But that's perfect for reading!richardtod wrote:Sod it! I think I'll take up fishing instead.
Don't be daunted, like you say, its just reading. Its the writing of the essays that was the bastard!
But that's perfect for reading!richardtod wrote:Sod it! I think I'll take up fishing instead.
I always found it advisable to read nothing; it only confuses one, if you must read something, there is much virtue philosophic in brevity!Arising_uk wrote:But that's perfect for reading!richardtod wrote:Sod it! I think I'll take up fishing instead.
Don't be daunted, like you say, its just reading. Its the writing of the essays that was the bastard!
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=10436If you are to be a true philosopher...
Read a few books, whatever attract your attention, ingrain what you learn into your life, into each moment, let philosophy change your reality. Let your chosen philosophy impact & change your being. That would be the next step, if you would choose to be a philosopher.
Brevity is not nothing.rantal wrote:I always found it advisable to read nothing; it only confuses one, if you must read something, there is much virtue philosophic in brevity!
The problem with this approach is its just seeking confirmation for what you already believe whereas a philosophical education, i.e. pretty much reading the canon, forces you to confront your beliefs and then decide which to choose, or even make your own.Bill Wiltrack wrote:If you are to be a true philosopher...
Read a few books, whatever attract your attention, ingrain what you learn into your life, into each moment, let philosophy change your reality. Let your chosen philosophy impact & change your being. That would be the next step, if you would choose to be a philosopher.
They have their admirers as they have their detractors. In his own time Socrates was ridiculed in the play The Clouds by Aristophanes. (http://classics.mit.edu/Aristophanes/clouds.html). He was convicted by a jury of 500 on charges of impiety and corrupting the youth, largely because he was an elitist snob and supporter of Sparta with which Athens had been at war on and off for most of Socrates' life. The fact that he was an apologist for the ruling classes, while stressing his own humility, made him very popular with the aristocracy who were keen to spread his message, which Plato, an aristocrat, duly did. The humility and acceptance of authority is common with the way the message of Jesus was interpreted by the later ruling elite of Rome when they established the Roman Catholic church. Nietzsche is perhaps the most outspokenly anti-christian philosopher.Bill Wiltrack wrote:Two of the most widely known philosophers and in addition the most respected philosophers in the entire history of man are Jesus and Socrates.
I don't know of any list, but in the Phaedo Socrates says: 'I seized the books and read them as fast as I could in my eagerness to know the better and the worse.' http://classics.mit.edu/Plato/phaedo.1b.txt Many of the Platonic dialogues are named after a philosopher that Socrates engages. There isn't enough information on J.C's early years to say whether he did or did not read.Bill Wiltrack wrote:Please list the books that it has been documented that Jesus read & provide a solid link for reference.
Books that Jesus read:
Please list the books that it has been documented that Socrates read & provide a solid link for reference.
Books that Socrates read:
The reputation of both is due to the books written about them.Bill Wiltrack wrote:In addition, would you please list the books that it has been documented that Jesus wrote & provide a solid link for reference.
Books that Jesus wrote:
Please list the books that it has been documented that Socrates wrote & provide a solid link for reference.
Books that Socrates wrote:
You don't need to pay any cash out to learn Philosophy. The magazine is quite good, but sadly this website is a poor representation of it due to the generally poor quality of posts; the hopelessly unphilosophical level of argumentation; and the polemical and uninformed ideological assertions that seem to be judged by who can shout the longest and write the last word.richardtod wrote:Many years ago (about 40 years actually) I read "Thinking to Some Purpose" by Prof Susan Stebbings. I already had an interest in politics and her book showed me how to question what I read or heard. I became disillusioned by the nonsense, lies and obvious twisted logic used by the media and many politicians in support of their arguments. The lack of any real attempt to teach children how to question and challenge became another source of frustration when I was a school governor.
My eyes were opened to philosophy when I read "Sophie's World" by Jostein Gaarder about 12 years ago. Since then I found it hard enough just to earn a living that studying Philosophy was out of the question.
Today I have just turned 63 and have decided I want, and have the time, to study philosophy. I cannot afford a course in the subject but I have always been self taught and see no reason why I cannot do so with philosophy. After all, where did Socrates study? (No I am not comparing myself to Socrates)
I have bought Bertrand Russell's "History of Western Philosophy", Ordered the magazine "Philosophy Now" and joined this forum. I am looking forward to the new challenges this incredible field of study offers and hope to make many friends during my journey.
Russell did not have a great appreciation of Nietzsche, and did not understand him well - but then Nietzsche did not always understand himself either.richardtod wrote:Perhaps I should start with Neitzsche before I am "contaminated"by the rest then read Russell to find out what Neitzche is arguing about. Thanks for your support everyone. I have a headache already.rantal wrote:Nietzsche stands between the English and the continental school, in my opinion and foreshadows if not originates the overthrown of systematic philosophy that became the English schoolArising_uk wrote:
Although a great read I'd not start with Nietzsche as without the context of who he was replying to he can be difficult to understand.
Philosophy is pretty much a punctuated 2500 year-old conversation so its worth starting at the beginning to get the basics.
Overviews like Russells are also useful but theres nothing like reading the actual philosophers. On that point I'd also read Russells "The Problems of Philosophy" - nice, short book.
all the best, rantal
Jesus had no understanding and no appreciation of Philosophy, Bill.Bill Wiltrack wrote:.
Two of the most widely known philosophers and in addition the most respected philosophers in the entire history of man are Jesus and Socrates.
.
The lack of any real attempt to teach children how to question and challenge became another source of frustration when I was a school governor.
I believe I am too.Bill Wiltrack wrote:First of all, I want you to be right. And for you yourself, I believe you are correct.
Not at all, life has never looked better.You have had a rough time in the barrel lately. This time now I hope will be rest, relaxation, & and recovery for you.
Dream on, its all pretty much hearsay.Two of the most widely known philosophers and in addition the most respected philosophers in the entire history of man are Jesus and Socrates.
You're projecting your own issues upon me.Here is to the beginning of your recovery & redirection!