|
1.0.0 Where we find value: Philosophy OverviewVersion 1.5 September 2019 (Previous Version) Our philosophy reflects how we view the world: what we think and feel about the nature of reality, and the core choices we make based on those thoughts and feelings. Our philosophy is guided by what we learn from science, history, religion, art, media and culture. But our core choices, despite what some skeptics say, aren’t scientific or historical conclusions based solely on the evidence. They are philosophical choices we make based on what we know and feel. We can't establish scientifically that the truth exists, that the world is rational, that life is worth living, that loving is better than hating, that it is good to be good, that hope for the future is valid. The introduction has a summary of our philosophical conclusions in less than 100 words (see 0.3.1). The slightly longer overview below covers the same conclusions in slightly more detail. Part 1 - Philosophy: Conclusions (long version 1.2 March 2012) Philosophy tells us we all live with dilemmas. ● There is no “transcendental” truth, no certainty, no ‘transcendental’ or supernatural God, no ‘transcendental’ free will, no ‘transcendental’ source of goodness or beauty, from outside our universe. There are no supernatural spirits, no souls, no universal forms, no life after death, no reincarnation. We have to live with the natural world. ● The universe we see, the material world, is mysterious and wondrous. Everything is linked to other parts of the whole. We classify it into things and events in our attempt to understand them and communicate to each other. Doing so helps us to understand many things well enough to get on with life, but this classification is sometimes misleading (maya, illusion) and may hide an underlying continuity or a unity of the universe, the All, the One. ● Our “selves” are also an illusion but a persistent one. Mental events are physical events, either caused or random, but we still have to work out what to believe, despite the dilemmas, uncertainty and confusion caused by maya (illusion), and allowing for a diversity of opinions. We must use the best ways we can, reason and evidence, with the least amount of faith, accounting for our emotions, to make our own decisions. ● Goodness arises within us, based on compassion, or prudence. Evil is often just a mistake, but inhumane people lack compassion. So we need social controls and must assign responsibility, but we must also be merciful. Our shared human nature and shared culture allow us to appreciate and debate beauty and the arts. ● The choices we make on these issues reflect our core values: Truth, Diversity, Reality, Life, Love, Beauty, Responsibility, Equality, Hope. These are our absolute values. more Our core philosophical choices reflect our core values. In our philosophy, there are reasonable grounds to seek and value the truth, and, in acknowledgement of our uncertainty, to value a diversity of informed opinion about a public reality that we share, even if we don’t understand it completely. It is also reasonable to choose life – to choose to continue the struggle in this life – and to choose love (or compassion) – to help others in their struggle with life and try to minimise suffering. It is reasonable to accept and assign responsibility and to promote equality (which are the basis of justice and freedom). Beauty is ubiquitous – everywhere – if we choose to see it. We choose to act in hope. Science and history provide guidance on what actions are likely to be effective in supporting these core values, and religion and art help to express them, but they don't provide core values.
* * * * * * *
|
|
English (English)
Español (Spanish)
Français (French)
We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of Country, throughout all colonised lands, and their connections to land, waters and community. We pay respect by giving voice to truth, values and social justice, acknowledging our shared history, and valuing the cultures of first nations peoples.
Copyright 2008 - 2026 Trevor J Rogers, care of the address shown on this page. All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the copyright owner. Any approved reproduction is permitted only with full attribution of the source, referring to this site and this copyright notice. The moral right of the author is asserted.
Top