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RE: Non-Boring Philosophy: The Introduction

in #philosophy6 years ago

I took my first philosophy course as a freshman in college. The professor went around the room and asked us our perceptions on life. I gave mine and he waved his hand in dismissal and said, 'Oh, Plato."

I was deeply offended because I had come to it all on my own! Hadn't read Plato yet, or any of the other great philosophers. I knew right then I wasn't going to learn much from him, and I didn't, but he gave us a good reading list!

So yes, if you can make philosophy attractive I'm in!

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haha, oh god, I haven't read plato either.. Did I miss something? Am I allowed to be a philosopher without knowing the books of plato?

Oh my dear - you simply must read Plato! (jk) His basic premise is that what we see in the world is like shadows from a campfire reflected on a cave wall. Not real, just our perception of what is real. Now you know enough about Plato to get on with.

I've read a lot of philosophers, couldn't tell you now much of what they're about. But for pure pleasure I enjoy the Discourses of Epictetus. Here are a few of his quotes

It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view which they take of them.
There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.
The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.

Do any of these sound familiar?
Note that he is not Epicurus, as in Epicurean, whose philosophy was pleasure is good, pain is bad. Epictetus is a bit more complex but a fun read.

**Disclaimer: I am not a real philosopher nor do I play one on TV.

Hey Donna, haha, it sounds all familiar yes, but not from those names (although they have beautiful names).. but more from... kinda, just observing life.

Perhaps I will have to find my own word for it. Samosophy... then I could get around with it... ;P

Well, I started out telling you how annoyed I was with my professor for dismissing my very own life view as Bah! Sneer! Plato! So I think it is a very good idea to name your own with no reference at all to any other philosopher, living or dead! It's your very own life view and philosophy and I bet it's going to be very interesting!

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