On Saturday mornings I like to go to Starbucks, which is my favorite spot for coffee, just read and relax my mind. However, I was reading one of my good books by a great philosopher named Julian Baggini, How the World Thinks. In that instant, I heard a lot of noise and seen people going up to these three men. As I looked up and I see the three men walking through the door I didn't recognize who it was but as they walked past my table I realized it was Nigel Warburton, Kurt Andersen and the Julian Baggini. It was so crazy because I was reading one of Baggini’s book and I’ve read books by Warburton and Andersen before. Therefore, I was shocked and exciting that some of the world’s most famous philosophers were in the same place I’m in. After they were seated just a few tables away from mine, I was eager to ask them some questions but not knowing if they would give me the time. Instantly I walked over there an asked
Me: Hey my name is Robbie I am a fan of philosophy
as a matter of fact I am reading “How the World Thinks by you Mr.Baggini
Baggini:
Oh really!? However, that’s probably one of my favorites.
Warburton:
Great book!
Andersen:
Yes, it is!
Me: But
I wanted to ask you guys some questions as a fan of philosophy, is okay if I sit
with you all?
All: (Looks
at each other)
Warburton & Baggini: yes, that's okay
Andersen:
Well don’t make it too long because I do have somewhere to be.
Me: This
won't take long at all sir maybe about just two questions.
Andersen:
(nods) okay.
Me: Well
first Do you think philosophy can help people learn to respect truth, facts,
reality, and one another, and to reject falsehood, superstition, selfishness,
polarization, partisanship, and mutual hostility based on differences of race,
religion, ethnicity, nationality, belief, etc.? If so, how? If not, why not?
Andersen:
Philosophy
is basically a willingness to question everything. It is dangerous because it
might lead you to believe we are living in a universe without answers, for
there are many questions that are difficult, even impossible, to answer. But in
the right dosage, it leads to some answers you otherwise would never notice. But
yes, I think philosophy is valuable when it leads to a deeper understanding of
physical reality; it is destructive when it is used to claim absolute knowledge
which cannot be tested in reality.
Baggini:
Well as a philosopher , philosophy is practice for how
to think clearly & logically, cataloguing shortcuts for how to recognize
certain structures of ideas & where their weak points are. It helps to figure out how to align will & behavior, to make one's
actions more relevant to one's desires. Also It just provides freedom
to question long-held beliefs & change them.
Warburton: I love you guys responses and I actually
I
think it won’t only help but we need philosophy. Just as I think anyone who
studies history or politics must study historiography to compliment it. A class
that incorporates philosophical reasoning, basic ethnic/religious education in
order to minimalize unfounded prejudice, a course promoting common sense,
common decency, and emotional intelligence. Too many people seem to lack these
things. One of my reason I became a philosopher.
Me:
OH MY GOD! It
feels so good to hear you guys perspective I really appreciate you guys answer
my question, however can I ask you guys one more question?
All: Go
ahead!
Me: As
a matter of fact I will like to answer this question and get you guys
response. What is this world going to be? What is life eventually to make of
itself?
Baggini:
Mmm….
Me:
Well this world is pretty uncertain, we don’t really know what this world really going to be. However, we are the ones who makes this world go honestly, God made the world and man made the things of this world. Everyone has their own life and freewill to truly do whatever you want in Your life. Eventually your actions and how you live your life affects those around good or bad, believe or not. Therefore we make how we want this world to go , control what we can control.
Andersen
& Baggini: Wow! *Claps*
Warburton:
I love your review on this world , it actually makes me look at it differently.
Baggini:
I agree
Andersen:
Well done Robbie , thank you for sharing that with us.
Me : No
thank you for just giving me you guys time , yall have a good day!
All: You
too!
Why the video? Give us at least a brief summary of how it contributes constructively to the conversation.
ReplyDelete"One of my reason I became a philosopher" - Nigel speaks more articulately and grammatically than this.
I don't think the group would have clapped at your statement. They more likely would have pressed you to support your assertions, starting with God and free will.
Have you incorporated any specific textual material here? You've not indicated any page references.