Having a philosophical discussion

[VideCorSpoon]

Well, most those things you mention are personal hypotheticals. Though they make sense to you, they would not make much sense to anybody else if they were not inclined to think the way you do and have the knowledge that you have.

I think in those instances, you have to "bring yourself down" to their level and work your way back up to the abstract level. I have found a few people on this very forum who, though they post on a philosophical forum, resist abstract thinking.

But I think everybody thinks abstractly in their own different ways. The tough part is trying to make everyone's relative abstract processes sync together.

As to philosophy in school, they really should. To tell the truth, an education a hundred years ago was not complete unless you were adequately versed in philosophy.

[WhatIsEverything]

Very True. I have all of these theories but i just need to find that ability to sync it with people. The only responses i get on sites are scientific, but that is itself man made. I want to think beyond that but i guess not alot of people can . Sometimes it makes me feel like the stupid one.

[VideCorSpoon]

Whatiseverything,

Peculiar how that always plays out… that someone would deliver a scientific answer to an abstract question. That always seems to be the problem. A problem with incompatible software. Philosophers are the Zune to the popular and common iPod. LOL! But I suppose it’s the normal road to travel, but that kinda defeats the whole purpose of abstract reasoning when you encounter a staunch scientific theory in an abstract venue. Personally, I have found it amusing how there have been so many threads lately on scientific thoughts or conjecture yet have no viable substance to them. I reminds me of a particular point in Gulliver’s Travels where Gulliver reaches the academy and runs into a philosopher/academic trying to “extract sun from cucumbers.” I have to admit, there have been some times when the pseudo-scientific thoughts become too painful to read at times.

But then again, I think that’s why a place such as this is a good place to be. I originally joined to keep my critical skills sharp and what I had learned in university fresh, but I have encountered something far more different. What I had learned in school was not really the average persons take on philosophy, it was an academically biased system of philosophy. It was I who had lost touch… not the other way around. It has been greatly fascinating to see the informal side of philosophy… and the sheer resistance to the formal. It’s honestly very refreshing. In that respect, I think I have a new appreciation for philosophy. Philosophy is not just for those with historical knowledge and notions, but really for people who want to genuinely figure out an abstract idea, whatever that may be. You search for a better abstract discussion is a good one.

LOL! How jaded I must seem.

[WhatIsEverything]

Thank you. See our thought path aren't completely similar but you understand my way of thinking. You see that you don't need to understand everything I'm saying you just understand what I'm getting at. Some people think philosophy is the study of ancient idealists but it is actually being an idealist yourself. Thinking of life, the world, the universe and everything else in a whole new perspective. It seems you understand that. It annoys me when people can only think and talk about what they've learned from books. Yet you have to admit. Thinking like this is... i guess the word would be mind blowing.

[jgweed]

Formal and informal logic should be taught at as early a stage as is practical, as it sharpens one's ability to think correctly and critically.
Perhaps at a later stage, one should be allowed to read literature that has a philosophical ground or presents what one would call philosophical questions. Animal Farm or Lord of the Flies comes to mind.
Since much of the modern world has been influenced, particularly in ethics and politics, by the great philosophers, it seems that some acquaintance with their writings is a part of a sound education. For those with an interest or an aptitude for the discipline of philosophy, one can investigate the many courses most universities provide where it can be studied more intensely.

[Holiday20310401]

Unfortunately Lord of the Flies is in the curriculum I have, for grade ten. It does have some philosophical implications but really, it was such a boring and complete waste of my time.

There are way better books, and maybe students would actually read more if they were introduced to modern books in the curriculum instead of the 75 year old book that since they have no philosophical grounds, can find no relation or interest to.

I regret reading all the books throughout school as a waste of time except for the shakespeare, and 1984. Why not have us read asimov or something. Or maybe a recent book, like a just published this year kinda book.