Some of this is paraphrased from
my journal . Since I am contributing here, I thought I’d let you know my biases.
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We have immediate access to the most sophisticated research tool for coming to an understanding of human consciousness and the universe at large. Our brains are able to examine their internal methodologies as well as they are equipped to perceive and conceive of the outside world.
As the focus of our experience, our mental processes are the place to start. Having an inner understanding of the workings of our minds seems to me to be the key to understanding all things within and beyond it.
In interest of understanding my mind and after doing the standard studies and research and practicing techniques, I have decided that they weren’t necessary after all. When you think about it, the existential approach to philosophy and comprehending matters of the mind ought to be most suitable. Since the object of study is the same as that which does the research, apprehension, and comprehension, is it really necessary to use third-party tools? I don’t think so.
We have what we need to comprehend the mysteries of the mind and the universe squarely on our shoulders. It’s a great set up.
As I have studied the foundations of the philosophies of the world, I will not be relying on them for my posts. At the end of the external pathways to knowledge one discovers oneself. As all thinking is the product of individual self-consciousness, the knowledge of the world’s inner experience is self-referential. I’ll be putting these discussions in terms of my own thoughts on the matter and will appreciate contributions in kind.
1: What is the nature of the self?
2: What is the nature of the universe?
3: What is the nature of consciousness?
4: What are states of consciousness?
5: How can one explore various states of consciousness?
6: Can we achieve some personal understanding
of the ultimate philosophical questions?
a. The ontological question: what is real?
b. The epistemological question: how can we know what is real?
c. The ethical question: What is good?
d. The (a)esthetic question: what is beautiful?
e. The political question: How should we govern ourselves?
7: What is the nature and purpose of life?
8: What is the significance and meaning of death?
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Sometimes references are interesting but they are not the same as our personal views, even though our personal views may have been shaped by some external references.
So, it’s best not to ask me to document my statements – they come from a lifetime and life is too short to spend any more time “studying” it or footnoting it. Also, I’m not interested in debating philosophical views. I don’t see the pursuit of philosophy that way at all. As we discover differences in our world-views, that’s a cause for celebration of the myriad of ways our universe can be perceived and understood.
In brief, I’m interested in what you think about things – not what you have read or studied.
I see philosophy as a discussion not a debate.
I’m sure there are others who enjoy a good philosophical debate or who enjoy comparing footnotes. That's cool, too.