knowledge of political philosophy?

Ole asked:

I terms of voting e.g. public representation in the state, and considering all the election methods that are out there: what criteria are looked for to determine that an election is fair? Yes, there is the popular vote, but in the case of the U.S.A is each state equally represented and their voices heard? I guess I'm seeing a correlation between equality and fairness.

Mike asked:

Since it is possible that any action taken by an individual has direct or indirect consequences to others — would I be correct in attributing the following paraphrase (regarding the moral evaluation of an individuals actions) to J. S. Mill and utilitarianism?

"...an action can be considered morally correct if it brings the least amount of harm to the greatest number of people..."

Samantha asked:

I have to write a four page paper on what the value of moral philosophy Is and I don't even know how to go about answering it.

Eric asked:

"All knowledge is based on axioms." — Which are these axioms and on what basis are they chosen?

Larry asked:

What is the purpose of asking "which came first the chicken or the egg?" when there is such a definitive answer for those who believe in evolution. And those who don't believe in evolution would have their own views, but I'm not referring to them. The egg came first because a semi-chicken, still not quite the same as what we call a chicken but very close to a chicken, laid an egg that was a chicken.

Omer asked:

What is philosophy?

What good does philosophy do? Isn't one person's opinion as good as the next person's?

Doris asked:

What are Aquinas' views on law and morality?

Aaron asked:

How do I find my true love?

Matt asked:

Please help me with a few questions:

1) Why does Descartes believe reason is the best foundation for human knowledge?

2) How does his method of systematic doubt encourage dependence on our reason?

3) How do you interpret his claim that "nothing can be perceived more easily and more evidently than my own mind"?

Melissa asked:

What is the main strength and the main weakness of moral realism?

Louie asked:

I would like a summary of Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder.

Angel asked:

What experiences of life-situatedness triggered Arthur Schopenhauer's pessimism?

What is the sense of pessimism in The World as Will and Representation?

What is the relevance of Schopenhauer's pessimism in today's society?

Ashmi asked:

Can you tell me a summary of Mill's argument on the necessity of limitation on liberty?

Hilde asked:

What department can a BA holder in Philosophy work at both military, police, government and private establishments?

Shane asked:

A train is approaching a fork in the tracks and your mother was lying on one track and four other people are lying on the other. You can't save everyone. Using Mill's Utilitarianism, what would you do and why?

Sajjad asked:

If all world views are cultural models, isn't the world view drawn by science one of those cultural models? if not, how? if yes, how can we know what the reality is?

Danny asked:

I was just wondering what basic rules Buddhist's have?

Lisa asked:

Actually I just found your site, and I am very relieved. I had almost given up hope that there are actually some people who still think clearly and ask important questions. Sometimes I truly believe that our society has given up. No longer feels the need to know. I can't understand and it frustrates me. People have said that I think too much for my own good — I start to think maybe I really don't 'need' to know, but then I think — and if every scientist, inventor, and thinker gave up, we would never have a conclusion. I am not highly intelligent, but am more on a personal quest, then one for the world. Thanks for the inspiration.

Von Harris asked:

Which Ancient Greek Philosopher believes in empiricism?

Which Ancient Greek Philosopher believes in nativism?

Violet asked:

I've been reading The Matrix and Philosophy and have difficulty understanding a couple of the ideas in the book — 1) Writer Daniel Barwick dismisses Materialism, Dualism and Eliminative Materialism as explanations of the nature of 'mind'. He then proposes something he calls 'intentionality of consciousness'. I can't understand what he means by this phrase and hope you can help.

2) In another chapter, Jennifer McMahon writes about the notion of 'authenticity'. It's all very well saying that you wish to live authentically, but how? Would you have to be on the lookout for inauthenticity wherever you go, in order to find what is authentic?

Joe asked:

What is meant by the term "First Principles"?

Joe also asked:

William Bradford (Of Plymouth Plantation) mentioned that the Pilgrims experimented with "communism". This predated Marx by two centuries. Should Marx be credited with founding communism when what he really seems to have developed is dialectical materialism?

Joe also asked:

Concerning Dualism, is there a difference between dualism as it is used in philosophy and as it is used in theology?

How is Christianity Dualist? As I understand Christianity, man is body, soul and spirit. How is this a dualist philosophy?

Joe also asked:

Regarding Hegel, I am trying to understand his concept of God. Was he a pantheist?, a monist? (and are pantheists monists?).

Did Marx simply take Hegel's dialectic (thesis, antithesis, and synthesis) and remove anything metaphysical and therefore why he added the world "materialism" after dialectic?

Wer asked:

What are your views regarding the industrial revolution? what were the advantages and disadvantages of the revolution? and name of some philosopher who wrote about it.

Muaz asked:

In what ways is our present system not sustainable? do you think a sustainable society is an achievable goal? why or why not? what is the alternative? what might we do to work toward sustainability? what are the major roadblocks in the way of achieving sustainability? how would your life be different in a sustainable society?

Azza asked:

What is the explanation of the American war on Iraq according to Nietzsche and Hegel?

TigerLilly asked:

What are the key features of Coherentism?

Sabina asked:

What was Hume's contribution to the freewill debate?

and Rory asked:

What is freewill? Can both determinism and freewill co-exist? what philosopher best explains this concept?

Mark asked:

As a nurse, do increases in academic content detract from a nurse's ability to care? or is the ability to care an intrinsic element of the person, which is supported by education to be a better nurse?

Araya asked:

What is justice, merit, and the justification of the state in philosophy?

Paolo asked:

How have some of the greatest philosophers defined religion?

Which definition makes the most sense to you?

Chekhov asked:

What is a well-educated mind?

Stephen asked:

Can New Age religions be said to have a system of ethics? If so, how would such a system be classified?

From what I have seen, many such religions (or spiritualities, as is often preferred) deny the existence of evil as being anything more than human fear and ignorance (a teaching which appears to have Buddhist roots).

Such religions also seem to be strictly against the kind of rigid rule-based ethics of traditional religion, which was favored by the likes of Kant. Neale Donald Walsch's "Conversations with God", in fact, replaces the Ten Commandments with the 'Ten Commitments' — the point being that a truly happy person would follow these rules anyway, so there is no "should" involved.

How does such an approach to ethics square with secular ethical systems?

As such ethical systems tend to pay more attention to emotive motivations of actions than their cold consequences, they also appear to be at odds with the utilitarian system of ethics, or am I mistaken in this?

Could it be said that such a belief is likely to diminish a sense of moral responsibility? This may be an important question, especially with the popularity of such New Age religions on the increase.

Some sceptics, attacking such religions, have also claimed that the lack of critical thinking involved in such belief systems is likely to encourage people to uncritically accept less benign prejudices. Although a sociologist may be more interested in this area, as philosophers tend to place a high importance on critical thinking, philosophy may play a part here too.

Indeed, Jostein Gaarder's Sophie's World even goes so far as to say that New Age philosophy is 'pornography'. However, it must be noted that quite a few philosophy graduates I have met have found comfort in such (eastern style/ mystical) belief systems, some even professing to believing in reincarnation. (Is such an apparent lapse of critical thinking really 'pornographic' in nature, or is that an unfair claim?)

However, my main interest here is in the ethical systems involved, so I would especially appreciate it if attention was focused on answering that component of my questions.

Jim asked:

What are the advantages of coeducation?

Is it better than single sex?

Endo asked:

What are you views as a philosopher, on the use and importance of a living will?

Pouya asked: