PHILOSOPHY

Hi @Appleblossom I think the various thinking styles u mentioned in Philosophy can change the way society thinks, especially toward labelling others. I have found listening to some of the best thinkers helps me ask myself, what do i believe, feel, value? Who am I behind the label? Do you have a Philosopher, or style you like? I like Ekhart Tolle & Alan Watts which i have watched on You Tube. i am not an academic and i didn't even finish high school, so any philosophical style that empowers a person to think for themselves is good to me. What do you think? Bye, @1stepup61

Hello @1stepup61 Its been ages since I have seen you post.

I agree about listening to great thinkers.

@Adek has been great in reminding me how many there are in today's society.

I go back to basics and think it means loving words and the value of words in society and how they shape us.

I started philosophy in 1st year uni and dropped it as it was very badly taught. Never regretted buying the huge text on the booklist though ... lol

No I dont have a favourite thinker, but I think it can be very valuable to think about thinking, especially when mental health issues are at stake. I am surprised it is not taken more seriously by the MH establishment.

My daughter was lucky to get some philosophy at High School.

I included that link as there is a movement to have philosophy taught at schools, even primary school. I know a few people who advocate it. I was glad as it is a pity that some academics could wreck a perfectly good subject.

Just there are bush lawyers there can be bush philosophy and philososphy cafes and caves!

I thought it was good the way you phrased it that "society thinks". A lot of truth in that remark. @1stepup61

I read your other post. Good Luck on your journey. We cant CHANGE everything about ourselves or we would not recognise ourselves. A little bit of change and little bit of understanding of why we are, the way we are helps. Dont you think?

Cheers Apple

Hi @Appleblossom, i like when you said, a little bit of change & a little bit of understanding, as to why we are the way we are? i totally agree! i have thought a lot about the why's & my feelings towards them & I recently came across a book called The Happiness Trap which is about Mindfulness in therapy. It is not the Buddhist Philosophy, but its similar where I can learn to allow thoughts to be present & not annalyse them, its based around the new science of we all think and have an inner voice or chatter. It has been a challenge for me, to let go of my thoughts. i am about to read a book my therapist gave me, to learn how to use the skill to manage my anxiety, it is called ACT, Acceptance, Commitment Therapy,so time will tell if its for me? on You Tube, there is a Philosopher & teacher named Alan Watts who's lectures are available to listen to for free, you might like his thoughts? He was a Californian Uni teacher in the 60s, 70s & 80s & I think it would have been interesting to have him as a lecturer. Better go, if you know Alan Watts, do you like is philosophy? Bye from @1stepup61

I will look him up @1stepup61

I did have an uncle who did a Bachelor and Master of Arts in California and so have been influenced by some of the main ideas of those times. He was not an uncle by blood but gave me the closest to decent guidance from a male relative when I was in teens and young adulthood. However he was also a bit naughty in the typical ways of that culture and time.

I have been interested in Classical Greek, Roman, Christian and Buddhist philosophies since I was about 20. I also explore and try and understand Islam from similar points of view as there are a lot of adherents in my suburb and I sit next to them on public transport and chat.

However I also like that philosophy does not have to be tied to religion or ethnicity.

I respect your background as a biologist @Adek and if your research leads you to question I take it seriously. It is good we can communicate with words to share and understand life and the meds which are now part of modern life.

There is a lot of overlap between science and philosophy and what is contructed as reality or truth.

I am sorry you are dealing with pain and fibromyalgia. I have a lot of these things too and am abiding by doctors decisions as diligently but responsibly which also means inteilligently, as I can. Just sharing your research here may help others make good decisions.

Not sure if this interests you @eudemonism

Take Care ALL

Been looking at Alan Watts. Thanks for the idea. @1stepup61

He is definitely my cup of tea.

A lot deeper and inclusive a thinker that norty uncle of mine. I came from an under educated family and this uncle was the most educated person I had met at that time. Unfortunately his ethics were less than his education. It take a while as a young person to sift through all those things.

It is a very good idea to know where people's ideas are coming from.

I have a knock at my door. Expected visitor.

CHeers Apple

For a while I mainly read female writers. Philosophers and mystics eg Simone Weil. Or poets and theorists like Adrienne Rich and Emily Dickinson. I enjoyed the new movie "A Quiet Passion" set in beautiful Amherst Mass.

I never chose a feminist course, but saw myself in a lot of phrases and felt less alone reading them.