Ask the Philosopher
sandra omlin
social and political issues
Dear Sandra,
why do you think our world is what it is today? it is completely corrupted and filled with disasters that we have created. is it because of the kind of political system that we live in. what do you think is needed to make our world a better place? they say that the smallest things can make a change, but what can i really do to change the world if i hold no power over it. Sometimes I believe, that if we had more of structural world instead of democratic; taking a walk outside would not be so dangerous. what is your opinion on this matter.
-Anonymous
Answer
This world that we live in is indeed corrupted, but the corruption is the result of the people who live in the world, not the world itself. I sincerely believe that if we had a system that was more strict; there wouldn't be as much problems as the ones we have in the world today. if we had the type system that Plato once proposed, we would not be living in a world as terrible as today. everyone would know their place in the world and there would not be confusion, because they would either be part of the working class, the government or the military. the difference between my ideal world and Plato is that i believe that people would have right to choose their class and everyone would try to do their part because they know exactly what to do. The Spartans in Sparta used to have a structural society and with this everything was fine in their city-state. Confusion did not arise in their society as well and everyone took their responsibility although their society was military based. A person in our world can make a change but the change would be something minor, because of the fact that they are not as valuable to the world and there is a lot of people who live on this earth.
Meaning of life
Is there really a meaning to life? i have always wondered, because what is the point of living life if there is nothing to really live for. My life has been going downhill. everything is just wrong. i learned that the whole point of life is to have fun, then get married and have kids, but i am currently going through a divorce and I have no children. it not only makes me wonder what i am living life for; but also makes me wonder if there is really a supreme God who watches over us and if so why is my life like this if he created me and can change the course of my life.
-Jed
Answer
Yes, there is a meaning to life. we were put on this earth for a purpose and it is our job to find out what that purpose is for us. I believe that the things that we go through in our life is actually preparing us to handle our purpose or job that we are supposed to do. i believe that there is a God who does things for a certain reason but he is a silent God who does not tell us why we are going through hard times. I always say that when one door closes, another one opens so if one thing is going bad for you it is only because the door is closing and another one is opening. The idea that one must live life, just to get married and have children is an illusion that us humans have created and we have applied to everyone. living life to the fullest and finally reaching the moment of happiness is the meaning of life. but i believe when one reaches their meaning of life it automatically changes because we can never be happy forever.
Death
why do we die? why can we not just live forever? I am afraid of dying, it is one of my greatest fears and sometimes it prohibits me from living my life to the fullest. I understand that many people fear it too, but isn't it just like another life similar to this. I know some religions believe that when we die, we either go to place of pleasure and happiness or a place of darkness.
-Jennifer
Answer
Reality
can you tell me how do i know that I am truly living in reality right now. is it because I can feel and see things because I realized that i can see and feel things too in a dream but when i wake up i realize it was all a dream. I guess I am wondering how do i know whether or not i am currently living in a dream or if this is truly my reality. This all came to my mind when i watched the Hollywood film Inception and it made me think about things I have never thought about before. Ultimately I am asking what is reality and do you think we are living in reality.
Answer
Beauty
What is beauty exactly and is all art beautiful. Is It true that people see beauty differently. I know what I call beautiful is different from what my friends consider beautiful. I have always wondered what art the criteria needed to make art because i have seen art that is just random paint thrown at the canvas.
Answer
Sorrow
answer
worth
-Steph
Answer
Dear Steph
In our world today, they say everyone is worth the same but in reality some people are worth more than others because of the way that people praise them. Singers who have a talent are praised greatly in our society and those who have no known talent are part of the majority. I believe that people are not worth the same, because it is based on what class and economic status we are placed in at birth. The class the person is in is already predetermined by their destiny. one's worth also depends on what country they live, because in some countries men are worth more then women and vice versa.
love
- Curious
Answer
love is socially constructed, meaning that it is a illusion that humans created to have come into existence in a relationship. In a parent and child relationship there is suppposedly love but when a mother physically disciplines their child, people say there is the is no lovel although they do not truly know. We have reated an imagine of what love is supposed to be and if there is no such thing as love then there must be hatred. Love is made up with roles and things that go along with it and once a person is depraved from those socially constructed roles and does not go with the "love" idea, it is seen as no longer seen as love. Love has a different meaning for everyone but i believe it is an illusion for humans to think that some unconditionally cares for them. Therefore there is no love at first sight.