Philosophy is all about recognizing the forces that shaped you and trying to peep beyond them. — frank

But is it really? If one is aware, truly, of what shapes not only one's self but the entire world, is it not something perhaps a bit more internal? :chin:

You know, when I first realized that Christians lied — Paula Tozer

Let's put this idea and heartfelt feeling into generational context. Such was felt thousands, if not tens of thousands of years ago.

When good men claimed to make a "government" to repel the evils and ills of human existence: death, violence, robbery, rape, crime, etc.

Most were formed in good intent. But unfortunately., just like every Kingdom formed by the Rule and Power of a Just King. He, at least his body, is still mortal, and so will one day pass away, just like the lowliest thief. We attempt to have education, and more often than not it provides more or less the attempt is was envisioned to. But. There's always the possibility of a bad apple.

So, did "random kingdom xyz" that in fact prevented untold and unfathomable amounts of suffering and led to countless arrests and executions of those unfit to live moral life... such a great legacy, "lie" because it succumbed to the fate all human institutions inevitably succumb to. Corruption? I think not. But it's a fair assessment. And why things are, just a bit different now, shall we say.

You are extremely toxic, annoying, impolite, sarcarstic, off topic constantly, you keep making overly long sentences(I meant messages), and generally rude. — Illuminati

I am, in fact, none of these things. What I am, generally is unrelenting, ferocious, dedicated, and above all, pious. Toward, like I said ideas not the persons who hold such ideas. Now, if you hold such easily disproved ideas as part of your identity, that will rightfully initiate a hostility or aggression response in your brain. This is basic knowledge. If these things trouble you, it is perhaps you who are these traits you claim to project on others who shine a light on your darkness, darkness that is falsehood you have embraced as truth. Everything just short of fear and admission that all you know is wrong, and therefore, all your choices are much of the same.

But, I'm not one to degrade. I'm one to lift up. So let's analyze this, rationally. If I be wrong, I'm wrong and it is fo no consequence to you. But... oh, but, if I may be correct, it is not you who resists the Truth I not only try but fight (risk to my own presence here) to bring to you, at all costs. Nevertheless, both options being plausible, why does it worry you such? This is just a random site, not a very popular one, frankly. So what is it that truly excites or rather concerns you? Only you can answer that. Or can you? Perhaps you wish a greater truth that only others can offer. And if that be true, all you need is ask. I hope you remember this, my good acquaintance...

I wont be answering any of your messages from now on. — Illuminati

Best course of action when painted into a corner by your own material. :snicker:

Colours are signals that are interpreted by your brain, they do not exist as "colours" in nature. What we call colours is a relation of particles. — Illuminati

This is a largely prevailing truth in many areas of philosophy and consciousness specifically, yes.

Now, for the sake of argument, that does mean, perhaps a more advanced species would process colors in a higher form by their intrinsic physical presence than we as humans do. You don't know that. It's only realistic to say "well sure, maybe there's a boogeyman under my bed that has supernatural powers." Which is understandable, why imagine that which cannot be proven. Oh wait. Except, for the fact. That one small fact. The entire scientific method and every resulting discovery was a result of imagining that perhaps, just perhaps, there's more to know than is currently know. This idea, this so called "rudeness" or "ignorance", was actually the spark that led to the culmination of every great invention, including what allows us to communicate today. So fancy that!

But let's continue. What, therefore, is "not" a relation of particles? Can you name something that you can't sophomore-ically reduce into something uselessly simple? What is the idea of me and you speaking but a relation of particles in the brain? What is your idea of your first name and the address of your house and the memory of who your parents are but a mere "relation of particles."

So you describe the phenomena, but fail to offer a reasoning for it. Don't you get it? Yours is a tired generation. A type that takes what you're given as if it were a King's feast whilst simultaneously taking applause like a needle. Neurosis! Pure neurosis is what this lack of understanding proliferates.

I'm sorry, you're clearly provocative and you unleash that quality in myself. Perhaps we're kindred spirits. I apologize, if you feel it necessary. But let us continue on. To brave the true new frontier. Whatever it may be.

For example PH is defined as a way to tell how acidic or basic a liquid is by measuring tiny charged hydrogen particles, pure water naturally splits into equal amounts of hydrogen and hydroxide ions, giving it a neutral pH of 7, the midpoint on the scale that runs from 0 (very acidic, lots of hydrogen ions) to 14 (very basic, few hydrogen ions).

This means that "PH" is not "made of" PH instead it consists of a relation between particles, laws of physics and etc.

Do you understand so far? Do you have any questions or disagree with something? — Illuminati

This is all well and good. But it doesn't really "add" anything to the table. And has little to no relevance to this OP of pseudo or quasi-spiritual essence.

Sure, 1 plus 1 is 2. That's fine. Which is all the pH example offers, in bare essence. But again, there's 1,001 random claims in the esoteric non-scientific (and in my opinion non-philosophic) near-rambling the OP offers. None of which is satiated or placated, let alone rationally proven.

You're basically like "1 +1 = 2, water is 2 particles hydrogen one oxygen, oh and by the way there's this crazy one singularity that has nothing to do with any of that, but it somehow does, for some reason, but i can't or otherwise refuse to prove it. Therefore, logic!"

It's just not good form, dude. It's just not good form.

Are you getting emotional again? — Illuminati

My patience is as eternal as the winds and waves of this realm. My understanding as far and unyielding as the deepest valleys and fjords.

Once again the topic of my post is the One — Illuminati

No, your topic of your post is your specific, lone (and as many would say, randomly specific and possibly incorrect) understanding of "the One."

Just so we're on the same page. So now. Let's go from there.

Explain it to someone who has no idea or understanding of the concept as you do. If you can, of course. Unless it's just more dogma. Uselessness disguised as anything but.

all your questions are off topic — Illuminati

Dude. I like jokes as much as the next guy. But you're pushing the limits.

Lilterally my questions in bold:

are the ideas and concepts or beliefs expressed simply for entertainment or do they offer tangible benefit?

Specifically, how have they benefited you?

Either you don't know what English sentences are, or you're really, and i mean, REALLY, pushing your limits here bub.

All you have to do is say "I don't know" or "I have no idea", "I have no point I'm just regurgitating text of which I have no other understanding of" and be done with it.

This... thing. This lie, you keep trying to prop up despite it not catching any wind in the proverbial sails. It's frustrating. First, the idea you actually be serious about it, yet are so cognitively disassociated with reality that the idea of straight and continual non-answers seems normal. Otherwise, hey, I like pranks too. It's fun to waste peoples time and watch them seriously invest real effort, energy, and emotion into what they assume is a person in need of guidance. But it gets old dude.

Please, once again. How has your life been changed by reading, understanding, and embracing the ideas your OP contains? Can you even describe them without copying and pasting the same sentences that have sat there stagnant for ages? Do you even know what you're talking about? Is the real question. It's hard to tell if you even do if you can't answer such simple questions and offer every single runaround tactic in the book in lieu of a straight answer.

Oh my, have myself and OP have been having a good (and pleasant, might I add) conversation in the Private Message function. Which he initiated, of course (by the way). Nice for someone to reach out to me on this platform for once, quite frankly. :lol:

Anyway, to summarize I have since apologized and explained that when one makes a foolish argument they are in fact a "fool" in that specific moment and context, no different than when one enters a running shower they become "wet" and when they remove themselves form said shower (let's compare the shower to ignorance) they are no longer "wet", per se.

Oh my, you should see our pleasantries and nonchalant back and forths in PM. Like giddy little school girls we giggle and discuss truths and virtue. Not really. That's mostly just me.

But anyway, as he requested. To ask "the question" which, I mean, I swore was simple enough. Perhaps not.

Let me do my best to ask it again.

It's just so difficult seeing as it's a book. So, let me offer one line of text, and one simple question if that line of text fails to encapsulate the idea of the text in anyone's mind.

Imagine two people. One who studies, knows, and believes the idea and concepts this text offers. And one person who does not.

What benefit does the one who knows, studies, and believes the ideas and concepts have over the other?

Is the other damned? Or unfortunate? Or some kind of word you know you shouldn't say because it would be ridiculed? I'm curious.

Is it just for fun? The concepts offered? No different than learning a quick life hack that may or may not offer some benefit, somehow, someday?

I suppose, in short: are the ideas and concepts or beliefs expressed simply for entertainment or do they offer tangible benefit? And if so, what are these benefits that others can hope to (perhaps possibly) gain in their own life by embracing (or understanding)?

Specifically, how have they benefited you? What difference in your life has their been since their discovery? And, as a bonus, how can one be sure they weren't simply side effects of knowledge and life experience in general? :chin:

I haven't read that one actually. I've only read "Infocracy". I'm a bit sceptical that the book you mention is that close to my essay in content, but I am tempted to read it to check. — Baden

[4 hours later]

So, I've read about half of that book already — Baden

Props. Or yikes. :grimace:

Hard to tell. Bit envious of the schedule, access to resources, and quality of life, if nothing else. :razz:

If you were polite I would have answered just like I did with everyone else who messaged me. — Illuminati

You will not find a single example of any post in this discussion, even remotely possible, I might add, as "rude", as my reply is to the IDEA expressed. So this is you first introducing a hint of hostility for simply wishing to gain knowledge. This makes you an enemy of the spirit of philosophy, in case you were not aware.

Remember, I don't know you. Frankly, I don't even know you really even exist and aren't some sort of robot. I am attacking/attempting to disprove an IDEA, that is posted on this free debate forum. Not you. I couldn't care less whether or not you think this idea is definitive of you or representative of you or anything you care about or not. Because it's not. It's an idea. At this point, it is completely independent of you and therefore has nothing to do with you. No different than a random note card being placed in front of my view. This is a basic fundamental understanding in philosophical debate you should know about, yet exhibit clear signs you do not.

There is ignorance. There are mistakes. These are often misconstrued as some sort of negative ill-will or that which is "rudeness", but, they're not.

This is not a "polite" forum, this is a "philosophy" forum. I was polite. The problem is some cultist people think anything that is a direct opposition to ingrained falsehood is "impolite". No, it's "insensitive", to those who find sensitivity in false self-worth. And if you are one of them, I apologize. But I will not allow you to trap others in such clearly miserable states of being where one can't even respond to a simple question without unwarranted malice. That's sickness. It's a disease. If not, let us move on and revert to the same unanswered question.

What is the "point" of this philosophy you wish to share with others? What does it "do"? What misfortunes or negative outcomes and experiences will those who are ignorant of it likely experience?

It's a simple question. Gone unanswered. Which again, proves the point that others greater than me have made. It's not logical. But beyond even that, it's non-beneficial. And that which is non-beneficial, is, a burden. A blight. A plague. Why would you knowingly unleash this upon us good folk here?

See, in a word, you're mesmerized. The way I child becomes upon looking into a kaleidoscope for the first time. But guess what? You keep looking at it. You realize. It's nothing mesmerizing.

Now, of course. I could simply be wrong. So, answer the simple question. What does this text or the summarized knowledge of said text offer to those who read it versus those who remain ignorant of it, in life? Can you not do that? It's quite simple.

Why must everything have a point? — MrLiminal

No one said everything must. That which is meaningless, simply disppaears as it should. This is fine. In fact, demanded by those who know a life without meaning, or, shall I say, "the life unexamined", is without worth and so inevitably becomes little more than a burden to that which does have worth.

Specifically, in the context of an online post on a forum with specific rules that basically say everything just short of "your post has to have a point" AKA "not be spam". I mean, the rules are self-evident.

Until OP explains why this post and the writing of this so called book he claims to be related to (which is still unproven), it's like if I just posted a new thread and posted all 255 of the widely-accepted colors in no particular order than what my favorite is (or may not be, since OP continues to refuse to offer at least some sort of personal guidance or preference and reason as to any idea offered).

Like, I can do that now, if you'd like. Maybe add some pseudo-intellectual padding and faux symbolism and we'd have two identical threads on the front page serving no real purpose other than to exist. Art and creativity, or even purposeless expression is fine, but again, a debate forum, as OP requested clarification of, specifically this forum, requires posts adhere to rules. And such rules invoke concepts. Such concepts I questioned OP about and he, at best, refused to answer.

Compare my OP and comments with your comment. Good luck. — Illuminati

So, you have no real point, essentially. Or at the very least cannot understand an idea enough to simplify it for those who wish to grasp it. Cool. All you had to do was say that. See, it wasn't so hard. :smile:

What are you going to "take" exactly? — Illuminati

Why, whatever I can fashion into helping me along on this difficult road of life, of course. What a silly inquiry. :smile:

Is this an argument against my point or a personal suggestion? — Illuminati

Neither, 'tis but a simple question. Or so I thought? Apologies. :confused:

Is this not a philophy forum and is not what Ive written philosophy? Am I in the wrong place or are you being rude because you cant grasp the meaning of what Ive written? — Illuminati

This is a philosophy forum. Where ideas are put onto the chopping block and attacked without mercy. Truth survives, anything else does not. Did you not know this? I see no rudeness in the mere idea of one being confused and so asking questions so as to remedy such confusion. Do you not seek to remedy confusion or merely make those already less fortunate than yourself feel even worse. This is weird. What I and many and most would call "rude", actually. Say I cannot understand. Do you insult those who wish to become like yourself? Who in your life and childhood established this pattern in your psyche as normal? It is not normal, I will make sure you know. And you can escape from it. If you only believe and respond as you would wish to be responded to. Is such a concept so lost in your mind? Surely it is not. So please. Come now. Think. Take a deep breath. And be the person you wish to be. To educate those who do not know what they wish to know, that you do know, or so you say?

We were all young and naive once. Surely you do not consider all children or those not as intelligent as you as "rude" simply for asking natural questions. Do you? :confused:

I'll take it from here.

What is your "point", OP. These concepts and mental "discoveries" (gymnastics, others will call) are surely fascinating, entertaining, if nothing else.

But what do you expect the average person to gain from knowing what you claim to know over those who will live and die in a state of relative ignorance of what you believe to know?

Sure, it's nice to know every single digit of pi. But... it doesn't really "do anything". Let alone offer any sort of benefit the layperson person can apply in their lives and the lives of those around them. So, tell me. Am I wrong? And if I am, please provide the concrete proof in simple handcrafted sentences and not a simply copy and paste that only suggests a unique (yet inherently useless) "intellectual resonance" with those who scream the same pattern, not unlike a bat and its sonar.

In effect, you are telling me to forget about having any freedom, because you don't have any. That might work on some people, but you can't pull the wool over my eyes. — Metaphysician Undercover

See this is interesting because, let us, say, take Pascel's "demon" (or whatever) where one knows what men cannot know. The Universe is, according to theory, constantly expanding, and as a result (or many results of said result) will, allegedly, succumb to "Heat Death."

This is a widely accepted scientific theory. Now, if we assume the idea or existence of this being or rather mindset of a being that either exists or can exist in another universe where the so-called "laws of physics" are different, even slightly. This fate can be skirted. At least in theory, and so, by definition, enters the territory of falsehood, despite it being a transient truth of one locale. No different than the rain forest is wet and the desert is dry. Wet and dry never become distinct concepts, simply our idea of the world around is simply is not quite all there is.

What I'm saying is, perhaps the speaker of the message is simply aware of the inevitable result of such, which, no matter how long it lasts (say X as freedom), it will inevitable turn into a certain state (say Y as lack of freedom).

Sure, he doesn't seem to offer much tangible evidence to that effect, but such is not required when it comes to hypothetical discussion or this flavor of philosophy.

In simple terms, say you're in a desert next to an oasis. The person is telling you that oasis, the water within, and as a result all life situated next to it that makes it unique from the barren desert-scape around it, is temporary. This is a fact. You consider what is temporary as a permanent concept, because, for all you know, and have ever known, it logically seems to be -- while the other person has seen that it is in fact, not. At least, that's a reasonable counter-argument to the aforementioned quote of yours.

In terms of the frequency of how we use different tenses. There is evidence that it effects foward planning. — I like sushi

Huh. Never noticed that before. Interesting. So, like, to use the previous example of mine, the frequency (or perhaps dispersion) of how one speaks (or watches themself speak?) "climbed" (past tense), "climbs" (active), or "(will) climb" (future) will result in a noticeable affect on the choices a person will make in regards to that idea, event, or topic? Or is that not right?

Is this evidence anecdotal or does it have some sort of reputable thesis or point of independent origin? It's interesting, just never heard of it before is all.

A bit like the difference between reading something happened 10 years ago is quite different to seeing it play out before your eyes -- it has a more immediate and real impact on you as it is sensory rather than conceptual. — I like sushi

Hmm. Well, if I understand it right, it seems only natural for their to be a difference in reception to, I don't know, say a man being killed in a hit and run that happened 10 years ago versus seeing a man literally killed in front of you, I mean, of course it would be more dramatic. That much seems common sense. But how does that relate to the premise or central focal point of your OP?

Psychologically, plenty of us go through life with the "bad things happen all over the world all the time but they could never happen to me" sort of skewed mindset, sure. It's the realization, during an event, tragedy, for one, that makes one realize "wow, that could have happened to me." Or I suppose as an inverse, if you read about someone winning the lottery or a friend posting on social media that they just have, for example.

Pardon any rambling, it's just really early where I come from and I'm trying to better understand the discussion in a more accurate and intimate detail.

So, let's take whatever fictional event (be it positive or negative, would the two be different?) say a volcano erupting or a man winning the lottery. When we read about either event 10 years ago, we consciously shrug it off as "yeah well that was a long time ago, I shouldn't have to worry about or be concerned about that." But if, of course, either of the two events were to occur in front of us, we would obviously come to realize "wow, these things could happen, perhaps I should be thinking more along the lines of these events as not just unlikely outliers of reality but real possibilities that can occur at any given moment." Is that a fair or at least relevant observation in regards to the topic you've brought up?

We have only lived at the start of this trajectory having access to written words for a century or so in a global sense. I am speculating about how current media technologies -- projected forwards a few centuries or millenia -- could influence our overall perception of time due to the historical access we will have receding into the past. — I like sushi

Okay, this I can understand (I think?) and actually think about fairly often myself! Though not directly related, some studies amount such to phenomenon that only exists in the modern age, concepts such as information overload, information explosion, analysis paralysis among others. But again that's more of an aside.

As I understand it, you believe (rather, it has been proven), the proliferation of intimate and highly-engaging historical data will kind of "cheapen" or, no, let me use a more neutral word, "skew" the perception of the world we live in (time as it relates to one's lifespan), in a negative (or at least possibly less than conducive to the human experience) way?

It has been shown that our use of tense in language does influence how we appreciate time and plan ahead. — I like sushi

To what degree? Help me understand. Some examples. Let's say: "I climbed Mt. Everest last year." Where the person has extensive video documentation of his expedition from start to finish. Now, compare or contrast that to a person who has never climbed a mountain but has watched the first person's video journals religiously. Now compare a third person, who has done neither but simply walked by Mt. Everest once or twice in their life.

What is the relationship or ability (or perhaps disability) between the three individuals in relation to the idea or premise your OP is discussing or otherwise wishes to explore?

this translate into an instantiated ability to project our thoughts and ideas further into the future as well as the past — I like sushi

I can't quite say I understand or agree with this. There's some buzzword Latin term for it, I'm sure. I don't know it. But, in simple words, everything that goes on inside your mind is completely detached and non-relevant to the world outside it. I mean, unless you're some sort of super being. If so, how nice. But generally speaking, seeing videos of events of the past, while it can offer insight and a true (albeit ultimately vicarious) sense of insight into those events that spoken words, stories and even photos and illustrations cannot, it's more sensory than actual, I'd argue.

Photo albums have existed since the 1800s. People could gather around and view one's family tree (or anyone's, for that matter) and suddenly become transported into a world much like their own yet entirely unique. That's what images do. That's what words can do, actually. Do you think the first person who uncovered a diary of a person who lived through an interesting and exciting period of time didn't feel a connection to that person, despite never knowing them or even knowing for certain they even ever existed, other than by the words or images that purport they did?

As an aside, sure. We see graphic photos and videos of war and conflict and suffering and it often speaks to us on a deep level that mere typographical descriptions seem to be unable to reach. Perhaps I misunderstand, but a truly well-written account of an event and a video of an event are not necessarily unequal or inherently unable to convey the emotions, meanings, and human experiences contained therein.

After a quick Google search, this is actually a repost, yes. However, the person he is engaging with does seem to find it interesting, though perhaps that's more obligatory politeness than honest assessment.

However, the person who (at least posted the original post) does seem to be an author. Now as to what that means today in the world of haphazard self publishing, I do not know! I'd post the book but, there seems to be a trend of non-noteworthy authors (not to say it's their fault) wishing for such so I will refrain from. But if one wishes to view the link, the commenter's name can be Googled to the same affect.

In short, it's a fair enough basis for a new poster to start a philosophical discussion, I would say. Wouldn't you? :confused:

Who knows, perhaps it's over even your head! Or can you even fathom such a concept as possible, prideful as you can be at times. :smile:

1. Is our freedom threatened when our choices can be forecasted? — Alonsoaceves

If it walks like a duck, it's probably a duck. If you're never allowed to change, that is not to say broadcasted constantly "there's something wrong with you" or "you suck, get better" or perhaps the more charitable "you could be so much better than you are right now" over and over (original sin, as an example), you have the freedom to become something other than what you are now. Or at least, to adopt different behaviors that counteract whatever compels you to be as you are.

Actually, you can see the stark differences between the first callous sentiment and the last encouraging suggestion, which I believe is the essence of telling people, even from the earliest age they can understand, the idea of Original Sin. Psychologically, and effectively, it performs similar if not identical function.

2. Can we reclaim unpredictability in a data-driven age? — Alonsoaceves

I'm not really sure what this asks or even what it would hope to solve, assuming it proclaims to restore some "rightful" nature of humanity now lost or hindered by the modern age. I mean, you can go outside right now with a skirt, paint your face three colors, don a pot and pan and bang them across the street to your heart's content, if you'd like unpredictability for unpredictability's sake. No one's stopping you. Presuming you're single. But for what? Unpredictability is no virtue. In fact, it's what mankind has fought against since the beginning of time. We like predictable seasons, predictable food sources, predictable levels of danger and social safety, and so much more.

3. What ethical guardrails should we demand around social physics? — Alonsoaceves

You mean, this invented concept you seemed to have pulled out of nowhere (nowhere pleasant, shall I self-censor)?

It's still non-defined. Certainly from your OP.

The law does well enough. If you kill someone, you go to jail. If you steal from someone, you go to jail. And so on and so forth. You can't police thought itself. At least, it never ends well.

I don't know the answers yet — Jamal

Or do you? Heh. sorry. :lol:

I'm going to attempt to, likely trivially, but hopefully effectively, simplify a few things I would assume the average person either non familiar with philosophy or not adept in such might wonder. Questions the average person unfamiliar with the specific work in depth might have in their mind. I trust you won't take the (perhaps compromising and inappropriately) reductive nature of the following questions and comments as snarky or otherwise derived of something other than genuine curiosity.

Adorno would say if you're asking how his philosophy can be used, as in a tool, then you're asking the wrong question. — Jamal

How can it be misused? Ignored? Glossed over and its point derived lost entirely or hopelessly misinterpreted, perhaps due to human folly or the very concepts it purports to defend and validate? (example of hypothetical "right" questions?)

I imagine a critic asking something along the lines of "Okay. So instead of that, how about: 'What did you [Adorno] see as wrong with the world or the existing philosophical landscape and zeitgeist? What healing or correction or perhaps efficiency or otherwise change do you think your philosophy brought about?'

Naturally, that's a question only he himself could answer. Or is it? Surely, the intent of such types of literary work is to expose the reader to the inner depths of one's mind, or at least mindset and viewpoint. Or is that not necessarily true? (Meaning, sometimes authors can live on long after their physical death in the minds of those of who read and understand their works as intended, in a manner of speaking, no?)

The life of the mind, especially the critical life of the mind, which is alive to suffering and deception, is valuable in itself. — Jamal

So basically, thinking is cool. Thought (and as a result human life) has value. Sure, not really a "hot take" or anything new placed on the table, I'd say. Or is there much more to it?

to help prevent human beings from becoming mere cogs in the machine of modern life, oppressed but also cold, heartless, and oppressive themselves — Jamal

So, kind of like a "make your mark on the world, lest it make it's mark on you", kind of worldview. Or is that not accurate?

things that have been swept under the carpet by philosophers: the uniqueness of individual things, suffering and pain, sensual pleasure, uncommodified creativity, and thinking which is free of the demands of power and money. He wants everyone to value or notice these things: that way, the human species will be worth saving. — Jamal

Q1: Does that mean to imply, each person's suffering and pain is unique from one another's even if they are physically identical (I.E. two strangers being flogged) OR simply to state that suffering and pain are unique concepts despite many people failing to realize so?

--

As far as "uncommodified creativity, and thinking which is free of the demands of power and money"

Basically, is this not utopian thinking? Some world where men don't steal from other men because they can or need to? Where the strong don't take from the weak but instead help them, despite not receiving any benefit but in fact loss of worldly benefit? Essentially, a world where my fridge is just always full, my kids (and I) are always safe, and everything is just sunshine and rainbows? A critic would call this fundamentally unrealistic as far as actual expectation. So I take it to mean, even so, the difference between a world where this is true, versus the one we live in where it is not true, is a valuable lesson and something to focus on, something that is "lost", even more effectively, by the modern system? (Which I would question because, as you might know I like to defend modern society, at least the good parts of it, those parts being stability and predictability that did not exist, except by folly of ignorance, in times before modern society that largely eliminates warring tribes and empires from conquering large swathes of land and laying ruin to everything in their wake, for example...that's the trade off, in my view, between 'then and now', and in my opinion, it's worth it, despite what some suggest is 'lost' or otherwise 'hindered' I.E. 'the grass is indeed always greener')

a future in which people who have a chance of making a better society are looking for philosophical resources to support their resistance to social coercion, bigotry, the tyrrany of work, and so on. — Jamal

So, to be one's true self as one wishes, to prevent dogmatic judgements on one's fellow man, and to avoid excessive (unnecessary?) labor? More or less? I've long said, everyone else on Earth but you could disappear tomorrow and you'd still eat only by the sweat of one's brow. There are no free lunches. At least, in a physical world, nothing gets done unless someone does it. Law of Motion or Conservation of Mass or, I dunno one of those guys. :confused:

"Tyranny of work" is again what makes me think those critical of the work might consider it "utopian" in nature I.E. non-realistic or the very least non-feasible.

"If you don't do it, somebody else will." Why not just destroy all your countries nuclear weapons, abandon all bio-warfare programs and robotics or other technology that can be used to kill or oppress life (killer drones and jets with missiles) and open all borders? The answer seems fairly obvious.

His philosophy is a self-conscious response to a historical situation in which the Enlightenment had shown itself able to produce the greatest horrors ever unleashed, and in which the greatest hope of emancipation from oppression and misery, i.e., socialism, had failed. — Jamal

Somewhat of the tragedy of progress, kind of thing? We discovered nuclear energy, that could in theory power the homes of every person on Earth, but also discovered nuclear weapons, that could in theory destroy the homes of every person on Earth. We discovered ways to create medicines, that could heal every person on Earth, but also discovered bio-warfare that could kill every person on Earth. Etc, ad infinitum with just about every innovation and discovery of all time?

I apologize if that's all too vague. — Jamal

No need. Your description (or in my opinion, your view of "what the text means to you") was excellent. Again, just trying to wrap my head around a few things and perhaps ask a few questions that I'm fairly sure other novices or those unfamiliar with the text might wonder themselves. Pardon the over-simplifications and general ignorance of the topic, none of these things are done in ill-will.

If it's alright, and it might not be, and if so I apologize in advance, as someone who's been following this topic in a very light and casual way (it's really interesting I'm simply equally as busy at the moment so can only offer a passing glance as far as attentiveness), I wish to ask a simple question. Perhaps a two-part question.

What does "negative dialectics" actually "do", per se. Like, what does it offer. Specifically, the question being, what are the differences between a world where negative dialectics doesn't exist and one where it does. What's the benefit other than interesting mental chortling between those who "know" in the presence of those who do not.

What is hidden to those who never understand the concept? How are their lives negatively impacted? Like, as someone completely unacquainted with the concept, what am I being "deprived of", per se. Etc.

Thank you for your time in reading my questions of bewilderment.

It's not the same. The average person is not a deep or reverent thinker. The English language is complex. It's like supervising a rogue IT guy. If you knew what the hell he was doing and what was going on, you wouldn't need to have an IT guy, now would you? You'd just do it yourself. He can literally steal every piece of data and disrupt whatever service you have going on, with you literally standing over his shoulder, and him saying he's just "doing routine maintenance" and you would be none the wiser. Not a perfect metaphor, no, yet succinct enough.

What about using the bathroom? Why couldn't the two corrupt politicians/lobbyists just "use the restroom" to conduct or speak whatever corruption or ill-formed plan they wish to conspire together with? They could just exchange notes with disappearing ink or dissolving/edible spy paper during a handshake, and read it by tilting their head upward and reaching outside of the view of the camera, calling it a "stretch", now couldn't they?

Furthermore I submit this to be more of a Lounge topic unless refinement is made. Say, along the lines of, is corruption in power preventable by enough oversight? Etc.

What makes you say that? — Jamal

Until our dear friend wishes to express a response, perhaps one interested in the overarching debate (such as myself) might find value in observing those who wish to offer contrast between the two concepts (apparently, from a quick Google search, in the ideascape that considers an object "Platonic" there is the, not necessarily opposite or inverse, but at least in a way contrasting idea of an Archimedean object.

I am not the first to notice or at least nod to the respective differences, as this video here shows. Not that it's related. But it could be? Pardon if not, just something to pass the time until a response is procured. If nothing else.



I'm sure you know very well what so and so is. But one can never know what context or personal belief in the context of a larger argument said objects may hold in relation to the point express, which is also hard to pin down. Human nature, am I right? :smile:

I don't think anyone believes that objects are identical to concepts. — Metaphysician Undercover

Some objects are in fact, manifest of concepts. Trash in a bin, for example. Sure, there may be a lost gold ring or other heirloom that would supersede the contents within. But how likely is that really.

Your point is valid, in most scenarios. Surely a hammer is not always a symbol of law and justice. It might be a tool to seal one's grave, one who has in fact fought for law and justice his or her whole life. Absolutely.

Surely, some concepts may be associated with objects, perhaps even to those ignorant of the true and encyclopedic definitions of what they are. Take for example, the concept of thought. A brain, raw and removed from a body, is generally considered to equate such. So, perhaps one may wish to stop and think as to what is really what when it comes to such a broad generalization. And of course, someone seeing a brain, perhaps not physically in front of them, all graphic, gory, and jarring and such, but rather as a friendly illustration or cartoon, might indeed equate such an object with such a concept. Wouldn't you think so?

There is a relation of identity between subject and object which is conducive to truth. — Metaphysician Undercover

Of course, one man's trash is indeed one man's treasure. Meaning, one man's guiding symbol or charm, could very well be another man's bewildering curse.

I may get thrown out of some forums but today I am thinking I am going to be more consistent in demanding good manners and I will post about virtues more often because I believe we can have better lives when understand the virtues and the importance of good manners. — Athena

And I believe you're right. But the question is, how did you come across to believe that the above sentiments, beliefs, and philosophies, are in fact right? Was it from embracing them, wholeheartedly, as a second truth? Or perhaps, did those who gave you the life and education that allowed you to not only be born but receive such information, possibly have been a bit less than faithful to the so-called truths and virtues you preach?

We need a culture that brings out the best in people and I think this might being by creating social pressure that encourages everyone to be a better person. — Athena

Your idea of the "best in people" is not defined. So I presume that to be the most "virtuous, charitable, forgiving, easygoing, affable" sort of designation. Sure, no one wants a neighbor from hell, after all. But that's just your own desire for, not peace or goodness, but preservation of all that you've become accustomed to. Not to say, someone else accustomed to the opposite would wish the same (example being, an impoverished person who experiences hardship regularly would not wish for the same sentiment you express). However, as I'm sure you can see, the two different scenarios and persons in each unique scenario view the idea of "creating social pressure" I.E. hardship quite differently.

It's just not very philosophical in any way, shape, or form. Evolution (or any other form of physical being) is set in stone. Sure, maybe I'm taller than you, maybe I'm not. Okay. And? All that can be derived from there is a pissing contest. At least, that's all it ever devolves into. Can you not see that?

Eros1982 was banned for racism. — Jamal

Who? Lol. :lol:

What he say? You know, replace "Group X" with, I dunno, peacocks or something. Like, give us some context at least. Was it just an illogical screed or part of a relevant discussion? Not that it matters, sure, I for one trust your judgement entirely, just, you know, for the sake of accountability, public discussion, to pacify the naysayers, and whatnot. :smirk:

That is a mighty example you used, and a dangerous one. — Red Sky

Not anymore so than the claim of which spawned it, I'd say.

The basis of my argument is quite bad. — Red Sky

It just seems a bit unsound from how I process it in my own head. Not bad. Just, in need of refinement. Perhaps we can do so together? :smile:

Say if you were to die, anyone with normal values would consider it bad. However what about a person who committed suicide, they might consider it good. Now there is a difference in the values. Is it truly better to be dead or alive? Without answering that question we couldn't say dying early is better than dying late. — Red Sky

So basically, people have different opinions when it comes to large existential concepts outside of the reasonable capacity of the average mind and no one person's opinion on such topics can be more right or wrong than the other, is what I gather you're suggesting. Is that right?

If you were to value life, dying would be bad, but without those values... is there a truth? — Red Sky

If one doesn't value life, I doubt they'd have much opinion on anything within it, truth included. You can value life, as an experience to experience just for experience sake, like riding a roller coaster, but then enjoying the fact you eventually get to depart from it, I suppose.

how do we know a value is correct? Is there a way? Or do we all just have to hold our own values through life unknowingly? — Red Sky

Most people can be convinced of anything if a large enough constant (perhaps violent) opposition has a desire to do so. That's not a good measure, believing we "know" things. That is to say, that the knowledge we have "proven" cannot ever be made irrelevant by new. currently undiscovered or otherwise socially non-existent knowledge.

Smells like nihilism to me, OP.

I'm not sure what your point is. — Tom Storm

It's certainly a bit to unpack and then ponder using the given methodologies and justifications OP has provided.

Like I mean, unless I'm wrong, OP would suggest being born into a time period and family where that individual ended up going through the Holocaust "has it's benefits"... and even beyond that, is "no different" than if that person was instead born into a rich family not affected by the war at all and only benefited from it. That's a bit of a "hard sell" to me, to put it lightly, but, I'll let OP answer that. If he would like.

A fake, fake painting is still a painting. — I like sushi

What is a "fake, fake painting" and how would that differ from a "fake, fake, fake painting?" Can such a concept continue ad infinitum? :chin:

This is a serious question.

I can grasp the concept. A printed dollar bill from your home printer is fake money. But then, in theory, it would be possible for you to somehow overthrow a given government and declare your then-"fake money" as real money. So, it kind of goes back to the whole "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" argument, but insofar as it meshes with socially-derived authority.

Of course, only a painting painted by say, Rembrandt, himself, will ever be a "real Rembrandt painting." What if he was never famous and some guy you never heard of painted something just as visually and aesthetically appealing? Would we pay millions for such? It's a curious question, a bit unrelated, though.

It's original, perhaps. If you're asking whether the intent was to copy something you know is not an original vs. if you thought it was the original, seems to be something your OP considers relevant, I think? If you're literally replicating a given object or scene to the exact detail, as much as possible, I mean, isn't that just what an Artist's Reprint or (proof) is I.E. a reproduction?

I understand you are asking something, but it is not at all clear to me, what. — Banno

What, in the best of your ability, are whoever you're referencing "confused" about. And why so. And what does this allegedly professed "knowledge" or this so-called guiding near-absolute wisdom you possess which they seemingly are not able to grasp, contain. In the simplest terms. This isn't hard. So stop making it as if it were.

See the present thread for samples of the confusion they incur. — Banno

How can one know confusion (rather that they are confused) without knowing clarity (that they are not confused). If one does not know clarity it is simply a difference in opinion. So, please, like I've requested multiple times now, provide such.

Qualia — MoK

Is there really no term or concept (even if it's not a simple one or two length word) synonymous with "Qualia". It's an invented term, presumably because no word suited what whomever coined it presumes or otherwise postulates it describes. Is there really no single word synonymous beyond the definition? Is it not "experience" (perhaps as it relates to the brain-mind model)? Why or why not?

The Hard Problem asks how consciousness, or subjectivity, arises from the physical, and why. One result of this emergence (according to Chalmers and others) are qualia -- how sensations present themselves to consciousness. — J

That's right, I remember having read that now before.

But you can have consciousness without qualia. My contemplation of a math problem involves no qualia, but would be impossible without consciousness. — J

Interesting. Makes sense, of course. But isn't a (simple) math problem basically just adding or subtracting, etc. two or more fixed value systems. Like, a computer can process 1 + 1 = 2. Naturally it wouldn't "contemplate" the concept like a human might... "wow, imagine how lost our society would be without something so simple as basic math!" But is that really contemplating the math problem itself? It's just numbers after all, that work out to a specific mathematical conclusion. Doesn't seem to be much to contemplate outside of robotically performing the procedures that result in the final outcome to me. Sure, a math problem can be "beautiful" in both it's intricacy or simplicity, I suppose. What it unlocks as far the world of innovation and science, logistics, etc.

Basically, consciousness just being the ability to be self-aware and self-reflect upon anything one desires and to be aware one is doing such. "Thinking about thinking" I once heard being said. Is that about right?

They say other primates like monkeys "think about thinking", use tools, make decisions, feel emotions, etc. So do birds (at least they perform the last three), and dogs (at least they perform the last two). Both the aforementioned animals can feel "depressed", "anxious", "afraid", etc. Is that consciousness? But what about simpler forms of life whose emotions are not so easily conveyed? Are they conscious? What about a fish who gets caught in a hook, or a chicken in a slaughterhouse? What about a snail on a sidewalk or a fly on the wall? What about dolphins? Whales? Etc, etc. I'm just curious as to your take and attributing of consciousness or not to different forms of non-human life.

Bit of an odd reply on my part perhaps, and for that I apologize, just trying to get things a bit more simplified or "laid out" I.E. "what consciousness/qualia is vs. what it isn't" for those a bit less up to speed or otherwise having less of an intimate understanding of the topics and meta-topics involved therein. Which includes myself, as I'm sure you can tell. :smile:

If "qualia" is a collective noun for "red", "loud" and so on, then I've no great problem with it. — Banno

I wouldn't compare the "experience of red" with the "experience of loud". One is measurable in decibels that will literally blow or otherwise permanently damage one's organs to a state of irreversible disrepair. For this reason I believe the two are not the same. "Annoying", kind of like (just kidding) may be the word you're looking for but, in my opinion, the two concepts are distinct. :smile:

If it is a name for an otherwise private sensation, then I can't see how to make sense of of it. — Banno

There is a difference between what is truly private and otherwise "indescribable" (to the person experiencing it). They share many qualities in such a scenario and circumstance, but are not inherent or intrinsic to either, in the larger sense. Let's take three groups of two people each (totaling six). One group of two who have never experienced an orgasm (or pain, somehow, whatever you want to call it, let's call it Sensation X), and the other group of two who have experienced such, and the last group of two, where one has experienced such and the other has not. Do you really think these three groups of two will not have different definitions, descriptions, or "wordings" to describe such a sensation, not just between one another's respective duo, but each other across the board? Of course they will! That doesn't mean, any one person or group of said person is "more or less" conscious than the other. Does it? :chin:

I apologize, I appear to have made a momentary lapse in judgement. The secondary question, now that you've suggested such is: "is the inability (or rather ability) to reliably and methodically describe 'color' (or 'sound') to another person (perhaps specifically one unable to process that one specific experience attributed to one or more of the given five human senses) definitive or otherwise largely significant to the idea and definition of "qualia", specifically as it relates to the "Hard Problem"?

You really should find out about Chalmers. — Banno

Oh I intend to. Worry not about that. But, of course, surely one has the ability (perhaps even an enhanced ability) to engage in the works (or at least pondering) of philosophy without knowing every single "celebrity in the business", as it were. After all, they certainly weren't.

That's how Chalmers sets out the issue.

Is he correct?

I don't know. — Banno

That's also fine. I don't know who that is. Not that I can recall, at least.

How would you set out the issue. No Chalmers, no this and that referencing other people. Just you. You have the entire English language at your disposal. Your unlimited arsenal, as far as defeating my (and that of many other's) ignorance of the concept you clearly must (at least somewhat) understand. Go on. Explain it.

I can't make much at all of that. Sorry. — Banno

That's fine. And I doubt that.

Is "qualia" not fundamental to what is considered to be defining, if not relevant, to the "Hard Problem of Consciousness?" Yes or no. If you please.

Sure, Then they are 'just what we ordinarily talk about using words like "red" and "loud".' — Banno

I wish, if you might entertain me, just for a moment, to frame this argument in a different light. Let's say, mankind never developed the ability to see color. Meaning, we see the world as dogs and flies do, black and white.

Now, imagine, another place, that not only developed the ability to see color. but to see, how shall we say, "emotions". Allow me to explain. When one is anxious or nervous, one, usually, sweats. So, this is an understandable concept in of itself that doesn't require much... addendum, shall we say. But. My argument here is, say, a person who can see such evidence, if the person does not happen to sweat when nervous. I.E. simply, when a person is nervous or deceptive, it becomes clear as day. So, in this fictional place, they would say they have an additional level of consciousness. But do they? How can you prove that? Surely "consciousness" is much more than color recognition (let alone inability to adequately explain such). But is the root and generally accepted "defining quality" of "qualia" (specifically the so-called "Hard Problem") really more than "I can't describe colors, therefore, all hope is lost?"

What of the hypothetical society who can "see" emotions, and thinks the same of us? That we are somehow not able to experience or grasp the notion of consciousness, at least, not in the same level they are? It's valid, or so it seems, which makes every hinged upon definition of "qualia" as "consciousness" invalid. Can you not see that?