...Should Death be feared? According to philosopher Epicurus, death should not be feared. Epicurus argued that the ultimate goal of life is to pursue pleasure and minimize pain. In his view, since pleasure and pain only exists in the “living world”, there would be neither pleasure nor pain when an individual is dead. Therefore, the state of death should never get worse in terms of that pursuit of pleasure. Human beings tend to fear for the possibility that a situation might get worse, but when something doesn’t get worse there is nothing to be feared. Being dead is motionless, painless and sensationless. When the physical body is no longer functional, there is no conscious. Since all the neurons are dead, there would be no sensation to be felt. The good and the evil lie in in true sensation. Pleasure and pain are derived from a physical or psychological feeling we are, for better or worse, affected by. If there were no feeling, there would be no pain. Fear initially derives from the feeling of pain or imminent discomfort. The state of death possesses neither of those two evils. In a place where evil doesn’t exist, there is nothing to be feared. Epicurus also mentioned how death as the most awful of evils, is nothing to us, because the existence of our consciousness implies that we are not dead, while the status of being dead indicates that we are senseless. Since they are mutually exclusive, death should not dominate as one of our fears. While it is undeniable that death brings...
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...Name: Instructor: Course: Date: Does God exist? If so, why is there evil? Like St. Augustine, I do acknowledge that ``God exists”. In order to explain his ideology, Augustine refers to the life of a tree, rock, dog and human beings. He argues that among the things aforementioned, only human being posses the ability to think and act thus meaning that among the creations on earth, the human being is the intelligent creature. Further, he expounds his argument by stating that if another being is intelligently superior to human beings, then it has to be God. However, St. Augustine acknowledges the presence of evil. St. Augustine’s opinion of sin is linked to the freedom to exercise ``freewill” by individuals an aspect that results to ``moral evil”. Free will forms the basis by Augustine that God should not be blamed for ``the existence” of sin. To expound on his argument, Augustine informs his readers that he like many other people has been subject to sin due to his desire to realize what sin entails and urges the people not to dwell so much on sin rather than the existence of God(pg,164). In conclusion, I support Augustine’s argument that no one can understand the thinking of God thus we should focus on his goodness rather than sin existence. Are Human Beings Selfish? I believe that every ``human being” is selfish. The selfish nature of human beings is evident from the daily activities that we engage in during our lifetime and routines. In the current society, it is common...
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...beside myself in thought. I imagined life being born, waking up to a world of unknown. Using all senses to explore, learn and adjust. Amir Sabzevary had an interesting view on how we could picture the world. The world can be owned but shared and most of all, the world is to be looked at as a place of experiments. Everything is a learning experience but without experimenting we wouldn’t learn. Amir also explains how you must listen but before you can learn, one must be silent. Which I believe is true. I once heard the expression, “the older the wiser”. Growing up I was always around older family and friends. I have one sibling of which I’m the oldest. I’ve always wanted an older brother too look up to and listen too. I assume that’s why I was always fascinated by an older being, with the ability to pass down to me. I would listen, ask questions if a question arose, but for the most part I would listen, shake my head and nod to assure my attention was there. I agree that self-knowledge is important, although I think one must engage with others or other things to have different experiences to gain different knowledge of one’s self; such as the person in Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave”. The one person who decided to go out beyond the cave, seen things for himself and that the others in the cave only seen as shadows (phantoms). The man in the cave stepped out into this new world, blinded at first by sunlight but had an eye opening experience. The sun, gave him insight to what...
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... Happiness: Kant and Epicurus Happiness has always been a topic that attracted the attention of many great thinkers in the world. In fact, it is a very interesting topic for two main reasons. First, because it is one of the most important issue that concerns Human’s life and one of the crucial factor that determine his existence in the world, because it is commonly agreed that the greatest achievement of mortals is the seeking of happiness. Second, and the most intrigued part is that it makes in confrontation Human’s instinct and Human’s reason trying to figure out and to analyze which one of them has the bigger chance and potential to contribute in the achievement of happiness. In this context, two different perspectives raised trying to encounter this concept. The first approach is the Eudemonist theory which his followers claims and believe in the capacity of moral actions to achieve happiness. In the other side, there is the classical point of view that is supported by many philosophers such as Mill and Kant that reject the previous hypothesis and argue that happiness is more likely to be attend through following natural instincts rather than reason because they are from two different nature and also they emphasize the fact that reason has another purpose more important and more valuable than happiness. Therefore, it can be deduced that these two approaches are different from each others in their attempt to give a sense to happiness. Epicurus argues that happiness is...
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...Hegel’s notion on the concept of right is that first, we must try to understand within ourselves human behavior as to the actions of other people. Individual, for Hegel, are aware of freedom. We express it from our own acts of our will. He said that “only as thinking intelligence, will is free will.” For according to him, there is more to “goodness” than merely obeying the laws of our countries and keeping contracts. Morality for him has to do with those acts for which human beings can be held responsible, for Hegel, the essence of morality is located within a person’s purpose. Moral responsibility, then, begins with the acts that can be designated to a free will, a will that intends the act. Also the stoic philosopher Epictetus said that moral Philosophy was a form of an act, where each person is an actor/ actress in a drama, he means that an actor does not chose a role, it is the author or the director who does the picking. In the drama of the world it is God who is the author or the director, who will pick out whom the person will be portraying and what to portray and or how he or she will be situated in the story, people have no choice because it is God who is responsible for...
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...God have been proposed by philosophers, theologians, scientists, and others for thousands of years. Inphilosophical terms, arguments for and against the existence of God involve primarily the sub-disciplines of epistemology (theory of knowledge) andontology (nature of god) and also the theory of value, since concepts of perfection are connected to notions of God. The debate concerning the existence of God is one of the oldest and most discussed debates in human history. A wide variety of arguments exist which can be categorized asmetaphysical, logical, empirical, or subjective. The existence of God is subject to lively debate in philosophy,[1] the philosophy of religion, and popular culture. The Western tradition of the existence of God began with Plato and Aristotle, who made arguments for God's existence that would now be categorized as cosmological arguments. Later, Epicurus formulated the problem of evil: if God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnibenevolent, why does evil exist? The field of theodicy arose from attempts to answer this question. Other thoughts about the existence of God have been proposed by St. Anselm, who formulated the first ontological argument; Ibn Rushd (Averroes) and Aquinas, who presented their own versions of the cosmological argument (thekalam argument and the first way), respectively; Descartes, who said that the existence of a benevolent God was logically necessary for the evidence of the senses to be meaningful; and Immanuel Kant, who argued that...
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...Running head: Existence of God The Existence of God Abstract There is always been a curiosity about God, the creator. Some question if it even exists as an entity. Others question of the operation of God, wondering if God is a single being or an umbrella term that describe multiple individual entities that operate as a unit. Regardless of the specifics, there is always been the argument and research/conversation about the existence of a universal God, and a continual search for evidence to prove once and for all if indeed God exists, or not. In this paper I plan to discuss the above topics, and provide evidence to support my assessment. The social influence on religion, the mind and science will be the primary area of focus. The Existence of God Statement of Research Problem Intuition can be defined as the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning (Wikipedia). I will also include a personal definition for intuition: Intuition is the inherent spiritual compass that is used by man to guide his/her steps along the proverbial pathway of life. Some to validate their reason for belief in religion uses this spiritual compass. Others believe it only exists on a personal level, independent of any internal or external spiritual influence. Some believe in a spiritual element of life, which is something we cannot see, taste touch or feel; a “God” component that allows us to understand the ethereal...
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...The problem of evil; if God is all good how could he allow his people to suffer? This has been a controversial topic many people have questioned over the centuries. The first record of this question is dated back to the Greek philosopher Epicurus. If God is a benevolent, omniscient and omnipotent God, how could he allow such horrible things to happen to good people? "Western religion has always held that there is a deep problem about why there is pain and other suffering—which there would not be if God were not supposed to be morally good" Richard Swinburne, Providence and the Problem of Evil pg.7 1998. It is only natural for people to question why God would seemingly do nothing to prevent the bad things that happen everyday. Some of the...
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...the early scholars trained in greek – regulized Christian theology. Influence on western world – top four or five who influenced. Confessions and City of God his writings…look up! What’s the purpose of improving human society – complex – why do it? Can human society be made better? Why bother, what is the point, justification? Takes effort, misery involved, change, unknowns, takes energy, takes risks. HAPPINESS – justification for improving society. What do you have to have to be happy? What is happiness – PHI 101 – happiness according to whom? Lack of misery; literally the elimination of misery. Secondly, food – gives pleasure – Happiness is lack of human misery and maximizing /pleasure and happiness. Bliss 24/7 – hedonism Epicureanism – eliminating misery and maximizing happiness. The justification of utopianism = why did plato want the republic? Justisifcation for improving human society among the Greeks? Poor always poor, always unhappy, death claims everyone - it is rational to maximize pleasure and eliminate misery. Do eternally accouding to plato. Opinions – 1. Relativism is a retreat in the 20th century. Can’t voice own opinion – can’t change the world – retreatist. Lazy persons out – often times used as avoidance. DO NOT USE AS IMMEDIATE THE POOR MANS WAY OUT OF ARGUMENT. If use, have to have massive justification for it. 2. a. Define the difference between Greek utopian experiments (2 of them) Plato and Homer refuge Plato – more of an activist ...
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...The Abrogation of Organized Religion and the Push for Universal Scientific Literacy Since religion was humankind’s first attempt at trying to understand the chaotic world around them, it was therefore the worst attempt. The fact that organized religion still persists in the modern technologically advanced society is so preposterous that it’s almost beyond comprehension how it has managed to, not only survive, but thrive. Organized religion, in all of its various guises, is an antiquated device of manipulation and control; it’s the root cause of nearly all wars, poverty, bigotry, racism, terrorism, and human suffering. It is also the most fundamental hindrance of scientific progress that mankind faces and should therefore be methodically phased out and replaced by atheism, secular humanism, and most of all, an education focused primarily on scientific literacy. What is the Essence of Religion?: It was once an inconceivable act for a human being to question the existence of some sort of a creator god, or gods. People had all the evidence they needed right in front of them: they were conscious and alive, the world was beautiful, coincidences happened which seemed much like prayer being answered, and the earth was encased inside of a celestial sphere while the heavens appeared to revolve directly around the earth, making man the very center of this profound design; it was almost as if the world was created specifically for humans. Thus, organized...
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...ARIIKE FAGBURE L6CG RELIGIOUS STUDIES (Philosophy of Religion) A. Explain what is meant in the Bible by the phrase “God is good” The goodness of God is first revealed in his actions as a Creator. Genesis chapters 1-3 contain the Creation story. God created the world out of nothing – “creation ex nihilo”. Each act of creation is seen to be good. "And he saw that it was good" (Genesis 1: 10). The end result of God's creation is the Earth and mankind. Everything created was made for man to take control of. God is the image of goodness and as mankind was created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27, "God created man in his own image.") This tells humans that they are required to be good, as good as God. Exodus 20 describes the Ten Commandments given to the Hebrews by God. Moses received the commandments by revelation from God on the peak of Mount Sinai. They were guidelines given for God’s people to live by. The underlying principle is that humans are to be good and being good means following the Ten Commandments. God's goodness demands that mankind worship only one God and nothing or nobody else "You shall have no other gods before me and you shall not make for yourself an idol." (Exodus 20: 3-4). These commandments show that God is the primary source governing how people should lead their lives because God is entirely good. The Ten Commandments show man how to be good by giving strict guidelines. (Thou shalt not murder; thou shalt not commit adultery; thou shalt not steal)...
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...“Is Religion Relevant?” The question at hand “Is Religion Relevant?” is often very hard to answer with a simple YES or NO. It takes time, with deep thought and seeking information for unanswerable questions. Even philosophical experts, creative thinkers, and students alike have most likely contemplated and thoroughly thought out this question into detail, yet still failed to give a definite, precise answer for such a complex, powerful statement. In this paper, I consider Leo Tolstoy’s view on “Is Religion Relevant?” through a well-known work of his called “The Confession”. Is Tolstoy right in claiming that to understand the importance of living a life full of meaning, truth, and understanding, one does need to experience the relevance and power of religion in their life? The answer is YES, Tolstoy is right, one can find through seeking out meaning, truth, and understanding that religion is relevant. I believe it is relevant based upon the truth founded in accordance to God’s grace to provide hope and guidance to man. Even though it could be argued that the relevance of religion isn’t valuable in society or God’s grace, through Tolstoy’s article “The Confession” I will show its essence and impact on life. It is important that religion “deal with the total concrete fact, even as love must. It must stretch the understanding to the dimensions of the Fact, nor cut down the Fact to the dimensions of the understanding.” [p.53 Wieman(1)] It shouldn’t tone down or hold back...
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...____________________ In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Course TH 536 – Seminar in Apologetics ____________________ By Mark Reid JC 1866 August 24, 2012 OUTLINE I. INTRODUCTION II. EVALUATING THE TYPES OF EVIL III. ATHEISTIC AND SKEPTICAL ARGUMENT IV. FREE-WILL THEODICY V. POSSIBLE WORLDS VI. THE ALTERNATIVE APPROACH VII. CONCLUSION VIII. BIBLIOGRAPHY INTRODUCTION Evil is a universal problem with many categories. Philosophers like David Hume and Alvin Plantinga have attempted to explain the presence of evil despite there being a God. One can choose from many theodicies on moral and natural evil. Lately work has shifted to the notion of gratuitous evil. If gratuitous evils exist, is God morally responsible? Gratuitous evil and natural evil appears to bring the most plausible charge that something malevolent has occurred. This paper will critique various arguments concerning evil. Biblical Theology will show that the arguments are missing a key to understanding evil. EVALUATING THE TYPES OF EVIL The complexity involved in addressing evil persuades us to define what is meant by natural and moral evil. It is noted, by Steven Layman, that the distinction between natural and moral evil is not always sharp. It is Erickson who provides very distinctive definitions. Natural evil are the destructive forces of nature. Forces of nature such as earthquakes and hurricanes are out of the control of man, and due to the...
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...NATURALISM INTRODUCTION Naturalism is considered as the oldest philosophy in the western world. Naturalism is a philosophical position adopted by the naturalists, whose approach to philosophy is purely from scientific point of view. Naturalists believe that nature alone represents the entire reality and is there beyond or behind other than nature. For naturalists, nature is everything and nothing exists superior than nature. So they separate nature from God and allot no space for supernaturalism and spiritualism. They also believe that all our activities are initiated by our instincts. Naturalism stresses the need to return to nature from artificiality. It is also concerned with natural self and believes that reality and nature are identical and beyond nature there is no reality .With the help of physical and chemical laws, naturalism explains the universe, the physical world, life and mind. This nature is governed by its own laws and man is regarded as the child of nature. It considers matter as superior to spirit and gives importance to scientific methods of observation and verification. MEANING OF NATURALISM The term naturalism, by its ordinary meaning, means ism laying emphasis nature in every field of education. Naturalism is a system which follows exclusion of whatever is spiritual, or indeed whatever is transcendental of experience from our philosophy of nature and man. Naturalism is a doctrine that separates nature from god, subordinates sprit to matter and setup...
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...the real truth The people casting the shadows- the leaders of society- shaping the world without knowing the truth The shadows/statues- what people believe is reality, what they are told to believe, things people deem to be important The cave- a world without knowledge, the physical world/the body The fire- controlled, dim light- limited knowledge. An imitation of the form of the good The journey outside- a difficult journey, acquisition of knowledge The sun- illuminates the true world- form of the good The journey back into the cave- the desire to educate and inform others of the truth The world of the Forms Forms Plato uses the word ‘form’ to describe the true essence of material objects in the world This idea of the ‘form’ exists in a non physical (yet more real) realm that can only be understood by the mind. This is called the world of the forms Plato believed that the forms were interrelated and hierarchical The highest form The ultimate principle is the form of the good The world of the forms Perfect, eternal, real, a’priori, transcendent, immutable, real The world of the forms is the philosopher’s world. The ordinary person struggles to see past the illusion of this world because they are confined by their senses. Only the person who investigates and questions learns the truth behind the illusion. Only the philosopher is capable of...
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