Sunday, 3 March 2024

Fact and Truth

Are Facts and Truth are the same.  What do you think? 

The following is an answer from Bing.

Can some facts be not true, and vice versa, in philosophy?

Certainly! In philosophy, the distinction between facts and truths is nuanced and thought-provoking. Let's delve into it:

1. Facts:
   - Facts are like musical notes on a sheet. They are concrete, objective realities that cannot be logically disputed or rejected.
   - For instance, if I say "fire is hot," regardless of your reasoning skills, touching fire will indeed burn your skin. This is a fact — a reality that remains unchanged.
   - Facts are not discovered or created; they are simply acknowledged.
   - However, facts can be context-dependent. For example, the transfer of heat through conduction differs from training one's body to tolerate pain.
   - In summary, facts are rigid and resistant to reasoning.

2. Truths:
   - Truths, on the other hand, are more fluid and malleable.
   - They require discovery or creation. When we say "God exists," it's a truth that depends on our reasoning and perspective.
   - If someone else possesses strong reasoning against God's existence, their belief becomes an equally valid reality.
   - Unlike facts, truths are not fixed; they evolve based on reasoning, interpretation, and individual perspectives.
   - Think of truths as the heartfelt lyrics a singer shares when she opens up and sings from her heart.

In everyday conversation, we often use these terms interchangeably, but in philosophy, they carry distinct meanings. Facts are like solid notes, while truths are the melodies we weave through interpretation and reasoning¹². 🎵🤔

Source: Conversation with Bing, 03/03/2024
(1) logic - What is the difference between Fact and Truth? - Philosophy .... https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/8053/what-is-the-difference-between-fact-and-truth.
(2) What does Nietzsche mean by "there are no facts, only interpretations"?. https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/7303/what-does-nietzsche-mean-by-there-are-no-facts-only-interpretations.
(3) 5.1 Philosophical Methods for Discovering Truth - OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/introduction-philosophy/pages/5-1-philosophical-methods-for-discovering-truth.

Can you think of some examples where facts are not truth, or truth that are not facts?


Monday, 26 February 2024

Some Questions on Jaspers' "What is Philosophy?"

Do you agree with the answers from Bing to the following questions?

What is the Primal Source according to Karl Jaspers?

According to Karl Jaspers, the primal source is the innermost core of human existence, where one can find the ultimate meaning and truth of one's being. It is the source of philosophy, which is the decision to awaken, explore, and express this primal source. Jaspers writes: "Philosophy is the decision to awaken our primal source, to find our way back to ourselves, and to help ourselves by inner action."¹ The primal source is not a fixed or static essence, but a dynamic and creative potential that can be actualized in different ways. Jaspers calls these ways the modes of the primal source, which include the modes of being, of consciousness, of spirit, and of communication. The primal source is also the basis of transcendence, which is the experience of going beyond the limits of empirical reality and encountering the encompassing, the absolute, or the divine.²

¹: [Karl Jaspers : The Philosophical Life]
²: [2 Karl Jaspers’ Philosophy of Existence - Oxford Academic]

Source: Conversation with Bing, 26/02/2024
(1) Karl Jaspers | German Existential Philosopher & Psychologist. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karl-Jaspers.
(2) CHAPTER ONE - Columbia University. http://www.columbia.edu/itc/religion/f2001/docs/axial_age.html.
(3) Karl Jaspers : The Philosophical Life. https://www.anthologialitt.com/post/karljaspers-thephilosophicallife.
(4) 2 Karl Jaspers’ Philosophy of Existence - Oxford Academic. https://bing.com/search?q=Primal+source+according+to+Karl+Jaspers.
(5) 2 Karl Jaspers’ Philosophy of Existence - Oxford Academic. https://academic.oup.com/edinburgh-scholarship-online/book/13846/chapter/167531187.

What does Karl Jaspers mean when he said the aim of philosophy is to find reality in the primal source?

Karl Jaspers said that the aim of philosophy is to find reality in the primal source, which is the innermost core of human existence, where one can find the ultimate meaning and truth of one's being. He believes that personal experience is one's fundamental source of truth about reality, and that philosophy is the decision to awaken, explore, and express this primal source. He also thinks that the primal source is the basis of transcendence, which is the experience of going beyond the limits of empirical reality and encountering the encompassing, the absolute, or the divine. ¹²

¹: [2 Karl Jaspers’ Philosophy of Existence - Oxford Academic](^1^)
²: [Karl Jaspers' Philosophy of Existence (Chapter 2) - Death ...](^2^)

Source: Conversation with Bing, 26/02/2024
(1) 2 Karl Jaspers’ Philosophy of Existence - Oxford Academic. https://academic.oup.com/edinburgh-scholarship-online/book/13846/chapter/167531187.
(2) Karl Jaspers' Philosophy of Existence (Chapter 2) - Death .... https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/death-deathlessness-and-existenz-in-karl-jaspers-philosophy/karl-jaspers-philosophy-of-existence/30BC8AFC81B132DA809BB24BC77FCE07.
(3) 2 Karl Jaspers’ Philosophy of Existence - Oxford Academic. https://academic.oup.com/edinburgh-scholarship-online/book/13846/chapter/167531187.
(4) Karl Jaspers' Philosophy of Existence (Chapter 2) - Death .... https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/death-deathlessness-and-existenz-in-karl-jaspers-philosophy/karl-jaspers-philosophy-of-existence/30BC8AFC81B132DA809BB24BC77FCE07.
(5) Karl Jaspers - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Jaspers.
(6) undefined. https://doi.org/10.3366/edinburgh/9780748625352.003.0003.

What is the Comprehensive and the Encompassing according to Karl Jaspers?

According to Karl Jaspers, the Comprehensive and the Encompassing are two key concepts in his philosophy of existence. The Comprehensive is the totality of all the objects and phenomena that we can experience and know through our senses and reason. It includes the natural world, the human world, and the cultural world. 

The Encompassing is the ultimate source and ground of all being and meaning, which transcends the Comprehensive and cannot be grasped by our ordinary cognition. It is the realm of the absolute, the divine, and the transcendent. Jaspers argues that we can only approach the Encompassing through indirect and symbolic ways, such as faith, love, communication, and philosophy. The Encompassing always announces itself in the Comprehensive, but it never becomes an object of knowledge. ¹²³

¹: [Karl Jaspers on The Encompassing (1949) - YouTube]
²: [Thinking from the Origin: Critical and Personal Remarks on Jaspers ...]
³: [On the Being of the Encompassing - Mortal Immortals]

Source: Conversation with Bing, 26/02/2024
(1) Karl Jaspers on The Encompassing (1949) - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hFOz2WrIKk.
(2) Thinking from the Origin: Critical and Personal Remarks on Jaspers .... https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-94-007-2223-1_14.pdf.
(3) On the Being of the Encompassing - Mortal Immortals. https://mortalimmortals.com/on-the-being-of-the-encompassing/.
(4) Karl Jaspers on The Encompassing (1949) - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hFOz2WrIKk.
(5) Thinking from the Origin: Critical and Personal Remarks on Jaspers .... https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-94-007-2223-1_14.pdf.
(6) On the Being of the Encompassing - Mortal Immortals. https://mortalimmortals.com/on-the-being-of-the-encompassing/.
(7) Karl Jaspers - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Jaspers.

What is reality?

Reality is a complex and contested concept that has different meanings and implications in different fields and perspectives. In general, reality is the totality of all things, structures, events, and phenomena that exist independently of human minds¹. However, some philosophers and scientists argue that reality is also influenced by human perception, interpretation, and construction². Therefore, reality may not be the same for everyone, and it may not be fully knowable or objective. Reality is one of the most profound and enduring questions in philosophy and human inquiry. 

¹: [Reality - Wikipedia]
²: [“Reality” is constructed by your brain. Here’s what that means, and why it matters. | Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute]

Source: Conversation with Bing, 26/02/2024
(1) Reality - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality.
(2) “Reality” is constructed by your brain. Here’s what that means, and why .... https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/news/reality-constructed-your-brain-here-s-what-means-and-why-it-matters.

What are facts in philosophy?

In philosophy, the concept of a fact is closely tied to questions of objectivity, truth, and reality. Let's explore a few perspectives on what a fact is:

1. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (SEP): The SEP entry on Facts delves into various aspects of this topic. It discusses how facts relate to propositions and the totality of circumstances. You can find more detailed information there¹.

2. Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus: Ludwig Wittgenstein, in his work, begins with the statement: "The world is all that is the case." He defines a fact as a **real circumstance (or "Tatsache" in German) determined by the totality of facts. Essentially, a fact corresponds to a situation that exists¹.

3. General Definition: In a broader sense, a fact can be defined as something that is the case, representing the state of affairs reported by a true proposition².

Remember that the understanding of facts can vary across different philosophical schools, and this topic remains open to interpretation and debate.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 03/03/2024

(1) metaphysics - What is a fact? - Philosophy Stack Exchange. https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/29262/what-is-a-fact.

(2) Fact - New World Encyclopedia. https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Fact.

(3) Fact (philosophy) - AcademiaLab. https://academia-lab.com/encyclopedia/fact-philosophy/.

(4) Fact - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fact.

(5) The Fact/Opinion Distinction - The Philosophers' Magazine. https://www.philosophersmag.com/essays/26-the-fact-opinion-distinction.

(6) undefined. http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/facts/.

What is Truth in philosophy?

Truth in philosophy is the property of statements, beliefs, or propositions that are said to agree with reality or to state what is the case. There are different theories and views of truth in philosophy, such as the correspondence theory, the coherence theory, the pragmatic theory, and the relativist theory. These theories try to answer questions such as: What are the criteria for truth? How can we know or discover truth? Are there different kinds or levels of truth? Is truth objective or subjective, absolute or relative, universal or particular? Truth is one of the most fundamental and important concepts in philosophy, as it is the basis of knowledge, logic, and rationality. ¹²

¹: [Truth | Definition, Importance, Theories, & Facts | Britannica]
²: [Truth - Wikipedia]

Source: Conversation with Bing, 26/02/2024
(1) Truth | Definition, Importance, Theories, & Facts | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/truth-philosophy-and-logic.
(2) Truth - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth.

When philosophers talk about seeking the Truth, what do they mean?

Philosophers are interested in finding out what is true and how we can know it. They use different methods and criteria to justify their claims to truth, such as logic, evidence, coherence, and experience. They also explore different aspects and domains of truth, such as physical, mathematical, moral, and historical truth. Philosophers seek the truth because they want to understand reality, knowledge, and rationality. ¹²³

¹: [Philosophy and the Search for Truth | Philosophia - Springer]
²: [Seven Approaches to Finding the Truth | Psychology Today]
³: [5.1: Philosophical Methods for Discovering Truth]

Source: Conversation with Bing, 26/02/2024
(1) Philosophy and the Search for Truth | Philosophia - Springer. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11406-013-9426-5.
(2) Seven Approaches to Finding the Truth | Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/theory-knowledge/202009/seven-approaches-finding-the-truth.
(3) 5.1: Philosophical Methods for Discovering Truth. https://human.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Philosophy/Introduction_to_Philosophy_%28OpenStax%29/05%3A_Logic_and_Reasoning/5.01%3A_Philosophical_Methods_for_Discovering_Truth.

Sunday, 31 December 2023

What is Philosophy?

 


What is Philosophy?  

What is Philosophy? Meaning of Philosophy (30/1/18)

The video above, posted by PHILO-notes, gives a general introduction to Philosophy.

What is Philosophy? (11/3/20)

 https://youtu.be/JFfIQJsUFL4?si=wcG8yuBnBqjGEEc1

In the video above Professor Jeffrey Kaplan approaches the question of "What is Philosophy" from looking into questions that university students, who are interested in philosophy, might ask.

What Is Philosophy? Karl Jaspers

The first chapter of the book "Way to Wisdomby Professor Karl Jaspers (23 February 1883 – 26 February 1969) attempts to address the question "What is Philosophy?". 

 A translation of the book can be found here and on the Internet Archive.

When reading Professor Jaspers' book, please replace the word "man" with "human" where appropriate.

On becoming wise

What are the philosophical questions that are important to you?

The following may be important or of interest to you:
  • What should I do during my lifetime?
  • What is the purpose of life? 
  • What should I try to get from life?
  • Why is life so terrible for me?
  • Why should one do philosophy?
  • How can I tell if something is true or false?
  • How do I decide what is good and what is bad?
  • How do I decide what or who is more believable?
  • How do I live a good life?
  • How can I be a good person?
  • How can I be free?
  • How can I be rich and happy?
These are examples of questions that philosophers might investigate.  These questions have no single correct answer.  If you are interested in questions like these, or what others might think, then I believe you are on your way to becoming a philosopher.

If you just want to know the Answer, then you need to listen to Leonard Cohen in this video the Tower of Song.  It's a lovely song. 😉😆

Wednesday, 27 December 2023

Year 2023

Record of discussion topics

Term 1 started on Wednesday 8th February 12:30 - 1:30 PM in Meeting Room 5 at the Hub.

Term 1 discussion topics

8/2/23 - Philosophy of Zhuanzi (ch.2, s1,2)
15/2/23 - Philosophy of Zhuanzi (ch.2, s3,4)
22/2/23 - Philosophy of Zhuanzi (ch.2, s5,6)
1/3/23 - Philosophy of Zhuanzi (ch.2, s8,9,10)
8/3/23 - What is philosophy? (see PPPD blog)
15/3/23 - What is philosophy? (see PPPD blog)
22/3/23 - Fallacies 
29/3/23 - Fallacies 
5/4/23 - Social gathering@McDonald's Nunawading, 349-353 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading 

Term 2 discussion topics

26/4/23 - Paradoxes (Zeno's paradox)
3/5/23 - Paradoxes (Monty Hall problem and other paradoxes)
10/5/23 - Friedrich Nietzsche (suggested by Leonie)
17/5/23 - Friedrich Nietzsche (The Lineage of Nietzsche)
24/5/23 - Friedrich Nietzsche (most of section 5 "Hero-Morality" up to p.394, p.22/43) 
31/5/23 - Friedrich Nietzsche (Superman) / Social lunch / 4 o'clock Forum on philosophy.
7/6/23 - Friedrich Nietzsche (Aristocracy, Criticism)
14/6/23 - Nietzsche (Criticism, Finale); Your conscience is no saint (contribution from marian)
21/6/23 - Peter Singer (Helen will lead this class)

Term 3 discussion topics

19/7/23 - Ethics by Peter Singer 
26/7/23 - Epicurus - The Pursuit of Pleasure
2/8/23 - Nietzsche - Your conscience is no saint
9/8/23 - Nietzsche - Your conscience is no saint 
16/8/23 - Epictetus - A Stoic View of Life / Stoicism (This day is U3A SGM & AGM)
23/8/23 - Origin of morality
30/8/23 - Origin of morality
6/9/23 - Indigenous Voice 
13/9/23 - Informal discussion at canteen / BYO lunch, snacks & philosophical topics
20/9/23 - Term break - no class
27/9/23 - Term break - no class

Term 4 discussion topics

4/10/23 - The three mysteries of reality
11/10/23 - Philosophical discussion and political discussion
18/10/23 - Philosophical discussion and political discussion
25/10/23 - Philosophical discussion, R. Penrose's 3 worlds
1/11/23 - Plato's theory of forms
8/11/23 - Platonic relationship
15/11/23 - Plato and the soul
22/11/23 - Last class of 2023, BYO lunch in the classroom 

Sunday, 12 November 2023

Enrolment Arrangement for 2024

Key dates for 2024 enrolment

Classes visible on U3A website - Monday 13 November 2023

Enrolment opens for

CURRENT Members - Monday 27 November 2023

NEW Members - Wednesday 29 November 2023

The office is open 9.00 am to 3.30 pm, Monday to Friday.

For confirmation and more information - please check the U3A Nunawading website.

Plato's Phaedo


Phaedo by Plato | Audiobook with Text
by Chillbooks


Phaedo, also known to ancient readers as On The Soul, is one of the best-known dialogues of Plato's middle period, along with the Republic and the Symposium. The philosophical subject of the dialogue is the immortality of the soul. It is set in the last hours prior to the death of Socrates, and is Plato's fourth and last dialogue to detail the philosopher's final days, following Euthyphro, Apology, and Crito.




Thursday, 9 November 2023

The Allegory of the Chariot, and how it relates to the Theory of Forms

 

Plato and the Soul - Demizmue

The Allegory of the Chariot

The video above explains Plato's Allegory of the Chariot, which describes the soul figuratively as a chariot, driven by a charioteer, and powered by two horses: a noble white horse and an ignoble dark one.

The Allegory and how it relates to the Theory of Forms

The Google slide document here shows some diagrams that explain the following concepts that were  discussed recently:
  • Roger Penrose's 3 Worlds
  • Political discussion vs philosophical discussion
  • Plato's Theory of Forms
  • The Ladder of Love
  • The Allegory of the Chariot

Plato's ethics

The following videos provide an overview of Plato's idea on ethics and link many of the ideas discussed earlier:

Plato's Ethics (A History of Western Thought 13) - by Dr. Jordan B Cooper
 
PHILOSOPHY: Platonic Ethics - Angie Hobbs 
https://youtu.be/QJ-I3MKtcnc?si=ky2QrMNMciKzUarV 


The Philosophy of Politics and Power

  1. Introduction: What is Political Philosophy? by YaleCourses Political Philosophy The above YouTube video provides an introduction to pol...