I came across this forum this afternoon as I was looking for information regarding “introductory” material on the subject of Philosophy. As I had already assumed, everyone has their own ideas, thoughts and recommendations on where to start studying and what constitutes good and profitable (which becomes itself a philosophical problem to address
My point is that I come here with the understanding that nothing is truly absolute in choosing a “path” (I once heard it said that uncertainty is the only certainty in life, which I agree with to a degree). Therefore, having said all of that; I wish to introduce myself in order to provide some (hopefully relevant) background information about myself.
I am only eighteen years of age. My name is Darin Luckie and I was formerly an Atheist with a very closed mind. That is, until I realized that I never really thought of anything. I never questioned things yet always remained skeptical when friends or family members told me something. When I was about the age of twelve I started to engage myself with computers and technology. I loved it because it was sort of an “escape” from the real world in which I had questions but thought there were either no answers nor did I have any idea where to go about seeking the answers.
The point being that, on my own, I am very indecisive and need a guide. I’ve come to find that while I am just finishing a two-year DVS (Diploma of Vocational Studies) in Computing Support I do not feel as if that is where I truly belong. Ever since I first started reading on Apologetics and then on Philosophy, I’ve been mesmorized and my mother tells me I “have a strange way of looking at things and asking the hard questions”
As such, I am strongly considering a course at College in Liberal Arts. Either that or Culture and Arts; Literature. Which one would be the best course that would lead me to a University where I (if all goes well) plan to get a Double Major in either Philosophy and Computers or Theology or any mixture of the three.
I am well aware that this question may be vague and may only result in following what is best for me, but the concern I have is that my mother really is holding to her opinion that “philosophy will not get you anywhere”. Can someone here grant me assurance of the usefulness and practical life-related task philosophy aids?
I love writing, reading, thinking and just discussing my views (and even forming them) through interactions with others whom are able to stand my love and passion related to these kinds of questions. Please advise if possible on these matters. Greatly appreciated in advance.
That relates to computer science kinda. If you’re looking for real philosophy I’d suggest analytic stuff. It can be hard to read, but it’s actually worth it.
If you’re looking for meaning and all that stuff, stay away from the european guys, go east. All those continental existentialists were just as confused as most teenagers are now. Maybe Xunzian could suggest something nice and eastern to feed your brain.
Well, I can’t assure you anything because to be quite honest, philosophy can’t either. If philosophy had any real, tangible answers–outside the cohorts of pretentious, academic fools who argue with one another over convoluted semantics–, they would be known abroad and applied throughout; people would no longer have to ask questions if philosophy actually provided answers.
Philosophy is a can of worms where all it truly offers are more questions. And to be quite honest, if you choose to delve into the thick muck of philosophy like many of us have, I’m willing to bet you’d just as soon revert back to atheism. It’s something most of us, though not all of us, have concluded; atheism, that is.
If your faith is strong and you’re willing to test it, then by all means, learn all the philosophical arguments that contend against your beliefs and do what you can to defend them. In truth, all philosophy has given us, and this forum is a testament to that fact, is an arena in which to argue with each other. So pick a side, if you haven’t already, and step into the ring. Otherwise, if you’re looking for assurance, go to church and pray and stay away from Nietzsche.
Okay, I’ll agree that existentialism doesn’t offer much in the way of application in the real world, but I wouldn’t completely dismiss them. And in exchange for Eastern philosophy? All I’ve ever gotten from Eastern promulgations is to enjoy every small, itty-bitty, little, insignificant moment of a tea ceremony, because it’s supposedly the only pleasure I can possibly acquire in life. They basically say, “Sit as still as possible and life will hurt a lot less”. Maybe I’m just an ignorant, Western buffoon, but I can’t get much out of the Eastern philosophers.
I’m saying, that for a person who has no background in philosophy, reading existentialism might be a turn off, first, if they can read the tao te ching or something, it might sort of get them ready for the onslaught of incomprehensible bullshit that will follow if they continue to persue philosophical interests. Atheism is a religion just like theism. Philosophically, they are the same. So I wouldn’t be suprised if a person “slipped back into it” in the same way that the theist does, because both of them do it out of fear of the unknown. Don’t be afraid, philosophy doesn’t bite, (hard), it’s just a bunch of story books really. Most of them go great with marijuana.
That statement is just about the only thing I agree with.
I think this is just a case of one man’s bullshit being another man’s philosophy, for I think of Eastern philosophy much in the same way you think of existentialism–B.S. But que sera sera.
Too bad you and I can’t get together and share a couple bowls, Smears.
Try Kierkegaard, because he is easy to read and entertaining as well. I, too, recommend against the European Emotionalists - er, um, Existentialists, despite that K is considered by some a precursor (they had many precursors). K was not a theologian, really, but he was a Christian. And a master psychologist, but not in the modern sense.
One thing is for sure - if you are going to pursue philosophy with any seriousness, you have to stop worrying about what your mom thinks. She may be paying the bills - but nothing prevents an undeclared major or minor in Philo.
Well, I disagree with you, Churro, that philosophy and its expression through aphorisms are not well suited. Pretty much all of Nietzsche is a great example of this. However, I do agree with you that the vast, sickening majority of the Tao Te Ching is a) not a great intro to anything, and b) a whole lot of fortune cookie B.S. It’s still a nice read for when one has accrued a certain philosophical predisposition that can be projected onto the Tao Te Ching. People interpret what they want from it. Come to think of it, Nietzsche seems to be much the same way, granted to a lesser degree.
