It might be really interesting is to list out some of the most important moments throughout the discipline over time that have helped to shape modern Philosophy. If we do a good job we could ask Impenitent to turn this into a sticky for chronological reference.
What moment was important to you and why?
I’ll start with Socrates being killed and then Aristotle’s syllogistic logic, because Socrates helped the discipline gain a sort of romantic feel and his trial drew massive attention to his socratic method (and therefore overshadowed other types of Greek Literature, such as the tragedies) and secondly Aristotle’s formal logic is absolutely fundamental to everything we do as Philosophers.
Obw, what exactly do you mean by “important moments” ? Do you refer to, as your examples suggest, moments of historical factuality, or are personal epiphanies of a metaphysical nature permitted as well (like, say, Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus) ?
Sure, one can argue against the distinction that separates objectiveness from fiction within a historical account.
So the next important moment would be, I reckon: Epicurus founds The Garden in Athens, meeting place for his club of some sorts. Epicurianism comes as a backlash to Platonism and Aristotelianism, providing a benchmark for materialism and the skepticism of Sextus Empiricus. It based its doctrine on nature on Democritus’ physics and definition of atoms, which it imbued with a certain debauchery of senses and an attitude disrespectful towards tradition. Epicurus’ teachings quickly developed into quite a trend among the upper classes, practically defining the standards of living for first century aristocrats. It was dismissed, I think, by Christian authorities during the first half of our millenia. The move maked sense. You can’t have rampaging pleasure seekers in a devotional, katharctic society.
The meeting between Spinoza and Leibniz. Spinoza’s ideas were incredibly modern (monism, treatment of religious texts as social constructions, a pantheistic God, belief that humans could know everything through their reason, if they applied themselves correctly, and many more). Leibniz developed a philosophy, which in some ways was a reaction against Spinoza, but incorporated some of his ideas, which tried to defend the old concepts of divine harmony, dualism (in a way), an omnipotent and caring God, and many others as well. The meeting symbolizes the clash of the new ideas of science verses the old, established tenets of Christianity. It also was apprently very influential for Leibniz himself.
Yea - either is good. Either important to the discipline or important to you personally, but they have to be historical moments and not like “When I read Nietzche’s…” or “When I was born…”.
I agree Epicurus’ Garden was fundamental. I would love to have been a fly on the wall during that time. I wonder if there was really any sense of how important those discussions would become… probably not.
When 80% of greek philosophy was burned by christians because it didn’t suit their beliefs; including works from Plato, Aristotle and Socrates… not to mention Epicurus and Antisthene.
[Can’t remember his name] – that dude who said the world was round & the earth not being the center of the universe.
^
This realization helped humanity’s world view be less selfish. Suddenly the gods were not so absorbed in human affairs. Suddenly humanity was on its own, something small.
Demoting man and viewing him as one of the animals in a higher state of mental evolution [Darwinian science] farther shaped the view of thought and self.
As strong desires are felt in the heart, and desire causes thought, ancient egyptians believed that a persons mind existed within their heart. These sorts of ideas were also replaced later on as physiology became more materialistically advanced.
As history progressed, thought began to be viewed as a mechanical process with material origins.
This is the modern era that has evolved to finally appreciate the importance of style over substance. It will make you happier so just enjoy. Who knows, you may become one of the beautiful people if you work at it.
Yo Dan, chill out and get real. Don’t you know that we create our own reality? What’'s out there? Just a bunch of atoms jumping around and combining in chaotic ways. We put it together as we like. The real turning point is when you see it. It’s so simple really. We are God.
What good is our own reality if it doesn’t impress anyone? Surely won’t get you laid. We need style to make our creation impressive thereby giving us self esteem and getting our way. Concentrate on style. All substance is the same so don’t worry about it.
Maybe you’ll become one of the beautiful people too. Why not?
I just came here to see why people are here posting, and I found this interesting post
faust, its interesting how you put it, for there is 2 types of person, one who does not ask serious questions and one ask serious questions. My questions are those to have the sense of sanity in them. While, others argue and play the role who will dominate the other, I just sit back and watch.
Now that I have finished what I saw, I 'll just click back.
Hey now, that’s going too far. Sure there are a lot of people who are as much of a product of philosophy as your mythic ‘beautiful people’ are a product of corporations, but you are posting in a forum called iLovePhilosophy and not mTvBoArDz.
Concentrating on style has a hollowing effect that leads to empty ambassadors of the status quo such as “All substance is the same so don’t worry about it.”
Dave, this is 2006. This is philosophy. You’re thinking about those old guys. They never made sense which is why people would always argue. Now we’ve just evolved to the point of recognizing it doesn’t make sense so just enjoy arguing. It’s cool; get with it.
How can style be hollowing if we’re already hollow? How better to appreciate the hollow than by trying to make it appear beautiful? This is the real turning point of philosophy and be happy you’re in the era that has evolved athrough education and technological advances to participate in it.
That’s the spirit. Just add some new up to date traces to modernize the balance of what has been deposited. Make sure enough new up to date traces are included to believe that we are one of the beautiful people and even God if you like…heck, we create our own reality; go for it.
If we create ourselves, we can really “know thyself.”
