Science and Philosophy Discussion

I think I heard the comment that perhaps we were 'smarter' today then back in the period discussed in class. And, don't we have any great thinkers today? 

My thought on that is that our western culture at least is built  on scientific reasoning and any philosophical points that can't be logically proven are generally overlooked. Seems to me that if 'smarter' means we know a lot more science then 2000 years ago then yes, we are smarter. But science builds on itself and we stand on the shoulders of thousands of years of observation and experimentation.  

Philosophy on the other hand may in fact be hindered by previous thought. It would seem to me that it doesn't build so much on previous philosophic thinking and that thinking, may, in fact, hinder or box in the free expression of new ideas. I'm sure if you are tuned into it (I am not) there are many profound philosophical thinkers today but they don't get much of a hearing in the west since our focus is logical science to control our world. 

Likewise, thinking in religious circles around God may be constrained by church dogma, fundamentalist enthusiasm, or just plain laziness on our part to do the work that comes with such conceptualizing. Our society is so busy chasing 'happiness' and 'success', maybe we don't give ourselves time to be tuned into this kind of thinking which provides little or no obvious rewards.

- ERIC

The Language of Inner Space?

A thought for further consideration: 

Understand the language of the mind (thought/ego), but believe the language of the heart (soul/gnosis).

Does this resonate clarity for the role of inner space?

- Pete Norton

Needs Consideration

Ed's observation:
Your talk Wed. (History) made we wonder again about ecstatic experiences. I believe they occur but are not all always for the good (thus from the divine?), witness Jones & Jonesville and so on. I have heard several folks who claim to have had them but I don’t know about their ability to be a reliable witness. Historical claimants often have something to gain from a following of believers.


I would be glad to share this matter with others in a small group discussion.


Ed Flexman

How to Post a Comment?

For our discussions I would like us to identify ourselves so that we may address one another.
  

Raven, would you explain this for us?

A Question About "Emanation"

The Babylonian Enuma Elish mentions that the succession of the gods from chaos was considered an "emanation."

Armstrong feels that this notion is very important for the history of the God of the monotheistic religions.  Any thoughts?

Last Week's Class Left Me with this Question

What is the relationship between imagination and the experience of god-connectedness?

Question of the Week.

Spirituality is for the sake of "god-connectedness", meaning 'union with the Divine'.  How and where is that connection made?

Why the Blog?

A long time ago I started this blog but found that a website better filled my needs at that time.  Today, Raven said that we need to do something about the blog; either use it or delete it.  She suggested that a blog could be a great place for my students to have further discussion outside of the classroom.  I agreed.

But I told her that I wanted to include my former students and friends.  And I did not want discussion to be limited only to what we talked about during class.  What I have in mind is for us to post a weekly question or idea for consideration that would invite open discussion.  Responses might include: unfinished class business, practical application, ideas about how we use these ideas and any questions or comments we want to share.