First of all, of course, my best wishes to you all for the New Year 2025. The most important question is, how should I start this new year? With the good news or with the bad news.
That is is going to be an important year is clear. At the world stage we have three main players at the moment: the US, Rusia and China. If we look at their leaders, the worries begin.
The US will be led by an immoral, convicted, unpredictable, and incompetent leader. Russia is ruled by a person who obsessively hates all Western values and China is a purring cat, methodically reeling in the world by using the Western capitalist open market economy.
Besides that, there haven't been raging more wars in 2025 than ever since World War II. At the moment 59 conflicts are going on in which a state fights another state or some organized militia like Hezbollah or IS.
And we in this class quietly discuss the question, "Why am I here?" Primarily, we are inclined to apply the question to ourselves, but I want to begin this year by extending it.
Not only can or even have to ask this question to ourselves, but also to the people who are our leaders. Here, I want to shift our focus for a moment from the "WHY" to the "I" in this question.
Who am I as a person? Is man intrinsically good or bad? If he is intrinsically bad, then it is quite normal that our leaders are acting in a natural way, also when they display immoral and bad behavior and thus are role models for their people.
For instance, do the utmost to screw up the judiciary system of your country as much as possible so that you never can be held accountable for your illegal deeds,
or tell the people you lead, that your standards and values are much better and justified than those of some other nation. Thus you claim to have the right to ignore the Laws of Nations and attack the other with military force.
Or is man intrinsically good and does he, as Augustine says, strive for peace and harmony? If this is our belief, this leads to two questions:
Can you reasonably and with arguments demonstrate that man is intrinsically good, what is the evidence for that? Is there evidence for it?
And if that can be made plausible indeed, why does that same man make such a mess of things, why is he prepared to destroy his own world?
In the coming lectures I'll show you that it is possible to answer both questions and despite a positive answer to the first question I'll give you the answer to the second question already:
the answer is Stupidity. It might be educational to understand what stupidity is and how to deal with it to make a better world. So stay tuned...
Thank you for your attention...
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
[13:22] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Thank you Herman
[13:22] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): greetings
[13:22] Max Chatnoir: Sounds interesting, Herman!
[13:23] Max Chatnoir: Hi, Nicky
[13:23] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): good evening
[13:23] herman Bergson: It is a challange
[13:23] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): Putin was raised in the KGB wich probably alongside with his personality mad him into the monster he has always been since young age
[13:23] herman Bergson: Hello Nicky :-)
[13:23] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): hi Nikcky
[13:23] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hi nicky
[13:23] herman Bergson: Probably, Bejiita
[13:24] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): you used to say noone is born evil but where does your personality come from? genetically or from the environment or both?
[13:24] herman Bergson: Nature and nurture, Bejiita....
[13:25] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): the eternal question
[13:25] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but KGB i say is the main reason Putin is a monster, he was raised with bad values and influences making him a power-hungry demon
[13:25] Max Chatnoir: Must be both. Also "good" is a social definition.
[13:25] herman Bergson: But the question is, does man have some real ideas about what a GOOD person is, independent ofnature/nurture
[13:25] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): what is worse than stupidity?
[13:25] herman Bergson: nothing Beertje :-)
[13:26] herman Bergson: But we'll get to that :-)
[13:26] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): ツ
[13:26] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): a good person does not harm other people
[13:26] herman Bergson: A lot of what is happening in this world is based on stupidity
[13:26] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed Herman
[13:27] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): thats so true
[13:27] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): stupidity and greed
[13:27] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): shame is some of the stupid call the educated elete .... the bad word
[13:27] herman Bergson: But we first have to come to a clear definition of stupidity....so just be patient :-)
[13:27] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): elite
[13:27] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hmm
[13:28] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): sad because they do not want to be educated
[13:28] bergfrau Apfelbaum: anyone who has a normal home and has been able to enjoy an education can only be good
[13:28] herman Bergson: yes Gemma...
[13:28] herman Bergson: We'll see Bergie :-)))
[13:28] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): Richard Dawkins' "The Selfish Gene" offers an intriguing lens through which to view these events. The book posits that genes drive behavior to ensure their own survival, often leading to seemingly selfish actions This gene-centered view of evolution can be metaphorically applied to the actions of nations and leaders. Just as genes act in their own interest, countries and political figures often pursue policies that prioritize their own survival and dominance, sometimes at the expense of others.
[13:28] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): problem is bergie.. what is normal at this time
[13:29] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): In this context, Russia's aggressive stance, China's strategic economic maneuvers, and the U.S.'s political shifts can be seen as manifestations of this inherent drive for self-preservation and power. It's a fascinating, albeit sobering, reflection on the nature of competition and cooperation in both biology and geopolitics.
[13:29] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i heard Bergie that austria is headed in the same direction
[13:29] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): in other words, we are genetically programmed to destroy each other?
[13:30] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Why a translation Nicky that nobody can read?
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): it was in my language
[13:30] herman Bergson: Some truth in that Nicky, but please check the debating rules as shown here on my pulpit
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): swedish
[13:30] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): we can read the translation to engilsh
[13:30] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): we all speak english
[13:31] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): I am learning Swedish Beertje so it helps me to develope vocabulary
[13:31] bergfrau Apfelbaum: A home with love and understanding is always a good home. Whether poor or rich. Common sense is enough,
[13:31] NickyParis Bellecoeur en>sv: Jag lär mig svenska Beertje så det hjälper mig att utveckla ordförråd
[13:31] herman Bergson: Yes would be handy to turn off the translator
[13:31] herman Bergson: My Swedish is really poor
[13:31] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): :)
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ah
[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ok
[13:32] bergfrau Apfelbaum: yes Gemma! total chaos in austria and we get an austri-TRUMP idiot
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): no Swedish here except sill
[13:32] herman Bergson: This is not a Swedish language class Nicky :-))
[13:32] bergfrau Apfelbaum: austria
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i know bergie
[13:32] herman Bergson: It is really remarkable that is so many countries right wing politicians enter the stage
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): worrying dvelopment
[13:33] herman Bergson: I think it is because they claim to have the answers to the many problems
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): pfffs
[13:34] herman Bergson: and people love short term solutions
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): well thats what they think and believe
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): thats true
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ad hoc
[13:34] Max Chatnoir: And somehow convince others
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): and such
[13:34] herman Bergson: no..that is what they makepeople think and believe, Bejiita :-)
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): watch the 20th , 21, and on to see what we are up against
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): in USA
[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa
[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hmm
[13:35] herman Bergson: I really look forward to that Gemma....
[13:35] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Trump is already acting like a dictatot
[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yep!
[13:35] Max Chatnoir: With a billionaire in his pocket.
[13:35] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): yes true Max
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): already acting as if he were presiident
[13:35] Max Chatnoir: Or a billionaire with a president in his pocket.
[13:35] herman Bergson: I hear a lot of disappointed Trump voters....
[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): been doing since he won
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): fingers crossed lolol
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): one by one group will llearn the President cannot stop inflation
[13:36] herman Bergson: I reallywonder what co-president Musk will do
[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes me also, realizing they have been fooled cause they believed all his lies
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): the President cannot really close th eborder
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): the president cannot evict 10 million from the country
[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but now its too late, trump have won because of their stupidity
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): no slowly they will learn
[13:37] herman Bergson: Got a point there Bejiita
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he cant really control himself
[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hmmm
[13:38] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): if Trump sends all the immigrants back..who will work on the fields and in the factories?
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): correct
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed
[13:38] herman Bergson: And yet we have to believe that man is intrinsically good .....but somehow still is evolution to realize it
[13:38] bergfrau Apfelbaum shouts: Gemma becomes president!
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): YAY! (yay!)
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) whispers: and will he send the wife or husband with the deported?
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:39] herman Bergson: yay
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): what about the children?
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): Trump is just a bloody racist who wants every non white person out if US
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): true
[13:39] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): he himself is not white, he is orange
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): no matter what
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): cant imagine the Blacks who really are maga supporters
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and they are
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): some
[13:40] herman Bergson: Well enough about mister T. :-)
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): true
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i need an alkaseltzer
[13:40] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): its strange but
[13:40] herman Bergson: Let's be patient and watch and see what will happen
[13:40] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aah
[13:40] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ys
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes
[13:40] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): lot's of trubble to come
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): Herman did you do a video?????
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): how was the concert?????
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): been waiting
[13:41] herman Bergson: Beertje, what we need is HOPE!
[13:41] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): the intense global focus on Donald Trump serves to amplify his influence and power. This phenomenon can be understood through the lens of social and political theory, where attention and discourse act as catalysts for empowerment.
[13:41] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): that is true
[13:41] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa yes
[13:41] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed
[13:41] herman Bergson: true...
[13:41] herman Bergson: the man gets too much attention...
[13:41] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): This dynamic underscores the intricate relationship between visibility and power, suggesting that the act of observing and discussing a figure can, in itself, contribute to their empowerment.
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): all publicity even negative boosts their success
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): it already did
[13:42] herman Bergson: Nicky, this man has done that the past 4 years....his comeback is due to that policy
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): the last 8 years plus have been focused on him
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and he intends to destroy the media that is not with me also btw
[13:43] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): realy Gemma?
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes
[13:43] herman Bergson: That is their own fault Gemma....they kept the man in the news for four years....
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): one of his objectives
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): not surprised, he hates the media and claims them as his worst enemy
[13:44] Max Chatnoir: Anyone who criticizes him is a target.
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): all his yapping about fake news for all these years fir ex
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): for
[13:44] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): including us <Max
[13:44] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): wait til he comes for you
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): true Max
[13:44] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): thenme
[13:44] herman Bergson: That means that THE PHILOSOPHY CLASS might become a target too, Max :-)))
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes
[13:45] herman Bergson: Cool, for we'll fight back :-))
[13:45] Max Chatnoir: It is a public publication. :-)
[13:45] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed, COME AND GET US TRUMP! WE WONT BACK DOWN!
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and interestingly yesterday Mega or facebook is going to relax their fact checking policy
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): We stand for our thing!
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): no more fact check on the written submissions
[13:46] Max Chatnoir: You're kidding!
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): nope
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): He announced it i think this morning
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): whats his name cant remember
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): Ordered by Trump?
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): nono;
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): or who
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): the owner of facebook
[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): Zuckenberg
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes
[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): well he Zucks and Elon is Musky
[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): its all in their names
[13:47] herman Bergson: Sufarmountain :-)
[13:47] herman Bergson: Sugarmountain
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): sigh you started this Herman
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): hard to shut off
[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): including Trump. In swedish Trumpen means angry/grumpy
[13:48] herman Bergson grins
[13:48] Guestboook van tipjar stand: Gemma Cleanslate donated L$100. Thank you very much, it is much appreciated!
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): just like he is
[13:48] herman Bergson: Well, we have to be honest...it worries us all
[13:48] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): Thanks for the swedish word now that I cant have my translation on
[13:48] herman Bergson: from the Netherlands to the US and back to Austria and Sweden
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): so we have 3 idiots whos name says it all who they are, aaa Putin also,
[13:48] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and i am watching the washington part of the funeral of Jimmy carter
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): like Pout
[13:49] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): bringing the coffin to the capitol now
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ot Putt = angry, irritated in swedish
[13:49] herman Bergson: Zuckerberg is German
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): its a german name yes
[13:49] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Like Un..in Northe Korea.....Un means in dutch...Oen..stupid
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): fashinating they all have names telling just who they are and what they stand for
[13:50] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): yes
[13:50] bergfrau Apfelbaum: a good name for idiots i WAPPLER
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hahah
[13:50] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): hahahha ja Bergie
[13:50] bergfrau Apfelbaum: lol
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): well lets beat some wapplers then!
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hehe
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): RIGGING TIME!
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): lol
[13:50] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): Getting stuck in a loop of self-confirmation, where we only seek information that supports our existing beliefs if the way this politician encourages people to "seek the truth". Instead, politicians should encouraged us to actively seek the truth by challenging our assumptions and embracing different perspectives and languages. This approach helps us grow intellectually and avoid biases that can limit our understanding of the world and be more inclusive.
[13:51] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aha
[13:51] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): hopefully
[13:51] herman Bergson: I wouldn't say that Mr.T. is America's big trump on the international stage
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): hope to be here Thursday
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): time to run
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): oops
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): forgot
[13:52] herman Bergson: I'll be ready, Gemma :-)
[13:52] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:52] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): cu Gemma
[13:52] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hugs
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): time to r ..u..n...
[13:52] bergfrau Apfelbaum: lol
[13:52] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ♥ Thank Youuuuuuuuuu!! ♥
[13:52] herman Bergson: See you
[13:52] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Bye Gemma
[13:52] bergfrau Apfelbaum: see you tomorrow i hope :-) Gemma
[13:52] Max Chatnoir: Good to see you all.
[13:52] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:53] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): a good start
[13:53] herman Bergson: Ahh yes wednesday tomorrow...
[13:53] Max Chatnoir: See you Thursday. :-)
[13:53] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): Adios amigos
[13:53] Max Chatnoir: Bye for now.
[13:53] herman Bergson: Thank you all again :-)
[13:53] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): bye Max
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