What is Truth?  

Posted by Plato Greybeard


     Truth? Truth? There ain't no such animal.

    Well, maybe, maybe not. Let's start with the assumption that that which can be proven with scientific objectivity can be safely placed in the category of "truth". Even this becomes problematic when further research uncovers previously unknown facts and older concepts must be laid to rest. Nevertheless, currently accepted scientific truths lend a level of reliability, confidence and comfort to decision-making.
   
    Aristotle weighed in on the topic centuries ago when he said, "To say of what is that it is not, nor of what is not that it is, is false; while to say of what is that it is, and of what is not that it is not, is true." Which brings to mind Bill Clinton's question of how to define “is".

    But, of course, much of our life is spent outside scientific validity, and this is where the rub comes in. Now it becomes a matter of truth by belief. We all believe what we want, choose or happen to believe. No one can gainsay or contradict the beliefs that one holds to be true. Whether right or wrong, adaptive or destructive, our beliefs are true for us. We are comforted when others believe as we do, just as we may be irritated by those who refuse to see the light.

    So, this sets the stage for some philosophical considerations. Outside of science, is there such a thing as absolute truth? How can/should one examine an idea or concept for its truthfulness? Who or what do we take as an authority to lend credence to our beliefs?

    What are the consequences of believing something that is not true? How would we know if we were in that situation? What consequences follow when our truths are contrary to those close to us, or to society in general?

    If there is no absolute truth, how can we know the meaning of life? Why do we exist? What is this thing we call morality? If we cannot know the answer to these questions, is there any point in asking them? What difference does it make? How disconcerting is that!

    There was once a bumper sticker that read, "God said it. I believe it. End of discussion."

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Why do we ask Why?  

Posted by Plato Greybeard


     Certainly, it is easy to see that asking "why" is essential to progress in any field of endeavor. There would be no advances by individuals or society without asking that vital question. It takes a certain level of intelligence and motivation to ask "why", and those who do not do so will remain stagnant.

    Why do we ask why? There are several possibilities. We may be seeking the answer to a puzzling question or problem, or we may want to understand how or why something works the way it does, or we may simply be nosy about someone or something, running the risk of invading another's privacy.

    It is deeply unsatisfying to not know the answer to something that puzzles us. This is an example of fear of the unknown. In these circumstances, we may make up an answer that seems reasonable just to escape the anxiety of not knowing. In the days when we lived in caves, we had to know the reason for thunder and lightning. What do you think the answer was that they came up with? Later, we had to account for the daily rising of the sun in the east and setting in the west, and we all know how that was handled for many centuries. The point here is that it is counterproductive and perhaps dangerous to answer the question carelessly or ignorantly.

    When we seek answers, how can we judge the quality of the solution that we come up with or is suggested to us? Is the answer based on demonstrable facts or does its validity rest on the testimony of others? Since we cannot know everything about anything, we must rely on others to answer our "why" questions. This can be a risky proposition.

    Why do we find it so difficult to accept an answer that is contrary to our current understanding?

    What is the most important "why" question that can be asked?
   
    When asked "why", it is not unusual for someone to offer the first response that comes into their head when they actually do not know the answer. Why is that?

    "Why?" can be the most aggressive word in English language. The one posing the question can be seen as demanding an explanation that can make the recipient decidedly uncomfortable. He/she is likely to fabricate an answer just to escape the torment of being questioned.

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Why do humans sometimes act inhumanely?  

Posted by Plato Greybeard


     This topic is the most unpleasant we have had occasion to examine at Plato's Academy. In everything we have discussed prior to today, reasonable individuals could differ on the meaning and significance of the questions presented. But I suspect that we will all be in agreement that, while humans sometimes do act inhumanely toward other humans, it is a despicable act.

     The examples of such behavior are easy to come by. From the Holocaust in the 20th century to slavery, the Inquisition, genocide, lynchings, serial killers, gladiator fights and crucifixions, the list spans all recorded history. Since it is so prevalent, and at the same time so abhorrent, why does it exist at all?

     Great teachers throughout the ages have spoken against it. Moses. Jesus. Buddha. Mohammad. Every decent human being condemns it, yet it continues to this day. Why?

     Why indeed? Do humans treat other humans inhumanely because they seek revenge, to inflict punishment, because they hate or do they truly hold a belief system that justifies torture, maiming or taking another's life? Is it possible that human beings are innately predisposed to act in such a vile manner and only refrain from doing so because of the moderating influence of society?

     Does the influence of literature, art and representations on stage and screen help perpetuate such evil acts?

     Finally we come to the most perplexing and unanswerable question of them all: what can we as individuals and as a society do to stop, or at least stem the tide, of inhuman behaviors?

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What is more powerful, Love or Hate?  

Posted by Plato Greybeard

 

      Emotions rank right up there with consciousness itself as one of the great mysteries of the inner workings and hidden mechanisms of the human mind. Why do we have them? What purpose do they serve? Are they controllable? Regardless, two of the strongest emotions are love and hate. So, the question is, which of the two is stronger or more powerful?

     Perhaps we could begin with the difficult task of defining terms. Not that agreement is likely, but think of love as a positive feeling for someone or something outside one's self and hate as a negative feeling for someone or something outside one's self. Of course, it can be said that one loves or hates him/herself, but for our purposes, let's consider only the external aspects of the two emotions.

     When we reflect on these two at the same time, it is easy to consider them as opposites, like two sides of the same coin. But are they really? If they were, you could not have one without the other: it would be impossible to love without hating, and vice versa. How often is this demonstrated in our daily lives?

     It might be more constructive to consider apathy as the opposite of both love and hate. If this is true, it would be possible to experience one without the other, each existing independently based on its source.

     But this raises an interesting question. What is the source of love and hate? Do they arise from the same source within the brain/mind? Is one more fundamental than the other?

     It is also easy to apply that other great dichotomy of “good" and "bad" to our consideration of love and hate. In an ideal world, all love would be good and all hate would be bad. But how often do we see examples of love turning destructive and good coming from hate?

     Who do we love or hate and why? Do these feelings change over time, and if so why? How do we express our love or hate? John Hinckley, Jr. expressed his love, or at least his obsession, with Jodie Foster in a most unfortunate way.

     Which holds more power, building and accomplishing through love or destroying through hate?

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Extending Second Life Relationships into Real Life  

Posted by Plato Greybeard

 

Plato Greybeard did not attend this discussion.  It was moderated by Plato's Academy good friend, Pamala Clift.  Plato himself was off extending his Second Life relationship into Real Life by visiting his SL partner, Violette, in her home town and country! 

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Why Change?  

Posted by Plato Greybeard


 

     "Why change?" The question might just as well have been asked from the opposite viewpoint, as "Why not change?” We need to look at both what is likely to motivate us to change and at the inhibitors that prevent us from doing so.

     Look first at your own motivators. Do you change only when you absolutely have to, perhaps brought about by crisis of some sort, or are you constantly seeking new ways to improve the quality of your life by changing? Do you see change as a challenge or a threat?

     What keeps you from changing? Is it that you just don't see a need to do so, or are you too comfortable to be bothered or is it just too frightening? After all, any change is, by definition, contrary to the status quo, thus bringing about a threat to peace, security and stability. Nothing attractive there.

     Change can be a move toward something new, or it can be a flight away from something old. Which you think is the more powerful motivator?

     Other than getting married, divorced or having a sex change operation, what has been the biggest change in your life? Some would say that being born was the biggest change that anyone will ever experience, and that death itself will be the next most significant. All else pales in comparison with those two.

     If you are one who embraces change easily, how do you deal with the resistance of those who do not want to change?

     There are many meaningful quotes, but I leave you with this one that has long been a favorite: "Be not the first by which the new is tried, nor yet the last to lay the old aside."

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What is Trust and what are its Implications in Life?  

Posted by Plato Greybeard

 

    Let's consider the important topic of trust and what it means when it is present or when it is missing in various aspects of our lives. I'm sure we would all agree that trust is important and desirable, but, unfortunately, it can be a fragile commodity.

     First of all, what does it mean to trust another person? Is trust logical or emotional?
    
     One of the most important areas where trust plays a paramount role is in that of intimate relationships. It holds couples together and deepens and adds significance to their feelings for each other. It also makes them vulnerable to emotional distress.

     Other areas where trust is important is in business and professional relationships. You want your doctor to be credentialed and experienced and your pilot to know how to fly. Otherwise, trust is going to be lacking.

     Trust by the electorate in their government is essential for democracy to function. In the US, we can rant and rave about the failings and shortcomings of Republicans/Democrats/Tea Partiers, but we ultimately trust that they will somehow manage the affairs of the republic. This is made more difficult when we read about greed, corruption and graft by those in positions of trust. Also, we must ignore the ignorance of the electorate when they elect a stupid person to office, and continue trust in the process.

     An area where we seem to place a great deal of trust, perhaps not always deservedly so, is in the print and broadcast media. The fourth estate wields an astounding amount of influence which is particularly disheartening when they cannot be trusted to deliver their version of the way things ought to be without downright lying.

     How and why is trust established in the beginning? What makes a person trustworthy? What could cause the rupture of a trusting relationship, and is it possible to reestablish one once broken? Under what conditions is it desirable to reestablish a trusting relationship?

     What are some behavioral characteristics that would indicate a lack of trust? What is the relationship between "trust" and "commitment"? Is one obligated to trust in the absence of a commitment?

     As Ronald Reagan famously said, "Trust, but verify." Isn't this self-contradictory?
    
     Can you ever trust another person if you know you yourself to be untrustworthy?

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