Philosophy 5 Online Class Final

Introduction to Philosophy 5 – Online Fall, 2007 – Final

3b. This class has been so difficult for me, however, I believe that I have learned a
great deal and have a better appreciation of Philosophy. I am hopeful that at the
end of this class I will have earned a “B”. During the final weeks of this class I have
studied more, read more and watch film clips two and three times to give this every
effort I could to enlighten me. One of the most important things I have learned in
taking this class is that sometimes there are more than two sides of a story and
it isn’t the question you ask as much as it is that you dare to ask the question, which
causes others to think. Change is brought about by daring to involve people in a
conversation of opinions that challenge the mind.
4. Ashley Rueckert
5. beachbabe5392007@yahoo.com
5a. C www.mtsac.2007.blogspot.com
6. beachbabe5392007@yahoo.com
7. Philosophy www.mtsac.2007.blogspot.com
8. Yes reading was difficult at times and understanding even moreso
9. Yes some twice
10. Posts for Week 1&2

Apology by Plato Post #1
Socrates states that at his age (which is seventy) he has never been before
a court of law and is not aware of the language used. He does not
try to understand the language used and basically states that he has no
time and that the court will have to understand his way speaking. Plato
is trying to make the reader aware of the innocence of Socrates and the
ways that he is being treated unjustly. Socrates states that the greater
the reputation the people had for being wise the less wise they were.
He believed that it was his divine duty to teach those who claimed to be
wise. The duty was to teach them that they were not wise!

During his pleas or explanations, it almost seems as though he does not
mind if he is found guilty. Several of the charges are dropped since
they are found to be ridiculous. Socrates is not afraid of death, as no
one knows enough about it to be frightened. He states that he is only
surprised that the vote is so nearly equal. Socrates states that he has
"never intentionally wronged any one.” He shows forgiveness to those
who have condemned him to die. He would rather die than to not obey God.
Those who have condemned him will have to live with their decisions for
the rest of their lives, while Socrates departs in favor. As the final
line says, "and we go our ways--I to die, and you to live. Which is
better God only knows."

History of Philosophy Post #2
The history of philosophy is the study of concepts and ideas. These
concepts and ideas can be traced back to ancient and medieval times.
Western thought began in Greece with philosophers and schools such as
Heraclitus, Anaxagoras and others. It was the culture in Athens that
encouraged philosophy. Much of this is based on the fact that the
culture is based on a democracy. Here Socrates would talk to anyone
who would talk to him. Plato became the most important student of
Socrates. Although Socrates did not write, his student did.


With the rise of Medieval philosophy the main focus was God. During
these times it was believed that everything that exists has a cause and
everything has some goodness. Since God is all good and so is His
existence then God does exist. As time moved on and Modern philosophy
came about "the age of reason" comes about, where religious beliefs
become a part of the philosophical framework. During this period Such
philosophers as John Locke, and Thomas Hobbes began to become known for
their political philosophies. Probably one of the most important
figures at this time is Charles Darwin with science and philosophy

Who Are You? (post 3)
This was a very enjoyable clip, "Who Are You?" can be related to our
everyday lives. We are not shaped and defined by those around us, but
also by the environment in which we live. Events and choices that we
make or don't make can have an effect on our lives and can change how
people perceive us. Some choices have long lasting effects while others
have little to none.

As we get older, we seem to develop a better understanding of our
environment and how we fit into it. We also seem become more aware of
values, etc. that our parents viewed as important. Life changing
decisions will also have an effect on those around us. The decisions
that we make can and will determine changes that occur in the world
around us and our environment

Dr Doctra Ignorantia (post #4)
Sometimes we are so ignorant to concepts and things around us that we
make judgment calls. Everything is becoming material and most of that
has no validity or truth. Material things have over taken our
society. The human mind has limitations but God is infinite and has no
limitations. Humans are limited by their own thoughts and actions. We
are also limited by society and the environment. The works of God are
unlimited and have no boundaries.

Reason requires evaluation, and exploration in order to make a proper
judgment. Nicholas of Casa once stated that "search for truth is
equal to the task of squaring a circle." Although we see something
that does not mean that we are capable of comprehending or
understanding.


End of History (post #5)
Fukuyama believes that the end of history will not end with socialism
but will end with capitalism. He states that we have a fairly peaceful
world with only small confrontations, where the big powers such as the
US and Germany will not be involved. He states that you have history
because you have modern science. You must have human nature and an end
of science to have an end of history. Science is not ending and neither
is human nature. He is not sure that history and science have some
higher purpose.

Consciousness is not just a large computer but a real part of being
human. We have concepts of right and wrong and emotions that are as
important. Religion helps social organizations, part of which is
trust. Fukuyama believes that there is a functional part of religion.
Religion is required for social co-operational rules. Religions evolve
to meet circumstances according to Fukuyama. It is important that
people share culture. Culture is shared through religion.

Aldous Huxley (post #6)
This is so confusing! At first there is a woman standing at a podium
speaking and then making some strange sounds where she asks the
audience to join in. The graphics in this piece make little sense to
me. Brave New World he states that engineers are pushing us into a
medieval system that is controlled by manipulation. There will be
brainwashing and propaganda in the future that will control the minds
of men.

Technology is continuing to advance. There will be methods in the
future in which people will be doing things that they are unaware of
by means of brainwashing. Technology will continue to advance but I
don't think that people will be doing things without their knowledge.
I know that propaganda exists, but I don't think that he gives the
human enough credit.

Aldous Huxley (post #7)
Progress is 5 and 10 gimmicks according to Huxley. This film seems to
go out into many different areas all wrapped up in one. It makes no
sense to me as to why we are suddenly hearing about bosoms and binding
and relationships of a woman and a man. One section talks about a man
who asks why a woman spent one year with a man if she didn't love him.
She calls him an idiot, she refuses to change her life style, and he
should be grateful for what he had. There is no room for love and
therefore no caring.

Huxley continues to write different articles, that venture off into
different areas. Man is a social animal that requires a social group in
which he can relate. He says that freedom should help the social
groups in society. Good social intentions take numerous times and
energy and yet are required in society. This is incredibly confusing!

Posts for Week 3&4

Gods Too Decompose Post #1
This is an interesting piece, as you can picture the madman going
through the streets with his lantern looking for God. The others do not
understand, after all isn't true that we have killed him. While all try
not to be responsible we are guilty for the act of murder of God.

It is however, the false gods created by man that decompose. Many
different cultures have built temples, statues and other things to
worship false gods. They have worshipped gods for rain, food, wealth,
and many materials things as well. These gods do not remain but crumble
as easily as a hill of dirt. The only true God can not only be found in
churches but everywhere. He is not dead but alive and He will destroy
the false gods. The people are trying to rid themselves of guilt by
washing themselves, but the only way is to seek Him as the madman does
and to believe in Him.

Little Things That Jiggle Post#2
I am not sure that I fully understand what this piece was trying to
say. One of the quotes, "My ambition is to live to see all of physics
reduces to a formula so elegant and simple that it will fit easily on
the front of a T-shirt." by Leon Lederman, I think is trying to say
that through science and the development of more knowledge certain
thaings that were once so difficult to understand become easy. Also
while it becomes easy it also is used more therefore becoming simple
to understand to even the simplest mind.

While technology advances, the formulas that are created are often
many pages in length. Also Sir Issac Newton believes that everything
is explained by "four forces gravity, strong and weak, nuclear
interaction and electromagnetism. " I don't think that is correct, I
do think that these things play a part in our lives but are not
necessarily an answer for everything. Through the use of technology
we are not only able to create but we have advanced so that we can
now also destroy what we have created and even more. Physics is not
easy to understand and for some impossible. We sometimes look for
answers where there truly are none because we think that there must be
a reason for everything, in a way it is like the Big Bang Theory.
There are those who prefer not to believe that the world was created
by God, but instead by a bang and the aftermath of that.

Lisa Randall On The Universe Post #3
Lisa Randall is an excellent speaker, who makes the subject not only
interesting but understandable. Her basis is on gravity and the
strength and weakness of it. The studies have lead her to believe that
there is possibly another dimension.

The force of gravity from what I understand from Ms Randall is that in
the strength theory gravity will never be struck. I know that she spoke
about the weak brane and the gravity brane. The gravity may be
concentrated on another dimension which would explain why in some cases
gravity is the weaker force when it shouldn't be. But if there is
another dimension then gravity changes and is rescaled and would then
be able to be detected through a new telescope that is becoming
available.

Quantum Theory Post #4
What is quantum theory? According to Whatis.com, "quantum theory is the
theoretical basis on modern physics that explains the nature and
behavior of matter and energy on the atomic and subatomic level." I am
not sure that I completely understand this concept.

Here is what I think. According the to definition above the theory is
related to the behavior of matter in a given situation. The Copenhagen
version I believe is a little different in that probability comes into
play. So according to this theory and to an example in Whatis.com, if
you place a live cat in a lead box with a sealed bottle of cyanide and
close the box, the question remains is the cat dead or alive. So the
answer is the cat is either dead or alive according to the Copenhagen
version. It is not until the box is opened and you can look that you
get a complete and correct answer. It is based on a mater of
prediction.

Big Bang Theory Post #5
Scientists over time have continued to speculation on the possibility
of the "Big Bang Theory." This is a theory that is said to explain how
the universe came into existence and therefore deny that God is the
maker of the entire universe. According to this piece, Alexander
Friedmann came up with calculations that would propose that the
universe is expanding.

There are several thing to consider regarding the Big Bang which is
actually the aftermath according to scientists which created the
universe. The universe what I understand from this piece,
depending on the density exceeding a particular amount could actually
collapse into itself if gravity reaches a point called critical
density. I realize that many scientists do not believe that God created
everything, but if that is so how do you explain things that are
happening today are already in the Bible? Was there a Big Bang, I don't
know but the atoms and neutrons didn't come out of nowhere someone had
to put them there and that someone is God.

S. Wolfram A New Kind of Science: Cellular Automata Post #6
Not being a math person this is very difficult to follow. Wolfram has
spent a great deal of time and devotion on his book "A New Kind of
Science." He looks at how structures emerge in the universe. It seems
as though it can all be traced to some type of pattern. He uses several
examples to explain cellular automata.

One of the examples used is something simple as a cellular automata is
the simplest computer program. If seems as though according to his
studies all areas relate to this theory. Here is one of the examples: a
roll of cells black and white and if the cell is black on it or its
neighbor the row before then the next one will also be black. Another
example is mollusk shells. It turns out that the patterns on the shells
are similar to the rules of cellular automata. He goes through time,
space, and even biology. There is one rule called rule #30. In this
rule the center of the pattern is perfectly random, so simple rules can
produce complicated behavior. Also the randomness comes from outside of
what one is looking at. Much of this is extremely complicated in my
opinion and at times seems to be repetitive.

Science and Philosophy Post #7
Albert Einstein is not only a great scientist but also a great
philosopher. He developed many different theories such as relativity,
theory on gravity, theory on heat and others. Many of the
mathematical equations that Einstein developed have helped scientists
in other fields such as astronomy. Due to his theories astronomers
were able to measure the density of mass of black holes.

Einstein's work can also be seen in the nuclear age. when in the
1930's his formula of E=mc2 was used by machines that were used to
break atoms. However, Einstein did more than science, he also was a
political consultant for the United States. I believe that he was one
of the great minds of our time. He seemed to have a great sense of
the future. "The feeling for what ought and ought not to be grows and
dies like a tree, and no fertilizer of any kind will do much good.
What the individual can do is give a fine example, and have the
courage to firmly uphold ethical convictions in a society of cynics.
I have for a long time tried to conduct myself this way, with varying
success." I think that he is simply trying to say that you must stand
up for what is right regardless of how difficult it is. Sometimes it
works out the way you expect and sometimes not but at least you had
courage to take a stand.

Posts for Week #5

Survival of the Sufficient Post #1
This piece talks about survival of the sufficient rather that Darwin's
survival of the fittest. Throughout this short piece information is
given to lead the viewer to agree with survival of the sufficient.

After viewing this piece, I found that I did believe the theory
presented. Throughout our lives we are constantly being shaped. It
starts at birth, if you think about it, as the type of family, the
culture, the heritage all begin to shape the life of a newborn infant.
We are constantly being molded in school, church, and even by the
company that we keep. The other factor is deception. If you look at
commercials alone, you can see the deception, you are given facts to
make you interested in the product but not all of the details. One
interesting item in our family was a timeshare presentation. During
this presentation we were showed all of these places we could go for
very little money, but what they didn't say was in order to go those
places you needed to buy a higher priced package, so there we have it
deception. How many times have you given up a certain food or began to
eat something different because it had some health benefit only to
discover that you had to be eating that more times a day or all of your
life. Deception plays a part in all of our lives.

Truth Lies Post #2
Does truth lie? I am not sure that I believe this. I understand that
sometimes the truth may be different than what you think or want to
hear but the truth allows for tests and evaluation. There are things
that can not be explained, for example we have vaccinations for certain
diseases and yet those diseases continue, where is the reliability or
truth in that? Maybe it is a partial truth, the vaccinations are only
good under certain conditions.

Now we come to the statement that nonsense makes more sense, how can
that be? How can something ridiculous make sense? I realize that people
sometimes try to explain things in some very unbelievable ways. One of
the great nonsense phrases in my opinion is "everyone does it," how
crazy is that. If you know that the results are not going to be what
you want or would like them to be why do or say something just
because "everyone does it." Everything has a purpose whether it is
nonsense or not.

Fundamentalism is a Mental Disease Post #3
I didn't really care for this piece. I found it something that I felt
was a low blow to those who are believers in God. I understand that
everyone has their own opinion however I don't think that it gives
anyone the right to be rude and disrespectful in my opinion.

Almost the very first statement on this short video says and then they
dress up the old man! How can you talk like that, when talking about
someone let alone God! I did not understand this piece nor do I want
to, as I found it very insulting. I don't even think that Darwin would
refer to God and say "then they dress up the old man." All are entitled
to their opinion but let's do it the right way.

Sociobiology Post #4
Sociobiology is according to http://wikipedia. org/wiki/ sociobiology,
is "a synthesis of scientific disciplines that attempts to explain
social behavior in all species by considering the evolutionary
advantages the behaviors may have." What exactly does that mean? It
is a way to look at all behavior and consider the effects that
culture, environment and other factors may have on behavior. For
example, two people with the same level intelligence may act and
react differently to the same situation due to the environment in
which they were raised, or due to different morals or values. An
interesting example used by E.O. Wilson is that of sugar. He states
that due to the shortage of the sugar supply to our ancestors, we
inherited a sweet tooth and therefore eat more sugar than we would
had it been readily available to our ancestors. We eat more because
we prefer foods that taste sweet. Another example from
http://wikipedia. org/wiki/ sociobiology, is that of a lion, where the
male lion who is dominant will often kill the cubs of another lion in
order that the female would come into season again and the dominant
lion could mate with her and spread his genes. It is almost like
survival of the fittest with help.

I found his "genetic selfishness" and cheating a little difficult to
understand as to relating to sociobiology. These are definitely part
of behavior, but I think that these are not inherited but rather
learned. Cheating particularly, if cheating is what I think of it as,
(doing wrong) then why would you expect something in return? It seems
to me that if one cheats in most cases it is a lone act and does not
require reciprocation.

Richard Dawkins- The Strangeness of Science Post #5
Richard Dawkins focuses on what he refers to as the Middle World. He
says that matter is "useful fiction" in the middle world. It allows us
to exist. We a more like a wave, however, if you think of something
that happened in your past and you were there but according to this
piece you really weren't there because there are now different atoms. It
is almost like saying that everything we see does not really exist
unless it serves a purpose for us to function in the middle world. He
states that "you are not the stuff by which you were made." The world
we live in dictates function and how we live.

I think that what he is saying is that we are what our environment
around us allows us to be. By that I mean that the range of area in
which we move, our circle of friends, church, family, work, school,
create what Dawkins calls the middle world around us. It colors our
perception and limits what we are capable of.

Richard Dawkins, "The Selfish Gene" Post #6
Dawkins talks about what he calls "memes" which he uses for
replications. These are imitators. He states that the most unusual thing
about man in culture. Culture is everywhere and can be seen even in
the animals. Monkeys in the wild, live in a specific social structure
which is their culture, elephants travel in herds which again is
culture. What comes out of culture? Language, customs, fashion,
technology everything evolves from culture. Dawkins states that
everything evolves from the gene. I think that he sees God as a way to
rectify injustices, and an excuses for what we ourselves can not fix or
understand.

When Dawkins speaks about memes he speaks negatively for example
religion. He talks about faith but also enforces the theory of hell.
According to Dawkins when you die you only leave behind two things,
memes and genes. If you are a person who has contributed greatly to the
world then you will live on long after you are gone, for example
presidents, poets, artists, etc. It is almost like saying everyone else
doesn't count. Actually sometimes it is not the famous who make the
greatest difference in lives or in the world, instead it is the
smallest act that in some cases goes unnoticed.

Evolution Post #7
According to this piece, "biological evolution, is descent with
modification. " As we build our family trees, we track our ancestors
back throughout history or as far as we can find family records.
However, when scientists build a family tree they cannot build it in
the same way. Instead they must develop a hypothesis. In order to
develop this the biologists must collect data and analyze evidence
that they find. They will divide what they find into categories
according to characteristics. While we build a family tree,
biologists build a phylogenetic tree. This tree is not just based on
ancestry but on evolutionary relationships. This tree is also divided
into homologies and analogies. According to this paper "analogies are
the result of convergent evolution," while "homologous are characters
in different organisms that are similar because they were inherited
from a common ancestor." So according to to this the classifications
that the biologists use concerns testing their hypothesis,
classifying, and learning about not only extinct species but
ancestors. How do the biologists know what happened when? They use
three different methods, radiometric dating, stratigraphy, and
molecular checks.

This piece went on to explore such things as mutation, migration,
genetic drift, and natural selection. The mutations was very
interesting with the descriptions of DNA that for some reason does
not copy correctly, and things such as environment and chemicals that
can effect mutations. One of the other forms of mutation is by gene
flow which allows genes to move. Another type of mutation is genetic
drift which is a random process. Finally we have natural selection
which takes into account variation in traits, heredity, and
reproduction. There is so much to understand here and I will go over
it again. I found this a very interesting piece since it did not just
do survival of the fittest. It is a very good search on evolution.

Posts for Week 6

A Glorious Piece of Meat Post #1
If the brain is fully in control of everything and all is already known
by it then there would be no purpose in learning or thinking because
the answer would already be known to you. Perhaps the brain is a
developing thing that we chose to ignore because in some cases we don't
like what the outcome may be or we think that it couldn't possibility
be correct.

The purpose of the brain is to store materials(knowledge ) to aid us in
our time here. We chose to make decisions based on what we have stored
in our knowledge but it is a choice that we make not that our brain
controls. Often times when we need to make a decision it is easier not
to make it. I can remember when my mom would say to me that I had three
choices, I could decide on a choice, I could not decide on a choice, or
I could decide not to decide and any of the three was my choice based
on the knowledge I had acquired to make that decision. I think that
often our decisions are not based on what we truly know but instead on
what is acceptable to our peers.

Gerald Edelman On Neural Darwinism Post #2
While our brain is 80% water, it serves to function in many different
ways. Gerald Edelman is quick to point out that our brain is not a
computer and should not be thought of one. There are many neutrons
that are constantly growing, developing, and dying that make our brain
function the way it does. When you learn a new task, you are using
part of the brain that has not been used in that capacity before. As
you get better at the task the development of that section of the
brain grows as well. Have you ever noticed that there are some things
that were once very easy for you but are now difficult? As we perform
tasks, they become easier and we are quicker at them, but if it is
something that we haven't done in a while we may need to re-teach the
brain. No two people think exactly the same and this is because
we "are not all wired the same."

If a computer is left on its own, then it is not functional and if
your brain is not used it also is not functional and begins to die.
The outcome would be that the brain would need to get the information
again so that it would be able to create the task. The functions of
the brain are similar to a map. When you are traveling and plan the
route you will take, you try to consider the purpose of the travel,
if additional stops are needed, and in some cases the period of time
required to get there. The brain is very similar, with knowledge we
are mapping the best way to get where we want. We are also concerned
with value and the importance of it.

The Astonishing Hypothesis Post # 3
Crick argues that "what we take to be the soul, is nothing more than a
complex network of neurons." According to him we have only deceived
ourselves into believing something else. He also states that man has no
soul. So if man is as he says then everything that most of us believe
and value is worthless. We can recall a decision but not how long or
what it took to make that decision. I would think that most of us can
recall pondering over certain things that lead to some type of
decision. How sad if it were true that man has no soul, you may as well
say that he has no conscience. Crick has put together a piece that
literally attacks all who believe in a higher power. We are not a mass
of behavior that is just "a vast assembly of nerve cells and their
associated molecules." Astonishing is not even the correct word for the
theory of Crick.

Finally, I would like to say that testing animals and imposing pain and
harm that lead to their final destruction is cruel, and primitive.
There needs to be some sense of value of life, even if it is an animal.
Scientific research should be controlled so that innocent lives are not
treated as if they have no value. Just because it is an animal it is
still entitled to be treated fairly.

Steven Pinker Post #4
I do understand that the environment has an effect on behavior and
can have an effect on our personalities. Pinker believes that we have
developed our minds through natural selection, but aren't there other
factors that contribute to development of any kind. No two people
develop in the same way, not even twins. I think that Pinker is a
little off base because he does not allow for all factors nor does he
allow for the human side of development. Can people develop the same
skills and be replicas of each other - the answer is no. Our
environment around us plays a part in development but is not solely
responsible.

In response to the moral issue, as a Christian, my morals are
extremely strong and were something that was developed over time and
in some instances are still developing. Christian do have specific
rights and wrongs, but doesn't everyone? You may not think that you
are guided by morals but you are. Are morals are part of natural
selection? I don't think so, morals are taught and reinforced
throughout our life by your actions, thoughts, relationships, etc. I
may be way off base here but how could you believe that the
environment through natural selection carries that much weight? There
are many factors that contribute, and not to take them into
consideration is literally a crime.

I am very fortunate to have a very strong relationship with my mom as
I have no dad. The strength of that relationship with built on love,
unconditional love. I see many of my friends that do not love their
parents and have no need for what they have been taught, and yet they
wonder why their lives are the way they are. A family built on solid
values, morals, and unconditional love can weather any storm, believe
me I know as my mom and I have been in some very rough spots.
However, it wasn't anything that had to do with the environment or
natural selection that brought us through it all, it was faith and
love.

An Integral Theory of Consciousness Post #5
According to Ken Wilber "consciousness is the realization that
consciousness is not located in the organism," but "is a four-quadrant
affair, and it exists, distributed across all four quadrants, anchored
equally in each." Rather confusing isn't it? However, Wilber basis is
on the quadrant which consists of four equal parts, intentional,
behavioral, cultural and social. Also according to Wilber each is in a
different language. The upper left quadrant is based on the "I", the
lower left is based on "we", and the two right quadrants are described
as "it."

Wilber combined several schools of thought to come up with his theory
of four-quadrants. Some of those are cognitive science,
neuropsychology, individual psychotherapy, quantum consciousness and
no ordinary states of consciousness. He also speaks of "holons" which
is a "whole that is simultaneously part of some other whole." He uses
the two right quadrants as an example stating that they "represent
holons that all possess simple location. Most of this is extremely
difficult to understand and could almost be a class in itself to
study.

Vegans Post #6
I don't eat red meat, but I do eat fish, chicken, and turkey. I believe
that it is healthier not to eat red meat. Does not eating red meat have
a saving effect on lives? I think that there is probably something
wrong or bad in almost everything that we eat. To say that not eating
meat will heal your heart is incorrect, it may help it but will not
heal it.

People need to be aware of what they eat, and how much they eat. Junk
food is so available that it has become easier to eat that way rather
than go home and fix a healthy dinner. We see so many adds for junk on
TV that we are drawn into just trying it one time, except that it is
never just one time. Good habits are the best way to help your body,
good eating and drinking, exercise, even thoughts are the best way to
lead a healthy life.

The Problem of Consciousness Post #7
According to Searle there are states of consciousness that have
nothing to do with knowledge. It should not be confused with
attention as well. Consciousness is an awareness that only exists
when we are awake, it does not exist when we are sleeping. The idea
is that several features exist which include subjectivity, which
according to Searle is the most important, and intentionally, mood,
boundary conditions, familiarity, distinction between the center and
the periphery of consciousness, and the structure of conscious
experience. The conscious states are caused by "lower neurobiological
processes in the brain." After the stimulus is received and converted
in the nervous system it is then that depending on the stimulus
depends on the rate of neuron. According to Searle "these variable
rates of neuron firings cause all of the colour and variety of our
conscious life."

It its interesting to note that according to Searle to be conscious
of something does not mean to pay attention to something. To focus on
something is different than to pay attention to it. I suppose that
you do not have to be conscious of something, but on the other hand
don't you need to be aware of something to pay attention to it? Also
isn't being aware of something, paying attention to something the
same thing as being conscious of it? I really think that they go hand
in hand and maybe it is to what extent you are conscious of something
that is really the question.

Posts for Week 7

Why Turn Vegetarian? Post #1
What a horrible piece! I think that there are better ways to try to get
people to become vegetarian than to do something like this. Although I
am not a vegetarian there are still things that I do not eat and red
meat is one of them. I used to get requests in the mail for donations
for animals but the pictures inside were so horrible that without
opening it I threw it away.

I don't believe that becoming a vegetarian is going to heal your heart,
it can help when you not only eat correctly but exercise. I am just
saying that I don't think that going so graphic is going to help the
cause. Instead, I think what could happen is that people will look at
this negatively.

Why Turn Vegetarian? Post #2
I think that we often go to an extreme to get across a point or in
some cases use scare tactics for our purpose. There are many people
in this world that are born with a number of diseases and some of
these people are fortunate enough to only be carriers and not have to
suffer the disease. If you want to talk about healthier children then
perhaps you should also talk about the effects of smoking and drugs
on not only children, and adults but on the unborn.

Each day children are born with defects due to smoking and drugs that
can be prevented, however, people are under the false impression
that "it won't happen to me or I don't have a problem with smoking or
drugs, I can quit any time." I hear the I just smoke or drink
socially but I really don't like it from even my friends. They are
hurting themselves and also deceiving themselves into a false belief
that later on in life may take their lives. Unfortunately many people
are in that false sense of security. I don't eat red meat by choice,
has it made me any healthier, I would like to think so, but then my
drinking lots of water and no soda, as well as liking fruits and
vegetables is a good part of it. A healthier lifestyle has to be a
personal choice and I honestly don't believe that this film is the
correct way to present it.

The Myth of Eternal Recurrence Post #3
Throughout this piece Nietzsche states that everything that we say and
do will be repeated over and over again. It is saying that there is no
way out and therefore nothing is capable of change because it is a full
circle that is repetitive. If this is so then when one talks about
change they are wasting time because what is is what is and will
continue to exist. So apparently all of the cycles that man goes
through are just that and not of free will since it has been pre
determined in a specific pattern that can not be broken.

I would like to believe that one truly has free will and is capable of
change and to be able to go a different direction. If one is locked
into a specific cycle then what is the point of learning and trying
when the same that has been before will be repeated?

Flame On Post #4
Interesting title for such a piece. It seems as though throughout time
homosexuality has been flaunted in about every type of ad or commercial
ever seen. The perfect look, the perfect body all pushed and shoved at
individuals for a long period of time. It is interesting to note that
in earlier times homosexuality was not a problem or a point of
discussion, instead many famous homosexuals were known not for their
sexual preference but for their contribution to society with the except
of Proust who openly flaunted it. It seems as though things are more in
the public eye and now with communications the way they are we give
people who don't even know what is going on to take a stand.

Today homosexuality is even wider spread and has become an open
statement by same sex partners. Unfortunately, the focus then looks at
their sexual statement as opposed to what benefit so they provide the
surrounding community. I do not believe that homosexuality is right,
but that is based on my beliefs as a Christian.

Gandhi Non Violence Post #5
Gandhi states that non violence is a religion and it is for everyone. I
find it interesting the incident that turned him around was due to his
wife and the way he was treating her. He believes in non violence in
all situations regardless. He states that nonviolence "is greater than
and more superior to brute force." There are steps that Gandhi outlines
the first of these being Changeless Creed, faith in God.

According to Gandhi non violence is the only law. We all know that
violence is wrong and against the law. The Changeless Creed is how we
live our daily lives and how we act toward others we come in contact
with. There is no means to an end without honesty and honesty is a part
of the changeless creed. There must be honesty, and a great faith in
God. Without faith in God you cannot be saved. Comfort does not come
from violence, it is only with faith and non violence that you will
receive peace.

On The Genealogy of Morals Post #6
Nietzsche begins by stating that we have no knowledge of ourselves, we
only have knowledge of everyone else. If you think about it, he is
right. We have difficulty describing ourselves but no problem
describing someone else. It is almost as if we know others better than
ourselves. We have our priorities confused, but then I am not
completely sure but I think the Nietzsche is a bit confused as well.

He speaks of morality but addresses the morality of pity. I believe or
at least I think he is talking about the way we don't know our a lot
about our own being but yet tend to feel sorry for ourselves with what
we don't have. Getting to know ourselves involves an evaluation which I
don't think many of us would be willing to do or be able to do. Here is
the question - Does the morality and value of pity have anything to do
with our lack of knowledge of who we are? Are we too busy to take the
time to get to know who we, and do we function honestly?

Sam Harris Post #7
Beliefs guide our emotions through time. 22% of Americans believe in
the return of Christ, another 22% think that they believe Christ will
return. Harris refers to Christ as a real estate broker for Israel. He
states that there is no longer a time to respect religious beliefs. Our
beliefs can only be updated by openness through conversation. He also
states that 44% of Americans would like religion taught in the public
schools.

I personally don't think there is anything wrong with religion being
taught in the public schools. It may be the only look at religion that
some children get. I went to a private school and we still had the same
situations that public schools. Religion is a definite part of life, in
some cases it bring hope in other cases comfort. Religion is a vital
part of this world and should not be taken for granted.

Posts for Week #8

Innervisions and Runaway Trains Post #1
Baba Faqir Chand states in this video that during the was in the 1900's
the soldiers felt as though they were finished and supplies would not
be able to reach them in time. Yet when he asked for guidance in prayer
he was told to not fight to let the other soldiers come and pick up
their dead and his soldiers would not be harmed. When they did what had
been revealed to them they were left untouched by the other soldiers
and were saved. Upon his return to Bagdad he was praised and when he
asked why it was because of what had happened and so they were
worshipping him.

Often people have visions and do what they heard or saw in the visions
and others think of them as having powers, when the truth of the matter
is they don't have any powers and that the people are only imaging more
than what it is. As Chand states, "The truth is that I know nothing."

The Zahir Post #2
"The Zahir stands for beings or things which have the terrible power to
be unforgettable, and whose image eventually drives people mad." Zahir
is money but apparently, some say it has power. Money is not powerful it
is what you do it with that gives you some sense of relief but I
would not describe it as power, evil but not power. When one becomes
obsessed with money nothing can replace it or be as important and so
one strives to get more to satisfy their hunger for power. Money takes
such a hold and is capable of destroying lives.

The power of the coin is so powerful that it is thought that if one
focuses on it unendingly that perhaps finally behind the coin is God.
The truth is that God cannot be found behind any object, nor can one
focus on an object and make it powerful, it is merely a state of
mind.

Daniel Dennett Post #3
Daniel Dennett begins to speak with a extremely bold statement. He
talks about a type of person called "brights." He states that a bright
does not believe in life after death, ghosts, or even God. According to
Dennett God is invented by man to explain what he can not deal with or
can not explain. He believes that it is the duty of the "brights" to
come out of the closet, and it is also their duty to save humanity.
He seems to go off in different directions all of the time. He
continues to touch on a wide variety of subjects throughout this piece.
He also believes that someday robots will become conscious.

I found this piece very confusing at times. There is no way to change
or explore and possible differences with Dennett, he simply does not
allow it. I don't particularly agree with his ideas. I think that it is
important to believe in God and to know that there is a higher place
that you can go to in order to work things out and find comfort.
Everything happens for a reason and I don't think that Dennett takes
that into consideration.

A Free Man’s Worship Post #4
Bertrand Russell states that man is free "to examine, to criticize, to
know, and in imagination to create." Man is free to do this and yet at
the end when death comes none of it matters, nothing that he has
accumulated or learned is important. He is powerless in an imperfect
world. We often worry about have much we have and what will happen to
it when we are gone, but our time will have run out and the decisions
that we worry about so much will be answered by someone else who will
think that this is all so important.

According to Russell, we should be thankful of the short time that we
are given to explore and wonder. We should realize that we are merely
atoms that will return to its original state and the only thing that
will matter is that we were here and not what we did, or thought, or
tried to be. We are fortunate should we find happiness if even for a
short period of time and realize that we are blessed.

Ramana Maharshi Post #5
This wasn't at all what I was expecting, while I was prepared to see a
lecture, instead it was almost a travel film. It was extremely
interesting to be able to see comparisons between the Eastern and
Western culture. This is the story of his travels and his exploration
into the philosophy of the nature of self. He was into self-realization
and worshiped and followed by many.

Apparently he was a quiet man and yet he was well known. People saw "in
him a union with God." And so he would not speak or tend to the needs
of his own body. He spent his hours meditating, not eating and not
talking. He died quietly at Arunachala with none of the signs of death
and passed quietly.

Faqir Chand Post #6
Faqir Chand is in the Radhaswami Faith. According to this faith there
are different stages. Not only are there different stages but different
colors and sounds. Apparently, since he had been through all of it, it
finally led him to reality, which in turn led him to become a guru. He
believes that everything that we see within people is nothing more than
an illusion.

If what Chand believes is true then aren't we all nothing more than
fake in all aspects of what we do and believe? You can't be an illusion
in your thoughts,and actions and truly be of some importance in
existence. An illusion is nothing more than an image of what we would
hope to be but are not.

Digital Baba Post #7
Digital Baba why? It is almost pointless when you think about it. Why
do people seek out others to confirm what they already know about
themselves? Gurus are not God, they do not have any power except for
the power that those who follow them give them. They only confirm what
you already say.

How sad is it that some people can waste their time and energy to go to
a guru to ask what they know. These people are only so unsure of
themselves that they need what they believe confirmed by those who are
no better than they are and in some cases not even as good as they are.
You need to believe in who you are with the knowledge and love you have
for yourself. You need to stand up for yourself and who you are. There
was a phrase on the wall of my third grade classroom all year long that
simply said "You have to stand up for what is right even when you stand
alone." The truth that I have found is that when you do that you are
not alone.

11. Steven Pinker believes that evolution is important in order to understand human behavior because some of the genetic differences are small and others are not. However, the smallest change is able to make a great change throughout evolution. This creates divergence and can lead to the development of other types of traits that were not present in a different time of evolution. Some of the notable changes are the making of tools for survival and the beginnings of language.

12. Evolution is “a gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form” according to The American Heritage Dictionary. Philosophy according to The American Heritage Dictionary is “investigation of the nature, causes, or principals of reality, knowledge, or values based on logical reasoning rather than empirical methods.” So when one looks at the evolution of something they are then able to evaluate the changes as they relate to the cause and effect.

13. Francis Crick states that man has no soul. Man also has no spiritual self according to Crick. According to Crick, “What we take to be the soul, is nothing more than a complex network of neurons.” Therefore, we are just inventing something that does not exist.

14. The issues mainly for the neuro-ethical argument for vegetarianism is the killing of animals. The animals are living being with emotions and feelings and a part of a type of family. One of the issues is that being a vegetarian promotes better health and longer life. However, the way that this piece was presented leaves a lot to be desired. There is a better way to try to convince people not to eat meat rather than reverting to horror.

15. According to Wilbur there are four quadrants, intentional, behavioral, cultural, and social which are all based on a hierarchy level. However, according to Searle there are states of consciousness, but you should not get them confused with attention. Which one do I buy I think that is Wilbur’s approach. The reason is how can you say that conscious does not continue when you sleep. I think that consciousness continues at all times. I also think that is a part of attention.

16. “A Glorious Piece of Meat” is about our brain and consciousness and how it relates. It also takes into account awareness, and neurons as how they work together. As it states, “ And then if it turns out that you are just stuff, that your brain is just meat, then wanting to be different isn’t going to change it.”

17. Sam Harris states that even the religions can’t agree with each other. He sees religion as the basis for destruction and ruin throughout the world. I am not sure that he truly has a strong argument against religion, he states that the religions fight against one another, however the Bible states that there will be those who disbelieve. One comment he made was in regards to having a diamond in his backyard, however I don’t think that even that can stand. I don’t think that Harris is capable of truly looking at the Bible to read and see how it relates to what is happening to the world today. As the Bible says there will be those among us who will try to turn believers away from the word perhaps Harris is one of them.

18. “On the Genealogy of Morals” contains three essays, and each of the essays has its own theme. The first essay is based on two moral codes – knightly aristocratic and slave morality. The first group is rulers and have power, the second priests and Jews. These people condemn the money/power. The second essay deals with guilt and conscience. According to Nietzsche “our concept of guilt originally had no moral overtones” according to http://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/nietzsche/section4.rhtml The third essay deals with the way of looking at things. Nietzsche says it is important to look at things from all points of view. This is a way of giving someone a feeling of power. This section is given the name asceticism and this section addresses religion. This deals with man’s will against life, man would rather do something than do nothing.

19. Gandhi believes in ahimsa because it is non violence. According to this theory it is the greatest weapon against weapons of destruction. It is a complete way of life that requires non violence in all aspects of life regardless of the situation. It is “a universal principle and its operation is not limited by a hostile environment” according to http://www.mkgandhi-sarvodaya.org/amabrothres/chap04.htm .

20. Nietzche’s myth of eternal recurrence has validity, what goes around comes around. Many things or behaviors or situations repeat themselves in future generations. Children who once said they would never raise their children the way they were raised find themselves doing the exact same patterns. It is possible to break the pattern and to venture out into untested areas, but it is easier to follow the safety zone that has already been tried. New areas where the theories are untried are frightful and difficult to go forward.

21. “Flame On” in my opinion is a piece on how we are all exploited through the use of sexual means in some cases. We are led to believe in the perfect body, the perfect relationship and much more. It shows how things that we view or hear can be deceptive through ads. We are influenced more than we think by the media and what we see and hear. These things can cause us to change our entire way of life because we are led to believe in the fantasy.

22. Daniel Dennett states that he is a “bright.” A bright is a “person with a naturalist as opposed to a super naturalist world view” according to http://www.edge.org/3rd_culture/bright/bright_index.html. Brights do not believe in God of any other type of what they would call figment of the imagination such as Santa, the Easter Bunny, etc. They disagree on more than what they agree on. Brights are a minority that according to Dennett need protection from the rest.

23. “A Free Man’s Worship” is based on a simple outline. Man is the product of all causes, next nothing can be preserved beyond the grave, morality grows while all in the world is not good , there is a constant battle of self and good and evil. This piece is more of a study on the life of Russell and his ongoing battle within and his doubt of God.

24. Inner visions and running trains is a short study on how one views what they think they se as opposed to what it really is. Without even thinking that the other army was not coming to kill them, they had made a judgment that was not accurate. Finally when over they proclaimed a man as to have saved them who did not deserve to be worshiped. When we go to God for the right reason truth is revealed to those who truly see and it is through that one that the others see, unfortunately, they do not see the right picture.

25. Nicholas of Cusa describes “learned ignorance” as the more you know the more you are unknowing. I think that may people think that there are subjects in which they consider themselves knowledgeable and yet it only takes one question to make someone realize that they actually know nothing. Knowledge and the search for it is never ending, it takes wisdom to know that you are in fact ignorant.

26. Neural Darwinism is the theory of neuronal group selection. One of the main points of this is that there is a major difference between an instructional system as opposed to selectional system. Information from the environment is used in the instructional system. The Second Nature as described by Gerald Edelman is basically what you lose when sleeping, in a coma, etc. and what you regain when you awake.

27. Why turn vegetarian? I don’t think that movie would want to change to be a vegetarian. According to http://acu-cell.com/veg.html those who follow a strict vegetarian diet are not as healthy and have more medical issues. The best diet is a mixed diet and plenty of exercise.

28. The turning point in Ramana Maharshi’s life came in 1895 with a vision of death and contemplation of death.

29. My favorite expert lecture was Lisa Randall and Edward Wilson.

30. Favorite movie was Java Philosophy

31. Favorite reading was Gandhi’s Non Violence

32. The most unusual thing that I learned this term, actually isn’t unusual at all. I have never taken a philosophy class before and now I have a great respect for the subject, don’t necessarily agree with it all but found it interesting.