Week 3

What do you make of empiricism's claim that all of our knowledge is based on the use of our senses? What areas of knowledge do you think support this theory? Are there any types of knowledge (mathematical knowledge, for example?) that you think are a problem for this theory?

I do not believe for a moment that our senses are responsible for our knowledge. I think experience is responsible for that. I think that our senses were given to us to make associations and because it helps us to identify and relate to things. Senses are like tools, not a computer hard drive with pre-installed spam in it (Microsoft Windows) lol. I believe that god is a good example for me because throughout generations we have been told how we got here and we suppose to just buy into it? Without prove? In my opinion we must live first before we can begin to gather knowledge. I found this theory hard to digest.

Week 2

According to Descartes, we are more certain of our thoughts, the content of our minds, than we are of the world around us, and even of mathematical or logical truths. He uses 'methodological skepticism' to reach this conclusion.

What do you think about methodological skepticism? Do we ever follow this procedure in our daily lives, or do we do the opposite. In other words, do we tend to believe things until it becomes impossible to believe them, rather than doubting everything we can? If so, does this suggest that methodological skepticism is not a good strategy?

I believe most of us tend to believe our sources rather than to question them, even if we don’t quite agree or can't verify. Why go to the trouble of confirming those claims or so call facts? Descartes believed that this is not having knowledge; I would have to agree with that, but methodological skepticism is not for everyone or nor can we all handle doubting our existence, beliefs and so on. What I mean is, that doubting things until we can prove them is a tough way to live and really exhausting. Most of times we use common and sense and reasoning is good enough for most of us. Descartes way of thinking in which he makes good points, it's a bit out there for me.

Week 1

In the Allegory of the Cave, Socrates suggests that, without philosophical education, we are all like the prisoners in the cave. What are your thoughts on this? How is philosophy supposed to be liberating? Do you think Socrates is right to be so pessimistic about life without philosophy?

I believe most of us can continue with life without questioning everything, but for me in particular it’s hard.  I have to agree with Socrates that while not challenging society we are doom to repeat mistakes over and over again. I personally think that it’s liberating to be able to challenge things in society and not be afraid. Michael Moore and Bill Maher, to me are great examples. They are certainly not scared to bring up topics that were scared to talk about. I also understand that this isn’t for everyone, no one wants to be judge or prosecuted or even assaulted for speaking their mind, but somehow most of times it goes in that direction, which it’s unfortunate, but it is part of being a prisoner in the cave. I think Socrates is right to be pessimistic; I certainly don’t want to leave my life without questioning why we do what we do.