Human+Nature

=Hello,=

Sometimes we will use this wiki page to share our ideas on things we read and discuss in class. You will need to become a member of my Wiki to do this. Please sign up.

Thanks,

Mr. Panagakos

Below you will find the video Secrets of the Mind. This highlights the neuroscience perspective on Human Nature. From this perspective the 3.5 pound mass of cells in our heads is at the center of everything. The brain is central to our behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Some might even suggest even the sense of God is generated by the brain. What do you think?

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Below find the link for Reimagining the Cosmos. Use the radio version. It is 51 minutes. http://www.onbeing.org/program/brian-greene-reimagining-the-cosmos/6118 == = = =Human Nature=

Good Morning,

It is Monday morning after vacation. You probably need a bit of a review to get your brain focused on Human Nature again.

On Thursday we discussed Plato’s views. For Plato the world of ideas is what is real. The senses can’t be trusted. His philosophy is often described as __idealism__ because he believes that ideals like truth, beauty, and good exist. Remember this is absolute not relative. For instance, this means there is not your truth and my truth, but the TRUTH. For Plato the good life comes from the elimination of ignorance.

Aristotle was a student of Plato. His philosophy is often termed __realism.__ Like Plato he put a big emphasis on reason. Aristotle believed that humans should get in the habit of making reason dominate one’s emotions. One difference between the Plato and Aristotle however is that Aristotle did not think that reality was purely in the realm of ideas. He believed that essence of a thing and its substance together equaled reality. Aristotle believed that happiness was an activity of the mind. He equated reason with the divine. What is good comes from the application of reason.

1. Today we will discus Epicurus and Epictetus. In order to prepare for this discussion write our your answers to the questions below.

2. In what way did the philosophy of Epicurus reflect social conditions of the period in which he lived (342-270 B.C.)?

3. What is the key idea behind the moral philosophy of Epicurus?

4. What is the Buddhist view of death?Compare Epicurean view of death to the Buddhist view?

5. What is the difference between kinetic and katastematic pleasure according to Epicurus?

6. What does Prudence mean? According to Epicurus what is the role of Prudence in living a good life?According to Epicurus why are friends better than family?What is a stoic?

7. Compare the Epictetus’ view of reason and Aristotle’s view of reason? Marcus Aurelius was a stoic philosopher. He wrote Meditations. Find the quote at the top of page 71. What is he trying to say?

8. Why is that people should not get angry and happy about things that happen in nature?