Philosophy

[Kitsune]

I think various philosophies follow into both logic and morality so I am posting this here. If this is the wrong group for it, please move it to the right group. I also ask that this is stickied if possible.

In a discussion in another thread, I had trouble with what exactly positivism is even after reading the wiki article on it.

What I would ask here is a basic description of various philosophies and what makes them differ from others if at all possible. For example, how does Positivism and Humanism differ? Also, if it can be made within the scope of the discussion, how does it react with various religions. For examples there, can Christianity work with Humanism?. There is such a thing as a Christian Humanist but I had a Christian (claims to be an agnostic but I don't think that is really what he is based on his views) argue that you cannot actually be one.

Also, if you subscribe to a certain philosophy and are willing to, tell a little bit about why you chose that stance?

[Modax]

The difference between Positivism and Humanism? Postivism is a philosophy of knowledge, or ontology. Humanism is a moral philosophy, concerned with how people ought to behave. Humanism doesn't make claims regarding the nature of reality, and Positivism doesn't concern itself with morality. So they don't really intersect, as far I can see. Also, theologians may try to convince people that Christianity is a philosophy, but it isn't. Its a religion.

From wikipedia:

Humanism is a broad category of ethical philosophies that affirm the dignity and worth of all people, based on the ability to determine right and wrong by appealing to universal human qualities, particularly rationality.

Positivism is a philosophy which holds that the only authentic knowledge is that based on actual sense experience.

[Modax]

Darn it! should have previewed that before I submitted. Why aren't the quotes working?

Fixed it. I never used to be able to edit my posts...I thought that feature was disabled to prevent dishonest debating.

[Samuel]

Darn it! should have previewed that before I submitted. Why aren't the quotes working?

Fixed it. I never used to be able to edit my posts...I thought that feature was disabled to prevent dishonest debating.

You can do it up to five or ten minutes afterwards.

There is such a thing as a Christian Humanist but I had a Christian (claims to be an agnostic but I don't think that is really what he is based on his views) argue that you cannot actually be one.

The origional humanist movement was started by Christians during the Renisance. It meant something different then however. As it is now, humanism has multiple meanings- the one that he disagrees upon is the secular moral code version.

[Kuroneko]

For many an interesting article, see the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Code: Select all

Position      | Senses req'd   | Metaphysics    |
              | for knowledge? |                |
--------------+----------------+----------------+
Empiricism    | Always         | Unspecified    |
Rationalism   | Not always [1] | Unspecified    |
Positivism    | Always         | Inferior [2]   |
Neopositivism | Always         | Nonsense [3]   |

[1] There exists some knowledge as part of our rational nature. A more hard-line rationalism would hold either or both of (1) reason is always necessary for knowledge and (2) knowledge gained through reasoning is superior to that gained by sensory experience.
[2] In terms of the mode of explanation for empirical phenomena, theological < metaphysical < positive (truly scientific).
[3] The theological and purely metaphysical are not just inferior, but lack any meaning whatsoever.

P.S. A philosophy of knowledge is an epistemology; ontology is the realm of metaphysics.

[Ender]

I endeavor to practice stoicism, though my temper often gets the best of me and I fail at it. Obviously, I reject its more bizarre particulars, eg cosmology. I am inclined to think that some of the more out there stuff the classical stoics advocated was more to play the "devil's advocate" as it were and attempt to get people to adopt their view (as in, upset them and then reveal themselves to show that the others passionate emotions were only due to a false perception of their views on the matter). In any event, the basic view that the sense could be fooled and result in strong emotions that clouded judgment has some ground in psychology and physical theory, so in that regard I find little to quibble with it.

Additionally, I am more swayed by the ideas of relational ethics as at least placing more value on those you have a relationship with than total strangers, though I do not discount the strangers entirely.

[Surlethe]

I think various philosophies follow into both logic and morality so I am posting this here. If this is the wrong group for it, please move it to the right group. I also ask that this is stickied if possible.

I'm going to keep my eye on this thread. If, at the end of its life, it has turned into an informative repository, I'll either move it up into the Library or have someone write a summary, link this thread, and send the summary to the Library.

[Kitsune]

As I stated previously, I more or less classify myself as a Humanist

My belief system is that we can determine right or wrong without any need for a set of laws coming from "On High" and that many values are easy enough to understand such as why we don't murder, cheat, or steal.

I consider this able to be done through personal investigation of right or wrong, both through actual evidence and discussion of right or wrong. Everything should be treated rationally and carefully understood. I love to ask "Why?" I kind of combine this with enlightened self interest, basically that the best way to improve my life is through improving the life of others on the planet.

One discussion I have had in the past is that some people feel that a humanist philosophy does not work, that the "Masses" would never be able to be moral / ethical with a set of values imposed from a divine being.

Locked since Kitsune resurrected the thread just to ask for help. ~S