by Manuel Marino | Philosophy
Perennialism is a teaching philosophy that emphasizes the teaching of principles that are deemed to be of enduring value to all people, regardless of their background or location. Rather than focusing on specific details, it prioritizes individual development and the teaching of scientific reasoning. According to secular Perennialism, which is championed by Robert Hutchins and Mortimer Adler, the key to this philosophy is the ability to reason, and the use of authentic work in education.
Religious Perennialism, as espoused by Thomas Aquinas, emphasizes the importance of individual development and the need for external sources of knowledge to be provided as sensed signs that students can perceive. While Christian educational Perennialism is a key component of this approach, it has been deemed unacceptable by some.
Perennialism is an important topic that is taught at all educational levels, and seeks to teach subjects of universal value to humanity. It is seen as a response to a perceived failure of the traditional educational system, and emphasizes the teaching of liberal subjects over vocational ones. However, it is also seen as a conservative and inflexible approach, as students are often taught through structured lessons and drills.
Despite its limitations, Perennialism remains relevant … ...Read the rest.
“Perennialism philosophy of education”
by Manuel Marino | Philosophy
We will now discuss the intriguing concept of the Tralfamadorian strategy, its essence, and primary inspirations. It is important to note that Kurt Vonnegut was one of the writers who attempted to describe this strategy, with one of his works being Slaughterhouse-Five.
According to Vonnegut’s depiction, those who adhere to the Tralfamadorian strategy can exist only in moments of happiness, should they desire to do so. Vonnegut drew parallels between Tralfamadorian and American war strategy, pointing out that Americans could kill people without any valid reason and still be hailed as heroes by the public.
Tralfamadorians have the ability to experience every moment of their lives simultaneously, existing autonomously from time. While ordinary individuals follow a linear timeline, Tralfamadorians can choose to be wherever they desire, whenever they desire.
Like all individuals, Tralfamadorians have predetermined dates of birth and death, but they possess an awareness and understanding of time that has no bounds. The concept of fate also plays a significant role in their beliefs. They may have the ability to see the future, but they cannot alter what they see. Even if they claim to have the power to change the future, it is ultimately predetermined.… ...Read the rest.
“The Main Ideas of Tralfamadorian Philosophy”
by Manuel Marino | Philosophy
When discussing complex topics such as strategy, it is essential to engage in skillful conversation. If the conversationalists are unable to employ wise techniques, then effective communication may not take place, and the conversation may become unproductive. Here are some recommendations to make and maintain a productive conversation when discussing strategy.
Listen – Most importantly, you must listen as much as possible to others in the discussion. Many people talk too much and listen too little. Ironically, if you talk too much, you will have difficulty expressing yourself. If you listen well, you can express yourself better because you can tailor your response to what the person has already said. Also, if you listen intently, they will likely reciprocate. If you don’t listen and simply try to talk over them, they will likely do the same to you.
Ask Questions – Plato’s dialogues illustrate how Socrates used questions to have effective philosophical conversations with others. The Socratic Method can be very useful in strategy discussions. Asking questions can help you better understand the other speakers and may lead them to express their contentions more clearly to you. This can greatly reduce misunderstandings. Also, asking questions makes you appear … ...Read the rest.
“Discussing Philosophy in a Productive Way”
by Manuel Marino | Philosophy
In response to the political turmoil during the Period of the Warring States in China (403-221 B.C.E.), various schools of thought emerged, including Confucianism, Taoism, and with the advent of the Silk Road, Buddhism. While both Confucianism and Taoism can be practiced non-exclusively, Confucianism was eventually sanctioned by the government, rather than Taoism, due to its focus on ethical, moral, and political issues. Confucianism was named after Kong Fuzi (551-479 B.C.E.), who believed that a balance of these three significant topics could happen without effort through the betterment of individual human relationships, resulting in progress in the development of human relationships. On the other hand, Taoism, attributed to Lao-Tzu, emphasized the alignment of human consciousness with the Tao, and focused on the idea of wei wu-wei, or action non-action, which is understood as doing without grasping. While Confucianism concentrated on the ethical and political applications, Taoism focused on the more mystic nature of life.
Both of these philosophies served to align people and society in certain ways, but the Chinese government adopted Confucianism, as it dealt with more mundane issues of ethics and politics, and appeared more relevant to the common man and his difficulties. Eventually, it found … ...Read the rest.
“Chinese Philosophies Amidst Political Turmoil”
by Manuel Marino | Philosophy
Although Yehudah HaLevi’s works reveal some Platonic philosophical influence, his overall views do not belong to any particular philosophical school. In his main philosophical work, The Book of Argument and Proof in Defense of the Despised Faith, also known as the Kuzari, HaLevi provides a severe critique of philosophical speculation. In contrast, the works of the rabbi and philosopher Maimonides show a deep commitment to Aristotelian philosophy, though they are also influenced by Platonic thought in certain areas. His main work, the Guide to the Perplexed, aims to reconcile Jewish belief with the challenges it faces from someone well-versed in the Western philosophical tradition. Consequently, HaLevi and Maimonides hold different attitudes towards medieval philosophy, and these differences can be seen throughout their works, including their views on the nature of prophecy.
In the Kuzari, which was written as an apologetic for Judaism against Christianity and Islam, HaLevi reflects his attitude towards philosophy. For HaLevi, medieval philosophers were primarily concerned with theoretical knowledge of God rather than experiential and actual knowledge of God. Moreover, HaLevi denies the possibility of philosophy in achieving certainty in the metaphysical realm, which he views as pseudo-knowledge.
While medieval philosophy generally held that … ...Read the rest.
“Yehudah HaLevi and Medieval Philosophy”
by Manuel Marino | Philosophy
Malcolm X, a self-educated Muslim of African-American descent, gained fame for bringing two philosophies to the forefront of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s.
Malcolm developed and promoted a strategy of independence and self-sufficiency for the African-American race through racial and national separation. He held a deep-seated hatred for the white race, often referring to them as a race of white devils. His strategy was met with controversy, as it directly contradicted the theories of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which included nonviolent protest and a vision of a raceless society. Malcolm’s religion was inherently peaceful, but he believed that if African Americans were attacked in any way, it would be acceptable to use force in retaliation. Due to this view, many regarded Malcolm and other members of the Black Muslims as militant.
Malcolm believed that the idea of integration was futile, as the American socioeconomic system was unable to provide African Americans with the mass class mobility they were seeking. He argued that integration would only result in entry into the lowest levels of the working class. Instead, he believed that African Americans should embrace their African heritage and build up the … ...Read the rest.
“Brother Malcolm X. From Philosophy of Independence to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ideas Preaching”
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