Cornucopia of Philosophical Questions (8)

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Gabrielle asked:

Is it better to live one day as a tiger, than a lifetime as a worm?

Stephen asked:

How is the field of philosophy likely to alter (or progress?) during the 21st century?

Have any notable thinkers (especially those well-read in the history of philosophy, notably the last century or two) given any (credible) theories regarding this issue?

The reason I ask is that philosophy during the 20th century, in particular the Anglo-American analytic schools (which are prominent at universities in the UK and USA) has tended to become very abstract, emotionally detached, and consequently further detached from the human condition, in my opinion.

Is it likely that the prominence this form of philosophy now holds will decline in the coming century?

Especially with regard to the philosophical counselling movement, there may be a greater demand for more 'human' philosophy in the future, as opposed to abstract, self-referential, analytical theorising, which may be fine for a mental activity among intellectuals, but offers little in the way of comfort or consolation, or wisdom readily applicable to everyday life.

Although existentialist philosophy is more concerned with the human condition than the analytic school (and has consequently had a big influence on psychotherapy, both with regards to Viktor Frankl's Logotherapy, and the Humanistic approach pioneered by Rogers and Maslow, and perhaps later philosophical counselling too), the book Spirituality for the Skeptic by philosopher Robert C. Solomon criticises both the Continental and Analytic schools of philosophy, the former for its "often cynical obscurantism". He calls for a return to the (often passionate) spirit of Hegel and Nietzsche, as a way of "liberating the soul of Philosophy".

Outside of academia, although traditional religions are on the decline in the Western world, New Age religions are on the increase, perhaps pointing to a disillusionment with rationalism and a desire for a more passionate philosophy of life (much as happened with the rise of Romanticism following the Enlightenment).

Is it possible that such a (neo-Romantic?) trend will occur in academic philosophy during the 21st century?

"Between the well-healed spiritual pundits on the media circuit", said Solomon, "and the brilliant technocrats locked away in philosophy seminar rooms, the throngs of humanity who are searching for that big picture find themselves with a pretty poor choice".

Perhaps such a new trend in philosophy could provide the 'missing link' between these two unsatisfactory alternatives, and this return somewhat to its original Greek meaning, "the love of wisdom".

How likely is this to realistically happen during the upcoming century?

Sally asked:

Rachels argues in "Why Animals Have a Right to Liberty" that it is probably not true that "the interests of chickens can be satisfied only in a state of total freedom." What is the point he is making in this passage?

Maisha asked:

I am having difficulty with a year 6 girl. Although she has had problems with mathematics especially with the more abstract concepts, she has now been refusing to take part in physical education classes. When asked whether she has problems in certain areas she would say 'no'. When asked why she won't comply and would say something like 'its boring' or 'what for?' or 'it doesn't make any sense'. Her disinterest and non-compliant behaviour are beginning to have a negative effect on the other children in the class, in that those who want to work cooperatively are starting to shun her and making it clear that they don't want her in their group. As a result, she is becoming slowly but surely isolated from the rest of the class members. She appears to want to be involved while at the same time shows ambivalence regarding her work, her teachers, and others in the class.

Paul asked:

I would like to know what if anything is wrong with Ayn Rand's definition of a concept in her philosophy of Objectivism. I understand that it gives a solution to the problem of universals tying concepts to objective reality and wonder why it is not being taught in our colleges and universities.

I've read two histories of philosophy and found that if a concept could have been objectively defined it would be possible to get objective definitions tied to reality for the rest of the words in a language.

Maria asked:

Why is it that even though it states in the Bible that Satan and all his angels were kicked out of heaven and thrown down to earth to exist with us and that even if there is proof of that they exist with and among us no one is doing anything about it not even the Catholic church or the government? is it that they all are too scared?

Fite asked:

You say, "Yet there is definitely something funny going on" (Answers 2).

Here's my take on where the funniness lies:

I would claim that it comes from the incomplete wording/ assumptions of the language:

If I point at a brown automobile and say "This dog is brown", you would reply "True, it is brown. False, it is not a dog"

When I point to a group of words and say "This statement is False", You would reply "True, it is a statement. Inconclusive, there is no claim with truth-value."

If I then reply that the claim with truth-value is that the "grouping of letters/ words" is a statement, then the statement is both asserting and denying its existence within the same system. The statement derives its power to claim it does not exist by the very fact that it does. It is the same reason I cannot pick myself up off the ground. Only by separating the two claims, can they operate on each other.

Your thoughts?

IC asked:

This is for an essay I'm writing and I'd appreciate some feedback on it. (please include your name and title with your feedback for referencing).

On the topic of "The Self" as in Simon Blackburn Think 2004.

In the case of an 80 year old man who as been charged with war crimes for actions that took place when he was in his twenties. He genuinely has no memory of the event. The man claims that, since he has no memory of the actions, he cannot be punished. How would Locke evaluate this claim? Do you agree?

Stuart asked:

I was reading a introduction to philosophy book — Simon Blackburn's Think — and under the Chapter on mind, I came across a joke that I don't get (if it is a joke): Two behaviourists are in bed, the one says to the other "That was great for you, how was it for me?" Could you lease explain this to me, I don't follow.

Mike asked:

Levinas draws our responsibility for the Other directly from our desire "to" the Other. Intuitively, this relation is very clear. But how exactly can it be explained?

Atena asked:

Is learning to play a musical instrument a waste of time?

Kenneth asked:

What is it called if I hold that we consist of nothing but matter, but that we also have free-will, because maybe God was able to somehow engineer true free-will out of matter? Are there any philosophers that hold to that?

Mbulisi asked:

I have a project at school it's about the computer, what can it do to help our society, does it play a negative or a positive role?

Amanda asked:

I am an undergrad at Humboldt State University and at the moment in this particular class we are studying Leibniz. I am having some difficulties with Leibniz' ideas regarding monads. I somewhat understand what he believes monads are, however I don't have a clear concept of WHY they must exist. I guess what I mean is that I see how he could define monads which contain such and such properties, but I don't really see why he believes that they must exist. In regards to his definition, I don't really understand how can they be simple substances which are not composed of any parts, yet they are made up of intrinsic and extrinsic denominations.

Natalie asked:

I am reading Phillippa Foot, 1978, "Morality as a system of Hypothetical Imperatives", in Virtues and Vices. I have to answer a question that I have had incredible trouble doing:

"What does Phillippa Foot mean when she suggests that Kant's view of "ought" is relying on an illusion as if trying to give the moral ought a magical force?"

Please help me — I am a business student and have never tackled anything like this — I have read the reading at least 20 times and have an understanding of Kant's Categorical Imperative, but have no idea what Foot means. Please Help?

Soph asked:

The death penalty promotes constitutional rights... right? and why...

Mark asked:

In Nietzsche's essay "On Truth and Lies in a Nonmoral Sense", what does he mean by "Nonmoral" sense? What problems does this pose for Kant, and what are the possible consequences for morality given such a critique?

Barry asked:

Is the role of religion a cause of contemporary conflict properly understood?

Junior asked:

Can we be forced to be free?

Derek asked:

The planet earth has a worrying history. Civilizations wiped out completely and plagues and disasters every 100 years or so. The continuation of huge bloody wars killing millions, — my question is, Can we as a species really have a future? Is nanotechnology the answer or our destruction and perhaps the birth of another species partly human and partly machine.

Perhaps this question has been asked before but I would like to add to this question — the existence of a god or are we gods already with destiny already mapped out with an incomprehensible future i.e. 15th century people confronted suddenly with today's technology it would be a shattering shock maybe causing trauma that would be the apocalypse predicted?

Tahmina asked:

1. Nature doesn't reveal its secrets. It only responds to our method of questioning.Do you agree with this? why?

2. What sort of personality one should have in order to manage with society?

3. Don't cry over spilt milk. Do agree with this? why?

4. If you want the rainbow, you should put up with the rain. Do you agree with this? why?

Tiarna asked:

What is cultural racism? What is scientific racism?

Joanne asked: @yahoo.com) said:

There is good evidence that British and American soldiers have been torturing Iraqi prisoners. What would a relativist, a deontologist and a utilitarian have to say about this behaviour? Which position would you adopt and why?

Ihesha asked:

How does Aristotle solve/ show a way out of the naturalistic fallacy and the is-ought gap in his teleology?

Katrina asked:

To what extent does Plato influence Christian doctrine?

Sonny asked:

Is there a philosophy or development of thought that deals with there having to be an opposite? Does there have to be contrast for something to be known? Can you know good without knowing any evil? Dark without light? Cold without hot? Life without death? etc.

Michael asked:

There is at this time in our society an ongoing philosophical debate between those in the positivist camp and those in the post-modernist camp regarding the nature of truth and reality. Please explaining the essential position of each camp on the subject of truth and reality.

and Darius asked:

What is your view on the position of the positivist and post-modernist camp on the subject of truth and reality?

Chris asked:

What solution for the problem of interactionism does Thomas Hobbes have for a Dualist like Descartes?

Duygu asked:

"If there is evil in the world, then this is not a denial of God's perfection. We still live in the best of all possible worlds."

How can I use Leibniz and Voltaire to support and explain this statement?

What are evil and god for Leibniz (Principles of Nature and Grace Based on Reason) and Voltaire (Candide)?

Morris asked:

What philosophical difficulties are raised by the distinction between nature and culture?

Drew asked:

What must something posses to be considered a person?

Daylan asked:

I hold that somehow God was able to engineer free-will by a certain arrangement of matter, such as the human brain. Does that make me a subject dualist? A compatibilist? Are there philosophers that explore this idea? I can't help but think that we are destructible but still very real. The way I see it, our amount of will power is finite and it fluctuates, and the number of choices available to us are in any given situation are finite, but there is still an absoluteness about what we choose given these things. Only God knows how much will power we had at a given time and what other options were available and he can judge us accordingly in absolute fairness. It is slippery when I think about it critically. Is there someone who has developed this idea into something less slippery?

Steve asked:

How is an Idealist similar to a Direct Realist? What is common about both theories of perception and how do they face similar problems? According to your reasoned opinion, how successful is the Idealist in answering the standard problem cases?

Compare and contrast direct realism and indirect realism and explain how each is an empiricist theory of knowledge. Your discussion should include an account of how each theory is able (or unable) to address two of the four problem cases. Of these two theories of perceptual knowledge, which is the most defendable?

How does the primary-secondary quality distinction allow the Indirect Realist to account for perceptual relativity? Your answer should include an explanation of why perceptual relativity is a problem for the realist (in general), a description of each type of quality, and an explanation how the two types of qualities are related.

Steve also asked:

Explain how the metaphysical question of personal identity is both similar and different from the metaphysical question of diachronic identity. Give an argument for why a material-continuity criterion for personal identity is defective and why it is unable to adequately capture those aspects of personhood that we typically value and find important.

Danielle asked:

Can you give me a good question to ask about Evaluating Psychotherapy.

Nupur asked:

What is scientific method in history?

What is scissors and paste history?

Jana asked:

Traditional cognitivists didn't really believe emotions were important in the learning process. Emotions didn't seem logical and the cognitivists were interested in thinking processes that could be tracked. They believed that while thinking about learning was important, an individual's feelings about learning weren't. Discuss the pros and cons of consideration to student emotion in planning lessons. Support your arguments with research, theory, and classroom application.

Amy asked:

Do you think that if substance dualism is correct, that we can have knowledge of other peoples minds?

Pam asked:

How do Rachels, Hauerwas and Glover challenge Kant's ethical theory?

Jadie asked:

this is a question based on James Rachels "egoism and moral skepticism." what is ethical egoism?what is the main problem with ethical egoism?does rachel think that this problem can be avoided? what is rachels final verdict?

Ron asked:

Isn't time just a tool that was 'invented' to allow us to control our environment, or our subjects, in order to subdue them?

Alan asked:

I am doing a research paper on international human rights and found it very hard to find Philosophical traditions that have advocated human right to life.

Ivania asked:

What three kinds of truth bearing propositions did Kant consider it possible for human knower to acquire?

Mildred asked:

Discuss Piaget's theory and compare it with Maria Montessori's theory on child development.

lauren asked:

How does virtue function in Aristotle's ethical thought?

Marie asked:

Please explain to me how Nietzsche's idea that truth is a lie supports Hume's theory of morality?

Shundrea asked:

What are Buddha's four holy truths? what is the esoteric doctrine of graded spiritual intelligences?

Shundrea asked:

What are Zarathustra's concept of good and evil?

Ashely asked:

What is the impact of Descartes' dualism upon the scientists and theologians of the time?

Kiri asked:

Does anyone know what the critiques put forward by Harwood for Utilitarianism are?

Eugene asked:

1. Elaborate on Hume's claim that the concept of causality is a myth and the reasons he offers to challenge the validity of the concept of validity.

Rodman asked:

Does transcendental idealism offer any significant improvement over modern rationalism/ empiricism?

Jessica asked:

What is a good thesis statement about Utilitarianism that I could answer in a research paper?

Marie asked:

If we can assume that all human beings desire to live in a more just society in which everyone enjoys full benefits of all rights and privileges due to the citizens, what are the obstacles that threaten to make this desire almost impossible?

Ruth asked:

What is the descriptive difference between analogy of proportion and analogy of attribution by Thomas Aquinas?

Orla asked:

Is there any longer a meaningful distinction between pluralism and elitism?

Lisa asked:

Assess the contribution of functionalist sociology to an understanding of the role of education in society.

Nick asked:

I am a business student at the Goddard Shcool of Business located at Weber State University. For the last two years I have been studying accounting and business administration. I have become interested in the philosophy that has shaped business in general and specifically the philosophies that have shaped western business practices. Could you please suggest books that will help me understand the philosophy behind modern business?

Ryan asked:

People seem to make choices that have structure and purpose behind them. Is that a point in favor of determinism, or could 'random' choices produce the results we see? That is, if our free choices were random as opposed to determined, does that imply that we'd be doing stupid, senseless things like walking into the ocean or going to work naked?

Sarah asked:

Who owns the genetic material of an aborted foetus? For example who owns the umbilical cord etc. The mother, foetus or hospital, for example? Does the foetus have rights or is it just a part of the mother? I have looked through a lot of web sites and found nothing very accurate that relates to this particular sort of question/ topic.

Jay asked:

What are the potential benefits for researchers (say in Accounting and Finance) to study the philosophical underpinnings of the different research methodologies they choose to use? Or is this a complete waste of time in that they should go straight on to do some useful research instead of wasting time pondering about philosophical underpinnings?

Alexander asked:

If the past, the future, and the present exist simultaneously, is everything predetermined or does the former exists simultaneously only in a metaphysical form (like information, let's say)?

Ben asked:

I was recently watching a programme on BBC World — 'Profiles' I think. They featured a famous — Russian? — Philosopher, still living. They called him an intellectual terrorist. A critic came on to say, 'We have William James to thank for pragmaticism'. This philosopher is apparently polarizing people. If I recall he said something along the lines of 'I have no problems with yuppies just so long as everyone has a chance to become one,' as well as the need for the American left to re-invent itself, etc, etc.

There was a quote from the book, 'I decided to become a philosopher'. If I recall correctly, the premise of his work was to continually re-write your own personal experience in order to gain access/ unravel the secrets of one's soul. 'All you have to do is talk.' Something like that. I must admit I was feeling something akin to synchronicity/ ideational association when I saw this programme.

It is not entirely unreasonable, to my imagination at least, that I imagined the whole thing. I have searched the internet high and low and found nothing so far. It could be that he is a novelist not a philosopher. I happened to be sitting in a bar when the programme came on, people started talking, snippets of conversation came to me in haunting fragments — it all got a little strange to tell you the truth. Anyhow, I thought if I found the book, it might soothe my fevered brow, as it were. To date, no luck. So my question was/is does anyone know of the existence of the book I am referring to? There was a flower in the title. Since, this is a philosophical forum, I imagine there is a question within the question re: synchronicity vs the concept 'it is written'.

Bruce asked:

What would St. Thomas say about mass in physics. Would it be a property or a separable or inseparable accident? He would not consider it raw energy without a material foundation of some kind no matter how small. If electromagnetism is a property of a magnet, then what is the cause of this property? I have no idea what the scientific community understands by "property".

It is not cheating to use one's faith — for instance the glorified body will have no mass yet have its matter and quantified extension and make light speed looks slow — so if by abstraction I separate mass from the iron magnet what remains in your opinion? 0r to put it another way, is mass the substance itself in a specialized form or state of existence? There is no reason to think that if mass is removed that the substance might not remain. So, what do you think?

Joaquin asked:

Would human clones have "souls"?

Tim asked:

I am a published author, and my most recent work in progress has resulted in at least two major philosophical entanglements:

1) How likely is it for AI to develop meaningful programs that will allow "social" dialogue that might lead to emergent consciousness between machine systems, or will AI most likely remain defined by syntax (versus semantics) and stay purely computational?;

2) In predictive analysis, are there likely to be sufficient Bayesian models to decide how likely it is for a person to do something at a given point, if enough information is known about that person (profile)? And, can such models predict at a decision point, which way the person might decide given just two points (e.g. Should I do this or that)? Finally, what role (if any) might this have in quantum many world hypotheses?

Gerald asked:

Why is Ayn Rand considered by some as a philosopher, if she is not a "good" philosopher? i.e. she seems to be one person in philosophy who is either loved or hated. Thus, no one hates Plato, Socrates, or Aristotle, is it because their ideas have stood the test of time or because of time their ideas are more historical and thus more neutral. Also, then can anything be gleaned or made usable in her philosophy of Objectivism?

Gerald also asked:

I was wondering can you think of universal characteristics of most philosophers?

This is a partial list that I have come up with so far, if you can think of any traits missing please add

sense of wonder
likes to argue
being a philosopher is a personality temperament
think outside the box (the norm)
elitists/or intellectual snobs
egomaniacs
open minded
highly intelligent
inclined to be somber
charismatic
critical
never satisfied

Terry asked:

How can I answer this question, I don't know where to start.

In "Oratione Directa: Philosophy in the Jesuit Liberal Arts Curriculum in the United States", printed in a book entitled Jesuit Higher Education, Rolando E. Bnachea, we find this definition of 'Philosophy'

Philosophy is de jure at the heart of the Jesuit liberal arts curriculum because more than any other discipline it can provoke the intellectual conversion of the conventional thinker to principled reflection. [P.105]

Describing the conversion, the author, Joseph A. Tetlow SJ, notes:

We surely go through something like this [a conversion like that described by the thinker Lonergan] when we move the naive assertion of what we see as unchallengeable fact to a more nuanced affirmation of what we know is reformable statement. We learn to doubt and to question. We need to grow out of affirmation based more on emotional needs to affirmation based on information. We un-learn prejudice. We can grow, if we have the time and occasion, from asserting what we believe without reference to any underlying system to asserting beliefs with reference to our way of arriving at them

Drawing on the authors and texts that we have studied this session, develop an argument that either supports or refutes this definition of 'Philosophy'. Be sure to be very specific when making your arguments. For example, if you think Mill would support this definition, be sure to explain how his ideas and arguments would lead him to support it. If you refute the definition, then please develop and argue for a replacement.

Justin asked:

I am curious — I notice a lot of the typical philosophical questions are here, but I wanted to ask a practical question, outside the usual arguments. Philosophers like William James, writers like Stevenson and Freud published papers or articles about drugs. But though use was and is widespread, I don't see much current literature (academic, and more specifically, philosophic) outside of figures like Leary from the 60s era discuss seriously drugs and their roles, impact, usefulness for learning, etc.

Jason asked:

I have been told by numerous people that I critically analyse everything. All I want to know is what do they mean by this?

And is it a good thing or a bad thing?

Sophie asked:

What are some good questions to ask the negative side about the death penalty for cross examination?

Danyal asked:

For some it is discouraging that philosophers have not succeeded in attaining more agreement with regard to perennial philosophical questions. Do you think where there is no agreed results/ conclusions, the effort has been waisted?

Joshua asked:

I had heard somewhere that Foucault had something interesting to say about "superficial California people," something of the sort. Would anybody know where I could find anything like that, or at least something dealing with a critique of society?

Ian asked:

Im really interested in philosophy but I am currently in a situation in which I am working full time so am unable to take a philosophy course is there any way I can start to educate myself?

Joy asked:

Why are so many philosophers conceited, is because they are intellectually superior to most humans? Or is it all just folly?

Ian asked:

Could you please explain john Locke's criterion for personal identity and how he argues against alternative criteria such as human continuity, continuity of material substance, etc?

How is personal identity a forensic concept?

Josh asked:

I am having trouble understanding a monad in Leibniz's philosophy and all that has to do with them — there characteristics and how he argues for them?

Also, what is the understanding of his claim that this is the best of all possible worlds, why he holds this, and how it connects with the principle of sufficient reason?

Danielle asked:

What parallels/ oppositions can be drawn between Dewey and Nietzsche concerning each man's theory of aesthetics?

Phool asked:

What are the advantage and disadvantages of co-education?

Jeanette asked:

Compare Montessori's and Piaget's ideal of cognitive growth.

Nicole asked:

What would be Aristotle's stand point on same sex marriages?

Tashia asked:

How would Immanuel Kant's objective principle relate to the national curriculum?

Jess asked:

What are the names of the philosophers who believe humans are born evil and born good?

Michael asked:

It is written, "If God is with you who can stand against you?' Why do people not see God is protecting a individual? Is there ways to open their eyes before they incur God's wrath?

Sophie asked:

What is Kant's justification of the authority of the state?

Elizabeth asked:

I am supposed to write an essay on this and I have no clue where to start. Do you have any notes on this or anything of any help?

Interpret the following passage from 'Truth in Painting' in relation to Heidegger's idea of 'The Origin of the Work of Art'. How is framing important to the work and how does this relate to what Derrida says about binary opposition?

The parergon stands out both from the ergon (the work) and from the milieu, it stands out first of all like a figure on a ground. But it does not stand out in the same was as work... There is always a from on a ground, but the parergon is a from which has its traditional determination not that it stands out but that it disappears, buries itself, effaces itself, melts away at the moment it deploys its greatest energy. The frame is in no case a background in the way that the milieu or the work can be, but neither is its thickness as margin a figure. Or at least it is a figure which comes away of its own accord.

Joaquin asked:

Does deja vu justify Nietzsche Eternal Recurrence? Nietzsche stated that we are to live this life innumerable times. Same pains and joys, for all infinity. We are trapped in one singular pattern of infinity. So is deja vu just a subconscious glimpse to what we all ready know?

James asked:

I have an essay to write considering the philosophical implications of the change made in science of Louis Pasteur's discoveries. Would you be able to offer any advice as to how to start answering the question?

Laura asked:

I am quite new to philosophy and we are currently discussing 'inference to the best explanation'. Is this justified as a procedure for generating knowledge and if not, why not?

Steve asked:

I've had dreams where I was just watching a movie and similar things from that movie happened. Is it possible that inspiration for movies or books actually comes from a different world? If dreams are creations of your own imagination then could you call it inspiration if you are inspired by it?

Rebekah asked:

In comparing Rene Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy and Plato's Trial and Death of Socrates how can you answer the following questions

"Each is optimistic that philosophy can be directed at objective truth."

"Each considers the core self of a person to be a purely intellectual thing."

Brett asked:

How is Popper's 'Conjectures and Refutations' model of inquiry supposed to improve upon using induction to conduct scientific inquiry? That is, explain how falsification avoids Hume's problem and why conjectures are necessary for scientific inquiry to begin.

Jan asked:

Is it ethical for computers to take decisions on behalf of humans?

Jaideep asked:

These questions relate to Walden Two by B.F. SKinner, Descartes Meditations on First Philosophy and The Birth of Tragedy by Friedrich Nietzsche

1. How would Descartes attack Skinner? How would Skinner answer?

2. How would Skinner criticize life in the 21st century U.S. Is he right? Why or why not?

3. What is the wisdom of Silenus (Walden Two) for Nietzsche? How does it function in his philosophy?

Celia asked:

What is ultimately real and how do I know it?

Yih asked:

Modernity created modern law including the central idea of the rule of law. It has also created tendencies which progressively undermine the idea of the rule of law. Can you critically evaluate upon this issue?

Josh asked:

Who were the first recorded determinists?

Who are the next major players along the way In that rough camp?

Arzoo asked:

For some it is discouraging that philosophers have not succeed in attaining more agreement with regard to perennial philosophical question. Do you think where there is no agreed result or conclusion, the effort has been wasted?

Joyce asked:

I have often heard the age-old saying, "there is nothing new under the sun." So if this is true, what is the point or value of developing new philosophies, new insights?" And is there an exception to the rule, for instance technology, technology seems to just improve on what's hear." Yet does the technology analogy disprove the age-old saying? Is new philosophical thoughts possible, and are they just a rejection of one philosophy system over another, meaning just modification of philosophy or any subject manner, is the best that can be hoped for?

Terry asked:

I'm confused, I understand 'indirect duties' in relation to animal cruelty. But I cannot get to grips with Contractarianism, what exactly does it mean?

Mark asked:

I have to answer the essay question "Is there a conflict between Mill's principle of liberty and his utilitarianism? If so, can it be resolved?" For my first year philosophy course. I understand Mill's principle of liberty, but find his essay on utilitarianism too detailed to understand his basic utilitarian ideas (e.g. Act or rule). I also want to know how much his utilitarianism changed through his life since his father taught it to him.

Michelle asked:

Can you tell me what altered states of consciousness tell us about being human? If by altered states we mean such things as sleep and dreaming, then does this mean that evidence showing that animals (such as dolphins) also experience these states suggest that humans aren't the only conscious beings? I also can't find any good definitions of what consciousness actually is, as no-one seems to agree.

Danielle asked:

I'm trying really hard to do my philosophy A2 coursework, my question is 'Compare and contrast the contributions of Sartre and Aristotle to the issue of human nature'. I just need some ideas to get me going.

Paul asked:

Compare and contrast Plato and Freud under the topics:

The theory of the universe

The nature of man.

Martina asked:

Money can solve most of the problems facing the world.Is this a fact? Or an opinion?

Joy asked:

Are Buber's concept of "I-Thou", Rudolph Otto's numinosity, and Eliade's hieroplane the same concept? How do they differ?

Joy also asked:

Can someone help clarify Geertz's position on religion? Is his position differing or a modification of Jung (symbols) or Durkheim (culture)?

Fatma asked:

Is it possible to existentially realize yourself without participating in the intrinsic foundations of reality and what effect would your failure to do so have upon your dignity and freedom?

Diya asked:

Why do we live to die and why are we dying to live?

Alan asked:

What are some Philosophical traditions that have advocated human right to life?

Bettie asked:

Does Rousseau think that a return to savagery is the solution to our miseries? Why or why not?

Joe asked:

Is the principle of bivalence wrong? If you can't have the tall without the short you can't have the true without the false.

Doe asked:

Which philosopher offers the best attitude to the problem of emptiness?

Adjibi asked:

"The Akan concept of the process is identical to Plato's theory of man." Discuss.

Yunus asked:

"It can be legitimately alleged that every social and political ideology derived from some conceptions of Human Nature.| Discuss.

Nour asked:

What does it mean to say that a plot must have a beginning, middle, and end? Is such tight structuring is always necessary to a good plot?

In what way is poetry imitative?

Why, according to Aristotle are we naturally disposed toward imitation?

How does Aristotle's definition of poetry differ from our own? What problems do you perceive in the limitations set by Aristotle's definition?

Eric asked:

What part of current paradoxes in physics might be related to conventional classification paradoxes (i.e. the wrong assumptions of bivalence, the law of excluded middle etc.)?

Anaretes asked:

I get a strange feeling, reading Lacan (specifically Seminar XX), that this metapsychologist leaned very close to metaphysics. It seems as though he took some elements from Christian gnosticism when he was formulating his theories. Does anyone out there share this opinion?

Lesley asked:

Is there a book on current problematic areas in philosophy or in general sciences? Which areas shall an ambitious philosopher invest time in for significant incarnations. Is there a list of some fancy problems waiting to be solved which would generate huge fascination (like Einstein's findings).

Cedric asked:

What are some pros and cons for a ethic of care, feminist ethics on the issue of capital punishment, death penalty. I would be very grateful for the clarity.

Sarah asked:

I had an insight about a year and a half ago that I have dubbed Transcendence and am looking to find the formal name for it as well as names of authors or texts that explore this in depth. Any info regarding this would be greatly appreciated. Transcendence is a methodology in uncovering immutable human truths. To find human truths, one must look across spatial borders as much of what seems to be universality is really a product of our specific, cultural arrangement. Also, one must look across temporal borders in order to extract commonalities out of our 21st Century paradigm entrapment. Implications of someone who has gained Transcendence include linking all branches of knowledge together in an intricate, accurate, clear framework; a high probability of correctly foretelling future events; understanding humanity's progress and purpose; extracting causality out of the apparent chaos of human history.

I'm sure this is out there somewhere (my first insight, "The Formula" was embarrassingly discovered as the popular notion of conformity when I was in high school.)

Sandria asked:

What are the comparisons between Plato and John Stuart Mill on the ideas of freedom within society? The only main point that I have yet been able to come up with is that Plato is more interested with society as a whole whereas Mill is more concerned with the individual.

Owelle asked:

Give an analysis of Machiavelli's political philosophy as it reflects on the Nigerian political situation..

Is there any justification of the means in Machiavelli?

William asked:

I am interested in the concept of "closed mind" and "open mind."

Have any deep thinkers written books or articles on either of these concepts? I am interested to learn if anyone has come up with criterial definitions of either of the concepts of "open mind" or "closed mind."

Kurt asked:

Have any philosophers or theologians written about the idea that "Life is a School?" If there are, would you please direct me to their writings?

sara asked:

What is ego and Supreme ego? How can one move from ego to Supreme ego in order to get a peaceful life away from sufferings?

Lauren asked:

Do moral and political questions have universally true answers?

Aklilu asked:

How do the philosophers deal with life and death? I need to know what Nietzsche and Camus and John Sartre believe.

Sal asked:

I'm trying to find out how the concept of odd and even is a philosophical illusion. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Erica asked:

How has deism affected today's society and whom has it affected?

Mashree asked:

Could you please explain what Scandinavian realism is and what the the similarities between Scandinavian Realism and postmodernism are?

Grainne asked:

Could you please distinguish between the concepts of process and product in art theory?

Dana asked:

How do philosophers learn about the past?

Ali asked:

I am having a debate in school on Socialism vs Capitalism and on Does God Exist? I have to write 15 questions on each topic. In these questions we have to reference philosophers. I am stuck on writing questions. Can any of you help me?

Kenya asked:

What are assumptions of perennialism?

Marcus asked:

Are theism and monotheism the same thing? What are the differences between the two?

Ian asked:

What is Hume's analysis of causation? Why must causation include the idea of a necessary connection? What is the origin of our idea of a necessary connection?

And could you help me understand Hume's skeptical puzzle regarding induction and what his solution to the problem is?

Ram asked:

Could you please explain Kant's distinction between analytic and synthetic judgements a priori?

Ryan asked:

I have just read the first story from the Possible World Machine. It was very interesting — the possibility of an alternate world or another world, other than what we know. I'd like to share some thoughts with you, and maybe you advise.

A 12 year old Iraqi girl, called Menai recently witnessed the devastation of war brought on by the US and partners. Her world was shattered, the house she lived in was bombed, 2 sisters died, a brother accidently shot killed by US troops who were supposed to be fighting the so called 'insurgents', and her father incarcerated, because he happened to be amongst a mob burning an American flag.

On the other side of the planet, a 12 year old American girl, named Mary, happily plays with her toys, goes to school, enjoys all the comforts of the American way of life. Her family is intact, everyone's well, with the exception of Rover the family's dog who has been sentenced to his kennel for misbehaving — he once again chewed the days newspaper when he was told not to.

Mary and Menai, though both live on this planet, in this world, individually, they are both in 2 very different worlds of their own. Mary in world of peace and tranquility, Menai in a world of suffering and devastation. Or should we consider them to be in the same world — just different circumstances?

Than again, how about a child who is considered a social outcast amongst his peers. Assuming Tom, instead of playing with the other children in the neighbourhood, prefers to take long walks, read or contemplate. He is mocked, sneered at and occasionally bullied — yet he does not change for it his nature to be as he is — do we consider him to be in his own world?

The person who suffers from Autism, or is made an invalid, is this person in an alternate or differentworld? They are not partaking in the activities of our world- physically they exist — but physical existence does not make a person a living being. A corpse or a carcass physically exists, but they don't live.

Finally. how about when we dream? Have we crossed into a different world? I've had dreams where the emotional feeling was strong enough to cause a reaction, a sudden jolt whenI dreamt I fell down the stairs, tears when I dreamt of a person's death (not because he died, but rather because of the circumstances surrounding his death and his funeral), or finally when I dreamt of 7 to 9 people, who I've never seen before but the emotional sensation and feeling was so strong during the dream — that trying to control the tears from flowing while reliving memories of this one particular dream is often difficult.

To sum, call me silly or an idiot, I do believe in a possible world. Was it Jacob who dreamt a vision of a staircase from heaven down to earth with 'hosts' moving up and down the stairs?

Michael asked:

I am presently a sociology student at the University of Cincinnati. Recently I was censored in a class for not getting in line when it comes to ethnomethodology, ethnophilosophy, ethnopsycholgy and all of the other ethno literature.

There is a overly zealist push from my professors to conform and to understand ideology that is part of the ethno studies. What I see are forms of pseudoreasoning within the ethno studies, such as attacking the person, and they say it is ok, why is that?

If the backers behind ethno studies say I MUST get behind their modes of thought and to understand, why are they not concerned with understanding my modes of thought to the point of having me censored?

Sherry asked:

While practicing topics of ethical issues from the medical field, I stumbled across 'Botox and Cosmetic surgery.' I found myself stuck while trying to analyze this issue from a Prima Facie Deontological standpoint covering both positive and negative aspects. As we both know this will result in a conflict of duty, so how would this be solved using Ross's technique of which argument best preserves the most deontological obligation? I have spent just about two day pulling my hair out about this.

Ali asked:

How do you explain mental drug addiction?

Stephen asked:

Although I have come from a very conservative background, I have recently thought myself much more open-minded.

That is, until lately.

A girl I know confided in me that she had had sex when she was 11. Her first partner was 17; others were much younger. She also told me that her sister had been having one-night stands every night since she was 12. Although she said she regretted her early loss of virginity, she certainly doesn't see anything wrong with it, or her sister's behaviour, and says that there shouldn't be an age of consent (which at the moment is 16 in the UK). She said that 12 would still be too restrictive.

Are there any rational moral objections to such behaviour and/ or attitudes regarding sexuality?

I certainly would not (personally) want my children to be experimenting with sex during their pre-teen years. Would such a subjective view be appropriate, or should such a rule apply universally?

The question also arises as to whether parents of children that age should be allowed to put such age restrictions on them (or if it would be right NOT to restrict them, as the case may be).

I personally feel that there may not be a 'right answer' that fits all, so a rigid, Kantian-style approach to such an utterly personal moral dilemma may not be appropriate.

However, I have objections to such young teens and pre-teens having sexual relationships, on the grounds that they may not be emotionally ready for them (despite being ready physically, and despite believing themselves to be more than ready!), and so may end up damaging either their own emotions, or those of their partner, especially if such intimate contact is involved.

Or is this merely old-fashioned, and should adolescent humans be allowed to freely express their blossoming sexuality like any other mammal would naturally do?

(To keep the issue simple, I would prefer not to raise such side issues as pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted infections, and instead merely consider the morality of sexuality in itself under these circumstances. I would also like to ignore any religions or theological (especially fundamentalist) views on this topic).

Natarlia asked:

Why did Kripke believe that unicorns could not have existed?

Mark asked:

Who's the philosopher who formed the word philosophy from the words philo and sophos?

Ali asked:

Can robots and humans co-exist in peace?

Dana asked:

An elderly lady of 99 years of age as recently been diagnosed with cancer.she lives in a residential home for the elderly and her cognitive abilities are fully intact. Her doctor does not wish the elderly lady to know about her illness. Should this lady be informed about her illness, or would her knowing cause more harm than good?

Anna asked:

Is any act permissible if its done in private?

Cosimo asked:

"Prove that an object exists in the real world, independent of our perception of it."

This is a question that I have received as a challenge from my 10th grade philosophy teacher. I have a limited knowledge of philosophy. I have read some of your info on your website. Does my answer make any sense at all? Here is what I wrote:

The question is: Does Emmy really exist? Does an object really exist? Can it be proven that what you see is what is in the objective world? When I do not see something how do I know that it exists?

Berkeley said all that we know of the physical world is known through perception. The physical world exists essentially of ideas in our minds.

That is 'esse est percipi' for material objects, to be is to be perceived.

This is to say that the individual's experience of objects is through the individual's use of perception and creation of 'ideas'.

The question is 'Does the object exist outside of the individual's mind?'

Berkeley himself says that the 'mind independence of an object' or the ability of an object to exist outside of an individual's perception of an object is not 'absolute' but it is 'relative.'

- The existence of a physical object is not dependent on the perception of one individual person, and in this sense it is mind independent.

- The physical world consists of those patterns of experience that are available to all.

Note: This is how the real world of objects distinguishes itself from hallucinations or dreams. A hallucination or dream is not a pattern of experience that is available to all. It is available only to the one person who is hallucinating or dreaming.

Thus, the existence of an object is mind independent (at least it is mind independent of the single individual because Berkeley denies that anything can exist outside of all minds taken together).

From this I conclude that an object does exist if it is a pattern of experience that is available to all minds.

Now the question is can an object exist outside of the collective perception of all minds?

My answer is, yes. Humans are limited as to what they can perceive in that their 'perception machinery' limits them. For example, our eyes are not sharp enough to let us perceive tiny cells.

- Sometimes we can create machines that enhance our perception. Such would be the case of a microscope.

- Sometimes we can use our ideas (what we can perceive) and our logic to perceive things that can only be perceived as concepts. Such was the case of how we mathematically figured out the existence of some planets before we had the machinery to see these planets.

My conclusion, just because we cannot perceive something does not mean that that something does not exist. For what lies beyond our communal/ group/ human perception and logic, we can neither prove existence nor inexistence.

We are limited and our knowledge of the truth of reality is limited.

This leads me to a basic question which regards metaphysics or our understanding of the concept of truth:

Not all questions which have answers are questions that we can answer. Answers can exist, but they may be beyond our grasp.

Final conclusion: Does the object really exist? Yes it does if is can be perceived as a pattern of similar perceptions for many minds. At least it exists within our human world.

Theresa asked:

What is the thesis of determinism?

Michelle asked:

What are the philosophical (and psychological) consequences of the following statement:

"Logos is Eros becoming aware of itself."

Cyndie asked:

I'm reading Leibniz in my undergraduate philosophy class, and I'm hung up on the his idea of free will. I'm not sure how he reconciles that with the existence of God and with his assumption that everything we do is a necessary predicate of our substance. I would very much appreciate an explanation of how these two concepts can coexist in Leibniz's philosophy.

Kinsey asked:

I'm doing a project about Confucius at school and I have to write about him. I was wondering if you could tell some stuff about him and his teachings. If you could that would be great.

Annmarie asked:

What is the strongest reply that you think a pro-choice advocate can make to Marquis (considering the validity and strength of Marquis's argument)?

Dominique asked:

How does Mill attempt to resolve "the problem of evil" and "the problem of free will?

Rebecca asked:

In what respect or respects does the philosophical attitude differ from the natural attitude in phenomenology?

Sheila asked:

What thesis is being proved in the Lincoln example in Joel Feinberg's essay on psychological Egoism?

Francis asked:

How can a manager maximise the shareholders wealth without sacrificing the interests of other stakeholders?

David asked:

I was born a homosexual and now am age 72. I do not have a partner and all though my autumn years are lonely I find it ok.

My question is 'If God made me this way what was his purpose?'

To be Gay is like living as an alien in this world. For instance while socializing in everyday life, I have to remain in a defensive role. I must not reveal that I am gay on first meetings until I am sure I will be accepted, though I do not purposely ever reveal my orientation. A women can mix freely with a group of strangers and even harmlessly flirt with a man not her husband. I can not. I do not wish to have sex with every man I meet but would like to feel free to 'flirt' and 'communicate' as she does. On going to a dinner party I am always placed with another woman (people have to have the norm, alway two) at these occasions. What I am trying to say is I am not free. I am on guard every second of my life.

I have no wish to frequent Gay clubs or mix with the Gay fraternity. I am very masculine in appearance and I know people have no idea I am a homosexual even now there is no suspicion unless the fact I am not married may hint at the chance for gossip, but I don't expose my past.

I find plays, films and literature about heterosexual people tiresome. It is reading their views, problems and situations that have nothing to do with me, I am an alien!

I would loved to have been born normal, had a wife, children and my own family, with all the trails and tribulations. My life, I feel has had no purpose there has been no joy or extreme happiness that straight people have had in some quarters. I would have loved to have had the chance to do it. I have had a great many relationships with women but have not married because my life would have been dishonest and a lie.

I was born dammed. I can not understand the reason for my existence.

Madeline asked:

In what ways should a christian political thinker's faith influence his or her political writings?

Crystal asked:

What was Socrates meaning when he said "It is worse to do wrong than to suffer it"? I'm a first timer in PHI and I really just don't understand.

Wendy asked:

To what extent do social values influence professional practices, thus adding to the oppression of vulnerable groups

Tala asked:

Describe two specific critical thinking concepts that you may use in order to break misunderstandings due to a language barrier or misuse of particular language.

"Even in extreme situations, we have a choice, whether we choose to exercise it or not. The belief that our role, our desires, our past, or actions of others preclude our acting morally is a convenient but illusory way of distracting ourselves from the evil that surrounds us."

Jacob asked:

Explain the difference between the Utilitarianism advocated by Bentham and that advocated by Mill. What are the pros and cons of each version?

Jessica asked:

Describe Rousseau's idea of conscience in Emile. How is conscience important to his idea of democracy?

What are Rousseau's major criticisms, in the Second Discourse, of theories of human nature such as those of Hobbes and Locke? How does he seek to get into our true human nature that differs from previous attempts? Why is this important to his argument for democracy?

Marjorie asked:

Discuss the ways in which Machiavelli's views on the state differed from his predecessors.

Ally asked:

I am writing a paper on whether Fate exists or not. In doing some research I have come across sites that talk about fate vs. freewill. I was wondering if that is essentially how the majority of philosophers feel. Also, do you have any good sites I might be able to find some concrete information about fate?

Enb asked:

How do alternative states of consciousness tell us about what it is like being human?

Steven asked:

Why didn't Jesus appear to the people outside of the sphere of influence where he did (i.e. South America and Africa sct.) Were these people not as important to him? He would have know of there existence. This have been puzzling me.

Nese asked:

What is good science? How are those norms related to the broader contemporary changes in society?

Michael asked:

Can african traditional thought be considered as ethnophilosophical? if yes, what are the reasons?

John asked:

I have been reading Bertrand Russell's The Problems of Philosophy, and it has been puzzling me. I don't like his doctrine of sense-data, but I can't figure out quite why. Is he right? I've tried to think of ordinary experience in this way, but it just doesn't seem to fit. If sense-data are so 'immediate' to us then why does there need to be a separation at all?

Shamina asked:

From reading parts of How to do things with words by J.L. Austin, it appears that he states that a 'great revolution' had been effected by the abandonment of the doctrine that the sole business of any utterance is to be true or false. My question is, what exactly is this 'great revolution'? where would Searle and Wittgenstein stand on this comment?

Chuck asked:

I know it is an old saying, "There is nothing new under the sun." But, is there evidence that it is true specially in the philosophical "great ideas" realm?

It seems that most, if not all, of the "systems" have deep roots in history. Just as a the mature tree is in the seed, isn't it also true of philosophical gems? I realize my question begs an answer that is somewhat determinative and restrictive in some ways; however, I hope you will explore it with me.

Can you name a philosophical system that is vibrant today that is not deeply rooted in the past or even more, very brightly intuited long ago even if it is now repackaged in new relevant language? The answers have several very high impact implications for us.

Furthermore, can you recommend some reading about this topic of "connectedness"... or perhaps, the genealogical tree of ideas?

Lane asked:

Couldn't it be possible that instead of everything being predetermined that man does have some stake in his life ie; decisions, moral, ethical, and otherwise?

Quinn asked:

What are the leadership styles or behaviors portrayed by Oskar Schindler during WWII and how do those styles or behaviors relate to is moral character in terms of Aristotle or Aquinas?

John asked:

My history of psychology list recently mentioned the belief that Socrates had Schizophrenia. I have never heard this. Can you offer any explanation?

Danielle asked:

In Meditations on First Philosophy by Descartes there are three arguments presented in Meditation One, the senses, dreaming and a possible deceptive God, of the three which is the one that ultimately convinces Descartes that he must doubt everything he formerly believed? And why is this so?

Anju asked:

Critically assess the main philosophical concepts of Aristotle and Immanuel Kant and their impact and influence on modern management.

Marshall asked:

I am doing an extra credit project in which I can get help and answers from any source as long as I give them (you) credit. Please help me answer the following question groups:

1) Do human being have a natural tendency to good, a natural tendency to evil, or some combination of tendencies? What are the implications of your answers for ethics?

2) What conditions must be present before we can say a person is truly happy? Which of these conditions are most important? What is the best expression of the relationship between ethics and happiness?

3) Is the preserving of one's dignity or the serving of a principle other than self-interest ever a higher good than personal happiness?

4) Is there any action that is good in itself, without reference to the consequences it brings about? Or does every good derive its value from its consequences?

5) Whose interest should be paramount in ethical judgment? One's own? Those of the people directly affected by the action? The interests of all humanity? Is the answer necessarily the same in all situations?

6) Are some acts morally obligatory regardless of the consequences for human benefit or harm?

7) How important is objectivity in moral judgment? To what extent can the process of moral judgment be objective?

8) Is there a single universal moral code that is binding on all people at all times and in all places? If so, how are the difference sin moral perspective to be accounted for? If not, how can people with different moral perspectives be expected to live in harmony and how si the notion of progress in ethics to be understood?

Nicole asked:

I've been studying Hegel and Schopenhauer recently, and knowing how incredibly different they are, I am trying to find the connections between the two.... My first problem is this:

How is Hegel's Absolute comparable to Schopenhauer's Will? They are both "ultimate realities", but Hegel's is so much harder to understand for me, because it is applied to so many different things.

My second question:

In Hegel's and Schopenhauer's systems it seems that there is no room for individuality, yet they both talk about the importance of freedom. How can there be freedom without individuality? or individuality without freedom?

Gen asked:

Should Socrates have escaped, was his reasoning a valid argument, and will his reasoning apply to anyone?

Jackie asked:

In nursing, how useful is the humanistic perspective in interacting with patients?

How does it differ from the behaviourist perspective?

Paulo asked:

What are Antonio Gramsci's contributions to philosophy? Why are his ideas sometimes described as "heterodox Marxism"?

Adam asked:

What is a well-educated mind?

Stephanie asked:

At school in our philosophy of religion classes we have been looking at morality and why people make decisions. We have covered absolute and relative morality and revealed morality and now we have moved on to Utilitarianism. My teacher seems to find this topic hard to explain. We have been set a task to do — to explain and explore all the different moral theories. I really need a simple explanation to Utilitarianism because I am really confused at the moment.

Kim asked:

I need to write an essay on Kant and am finding the reading of the text a struggle. It would be very helpful if I can have an outline of the major arguments and themes of 'The critique of aesthetic judgement' in Kant's Critique of Judgement. In particular I also found Kant's terms confusing it would also be helpful if some of Kant's key terms or phrases are outlined too.

Wale asked:

With reference to the logical status of the following statement as well as your understanding of philosophy, critically assess the third statement:

1. God is wisdom.

2. Philosophers are lovers of wisdom.

3. Philosophers say that God does not exist.

Faysal asked:

The concept of "inside experience" is discussed by both Nagel and Nozick each in his own way. Present and evaluate their arguments. Do both share the assumption that "inside experience" is not sufficient? To what extent do you believe that there is more to life than the subject's inside experience?

Cynthia asked:

What are the four questions asked in formulating a philosophical position?

Tom asked:

I would like to get help for answering these questions:

1. What is the sense in which Aristotle believes virtue to be a kind of mean?

2. What is for Aristotle the essence of virtuous activity?

3. In what consists the difference between the Aristotelian and Platonic moral theories?

4. Explain the following quotation, "For the man who is truly good and wise,we think,bears all the chance of life becomingly..." Aristotle.

5."The happy life is thought to be virtuous, now virtuous life requires exertion, and does not consist in amusement.." Aristotle. What is the distinction being attempted here?

6.Aristotle asserts that virtue is unnatural. Explain what he means by this claim.

Chiggy asked:

What is the relevance of Hobbes's commonwealth to modern politics?

Does Hobbes's analysis of the causes of war remain valid today?

Mona asked:

My question is from Indian philosophy. Moksha is a state of bliss or happiness. But in what sense? How do we prove that this state does not stand in need of any pleasure?

Heather asked:

In the dialogues 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 is his argument?

Mark asked:

I am presently attempting to teach myself philosophy. The main way I am doing this is by reading, but unfortunately I am having quite a lot of trouble interpreting what is being said.

Is it possible to teach yourself philosophy? Is a philosophical dictionary essential? Are there some books I could read to help me interpret philosophy?

Tara asked:

Why would humans want to live without certainty?

Analice asked:

What is the definition for philosophy of psychology?

Dhvani asked:

How can Descartes metaphysical system be defended? How can it be criticized?

Marin asked:

In my ethics class we are going to take on the mindset of certain philosophers. I will be doing Albert Camus. The topic for discussion will be abortion, if it is morally wrong. Based on Camus philosophy I will have to argue for or against it. My whole problem is figuring out Camus beliefs and coming up with a strong argument.

Taye asked:

1. What are the two basic type of feminist epistemology and how they differ?

2. What dose the materialist or atomist claim about mind and brains? what are the implications of this theory?

3. Explain Karl Jung's theory of the collective unconscious and archetypes. give examples.

Matt asked:

How does Ghandi's philosophy relate to different aspects in sport?

Tracy asked:

How did Ghandi's actions reflect that he was a Hindu?

Janne asked:

What is Ontology?

Maricris asked:

Why do people create in words?

Is there some mysterious force in words that compel people to write?

Do words symbolize something more? why?

What are your thoughts on the written word?

Bryan asked:

Can you please tell me some French thinkers who have written on either mind and body, or evil besides Descartes?

Leen asked:

I would like to know if your body and soul are separated?

Is it your soul who feels and thinks? Is it possible that we reincarnate and keep our soul? Is it possible that we keep our wisdom in our soul and when we go to a sort of heaven when we're perfect? I mean with 'perfect', when we are one with everybody and have all wisdom, I don't mean knowledge.

Charlene asked:

Are the principles of natural justice often applied?

paul asked:

What would Plato's view be as to "Is there an enduring self?"

Michael asked:

Why is killing wrong? I cannot argue why I think killing is wrong using valid arguments with premises and conclusions.

Katie asked:

I've recently been doing some work on the concept of social freedom in my philosophy class. Last year we studied Plato's Republic and I'm finding it difficult to combine the two. All political philosophers seem to think they embody social freedom but obviously they have different ideas of freedom. What would Plato say? I think he'd probably be in favour of positive freedom with his strong emphasis on state rule, but I'm unsure how to compare him with other philosophers, such as Mill.

RJ asked:

Compare and contrast naturalism and theistic realism.

Marybeth asked:

What us Descartes' argument for dualism? What is wrong with this argument?