what do YOU think philosophy is?

I was mostly implying that all parts of ourselves must (without necessarily finding an answer) try to understand each other before expecting a result in ones philosophizing. The simple yet complex act of seeking for balance is a needed component in order to shun away foolishness and irrationality when practicing philosophy.

Precisely...Although I disagree with the deceiving ourselves bit. One must know there is no absolute or assured answer in order for one to search wisely and without cowardice. Once you are aware of this, there is little room for deception. Any form of deception that would occur is automatically dismissed by instinct without the knowledge of it ever being there. Any wise and prepared mind transforms this would-have-been deception into a piece of new knowledge, a new light, a new path, a new subject to approach but most of all, a new-found tool to use throughout ones journey.

 

But understanding the parts of the self is a result in philosophy. Circular, non?

How is it wise to search for something if you've already come to the ultimate conclusion that there are no answers? Seems like the search is already over once you've come to that conclusion. A conclusion which, by the way, I wholeheartedly disagree with. Once you've concluded that there is no absolute answer, thus any truth whatsoever apart from the subjective, all fear must necessarily cease to exist. That true for all fear except one fear. The fear of the mightier. After such a conclusion as you would have us seek, we must ultimately agree that might makes right.

You've confused the common sensical among us.

 

Let me rephrase that.

There is no universal answer. Truth is a very personal thing. Ones found truth is no one elses but his very own.

 

philosophy is thinking.

 

How sure of that are you? Is "truth is a very personal thing. Ones found truth is no on elses by his very own." a universal truth? That is to say, a truth for everyone?

The second you admit that there is no universal answer you have denied yourself the ability to say that anything is true or false, in fact, you have taken all meaning away from the words. Now there is nothing left but mere opinion, and none are better than others. The rapist is the same as the policeman, the sinner is the saint, etc, etc.

And what of self evident truths? They have universal truth that can not be denied. For example. A whole piece of paper is greater than any of its parts. That is a universal truth that is self evident and the same for everyone except liars and lunatics. How do you deal with those types of statements?

 

We're talking about two entirely different things. I was reffering to ones inner truth.

 

How are they different?

 

Universal Fact and Inner Truth...

 

Yes. I understand that. I was looking for a little more substance, though. As the difference is anything but obvious, obviously.

Perhaps a definition of each?

 

One can be proven and agreed on by everyone. The other simply can't.

 

Might we call one the realm of the Physical and the other the realm of the Spiritual?

 

YES

 

Then back to the original problem. The idea that the spiritual might be trying to understand the physical is now made impossible because we have determined that the physical is comprised of self evident universal truths and the spiritual is comprised of subjectivity. A little further explanation is needed please.

 

And this my friend, is quite possibly one of your Inner Truths...It's all relative to how each of our minds function. Personally i don't see how this makes it impossible for each element to cooperate.

 

I see a paradox in the subjective striving to understand the objective that isn't present in the objective striving to understand the subjective. They can perfectly coexist, but they are of the same thing. I wouldn't call one spiritual and the other physical, I'd call them both physical.

 

and thus goes philosophy.....

 

Should we leave our initials now?

 

ahahah probably our full names

 

uhh wow.. i didn't need thatttt much.. lol

i just needed two simple answers.

 

you guys pretty much just illustrated the point i was trying to make in the beginning. the thing is, the physical and spiritual are the same. the difference we feel is that which exists between our logical, restless, grasping minds and our core being. philosophy seems to be the minds attempt to describe the silent truth. this cannot be done perfectly, as our minds are imperfect. all of this searching, frustration and arguing can only lead to more of the same or to the end of itself. the end comes when you see the futility of the search and just let things be as they are. then, all of a sudden, things start to make sense all on their own. we see that existance is perfect and allow the light to enter us. illumination. enlightenment. etc.