Week 1: "Introduction" to Philosophy

 
Post 1 : Aldous Huxley: Technology

        According to the video, Aldous Huxley believes that there are certain factors that
are threatening control and accelerating away from freedom, possibly suggesting the
society he created and predicted in his book, Brave New World. He mentions that
technology will be a potential source that will assist in the progress of such a world. In
current day, this is noticed as people are more technologically involved and are able to
communicate ideas to the world, by implementing devices at reach. The internet, an
arena of pseudonyms, allows individuals to hide behind a self-created profile, while
utilizing their value of freedom of speech. Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of
the internet is the evolution of relaying a message; in history, a letter that would be
carefully handwritten was delivered by horseback over a period of time while people in
this age can just do so in seconds, via email. The internet, however, is only a fraction of
what technology can enable one to do.  

          Huxley’s fear of the rising power emanated from the technological industry is not
completely exaggerated; the media is testament to that. They have the capability to alter
the image or opinion of the public at large by force-feeding their own agenda by use of
news reports, commercials, movies, music, etc. Ignorance is indeed strength for the
manipulative. Especially in this day and age, many heavily rely on the mass media to
provide the latest information, without making an effort to ensure that the facts
presented are legitimate. To conclude, freedom can be suppressed by abuse of
technology.

Post 2: Aldous Huxley: Overpopulation

        Of the two predominant causes related, Huxley foreshadows overpopulation to

play a major role in the establishment of control of the influential minorities over the vast
majority. He believes that failure to supply according to demand, or to distribute limited
resources to a nation growing rapidly, will cause societies to disintegrate. Aldous
mentions that this dilemma is especially common in underdeveloped countries where
people cannot find the means to even clothe themselves appropriately or meet the basic
necessities required in life. The government is forced to tend to these issues, even if it
involves harsh methods. Hence, resistance occurs, and a totalitarian form of leadership
threatens to dominate.

          As Huxley mentioned, the global population is on the rise, tripling what it was
several years ago. Millions of residents in underprivileged countries such as Africa die
due to starvation and malnourishment. This was a result to the decline of resources,
which could not meet the level of demand. Thereafter, several governments decided to
enforce strict regulations in order to control the population problem, itself. For example,
China adopted a one-child policy, which, in most cases, restricts couples to having only
one child. Those who disobey the law are imposed a heavy fine ("Wikipedia"). It is
unfortunate, at the least, that the government fails to invest in the youth of their country
while they do so for other futile purposes.

"One-child policy." Wikipedia. Wikipedia®, n.d. Web. 3 Jul 2010.

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One-child_policy>.

Post 3: Aldous Huxley: Over-organization

           The second major issue presented in Huxley's argument as to why the world fall into a
totalitarian regime is the great attention paid towards organization of the country. He correlates
the advancement in technology to organization, suggesting that the former impacts the latter a
great deal. By use of technology and the aim to create an overly organized system, bureaucracies
will dictate their ideologies onto people and force them into a certain lifestyle. Huxley goes as
far as to relate how Hitler managed to guarantee success in his ambitions to a certain extent by
use of the technology available at hand. He did not rely on his determination and brute force
exclusively.

            While the United States preaches democracy, one cannot be rest assured of it not slowly
inching towards dictatorship. As the media plays a prominent role in the lives of many, it also
can manipulate one towards a certain opinion. In regards to the presidential candidates, it is not
unlikely that they are bribed by private donors, indicating a sense of control private from the
public. It is difficult to judge whether or not they will keep their promises, are influenced by
outside factors, while bearing in mind the enormous amount of power enclosed at their
fingertips.  In the age where false pretenses and scams are evident, dictatorship cannot be
canceled out.

Post 4: Francis Fukuyama: Religion vs. Science

      One of the interesting concepts I managed to grasp by watching the interview with Dr.
Fukuyama was the conflict that arises between science and religion. An opinion is that religion is
just composed of silly myths, basically indicating that it is unsubstantial and a result of
prehistoric 'ignorance'. However, the truth is, religion is not only beneficial on a personal level,
but globally as well. It indicates a source of moral and other fundamental rules that unite many
individuals with similar belief. A concern presents itself of how science has negated or refuted
some of these fundamentals that several religions are based upon. According to Fukuyama, some
religions actually evolved to match the developments in the scientific world.

    As a strong believer of a prominent monotheistic religion, I share the opinion that science
cannot compete with religion. Reason being, as stated earlier on in the beginning of the
interview, science can only go so far to determine the evolution of creation, leading to the 'big
bang theory'; that is all that is left- theories. Science is only applicable on the practical world
while religion allows one to secure their beliefs on the unseen, without always remaining
doubtful. It is essential, ofcourse, to research and understand a religion before committing to it
because it enables one to remain confident in the answers provided by that particular religious
system. Personally, my religion has enabled me to understand the purpose of my existence,
origin, and ultimate goal, something I would never be able to attain through modern science due
to its inconsistency.

Post 5: Fukuyama : Religious Tolerance

     I wanted to elaborate on the idea Fukuyama presented on the social benefit of religion. It
does, indeed, unite people in a sense that it provides a common background. In the past, as
mentioned, there were numerable conflicts prevalent due to the many differences of opinion
amongst tribes. As time progressed, it is noticed that the world is now composed of a few major
religious majorities that are practiced by hundreds of millions of followers. Religion is a useful
language for people to not only construct an organized and meaningful life but to connect with
others, enhancing a sense of tolerance.

           Tolerance towards other religions is also important alongside forming mutual
understanding. There will probably always be a difference of opinion; however, people should be
constructive in reaching out their thoughts without resorting through vulgar means. It is also
crucial to realize that while followers of a certain religion may act irrationally due to a disturbed
mental state, it is just as irrational and biased to target the religion and followers as a whole,
creating dangerous stereotypes. This is especially upsetting in the case that the religion does not
promote such acts, and actually condemns them. Therefore it is extremely advisable that people
find legitimate resources, research, and educate themselves about a belief system before
attacking them based on their own ignorant perspectives.

Post 6: How Did Socrates Die?

          It is admirable and rare to discover a character who was adamant about their belief that not
even death seemed intimidating. In the book, How Did Socrates Die, the philosopher, Socrates,
was convicted for two offenses. The first was not paying due reverence to the 'gods' of the
Athenian society and the second was corrupting the youth's mindset by his teaching. Even
though he could have chosen to be punished differently, Socrates offered a more sarcastic and
stubborn attitude instead. The result of his choice was death by poison, which he administered on
himself.

          To remain steadfast on one's opinion even if it will cost their life is a trait attributed to very
few. Socrates was quite extraordinary in the sense that he did not save himself even when given
the opportunity, because he did not believe his actions to be negative. While this may be
reckless, the renowned philosopher still managed to influence many individuals. He was sincere
by his words and what he preached. So much so that he was confident enough in himself to drink
the liquid of death by his own hands.

Post 7: The Socratic Universe: Does God Exist?

           When posed the question, "Does God exist?", some of the philosophers replied in the
affirmative while others held opposing views. According to Cohon, "It would be nice if God did
exist. But I don't think there are any successful proofs of God's existence, nor are there other
sorts of objective evidence..." I completely refuse to agree with this statement. Faith means to
believe in the unseen and accept it unconditionally; God is such a Being who is so magnificent
that humans cannot withstand His Might and therefore are unable to see Him with the naked eye.
He is a Being who is so powerful that He created the entire universe out of nothing. He has the
ability to produce life and send forth death, which is done on a daily basis, and nobody can
escape fate. Human beings, no matter their level of intelligence, cannot question His existence
because it is foolish to challenge the existence of a Being who created aspects of life that are
continued to be debated, discussed, and discovered, although present for what may seem like
eternity.

          It was quite depressing to read some of the responses based on the question, coming from
individuals who are so highly educated yet are blinded by the miracles presented by God,
proving His existence, in the world before their very eyes. Why should one risk renaming in
doubt, only to have their inquisitive minds haunt them till the last breath? Lack of faith will
deprive one of their true purpose in life, and no matter what, they will always be left hanging for
answers that are already available. Every object has a creator, and therefore, it is only reasonable
that there is a Supreme Being who is responsible for ultimately creating all that is present. God
says in the Qur'aan [2:164], "Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the
alternation of night and day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which is of use to
mankind, and the water which God sends down from the sky and makes the earth alive therewith
after its death, and the moving {living} creatures of all kinds that He has scattered therein, and in
the veering of winds and clouds which are held between the sky and the earth, are indeed aayaat
{proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, revelation, etc.} for people of understanding" and "It is He
Who sends down water from the sky, and with it We bring forth vegetation of all kinds, and out
of it We bring forth green stalks, from which We bring forth thick clustered grain. And out of the
date-palm and its spathe come forth clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of
grapes, olives and pomegranates, each similar {in kind} yet different {in variety and taste}. Look
at their fruits when they begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof. Verily! In these things there are
signs for people who believe (6:99)."

Post 8: Response

          I could not have said it better myself. Power is a blessing and curse all at
once. As you mentioned, if used inappropriately, great destruction is bound to
occur. Examples in history are testament to this fact. Hitler, who was quite an
active member of the political party in Germany, abused his power by tormenting
others. U.S. presidential candidates often promise the public of positive ideas
and in several cases, do not keep their word by committing more harm than
bringing about the justice expected from them. A true leader is one who is able
to utilize their power justly.

           Those with power should fear it; this will keep them humbled at all times and
allow them to use it with caution. Doing so will enable them to better serve
humanity while being honored and dignified. I also have heard of certain
individuals who abuse their own and others' relationships by using their
strength to prey on the weak. What goes around usually comes back around and the
stench of their deeds could not be eradicated as it came back to haunt their
self-esteem in their old brittle age. If individuals take advantage of their
strength, then they should also be aware of the fact that they may be considered
weak in the eyes of another.

Post 9: Nicholas of Cusa

          After watching Nicholas of Cusa, I thought that the last segment to be the most
meaningful. When a person admits to their ignorance, as all humans are ignorant to an extent that
they cannot be knowledgeable of every possible bit of info, then it will lead to fruitful results.
When one acknowledges ignorance, they will most likely strive to rid themselves of it. Hence the
quote, "If we can fully attain unto this knowledge of our ignorance, we will attain unto learned
ignorance." 'Learned ignorance' here refers to the acknowledgment of one's ignorance.

          The second part to the concept is,"For a man--even one very well-versed in learning--will
attain unto thinking more perfect than to be found to be most learned in this ignorance which is
distinctively his". This implies that the closest thing to attaining perfection is to convert
ignorance into learning, which in turn, is a consistent process. By admitting ignorance, one
allows room for learning and growth. What amused me by this film was how a detestable
concept such as ignorance can have its own use by allowing one to stray away from it. Overall, I
thought this portion of the film was very insightful.

Post 10: The Java Philosophy

             The Java Philosophy, a short film, brought some interesting ideas to the table through
quotes. I felt two of them to be especially thought-provoking. Jean Paul Sartre said, "Everything
has been figured out, except how to live". For many individuals, this is true as they are unsure of
their existence, their purpose, and what is expected of them in life. Thus, they follow a blind
path, unaware of what is morally or ethically correct, without guidelines. However, humans are
gifted with the opportunity to think and apply common sense while making constructive
decisions. Hence, it is almost an obligation, I feel, that every sane and able person should seek
adequate answers. For me, Islam is a way of life and not just a religion; it offers me a solid
answer for every practical question and I am satisfied.

          The second quote was by S.K., "I feel as if I were a piece of in a game of chess, when my
opponent says of it: That piece cannot be moved." I feel that this quote strongly contradicts the
aforementioned one a great deal. While the former indicates that life can be molded according to
one's will, the latter reveals an opposing viewpoint. It gives one the feeling of being extremely
limited in choice and restricted overall to what they can accomplish in their life. I agree with this
opinion to an extent because although fate is predetermined, it does not mean one does not have
a choice between living a fruitful and wasted life.