Philosophy 101 |
How Philosophers Write |
mrmojorisin5908 Member
since 2004-05-03
Posts 103Colorado |
Tell me if you agree with my theory-- (there is a lot more too it, I'll keep posting more and more until my theory is completley stated) Philosophical writing is bourn from examination of the world in which we all live. Throughout life one has many experiences and sensations that involve both the physical and the metaphysical. Looking at and beyond the surface of everyday experience the philosopher formulates questions based on such experience or on a related body of work that lends itself to empathy. Through contemplation and investigation the philosopher then establishes a position and in some instances a new or elaborated theory concerning the issue(s) that has presented itself. Following with an argument in support of this theory the philosopher aims to convince his contemporaries thereby creating the potentiality for innovations in the various categories of existence or about the whole itself. Andrew A. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
"Philosophical writing is bourn from examination of the world in which we all live." Had you phrased that differently, I could agree absolutely--like so-- "Philosophical writing is born from perception of the world in which we all live." That simple substitution of word would have made the second and third statements more accurate to my point of view-- "Throughout life one has many experiences and sensations that involve both the physical and the metaphysical. Looking at and beyond the surface of everyday experience the philosopher formulates questions based on such experience or on a related body of work that lends itself to empathy." Empathy being key, for me. "Through contemplation and investigation the philosopher then establishes a position and in some instances a new or elaborated theory concerning the issue(s) that has presented itself." Um, yeah. That works for me until a mirror falls on my head. "Following with an argument in support of this theory the philosopher aims to convince his contemporaries thereby creating the potentiality for innovations in the various categories of existence or about the whole itself." I've got problems with that. I suppose because I take into consideration that first issue of perception--because I believe that if we respect the individual eye of perception, then we must acknowledge, at the very least, the idea, that there is no absolutely correct definition of life or philosophy. All of our experience is tainted by all of our experience. And for the record, I dropped Philosophy 101 before it would affect my grade point average. The professor was actually sad to see me go too. He asked me why, and I told him I didn't have the diligence to back up the things I thought with quotations and research--perhaps if it was all I had to do, I could, but not at that time. I was flattered when he told me that he enjoyed the absolute freshness of what I thought was discovery. (And I was dumb enough then to feel flattered.) *chuckle* I had no idea then, nor do I have any idea now that there are names to methods of argument, and that they are considered "freshman" silliness. I just enjoy the discussion. And I confess, I hang out here mostly 'cause I miss my Dad and my brother. Some things are really that simple. So in answer to your question, do I agree? Sure, but with editorial privelage. |
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Huan Yi Member Ascendant
since 2004-10-12
Posts 6688Waukegan |
Blind men with an elephant Apperception When they first saw them, American Indians believed the horse and the man riding it to be one being. In Chinese there’s no direct equivalent to the English word “privacy” and all words expressing the individual have a pejorative connotation. Someone once said if you ask a dozen economists you will get thirteen opinions, (one can’t decide). Major philosophers are much the same way; and each thinks the other an idiot. And after decades they can reverse themselves: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,141061,00.html Just some thoughts |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Funny you should mention this: "In Chinese there’s no direct equivalent to the English word “privacy” and all words expressing the individual have a pejorative connotation." I beg to differ, cheerfully. I'd read that same thing before (tsk to me for forgetting where) but then? shrug - I had this Chinese friend, so I asked him for the translation of that word, "privacy" He did hesitate, but answered "honor." and my, that makes gracious sense. |
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