Philosophy Now Forum

Philosophy is fine but it's certainly a piss-poor refuge from the problems of the real world. There are two great crises racking Western culture at present...massive [Romanesque-like] corruption [at all levels of private and social leadership], as well as the general population's acceptance of this overt duplicity as acceptable means of furthering political agendas [morphing politics into religion].

All systems corrupt. This has been known for millennia. The U.S. Constitution was written for us, the folks who would drop the ball. Perhaps it's time that our news outlets print The Constitution on their front/home pages in order to remind the citizenry what to do when the corruption threatens to destroy the republic.

The authoritarianism that has slowly but surely leached from the elite [who always believe their interests are universal] has now tainted our collective being with lies about every damn thing [distractions so they can keep hauling nearly all the money to their banks].

The only philosophy that matters now is that which embraces individual freedom as an antidote to the authoritarian maniacs that literally want it all. These are narcissists-extraordinaire who could care less about anything or anybody [those willing to do whatever it takes to win]...including bottom-feeder politicians who sold their souls long ago, tech billionaires who would never allow their children to become addicted to the electronic pandemics they peddle, and all kinds of other sociopath CEO's/executives who protect themselves and their families against the all the garbage they propagate to the American public.

The point of philosophy is not in designing the safest and most secure places to hide, but instead, formulating an action plan, a way to to help move this mountain of putrid refuse toward the dump.

"Ignore the man behind the curtain..."

-Imp

Kant summarized the whole of Philosophy in 3 questions, i.e.

• “What can I know?”
  “What must I do?” and
  “What may I hope?”

Thus 'knowing', 'doing' and 'hoping' must be interdependent and complimentary to each others without one dominating the others.

Your focus seem to be one of the above, i.e. “What must I do?”.

One cannot achieve optimal results of action without knowing thoroughly what reality encompass actually and possibly relative to one current states.

Veritas Aequitas wrote: ↑Thu Sep 23, 2021 8:04 am Kant summarized the whole of Philosophy in 3 questions, i.e.

• “What can I know?”
  “What must I do?” and
  “What may I hope?”

Thus 'knowing', 'doing' and 'hoping' must be interdependent and complimentary to each others without one dominating the others.

Your focus seem to be one of the above, i.e. “What must I do?”.

One cannot achieve optimal results of action without knowing thoroughly what reality encompass actually and possibly relative to one current states.

At this point, I don't believe it takes a Rhodes Scholar to conclude that after 100 years of massive/systemic corruption [which appears to be peaking right about now], something needs to be done.

The only thing most of us can do is affect our immediate environment and what needs to happen is sacrifice...and this is the problem. The population has been turned into pathetically dependent mutton only interested in feeding their various addictions [food, drugs and alcohol, porn, UTube videos, sports/betting, etc.].

The bottom-line is that there is truly no free lunch. If you want freedom and opportunity, you must wrestle the system back from the elite overlords who have financialized every damn thing so as to produce a financial tsunami for themselves and a parched riverbed for everybody else.

simplicity wrote: ↑Thu Sep 23, 2021 5:32 pm At this point, I don't believe it takes a Rhodes Scholar to conclude that after 100 years of massive/systemic corruption [which appears to be peaking right about now], something needs to be done.

- Something needs to be done to the corruptors, not the system being corrupted.
- That's easily accomplished by enforcing existing laws.
- Just because everyone is doing it does not make it systemic, it just means that corruption is widespread.
- A system that has never worked, such as Marxism, is systemically corrupt.

Walker wrote: ↑Thu Sep 23, 2021 6:17 pm

simplicity wrote: ↑Thu Sep 23, 2021 5:32 pm At this point, I don't believe it takes a Rhodes Scholar to conclude that after 100 years of massive/systemic corruption [which appears to be peaking right about now], something needs to be done.

- Something needs to be done to the corruptors, not the system being corrupted.
- That's easily accomplished by enforcing existing laws.
- Just because everyone is doing it does not make it systemic, it just means that corruption is widespread.
- A system that has never worked, such as Marxism, is systemically corrupt.

Agreed. The system is a work in progress [but it's MUCH better than anything else tried]. It is the corruption that needs to be rooted-out [as always].

Checks and balances need to be restored.

simplicity wrote: ↑Thu Sep 23, 2021 5:32 pm

Veritas Aequitas wrote: ↑Thu Sep 23, 2021 8:04 am Kant summarized the whole of Philosophy in 3 questions, i.e.

• “What can I know?”
  “What must I do?” and
  “What may I hope?”

Thus 'knowing', 'doing' and 'hoping' must be interdependent and complimentary to each others without one dominating the others.

Your focus seem to be one of the above, i.e. “What must I do?”.

One cannot achieve optimal results of action without knowing thoroughly what reality encompass actually and possibly relative to one current states.

At this point, I don't believe it takes a Rhodes Scholar to conclude that after 100 years of massive/systemic corruption [which appears to be peaking right about now], something needs to be done.

In the presence of all the sufferings, evil and violence going on at present and in the past, it is obvious something need to be done.

But the critical question with Kant's “What must I do? is 'what is the most optimal act to be done' so that whatever the problem can be prevented or mitigated.

This is why the Buddhist "Right Action" of the Noble-8-Fold Path must take effect in complimentary with the other 7 paths.

The only thing most of us can do is affect our immediate environment and what needs to happen is sacrifice...and this is the problem. The population has been turned into pathetically dependent mutton only interested in feeding their various addictions [food, drugs and alcohol, porn, UTube videos, sports/betting, etc.].

The bottom-line is that there is truly no free lunch. If you want freedom and opportunity, you must wrestle the system back from the elite overlords who have financialized every damn thing so as to produce a financial tsunami for themselves and a parched riverbed for everybody else.

Note it took humanity >10,000 years of toil to progress in the prevention of Chattel Slavery up the present where all sovereign nations has legally banned Chattel Slavery. This is not a great achievement yet. The problem of Chattel Slavery will only be significantly resolved when the majority [say 90%] are naturally adverse and spontaneously indifferent to practice Chattel Slavery.

So whatever the problems [corruptions, genocides, violence] we faced now, we cannot expect immediate result but rather must hope [with vision, plans and strategies] it will be resolved in the future and perhaps not within one's generation but perhaps two, three or more generations.

There is little the individual[s] can contribute at present, but within that little effort they can do, they must do in 'right'. To do it right, they must have the right view [i.e. right knowledge] to be complimented with the right intention, right speech, right livelihood and most importantly right concentration and right mindfulness.

The cumulative of the above right paths by various generations will contribute to prevent and mitigate whatever evils and sufferings of humans.

In addition to the little that can be done, however what is critical is to discuss the vision and possible strategies and solution. This what we need to do here in a Philosophy Forum.
However I note you are restraining this effort to discuss the hope, vision, strategies, solutions, etc.

Veritas Aequitas wrote: ↑Fri Sep 24, 2021 7:20 am So whatever the problems [corruptions, genocides, violence] we faced now, we cannot expect immediate result but rather must hope [with vision, plans and strategies] it will be resolved in the future and perhaps not within one's generation but perhaps two, three or more generations.

There is little the individual[s] can contribute at present, but within that little effort they can do, they must do in 'right'. To do it right, they must have the right view [i.e. right knowledge] to be complimented with the right intention, right speech, right livelihood and most importantly right concentration and right mindfulness.

Whereas there will be ALWAYS be a certain amount of corruption contained within any collective human endeavor, the lying, cheating, and stealing has gotten completely out of control [and trashed the system] so there are many things that can be done...NOW.

Every institution is rotten to the core. People need to relocate their gonads, turn-on the testosterone switch and do what must be done. Enough with these weak people who care only about how emotionally challenged they are and how they are a victim of this, that, and the other thing. It's time for real leaders to step forward and do what real leaders do...get the f***** job done!

simplicity wrote: ↑Fri Sep 24, 2021 3:47 pm

Veritas Aequitas wrote: ↑Fri Sep 24, 2021 7:20 am So whatever the problems [corruptions, genocides, violence] we faced now, we cannot expect immediate result but rather must hope [with vision, plans and strategies] it will be resolved in the future and perhaps not within one's generation but perhaps two, three or more generations.

There is little the individual[s] can contribute at present, but within that little effort they can do, they must do in 'right'. To do it right, they must have the right view [i.e. right knowledge] to be complimented with the right intention, right speech, right livelihood and most importantly right concentration and right mindfulness.

Whereas there will be ALWAYS be a certain amount of corruption contained within any collective human endeavor, the lying, cheating, and stealing has gotten completely out of control [and trashed the system] so there are many things that can be done...NOW.

Every institution is rotten to the core. People need to relocate their gonads, turn-on the testosterone switch and do what must be done. Enough with these weak people who care only about how emotionally challenged they are and how they are a victim of this, that, and the other thing. It's time for real leaders to step forward and do what real leaders do...get the f***** job done!

Your above is merely wishful thinking and empty talk.
Where are you going to find the 'real' leaders to step forward? Biden? Prior to that many people had insisted to give him a chance with the 'wishful thinking' Biden can do a better job than Trump.
It is the same with the CCP leaders who did bring progress to China but note the terrible consequences at present.
You think those waiting in the wings of the current leaders will do a better job? on what basis and justifications?

The most you, I and others can do is merely to discuss the potential solutions sitting on arm chairs.
But at least what we discuss and suggest must first address the roots and propose rational, justifiable and feasible solutions.
I am at least interested to discuss the roots causes of all the current problems digging into the levels of genes and brains.

All you are doing is merely wishful thinking, i.e.
"It's time for real leaders to step forward and do what real leaders do...get the f***** job done!"
But from where do we find the necessary real leaders and how?

Veritas Aequitas wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 9:33 am Your above is merely wishful thinking and empty talk.
Where are you going to find the 'real' leaders to step forward? Biden? Prior to that many people had insisted to give him a chance with the 'wishful thinking' Biden can do a better job than Trump.
It is the same with the CCP leaders who did bring progress to China but note the terrible consequences at present.
You think those waiting in the wings of the current leaders will do a better job? on what basis and justifications?

I am a-political. I believe that a two pound rock would be better than Biden. Even when he was in command of his intellectual faculties, he was a fool. This is not a secret.

China is a complete mess and they will be undergoing their own version of "Japanification" over the next several decades. You can not print your way [nor can you create endless debt] to prosperity. On top of that, they still have a horrendous political shit-show going on.

Veritas Aequitas wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 9:33 amTo most you, I and others can do is merely to discuss the potential solutions sitting on arm chairs. But at least what we discuss and suggest must first address the roots and propose rational, justifiable and feasible solutions.
I am at least interested to discuss the roots causes of all the current problems digging into the levels of genes and brains.

Again, the corruption is so pervasive that anybody can see it and come up with solutions [like get rid of all the people in charge...a good start].

Veritas Aequitas wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 9:33 amAll you are doing is merely wishful thinking, i.e.
"It's time for real leaders to step forward and do what real leaders do...get the f***** job done!"
But from where do we find the necessary real leaders and how?

You have been paralyzed into thinking there is nothing anybody can do. It's because you are probably too young to remember when things ran relatively well. The elite are literally stealing everything not nailed down. It takes courage to stand-up against this BS. It will happen one way or another.

simplicity wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 5:08 pm I am a-political.

I am too. It means I'm frequently accused of being and anarchist. Recognizing there are no social/political solutions and that government is an essentially corrupt idea, however, does not make one an anarchist. Governments, like disease and poverty are inevitable evils, like bad weather and natural disasters. One cannot live to fight everything one knows is bad, one learns what the bad things are to protect oneself from them, not attempt to fix them.

simplicity wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 5:08 pm

Veritas Aequitas wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 9:33 amTo most you, I and others can do is merely to discuss the potential solutions sitting on arm chairs. But at least what we discuss and suggest must first address the roots and propose rational, justifiable and feasible solutions.
I am at least interested to discuss the roots causes of all the current problems digging into the levels of genes and brains.

Again, the corruption is so pervasive that anybody can see it and come up with solutions [like get rid of all the people in charge...a good start].

Get rid of all people-in-charge and replace with whom?
That is only wishful thinking without taking the roots of the problems into account.
Your approach is merely fire-fighting or merely cutting the weeds instead of pulling them up with the roots.

Veritas Aequitas wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 9:33 amAll you are doing is merely wishful thinking, i.e.
"It's time for real leaders to step forward and do what real leaders do...get the f***** job done!"
But from where do we find the necessary real leaders and how?

You have been paralyzed into thinking there is nothing anybody can do. It's because you are probably too young to remember when things ran relatively well. The elite are literally stealing everything not nailed down. It takes courage to stand-up against this BS. It will happen one way or another.

Nah, that is very naive thinking.

I believe if we weigh the overall pros and cons of the past with the present, I believe there is greater potentials of positive-pros in the present [& future] than in the past.
The degree of evilness with corruption [potentially can be significantly mitigated* in the future] cannot be compared to the the degree of evil related to terrible killings, wars, genocides, slavery, tortures, rapes, all sort of other violence of the past.

* Despite all the so-called terrible evils, the bad and the ugly of the present, [e.g. prevalent corruptions, etc.] I believe we are now evolving to reduce them gradually because the inherent moral impulse [inherent in ALL humans] is on an increasing active trend. [which is very evident].

Actually what you are complaining about [increasing corruption at present only] arise inevitably [but unfortunately] of the necessity of natural evolution in the development of the human mind to deal with natural catastrophe that are likely to be fatal to humanity, e.g. pandemic, climate change, and those of galactic nature that could make the human species extinct.

Now at least humanity has the potential to migrate to another planet just in case Earth will be destroyed by a rogue meteorite or other natural means. This potential could not manifest without the modern development and its inevitable corruptions and evils [which can also be potentially mitigated in the future].

From the above, I say, your range of thinking is narrow and shallow.

Distraction? Why did the lizard get squashed in the road?

RCSaunders wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 7:14 pm

simplicity wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 5:08 pm I am a-political.

I am too. It means I'm frequently accused of being and anarchist. Recognizing there are no social/political solutions and that government is an essentially corrupt idea, however, does not make one an anarchist. Governments, like disease and poverty are inevitable evils, like bad weather and natural disasters. One cannot live to fight everything one knows is bad, one learns what the bad things are to protect oneself from them, not attempt to fix them.

I generally consider myself a "philosophical anarchist" for many of the reasons you elucidated. Just the same, true anarchism is simply the opposite extreme from totalitarian government, so pick your poison. Obviously, the middle [minimal control/maximum freedom] is where you want to be.

The U.S. Constitution laid out about the best we can hope for at this point, so following it seems to be a prudent idea. I am sure that future humans will improve upon the document and resolve some of the conflicts that always mess-up any collaborative human project.

Veritas Aequitas wrote: ↑Sun Sep 26, 2021 5:21 am Get rid of all people-in-charge and replace with whom?
That is only wishful thinking without taking the roots of the problems into account.
Your approach is merely fire-fighting or merely cutting the weeds instead of pulling them up with the roots.

There are two basic problems...first is that "they" changed many of the regulatory laws that made much of what has gone down possible [especially banking]...the second is that individuals collectively went to the dark-side [because they could]. You have to change to regulations back to what they were [or make them more effective] and get of rid of the corrupt people. Not everybody is a slimeball.

Veritas Aequitas wrote: ↑Sun Sep 26, 2021 5:21 amActually what you are complaining about [increasing corruption at present only] arise inevitably [but unfortunately] of the necessity of natural evolution in the development of the human mind to deal with natural catastrophe that are likely to be fatal to humanity, e.g. pandemic, climate change, and those of galactic nature that could make the human species extinct.

Now at least humanity has the potential to migrate to another planet just in case Earth will be destroyed by a rogue meteorite or other natural means. This potential could not manifest without the modern development and its inevitable corruptions and evils [which can also be potentially mitigated in the future].

From the above, I say, your range of thinking is narrow and shallow.

That's a great idea. Why don't we all go down to the corner spaceship stop and jump on an express and rocket-off to some other planet.

Fix what you can fix and leave the Flash Gordon stuff to the comic book folks.