Philosophy!
 

Philosophy, how ambiguous! I've been reading (lurking) on these forums and as I suspected, the average 8-bit theatre reader is FAR more intelligent than the people that surround me. So...where better to discuss unclear and difficult topics such as philosophy, dubya and the meaning of life. So I'll get us started:

Objectivism (i.e., Ayn Rand's personal philosophy, detailed in Atlas Shrugged and the Fountainhead). Does it have merit? Is it cold, cruel and heartless? was Ayn Rand just trying to make people angry?

Ok...GO!

(Note: If I say something stupid please let me know. And if this thread sucks delete it or lock it or something. If it works out to be sophisticated and intelligent, I'll keep it going by posting questions on other philosophies)

I've been convinced by my boyfriend (who's a Psychology major) that objectivism is inherently flawed. I don't remember exactly why right now (though I'll probably remember if I actually go look objectivism up sometime).

Ayn Rand was an interesting character. From what I've heard, she didn't live her life anything like the philosophies put forth in her books. I don't have a lot of trust in people who don't live what they preach. She had some interesting ideas though, and I'd like to read her books sometime.

I apologize for the lack of real content in this post. I'm not going to talk a lot about any of this, because I don't know a lot about any of it. Hopefully, someone else will post soon who's more knowledgeable on the subject than I am. :D

Actually it was quite insightful, for secondhand knowledge ;)

From what I hear, Ayn Rand did not live as her philosophy stated AT ALL...and that hurts her credibility some. That's good info...affects the discussion greatly.

Philosophy is bunk. Yes, all forms of philosophy are interesting takes on the world around us, but if you personally restrict yourself to any one philosophy, without working your own personal worldview, then you just become an idealogue with no real thoughts on the matter.

Consider the philosophy of Metaphysics. Yes, it is interesting at times, but once you really get into it, and follow it to its full conclusions (especially its perspectives on the meanings of words), you find its barking mad. The same can be said of any number of various elements of philosophy (yes, I consider Descartes a bit of a looney).

Anyway, while philosophy is interesting, and can help you develop a worldview, I think every branch is too restrictive in telling a person what to think. As long as philosophy is used as a guideline, its a good thing, but if you go so far as to live your life according to any one philosophy, things just don't work out as well.

Sky Warrior Bob

I must start this post by saying a couple things.

First, I've been waiting for some in-depth discussions on philosophy in these forums. It's one of my favorite topics, and you're right, most the people around here are far more intelligent than one might expect from such a place.

Second, I haven't YET read Ayn Rand, but I'm planning to. My English teacher, a fellow intellectual/romantic suggested I get the books, and I will soon.

So most my discussion here is coming from what she told me: my English teacher, while suggesting I read the books, immediately told me that she thinks Rand's philosophy is flawed. In her opinion, Rand had a certain view of life (her view) and refused to look at things from the viewpoint of anyone else. Her philosophy would not work in many circumstances, but Rand never took these circumstances into consideration.

As long as we're on the philosophy kick, though, I suggest anyone interested check out this site:

http://www.angelfire.com/ego/philosophyradio/

It's a great site containing MANY radio programs where people discuss philosophy. I listen to it almost every night while I sleep. Check it out.

I pride myself on being somewhat existentialist, mostly because I liked "The Plague."

I've never read Atlas Shrugged. Maybe I should.

i think we might be straying from the point alittle here. Is objectivity a good thing? in my opinion, and keep in mind this is only my opinion i have not read the books listed above, but i think that keeping your emotions under control no matter the situation is a great thing. While others rant and rave you are able to remain cool and collected. I see that as a plus.

Ayn Rand's idea on objectivity is (in my mind) right on. However, her not living her own ideas on it, prevents it from ever gaining its duly deserved credit.

I like to think of myself as objective, although that does tend to hurt you in settings where feelings/emotions are needed :D

Do you use Philosophy to explain the actions of others or to explain your own?

I live. I know I live and I will live. I believe that all humans have certain inalienable rights to pursue happiness and have liberty and justice. Everyone has a right to be happy or sad. My thoughts are my own whether it's from pre-existing idea or not. Like Frankenstein, we are all made up of dead bodies: certain ideas and characteristics that came from generations before.

Umm... so basically your saying that we are all going to die? Correction, we are all already dead, its merely a matter of time till our cells stop their slow dance toward oblivion. Humanities struggle for life is fighting an uphill struggle. But still, we can enjoy this 'life' we have been given. And yes, I do use philo in my every day life. Why not? exactly, and who cares what others think about them :D