Nothing really THAT much that’s inflammatory here. I just don’t post very much or gain much enlightenment from this forum.
PLEASE DON’T BAN ME.
I was banned from a previous forum because of some critical comments. So perhaps I have some post-traumatic-stress syndrome that afflicts me.
But basically, almost nothing I see here strikes me as philosophical. I might define it into a few categories:
“Quick dismissal”. A complete avoidance of constructive comment.
Historic argument. A re-stating of historical info.
I’ve learned many things starting out. On the previous forum (that I was banned from) I thought out a few things that expanded my beliefs significantly. So I don’t mean to diminish the value of these forums as long as folks are getting something out of them.
I guess I’m asking: how does one use these forums to expound upon philosophical ideas? I’m not really using this forum very much, and I was wondering if there is a better way to analyze interesting, progressive philosophies.
As opposed to perhaps re-arguing centuries-old ideas.
Quick-dismiss away.
(and, it goes without saying, please don’t ban me!)
First of all, figure out which philosophical discussions are important to you, because if you don’t, then you’re here for entertainment as opposed to “enlightenment”. Personally, I come for both, although I generally despise the entertainment value of words… there are exceptions of course.
Secondly, figure out which posters are here to “philosophize”–many aren’t. Many are here to “win” arguments, to perform “mental masterbation”, and/or to reinforce their own ignorances rather than to weaken them.
Finally, when you find respectable posters, then attempt to discuss with them your important philosophies in regard to how those posters think–also, discuss what is important to those particular people. Philosophical interest is give-and-take. For myself, I find that I am taking much more than I am giving, because very few around here find what I say interesting. (but I don’t care anyway )
So, good luck to you.
If you get banned from ILP, then let me know. Because so far, I haven’t seen anybody get banned here for any radical beliefs (but I haven’t been around long).
If you want “philosophical” talk, you can post em by yourself.
Expecting others to do things for you is a sure way to get frustrated, in my opinion.
You can start your own forum, as well.
It’s not very difficult. At many popular hosting company, you can install a forum like this with a click of the mouse button.
Although operating it with certain degree of security and efficiency does take some learnings/practices, I think it’s within reach of any person with average intelligence.
It only costs about $100 to $200 per year. (The price varies depending on many many factors, though)
With your own forum, you are the boss, tyrant, super moderator. You are the guy who bans others.
It’s not you; it’s the interface of this BBS. Its very strict linear and hierarchical format makes it very difficult to think and reply ‘outside the box.’
Board index
Philosophy Forums
↔
Philosophy
↔
Please Don’t Ban Me!
→
Membrain
→
realunoriginal
→
Nah
→
etaoin
It’s no coincidence that the creative and free-thinking artistic community prefers to use the Imageboard/Chan format as opposed to the TextBBS forum format we are using here. An Imageboard allows not just for graphic intensive posts, but also for vertical and horizontal posts within a thread, threads within threads, posts within posts; unlike the ancient Egyptian linear and hierarchical format us philosophers are using.
Even more radical might be Youtube’s Visual Related interface in which a complex algorithm sorts ‘posts’ by relatedness;
Start a thread here, describe what you wish to discuss and how, give the posters parameters. Generally they will follow them. There will always be one goofball that tries to redirect but, its your thread, control it or try to. I for one hate the tiring arguments that are nothing but quotes from someone else. Apparently fresh ideas and thoughts are hard to come by if your head is stuffed with data from other people.
I’ve learned many things starting out. On the previous forum (that I was banned from) I thought out a few things that expanded my beliefs significantly. So I don’t mean to diminish the value of these forums as long as folks are getting something out of them.
I am curious to know what you have thought out and how it expanded your belief. Inspiring others might be satisfying on itself, without any external factors needed.
First, Thanks to everyone who posted. All were well done, and it was nice to not get flamed.
To answer Amelie’s question: I’ve probably learned something about my own beliefs on these three topics:
Fatalism (I believe it)
Freedom (I am for it)
The non-determinism of quantum physics (I don’t believe it)
Those are three topics where I ended up with growth in my own beliefs. Unfortunately, my growth has pretty much stopped in those areas, and my posts are usually my explaining/defending the same info over and over. And that’s OK, I just like(d) to sensation of personal growth.
Thanks again everyone for being cool. Maybe I’ll try to pitch in a little more. Cheers.
)
