Sunday, May 10, 2009

78c The Summerbreak Lecture

My friends

Together we have covered a long road through the history of philosophy and still we havent reached the end. From the very begining till the last day this effort has been so rewarding and stimulating for me and that is mainly due to your enthousiam and participation.

A long and winding road....and were did it take us? Does it have a direction? Allthough so far none of our philosophical questions have got a definite answer, I think, we still can say that we have made progress.


When we look over the times from Thales from Milete, our first philosopher, till our number 78, Ludwig Wittgenstein, there is a clear turning-point, maybe two even, in the development of philosophy.

The aera between 1550 and 1650 is absolutely a proof of the fact that there is a clear development in philosophy. That was the moment Western philosophy moved away from the spiritual and religious interpretation of existence towards a scientific explanation of being.

We have met men like Coupernicus, Gallilei, Bacon, Newton, the men of science. And in all these efforts to explain reality we see philosophers like Descartes, Spinoza and Leibniz on the one hand and Lock and Hume on the other hand, the epistemologists.

On a separate track we have met men like Thomas More, Machiavelli and Hobbes, representing the development of social and political thinking.

After a more or less united thinking, based on religious and spiritual convictions the world is permanently devided now into rationalists and empiricists.

Along these two lines of thinking we have followed the continuing development of philosophical thinking. You can distinguish between three themes: an epistemological, a political and an existential theme. We covered them all.

Here you may see a development in philosophical thinking. You could say that before 1650 there was no existential theme in Western thinking. Maybe the only existential question was whether you believed in God or not.

The ethical questions became God-independent, we have to give the answers ourself now. Smith, Wollstonecraft, Bentham, Stuart Mill, Darwin, Freud, Kierkegaard, Sartre. We have met them all.

What we see is a long row of philosophers, whose answers are never uniform, but I think that wasn't what we would have expected. On the on hand philosophy is situated in and limited by the context of its time, but on the other hand is it also an attempt to go beyond the limits of the prevailing philosophy.

What I regard as a development is the fact that you really can see how generation after generation philosophers have worked on widening the horizon of our thinking.

That brings me to the second turning-point I refered to. I believe that Wittgenstein is here the key figure. Because for the first time in history (natural) language has become the subject of philosophical reflection.

Language, the tool which was used through the centuries by all philosphers, has become a central issue in philosophy. As we saw with Wittgenstein, we have realized that language represent our thoughts and in one way or the other it represents the reality we live in.

Thence, after the summerbreak we will meet the group of philosophers for whom language and how it is used to formulate theories about reality are their main subjects.

But before I close the door after the last student who is leaving, I have organized a little surprise for you all, which might be fun and maybe good for some spectacular snapshots.


The Discussion

[13:20] Herman Bergson: This concludes our course for this academic year...:-)
[13:20] Cailleach Shan: sob
[13:20] Ze Novikov: sighs!!!
[13:20] Herman Bergson: If you have any questions...:-)
[13:20] Qwark Allen: :-)
[13:21] Gemma Cleanslate: we will all study hard during the summer
[13:21] Gemma Cleanslate: :-)
[13:21] Gemma Cleanslate: will miss class
[13:21] Osrum Sands: That first turning point is what Sociologists call the beginning of Modernity
[13:21] Herman Bergson: that sounds good Gemma..:-)
[13:21] Osrum Sands: it was a great period in human history
[13:21] Herman Bergson: I agree Osrum...one of the most amazing periods
[13:22] itsme Frederix: This is a great period in sl.
[13:22] Herman Bergson: Hey Itsem..didnt see you come in
[13:22] Osrum Sands: Freedom of thinking freedom from the structurers of the Catholic Church
[13:22] Gemma Cleanslate: it is amazing how it speeded up in the last few cenutries tho
[13:22] Gemma Cleanslate: probably becausee of that
[13:23] Osrum Sands: the Enligthenment and all that
[13:23] Herman Bergson: Yes...the scientific developments from 1850 on are breath-taking
[13:23] Gemma Cleanslate: and of course the printed word
[13:23] Gemma Cleanslate: and access to books
[13:23] AristotleVon Doobie: once the mind became untethered to the church, it could be allowed to soar
[13:23] Herman Bergson: Yes and that is growing even vaster now..
[13:23] Herman Bergson: The Internet is a goldmine
[13:23] Cailleach Shan: And to hear a few female voices.
[13:23] Gemma Cleanslate: yes
[13:23] Ze Novikov: ty!!
[13:24] itsme Frederix: the internet is a mash
[13:24] Herman Bergson: Itsme...you can find integral and original philosophical texts there..
[13:24] itsme Frederix: sure
[13:25] Herman Bergson: I found the Tractatus, books of Russell and lots of other titles
[13:25] Osrum Sands: e books ?
[13:25] itsme Frederix: how much time is left to read these in comparision to the time without a computer & tv and ..
[13:25] Herman Bergson: yes..
[13:25] itsme Frederix: you can buy the tractatus or borrow
[13:25] herman Bergson shrugs
[13:26] itsme Frederix: I took in my bookcase 30 books I bought last time, but wasn't able to read - and now its vacation!!! Huray
[13:26] Gemma Cleanslate: :-)))
[13:26] AristotleVon Doobie: Of course time is always a precious thing, but the time I have spent in this classroom has been well worth the expenditure
[13:26] Gemma Cleanslate: YES
[13:27] itsme Frederix: Ari totally agree, and double it
[13:27] Ze Novikov: i second that Ari
[13:27] Gemma Cleanslate: met some wondrful people too
[13:27] Osrum Sands: definitely Aris
[13:27] Herman Bergson: So I have my book collection ready.....eternal vacation for me from now on...hyurray..(^_^)
[13:27] Gemma Cleanslate: yeah!!!!!!!!!
[13:27] Cailleach Shan: Hear hear.... For me it has been valuable... an opportunity to listen to some well educated brains ...
[13:27] AristotleVon Doobie: applause
[13:27] Gemma Cleanslate: lol
[13:27] itsme Frederix: eternal Herman, ???
[13:27] Herman Bergson: yes Itsme...till death us part..(^_^)
[13:28] itsme Frederix: Well lucky you, i'm sure you have plans to spent time
[13:28] Herman Bergson: Sure....
[13:28] AristotleVon Doobie: sounds like a wonderful marriage Herman :)
[13:28] Cailleach Shan: Hahahaha....
[13:28] itsme Frederix: till death, and you eternal - that implies me to die
[13:28] Ze Novikov: lol
[13:28] Qwark Allen: heheh
[13:28] Herman Bergson: Yes Aristotle..she is a wonderfu l bride..lol
[13:28] AristotleVon Doobie: indeed
[13:29] Herman Bergson: Well....
[13:29] Gemma Cleanslate: i bet you will be looking for something to do after august
[13:29] Gemma Cleanslate: besides us
[13:29] Herman Bergson: I have arranged a little attraction for you to conclude this 'year'
[13:29] Gemma Cleanslate: that is
[13:29] Gemma Cleanslate: ah
[13:29] Cailleach Shan: I am very grateful for the time you give to this project Herman...
[13:29] Gemma Cleanslate: yes me too
[13:30] Herman Bergson: Thanx Caillech
[13:30] Osrum Sands: same
[13:30] Ze Novikov: do we get large diplomas?
[13:30] itsme Frederix: Well be happy Herman, good job - tiem are changing my dead stopeed working at 50. I think I'll beat him with working
[13:30] AristotleVon Doobie: a heartfelt thanks for all your efforts, Herman
[13:30] Herman Bergson: Dont forget I will continue per September 1
[13:30] Gemma Cleanslate: oh yes
[13:30] Cailleach Shan: Yep.... I'll be back
[13:30] AristotleVon Doobie: As I
[13:30] itsme Frederix: Herman me too, I think we all do
[13:30] alial Allen is Offline
[13:30] Osrum Sands: I for one am looking forward to sleeping in !
[13:31] Herman Bergson: I hope that the smaller group is due to soccer and the fact that this is the last class of the season
[13:31] Gemma Cleanslate: oh rigth
[13:31] AristotleVon Doobie: LOL , I bet you are Os
[13:31] Gemma Cleanslate: spain annd ??
[13:31] Osrum Sands: and difficult log in
[13:31] Gemma Cleanslate: germany????
[13:31] Cailleach Shan: I think it's more likely to be due to the grid overload.
[13:31] itsme Frederix: I hope it is not due to soccer, thats a very bad argument!!!
[13:31] AristotleVon Doobie: I suspect the log in is a prob
[13:31] Herman Bergson: Thank you for you kind donations.....I can buy a new suit now...(^_^)
[13:31] Gemma Cleanslate: lolol
[13:31] Osrum Sands: logical but irrational ... soccer that is
[13:31] Qwark Allen: spain winning so far
[13:31] AristotleVon Doobie: You are so dapper, Professor
[13:32] Herman Bergson: yes...
[13:32] Gemma Cleanslate: get a hat
[13:32] Herman Bergson: lol
[13:32] itsme Frederix: Just remember who made soccer great
[13:32] Cailleach Shan: Soccer...... what's that? :)
[13:32] Qwark Allen: ehehehehh
[13:32] Qwark Allen: loool
[13:32] itsme Frederix: and why
[13:32] Gemma Cleanslate: two suits and two hats
[13:33] Herman Bergson: The attraction that I have organized is that we all make a parachute jump here from above the lecturehall
[13:33] Gemma Cleanslate: ah
[13:33] Gemma Cleanslate: lololol
[13:33] AristotleVon Doobie: wow
[13:33] Gemma Cleanslate: we love that
[13:33] Osrum Sands: wow
[13:33] Qwark Allen: eheheh
[13:33] Qwark Allen: nice
[13:33] itsme Frederix: whow, in sl I can try that
[13:33] Cailleach Shan: Yippeeeee....... Dutch bungie jumping....
[13:33] AristotleVon Doobie: I am ready
[13:33] Gemma Cleanslate: i have a chute
[13:33] Herman Bergson: ok....
[13:33] itsme Frederix: will they open Herman??
[13:34] itsme Frederix: lol
[13:34] Herman Bergson: here are tp pads...left click then right click and sit on the beam
[13:34] Herman Bergson: just wait on the platform and take a chute there
[13:34] Herman Bergson: no no Gemma
[13:34] Gemma Cleanslate: oh
[13:34] Gemma Cleanslate: lol
[13:35] Herman Bergson: first left click
[13:35] Transport in progress.
[13:35] Transport ready. Sit on beam to transport.
[13:35] Transport in progress.
[13:35] Herman Bergson: wait for the beam and rightclick
[13:35] Transport ready. Sit on beam to transport.
[13:35] AristotleVon Doobie: stand up Os
[13:35] Transport in progress.
[13:35] Transport ready. Sit on beam to transport.
[13:35] Transport in progress.
[13:35] AristotleVon Doobie: and try again
[13:35] Transport ready. Sit on beam to transport.
[13:35] Transport in progress.
[13:35] Herman Bergson: come on aristotle
[13:35] Transport ready. Sit on beam to transport.
[13:35] Transport ready. Sit on beam to transport.
[13:35] Transport in progress.
[13:35] Arrival: herman Bergson
[13:36] Cailleach Shan: Can you give me a chute Herman?
[13:36] Gemma Cleanslate: only 765?? herman???
[13:36] Gemma Cleanslate: lol
[13:36] Gemma Cleanslate: how about 4000
[13:36] Arrival: Osrum Sands
[13:37] AristotleVon Doobie: Gem, that dres is going to flow LOL
[13:37] Qwark Allen: eheheheh
[13:37] Gemma Cleanslate: well i wil remove the skirt
[13:37] Herman Bergson: Cailleach you need a chute
[13:37] AristotleVon Doobie: :))
[13:37] Cailleach Shan: I don't have one
[13:38] Herman Bergson: take a chute here and wear it
[13:38] itsme Frederix: Herman are you sure they will open???
[13:38] Herman Bergson: just click the sign
[13:38] Gemma Cleanslate: i hope your fish don'g fall off Q
[13:38] Qwark Allen: eheheheheh
[13:38] Qwark Allen: they like sky diving to
[13:38] AristotleVon Doobie: yeah that fish needs a chute too
[13:38] Qwark Allen: eheheh
[13:38] Cailleach Shan: Taking ages to come into my inventory
[13:39] Ze Novikov: lol
[13:39] Cailleach Shan: Thanks
[13:39] Qwark Allen: i got an angel now
[13:39] Herman Bergson: ok..I think everyone has a chute now
[13:39] Qwark Allen: eheheheh
[13:39] AristotleVon Doobie: ok
[13:39] Ze Novikov: Royal Dutch paratroopers
[13:39] Matt232 Vought: how to us it ?
[13:39] Gemma Cleanslate: jump!!!
[13:39] Matt232 Vought: use*
[13:39] Herman Bergson: ok..everybody ready?
[13:39] Gemma Cleanslate: lol
[13:40] Gemma Cleanslate: it will open
[13:40] itsme Frederix: I just take one extra for dsure
[13:40] AristotleVon Doobie: cool
[13:41] Qwark Allen: nice
[13:41] Gemma Cleanslate: we are nbext door
[13:41] Qwark Allen: was cool
[13:41] Cailleach Shan: lol landed in the neighbours.
[13:42] Qwark Allen: ehehheeh
[13:42] AristotleVon Doobie shouts: hey Ze and I were right on target
[13:42] Gemma Cleanslate: \that wsw fun
[13:42] Gemma Cleanslate: lolol
[13:42] Gemma Cleanslate: we drifted
[13:42] Gemma Cleanslate: lol
[13:42] Gemma Cleanslate: ty hermman
[13:42] AristotleVon Doobie: I am ready to do it again
[13:42] Gemma Cleanslate: lolol
[13:42] Qwark Allen: Hooooooo!!!!!!! \O/ \O/ \O/
[13:42] Qwark Allen: | | |
[13:42] Qwark Allen: / \ / \ / \
[13:42] Qwark Allen: :-)
[13:42] Osrum Sands: Glad I was wearing my brown undies!!!
[13:42] Herman Bergson: Well...a nice ending
[13:42] Gemma Cleanslate: yes
[13:42] Gemma Cleanslate: veryvr
[13:43] AristotleVon Doobie: yes
[13:43] Herman Bergson: He Ze
[13:43] Ze Novikov: thank yo Herman
[13:43] AristotleVon Doobie: who had the multi colored chute?
[13:43] Ze Novikov: brilliant!!
[13:43] Cailleach Shan: I got a great pic. Thanks Herman.
[13:43] Cailleach Shan: See you in September everyone.... x x x
[13:43] Herman Bergson: Oh Nice...Cailleach mine was refued for uploading
[13:43] Gemma Cleanslate: send it to ari to disburse to us cailleach
[13:44] AristotleVon Doobie: yes, take care Cailleach
[13:44] Qwark Allen: have good vacations herman!!!! you deserve them
[13:44] Ze Novikov: may i do it again
[13:44] Ze Novikov: ??
[13:44] Gemma Cleanslate: yes herman no internet on the island?????
[13:44] Herman Bergson: Thank you Qwark...I feel great
[13:44] AristotleVon Doobie: I am going again
[13:44] Gemma Cleanslate: lol
[13:44] Gemma Cleanslate: go to it Ari!!!!!!
[13:44] Gemma Cleanslate: lol
[13:44] Transport ready. Sit on beam to transport.
[13:44] Transport in progress.
[13:44] itsme Frederix: He prof have a nice time
[13:44] Transport in progress.
[13:45] Herman Bergson: thnx Itsme , you too..:-)
[13:45] Gemma Cleanslate: i have to do noticces
[13:45] itsme Frederix: i'll do, lots to read & italy so no problem
[13:45] Gemma Cleanslate: so i will skip it
[13:45] itsme Frederix: see you next lecture
[13:45] itsme Frederix: see you all
[13:45] Herman Bergson: Bye
[13:45] Osrum Sands: Celebrate life there herman
[13:45] Osrum Sands: thanks once more
[13:45] Herman Bergson: Very accurate landing , Ze..
[13:45] Osrum Sands: and enjoy
[13:45] Qwark Allen: zaraam
[13:46] AristotleVon Doobie: Thank you Heram :))))
[13:46] AristotleVon Doobie: Herman
[13:46] Qwark Allen: ty herman
[13:46] Qwark Allen: :-D
[13:46] Gemma Cleanslate: and we will all see you in september!!!!! for sure
[13:46] AristotleVon Doobie: Truly, a wonderful experience.
[13:46] Matt232 Vought: Good luck herman and have fun :)
[13:46] Ze Novikov: Have a good summer everyone
[13:46] AristotleVon Doobie: You too Ze
[13:47] Herman Bergson: I love to see you back again Gemma
[13:47] Herman Bergson: and all of you
[13:47] Gemma Cleanslate: oh of course
[13:47] Qwark Allen: :-)
[13:47] AristotleVon Doobie: Yes that is my intentions
[13:47] Qwark Allen: for sure
[13:47] Ze Novikov is Offline
[13:47] jaz123 Trilling is Offline
[13:47] Osrum Sands: September 1 is the start of Spring for me in Aus
[13:47] Herman Bergson: yes..and here Autumn
[13:47] Qwark Allen: nice
[13:48] Qwark Allen: here only at 21 september
[13:48] Qwark Allen: :-)
[13:48] Qwark Allen: autum
[13:48] Gemma Cleanslate: i hope to see some of you during the summer at our parties
[13:48] AristotleVon Doobie: You have such a lovely garden, Herman
[13:48] Gemma Cleanslate: i will invite!!!!!
[13:48] AristotleVon Doobie: I will be there Gem
[13:49] Herman Bergson: thank you Aristotle...I love these living flowers
[13:49] AristotleVon Doobie: I saw a Monet painting that reminded me of these floweres
[13:50] Herman Bergson: Rodney had login problems
[13:50] Herman Bergson: couldnt get in
[13:50] Gemma Cleanslate: oh dear
[13:50] Gemma Cleanslate: yes
[13:50] Osrum Sands: Flowers every where .... great for an ageing Hippy
[13:50] Gemma Cleanslate: i know the paining
[13:50] AristotleVon Doobie: I thought that would be a prob for our class today
[13:50] Gemma Cleanslate: painting*
[13:50] Herman Bergson: yes Osrum....but stil hippie at heart
[13:50] Osrum Sands: sure
[13:51] AristotleVon Doobie: Yes, Gemma, I think it was Monet's own garden
[13:51] Qwark Allen: yes
[13:51] Qwark Allen: looks like the painting
[13:51] Gemma Cleanslate: i think so
[13:51] Herman Bergson: Oh yes....I know that painting
[13:51] Matt232 Vought: bye all and good summer for all :)
[13:51] AristotleVon Doobie: very nice
[13:51] Sofie DuCasse is Online
[13:51] Osrum Sands: cheers
[13:51] Qwark Allen: cya soon matt
[13:51] AristotleVon Doobie: bye Mattt
[13:52] Gemma Cleanslate: bye!!!
[13:52] Gemma Cleanslate: see you soon!!! LOL
[13:52] Herman Bergson: Bye Gemma
[13:52] AristotleVon Doobie: bye Gem, see you soon
[13:52] Qwark Allen: i got to go to
[13:52] Gemma Cleanslate: takek some new picturres Herman
[13:52] Gemma Cleanslate: yes
[13:52] Gemma Cleanslate: time
[13:52] Qwark Allen: cya my friends soon
[13:52] Herman Bergson: I definitely will
[13:52] AristotleVon Doobie: later on, Q-man
[13:52] Osrum Sands: Thank you for being .... all

Posted by herman_bergson on 2008-06-30 13:24:16

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