Philosophy Articles

Silent Philosophy The world is full of critics – there has never been a shortage of critics! If you ever try to do something new you will definitely attract critics. The words of critics can take away all our inspiration and leave us wondering how to respond. However, if we can respond with silence, we maintain a great dignity. The critic wishes to provoke us, but by maintaining silence we are showing that it is beneath our dignity to respond to their false criticisms. It is like they are trying to give us something, but by refusing to accept their gift, the negativity remains ... Read Full Story

  Consider Socrates’ choice to join the army and constrain himself to the dicispline and regulations of the army in defense of Athens. he made a choice to submit to those constraints because he made a principled value judgment that it was worth giving up some of his freedom and comfort in support of a higher value for him: defense of Athenian democracy. I dont equate a “philosophical life” with a life of complete autonomy and unlimited choice. The philosophica;l life is worthwhile precisely because it helps us make the tough tradeoffs in a way that are consistent with our values. Your decision to ... Read Full Story

I think it can be, but not necessarily so, especially in the West with its materialistic and secular values. Example: I know people for whom military service is a passion, some for whom it is a profession, some for whom it is employment, some for whom it was better than time in jail. Some find the military as an option when there may not be other options around. Some seek ewxcitement and thrills; some serve out of a sense of dty and tradition to family. For them, service is expected. Some enter from a sense of drama, some are seeking…something. I know some for ... Read Full Story

Hadot’s discussion of philosophy as a way of life Hadot emphasizes that philosophers live in the space between the gods and the unconscious masses. He describes philosophy as a searching and a striving for perfection in thought and deed, for excellence (arête) in living. He asserts that The gods have no need for philosophy, since they already manifest perfection in their being and are never out of that state. The masses, being unconscious of the potential or need for improvements in their thoughts and deeds, exist at an unconscious level, manifesting their unrefined human nature. They also have no need for philosophy. The philosophers ... Read Full Story

Release and enhance your intellectual side with FORA.tv. What a line up of broadcast speakers! Donald Trump, Salmon Rushdie, Michael Bloomberg, Sam Gosling, with topics covering Africa, Globalization, Peace and Conflict, The Muslim World, Culture, Business, Science, and Politics. Enjoy Salmon Rushdies discussion of Machiavelli and how profound a human need it is to have your story told. http://fora.tv/2008/06/18/A_Conversation_with_Salman_Rushdie I was listening to Salmon Rushdie through FORA.tv speak about Machiavelli and the whole theory "shoot the messenger" rap Machiavelli got after he watched and observed power and wrote about power. Machiavelli's home town was Florence, Italy. Salmon Rushdie was commenting how Machiavelli was not ... Read Full Story