Compare philosophy to a child asking you why? Whatever we are doing or thinking about, we can always step back and articulate and justify presuppositions being implied when we were thinking in a certain way. But, asking too much may lead to asking unimportant questions. Philosophy often concerns things we take for granted. So for example an ongoing debate in philosophy is Intellectual Solidarity (disposition to trust the testimony of your community or testimony of another)and Intellectual Autonomy (disposition to form beliefs on your own or not on the basis of anothers testimony.) David Hume argues for Intellectual Autonomy as being epitomized by the person who believes something unpopular. Virtuous in some cases is to go against general orthodox thinking. He also argues it is okay to trust other people, but not to blindly trust other people. This is why Hume thinks you should be on your own in forming opinions. Said best by Immanuel Kant as Sapre Aude. Thomas Reid argues for Intellectual Solidarity, and that Intellectual Autonomy is a violation of our human nature because we are naturally social creatures. Reid thinks our beliefs and opinions are naturally guided by other people. Its natural and appropriate to believe in others. So for example: If you value progressiveness and innovative breaks with tradition and rejecting conventional wisdom, or new ideas overthrowing the old ideas then you are an Intellectual Autonomist. If you value tradition, and the conservation of traditional beliefs among the community, knowing that we inherit political and religious beliefs from previous generations, then you would be for Intellectual Solidarity These theories can be commingled with Universal Human Rights, or perhaps more specifically Gay Rights as an example. Tradition would be no equal rights because it is the Christian thing to do. Progressivism would be equal rights for all. You can also apply this to another example. Say slavery. Tradition would be that slavery is good and useful and has been practiced as tradition for many centuries, progressivism would be slavery is bad, and a change from such tradition would be good. You can make other example such as these as start to think who you are and what you choose to follow or make anew.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 00:05:39 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015