Philosophy.

Put a lot of thought into this thread?

Well I'll give it a shot. (WARNING: may offend creationists, just my personal beliefs)

I think creation was a fluke, that "god" im most likely some sort of insubstaintial form of energy which can create something out of nothing, which both exists and never existed. Everywhere and nowhere, etc... Earth happens to be a perfect planet for complex life to develop (possibly more, no way to prove it, very unlikely for life to be supported, but also uncountable amount of planets). Proper compunds were mixed, simple single celled organisms born, long process of evolution into human beings. Now heres the Philosophicle part. As humans we have evolved to the point where time can be spent on invention and abstract thinking. We have progressed to the point where we have become a danger to ourselves and the planet. We have also gained something called a conscience, and i think it is our new destiny to repair the damage we have done to the planet. As a species we are capable of almost anything. We, collectively, are on the doorstep of godhood. And as such, it SHOULD be our responsibility to protect and nuture the beautiful annomally that is life.

Wow, never thought id put that into words, even if it is that abbreviated

Sometimes I believe in myself. Sometimes I believe in some others. Sometimes I believe in music and other art.

Sometimes I don't believe in anything.

maani wrote: This discussion seems to be as much about "religion" as it is about "philosophy."  In that regard, I have two queries: 1.  Is there a "line" between "religion" and "philosophy," and, if so, what is it? 2.  If not, is religion a philosophy?  Is philosophy a religion? Peace.

My thoughts exactly.

The difference between the two.

Philosophy is a method of rationalising and imagining, religion is the applied method of philosophy defining the parameters, doctrine and dogma's of believe.

oliverstoned wrote: "I think creation was a fluke, that "god" im most likely some sort of insubstaintial form of energy which can create something out of nothing, which both exists and never existed. Everywhere and nowhere, etc..." It seems that there's no god, human-like with a long white beard. Probably an impersonnal energy form who or which doesn't care for us, individual ego trapped into our personnal hells. It even seems that that this "creator" creates us in order to fed himself with our ego... Exactly the same for us when we rise animals to eat them... Eventually, this is another way to see the reincarnation concept, in which you have to "loose " your ego, to die, like the saddhus in india, to break the reincarnation wheel, in order to reach total freedom.

If the "creator" is even sentinent. I think we are if anything accidental, but if thats true what an accident eh? , the buddist line of thought says that one can only find true happiness with "Nirvanva" which is in a sense coping with "nothing". If you can accept the possibility that you may no longer exist after you die an embrace it, happiness will be yours.

maani wrote: This discussion seems to be as much about "religion" as it is about "philosophy."  In that regard, I have two queries: 1.  Is there a "line" between "religion" and "philosophy," and, if so, what is it? 2.  If not, is religion a philosophy?  Is philosophy a religion? Peace.

Well maani, it has turned out that way. Most people's philosophies are based on thier system of beilliefs, or thier system of beliefs based on some ancestor's (or divine being's) philosophies or "laws". Philosophy and religion (or faith) often go hand in hand, and overlap.

I suppose the line itself is Faith (or religion) has to do with answering the unanswerable, and what a human being should and shouldnt do. All of the earliest western philosophers (greek of course) all started thier musings with the creation of the universe. This is important to philosophy because, for example; if you believe that some sort of all powerfull being wathces over you and judges you, you will behave yourself according to his will or suffer the consequences. This is going to greatly effect what you think is the proper behavior for a human being. Philosophie's earliest definiton that i can think of of the top of my head (for reference this is from my textbook on ancient western history, i cant remember the name and the musical box is borrowing it right now) is "To explain what it is to be a human being" this entails mostly, what we are here for.

Theres my best shot, I hope this clarifies your questions.

What is the purpose of philosophy?

Why?

taking the Socratarian road.