I am really struggeling with the question of how to continue? How to bring to the forefront, what has been forgotten for a long time. These days homo sapiens stands in the spotlights of the neoliberal stage.
The main debate among politicians concerns the economy. They promise higher profits, more jobs, lower costs and taxes, and better wages, which will benefit society.
The smarter you sell these ideas, the more people will vote for you. Furthermore, you must point out that all matters that do not generate profit, such as health care, culture, welfare benefits, and the like, should cost as little as possible in tax money,
This is the life of the homo economicus in our neoliberal world. What has it brought us? Once there was a real different approach to the question, what makes us a good member of society?
Let me introduce you to this "old-fashioned" approach. The central question is: what makes us a good member of society? In the background is the assumption, that those who lead society should be an example.
The Ancient Greeks were the first in Europe to answer this question. From them, we inherited the cardinal virtues. These virtues concern behavior that is essential for being a human.
There are two interesting matters to pay attention to. The first one is, that someone might say: "Ok, there is that Europe-centered thinking again, as if Western philosophy is the ultimate wisdom."
The point here is that this criticism does not apply in this case. What I want to discuss, you find in Eastern and Chinese thinking too. So, independent of cultural background, homo sapiens seems to come to similar conclusions.
The second matter is, when discussing the matter, to constantly yourself: "How does this apply or fit in into our current way of life? How familiar are thee ideas to me?"
So, back to these cardinal virtues which were formulated by Plato and Aristotle. To be a good and balanced person you should develop four virtues in yourself and our leaders in particular should show us.
The first virtue is Prudence. It means that you should have the ability to judge and act rightly in any given situation. It involves wisdom and foresight to discern good from evil.
The second virtue is Justice, which means giving each individual their due. It involves fairness, equity, and a sense of responsibility toward others.
The third virtue is Fortitude, which is courage and resilience in facing difficulties and challenges. It helps maintain moral integrity in adversity.
The fourth virtue is Temperance. That is moderation and self-control, particularly in pleasures and desires. It helps maintain balance in life.
Let's just stick to these four for now. I know that according to the default theory, there are seven cardinal virtues, but the other three we'll discuss next time.
For now we conclude that these virtues are the behavioral conditions for a person to be good and balanced.
The question is, what do YOU think about these ideas about virtue?
The floor is yours... thank you....
Main Sources:
MacMillan The Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2nd edition
TABLE OF CONTENT -----------------------------------------------------------------
1 - 100 Philosophers 9 May 2009 Start of
2 - 25+ Women Philosophers 10 May 2009 this blog
3 - 25 Adventures in Thinking 10 May 2009
4 - Modern Theories of Ethics 29 Oct 2009
5 - The Ideal State 24 Febr 2010 / 234
6 - The Mystery of the Brain 3 Sept 2010 / 266
7 - The Utopia of the Free Market 16 Febr 2012 / 383
8. - The Aftermath of Neo-liberalism 5 Sept 2012 / 413
9. - The Art Not to Be an Egoist 6 Nov 2012 / 426
10 - Non-Western Philosophy 29 May 2013 / 477
11 - Why Science is Right 2 Sept 2014 / 534
12 - A Philosopher looks at Atheism 1 Jan 2015 / 557
13 - EVIL, a philosophical investigation 17 Apr 2015 / 580
14 - Existentialism and Free Will 2 Sept 2015 / 586
15 - Spinoza 2 Sept 2016 / 615
16 - The Meaning of Life 13 Febr 2017 / 637
17 - In Search of my Self 6 Sept 2017 / 670
18 - The 20th Century Revisited 3 Apr 2018 / 706
19 - The Pessimist 11 Jan 2020 / 819
20 - The Optimist 9 Febr 2020 / 824
21 - Awakening from a Neoliberal Dream 8 Oct 2020 / 872
22 - A World Full of Patterns 1 Apr 2021 / 912
23 - The Concept of Freedom 8 Jan 2022 / 965
24 - Materialism 7 Sept 2022 / 1011
25 - Historical Materialism 5 Oct 2023 / 1088
26 - The Bonobo and the Atheist 9 Jan 2024 / 1102
27 - Artificial Intelligence 9 Feb 2024 / 1108
28 - Why Am I Here 6 Sept 2024 / 1139
[13:18] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): sounds fair to me
[13:18] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Thank you Herman
[13:18] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): wishes we had them all the time in all situations
[13:18] herman Bergson: But you have to practice it Bejiita...every day
[13:18] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): also today is World Logic day
[13:18] herman Bergson: There, you got it Gemma
[13:18] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:18] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:18] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): happy world logic
[13:19] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): i think i have these more or less
[13:19] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but indeed
[13:19] herman Bergson: Remember...we are on our way to stupidity :-))
[13:19] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): lol
[13:19] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): not us
[13:19] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): we study philosophy
[13:19] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): every week
[13:19] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but the enshittification age is over us for sure
[13:19] herman Bergson: indeed.....
[13:19] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): so learn something
[13:19] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): among other things
[13:20] herman Bergson: The important point is that we should see these virtues in our leaders too!
[13:20] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): sometimes it's hard to see that
[13:20] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): sadly we rarley do
[13:20] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): it's
[13:20] herman Bergson: If they behave like a criminal citizens might believe that that is an OK way to behave too
[13:20] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): only power and greed
[13:21] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): big problem
[13:21] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed Beertje
[13:21] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): that also
[13:21] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): criminal behaviour is never a way to behave
[13:21] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): no
[13:21] herman Bergson: That is my problem too....these virtues feel a bit alien these days
[13:22] herman Bergson: A number of world leaders seem to disagree with you Beertje
[13:22] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): it's ok they may do that
[13:23] herman Bergson: behave like a criminal or disagree with you? :-)
[13:23] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): disagree, i mean:)
[13:23] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): it is very scary
[13:23] herman Bergson: Did we lose contact with these ideas of being virtuous?
[13:23] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): some sure did
[13:24] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): i hope not
[13:24] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): but the US has over a few days a criminal as president
[13:25] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): (shudders)
[13:25] herman Bergson: One thing is clear....some religions claimed to be the protectors of these virtues... and propagate them
[13:25] herman Bergson: and religions have lost a lot of influence....
[13:25] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): yes
[13:26] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): the way they propagate values, they only scared people
[13:26] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): they want them to be afraid
[13:26] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:26] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes
[13:27] herman Bergson: yes, I'll get to that too Beertje...it relates to stupidity....
[13:27] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): yes
[13:27] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): try not to think for yourself or else....
[13:27] herman Bergson: Today I heared someone say: Those who claim to have the answers are the most dangerous and stupid people
[13:28] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): sigh
[13:28] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): yes because smart people do not react that way, they ask others opinion about things
[13:29] herman Bergson: That 's it....
[13:29] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:29] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): they are so stupid they dont realize their own stupidity
[13:29] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): even when proven wrong
[13:29] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): they are just brawling
[13:29] herman Bergson: To have and ponder about two conflicting ideas in your mind
[13:29] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): what is it called, besserwisser?
[13:29] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): that type pf attitude
[13:30] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): that needs courage
[13:30] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): to ponder
[13:30] herman Bergson: Yes Gemma, I have seen examples of that behavior......really astonishing....uncomprehensible
[13:30] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): we see it now
[13:30] herman Bergson: Indeed Beertje...one of these virtues
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes Trump is a prime example
[13:30] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and his friends
[13:30] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): each
[13:31] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): does Trump have friends or flying mokeys?
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): one of the most brilliant men in the world Musk is playing to him
[13:31] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): monkeys
[13:31] herman Bergson: Keep this Trump in mind indeed and observe him.....
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): monkeys are smarter
[13:31] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): just going brawl brawl yadayada yap yap about knowing the ultimate solutions to everything
[13:31] herman Bergson: Let's leave him outside here for a while
[13:32] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): flying monkeys Gemma, people who always will be with him
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): hard to do .. getting close to inauguration day
[13:32] herman Bergson: How brilliant is this Musk fellow....
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he is everywhere
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he is brilliant
[13:32] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): he is stupid
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) whispers: musk?
[13:32] herman Bergson: In some aspects yes....
[13:32] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): yes
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he is brilliant
[13:33] herman Bergson: what does that mean Gemma?
[13:33] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): has creative ideas about machinery
[13:33] herman Bergson: That he has all right answers and solutions for US society?
[13:33] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): nono
[13:33] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): his ideas about society are confused
[13:33] herman Bergson: But that is what he is meddling with
[13:33] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): adn the turnabout of his beliefs on Trump weird
[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): makes one wonder if it is all a play for his own power
[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): only
[13:34] herman Bergson: so what is brilliant? :-)
[13:34] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): he can create machines...ok..but that doesn't mean he is brilliant
[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): but one can't take away his creeative mind
[13:34] herman Bergson: It is....he is an addicted gamer
[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): looking to space
[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): machinery? trump is far from an engineer,
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and understanding how to get there
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): not trump !!!
[13:35] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): i was talking about Musk Bejiita
[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): or Musk u mean=
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): Musk!!!!!
[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aa ok, he knows machinery indeed but like all rich ones have gotten way to full of himself
[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): to the point he is now on Trumps side
[13:36] herman Bergson: He knows how to manage clever people to get to space...he himself hardly can boil an egg :-))
[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): the greedy egos side
[13:36] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Musk is convinced he is brilliant...that's a thought of a stupid man
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): this sort of explains it
[13:36] herman Bergson: Right, Beertje
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): no he is not stupid beertje
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): have to see that he is not
[13:36] herman Bergson: And watch your typoes, bejiita :-))
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): https://www.forbes.com/sites/davewinsborough/2024/11/15/the-price-of-brilliance-what-musks-leadership-style-really-costs/
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): one example
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): to try and explain it
[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): im not programming at the moment but i will later so
[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): (checking)
[13:37] herman Bergson: It cost 6 exploded rockets before the seventh finally succeeded to reach space
[13:37] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): he can afford it
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): but he knows one has to have failure ad learn from it
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): Musk isn't just a businessman; he's a visionary. His objectives are not confined to mere commercial success. Instead, he is driven by grander goals like colonizing Mars, transitioning the world to sustainable energy, and merging human intelligence with AI.Sep 27, 2023
[13:37] herman Bergson: Right, NASA can't
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): just another quote
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): Nasa could if it had enough money
[13:38] herman Bergson: Yes, that is true, Gemma....
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:39] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): he can rebuild LA , now he can show this to people who lost their homes
[13:39] herman Bergson: Taxpayers wouldn't be happy with it, Gemma :-)
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): sigh
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): would be nice
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): instead he is doing misinformation about it all
[13:39] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): brilliant:)
[13:39] herman Bergson: Yes, let him rebuild LA....he's got the resources
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he is towing the line of trump
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): it is all the governor's fault
[13:40] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): they all fall into the pit of greed and egoism sadly
[13:40] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): it was lesbians fault they say
[13:40] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): as soon one gets enough money and power they become evil,
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he has 11 children did you know??
[13:41] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): Guh!
[13:41] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): lesbians?
[13:41] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): short nights he had
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): several x wives
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and affairs
[13:41] herman Bergson: There I know some more observations, Gemma....all fires are ignited by Republicans....:-)
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ha
[13:41] herman Bergson: Just to teach these damned Dems a lesson
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ha
[13:41] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont) shouts: i heard Mexican firefighters will help....are they welcomein the US
[13:42] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): oeps
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): they are here
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yep
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): helping
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ok
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): from all over the country
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and Canada
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): too
[13:42] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): lol
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): i bet T does not like that
[13:43] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Trump said Mexicans are all criminals......
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i know
[13:43] herman Bergson: And now they come and steal the fires
[13:43] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): he needs them badly
[13:43] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hmm
[13:43] herman Bergson: Well...we are far away from our virtues here....
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): the winds are going to pick up again today and will be coming in the opposite direction
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): so more fires
[13:44] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): in different places
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa i heard that indeed
[13:44] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes
[13:44] herman Bergson: it is horrible.....like a warzone
[13:44] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): one of my fav game testers Markiplier at least shoved his virtue before, I'll find the link
[13:44] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): it's horrible yes, but as a Mexican i would show them my middle finger
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i bet you that after the inaguration the funds will be lower than promised
[13:45] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): he went around with a chainsaw helping all his neighbours clear up so emergenci services could get there
[13:45] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1agk_MfSoQM&t=163s
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): it is all so scary
[13:45] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): this guy is awesome
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): there are so many stories of bravery
[13:46] herman Bergson: Prucence and Fortitude, Bejiita
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and maybe he was a republican too
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): he has that
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): no one is asking
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): just helping
[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): i dont think markie is a trump supporter at all, he is not that type of person i can see after following him for over a year at least
[13:47] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): has trump been in LA lately?
[13:47] herman Bergson: it is disgusting that they politicise these fires
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ha
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he was invited to come see
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): we will see
[13:47] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): to help?
[13:47] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): to take a shovel?
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): no just come look so he could understand
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ha
[13:48] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): he worked at the McDonalds...
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:48] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): so he can work. no?
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he never worked
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): Trump just uses the fires to his own advantage blaming the Democrats for igniting them
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): its just so
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): and that is US new president?!
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): GUH
[13:48] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): blèh
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): it is very very scary Bej
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): lies and BS everywhere
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): scary indeed
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): next week it will all begin to be displayed
[13:49] herman Bergson: The 29th it will happen.....
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): (shudders once again)
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): well
[13:49] herman Bergson: so hold your breath and wait and see.....
[13:49] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): the worst president ever
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): Jan 20
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aha!
[13:50] herman Bergson: In that condition now I can dismiss class :-)
[13:50] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): see we cannot leave him out of the clas
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): and with all wars and conflicts ongoing its even scarier
[13:50] herman Bergson: So...up to next Thursday
[13:50] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ok!
[13:51] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ♥ Thank Youuuuuuuuuu!! ♥
[13:51] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaaa
[13:51] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Thank you Herman
[13:51] herman Bergson: Class dismissed....
[13:51] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): take deep breathes and lots of water
[13:51] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:51] bergfrau Apfelbaum: thank you Herman and class!
[13:51] herman Bergson: And Mr. T. is also dismissed....
