What is your personal idealogy? What political group do you believe in? Which religious or spiritual group do you identify with?
Politics: The right fit for the time and place. Currently the US needs something that both parties can't offer. Capital is too locked down. A death to lobbying and a progressive marginal tax rate on all income would be a start. Politics trails technology, and it should. Spiritual: I am a mortal consciousness on an island in a sea of time and space. Occasionally this freaks me out, but mostly I enjoy this seemingly impossible situation that I am in. Religion: None. Raised Catholic. Like philosophy to a flea on a dog, I suspect the entirety of the situation may be beyond us. That said, the scientific method seems to work perfectly well for that which we can perceive. Human-centrist explanations for the universe seem absurd to me. We are understandably very important to ourselves, but you only need to look up to see that there is a much larger story going on. Personal: No one is special, but some people do special things. I try to make my time worthwhile and to keep learning. The state of our world is the result of our actions, no excuses.
Because information becomes largely biased by the money behind it. Staffers should and could research issues, without the establishment of companies that profit by, and exist soley for, the purpose of persuasion. This bias disenfranchises voters for the sake of institutions with power. Information that representatives get should be provided on a pull, not push basis to reduce the corruption of legislation.
This paper started me down the path then Reading Theory of the Leisure Class. For me I feel it is more of a tendency than an adherence. I agree with the Idea that economies are organic and evolve and hence are packed with path dependencies and ad hoc solutions.
Political: Radical Progressive Spiritual: Transhumanism / Spiritual Evolutionism Personal: Do whatever you want (as long as you don't harm another consciousness)
b_b, the word on the street is that you can be one "bad mamma-jamma" with a hockey stick and skates. How do you reconcile, or any of us for that matter, the fact that we've taken extreme pleasure in a nicely applied hip-check to an opponent caught off guard? I've likely hurt someone else's consciousness, as well as my own, in similar sports-related situations. Dammit, though, it felt pretty good. Is it likely that as a person engages in sport, typical ideologies are set aside?
Well, I think that when we play sports that there's an assumed risk, and everyone is participating willingly. Getting hurt goes with the territory. But yes, I did once put a man in the hospital for an extended stay with 5 broken ribs and a collapsed lung. It was an ugly time, and felt terrible because that was crossing the line. On the other hand it's hard not to feel like a bad motherfucker when you nearly kill someone with your shoulder.
I definitely agree - and thought someone would bring that up. Although no one can tell for sure, I'm convinced by the idea that consciousness is a gradient and that all organisms have a degree of consciousness. This would support the idea that mind and life are connected. Unfortunately, my current personal philosophy cannot account for all consciousness until we 3D print all of our meat. So for now, there is an asterisk of sorts next to this statement.
I would say no, but it's definitely a matter of perspective and definition. I would argue that all animals with a nervous system at the very least have something that we could recognize as consciousness. not harming any of them would be a difficult proposition. Especially for a pantheist, not harming any of God's creatures id likely not possible. Rocks come from the same stuff as you and me. Consciousness is an idea, a matter of language. That's where the problem lay.
I'd say that if they're made of the same stuff, and if we say we have consciousness, then so does anything made up of the same stuff.
Tough question. I would say that it's an undeniable fact that the universe is aware of itself (at least insofar as we're aware that the universe exists, and we're certainly a part of it). Whether this extends to things we don't understand, well, who can say. I think we should never be so bold as to say X doesn't happen solely on the basis that we have never observed X. Scientists do that all the time, and it's really annoying. The correct statement is, "We've never observed X." My point is that it sounds weird to ascribe consciousness to individual inanimate objects, but in some sense the universe itself can be said to be conscious. That said, I don't think anyone should feel bad for grinding up rock to make concrete.
I don't like to box myself in because my ideas, choices, and decisions are mine, not those of whatever box I ally myself with. That said, I like some of the ideas presented in anarchism, libertarianism, and minarchism. I'm always open to new points of view too, another reason why I don't like to identify with any movement, party, platform, or ideology. I'm very much undecided with regards to political ideology, really, simply because I haven't yet read enough to make an informed decision about political ideology. I do know what I'm not, though. I do not identify with any political party even if a handful of the ideas of one party or another may sound appealing to me. Each vote should be cast based on the merits of an individual, not the party (if representative votes should be cast at all!). My ethics system pretty much consists of the Golden Rule and some form of Utilitarianism, for the most part. I'm agnostic, but I'm as close to atheist as possible... I don't rule out the possibility of a universe-creating deity, but the existence of such an extraordinary supernatural thing is dubious. Unless we're all living in a computer simulation. Religion appears to be a waste of time for me, but if other people get something of value out of it, so long as they aren't damaging the minds or well-being of others, that's cool with me. I wouldn't call this spirituality, but I identify somewhat with the sentiments of Lawrence Krauss: I'm probably best described as a secular humanist, a naturalist, and a phenomenalist. That said, I haven't done enough quality research into philosophy to rule out other philosophies. I identify most with a lack commitment to identity. Perhaps that will change as I get older.Every atom in your body came from a star that exploded. And, the atoms in your left hand probably came from a different star than your right hand. It really is the most poetic thing I know about physics: You are stardust. You couldn’t be here if stars hadn’t exploded, because the elements – the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, iron, all the things that matter for evolution and for life – weren’t created at the beginning of time. They were created in the nuclear furnaces of stars, and the only way for them to get into your body is if those stars were kind enough to explode. So, forget Jesus. The stars died so that you could be here today.
Hmm. I'm not sure about books. I've only seen a video of one of his lectures: http://www.amazon.com/Universe-Nothing-There-Something-Rathe... looks good from what I can tell from the reviews, but I can't personally vouch for the book. If you're looking for more of the stars-are-you spirituality kind of thing, and you thought that that's what he was about, then I'm afraid that I may have deluded you. His books are about an origin to everything by defining what nothing is, and how everything comes from nothing. The second video is a really good, succinct definition of nothing, and how something comes from nothing, but the lecture (if I remember correctly) is more in depth. He's also a proponent of the Standard Model, by the way, and is derisive towards string theory.
There's something out there bigger than individual human minds, we don't currently have the technology to completely understand it. People have labeled it religion, God, the unified theory, first cause, whatever it may be, there's something. The only way to improve the human condition in general is to be more empathetic, and love whenever possible, because punishment has proven ineffective for a lot of human problems, and just creates more problems. If I had to identify a religious belief it would be Buddhist. I don't think I'm coming back as a dog after I die, but I can't honestly know either way. Personally I try and be as empathetic as I can towards people, because of the understanding that everyone's happiness is dependent on everyone else, so, you might only be a small part of someone's day, but do you want to be the small, terrible, part of their day?
"I don't believe in Beatles, I just believe in me."
Political: I suppose liberal, though attempting a degree in Political Science has made me hate politics, so I don't really look into them unless it involves me greatly. Spiritual: Muslim, though again, I don't really worry about it. I'm not the metaphysical type, thinking about "where I am in the universe" always seemed to be a waste of time to me. Probably why I was subpar in Philosophy. Personal: There are a lot of aspects to this, and they are subject to change as I grow and experience more of the world - hell, even the above will probably change as I get older. This is probably a part of my personal ideology in and of itself - constant growth and change. Who the hell cares? This is the first part. It honestly amazes me how much people care about what everyone else is doing. If it doesn't affect you, why does it matter? Being caught up in other people's lives when there's no need puts me on edge. A good meal triumphs over all. Pretty self-explanatory. I'm of the mind that literally nothing can beat good food. It's a simple pleasure, and makes me happy. I guess a more broad definition of this would then be simple pleasures are the best. Relax. As I've gotten older, I've gotten less and less high strung about things. I try to put myself in the mindset constantly that "this probably won't matter in 5 years." It's been amazingly good for my mental health, in my opinion. Make people happy just 'cause. I enjoy doing things that make people happy without getting anything in return, emotional or physical. I buy/make things for people I care about all the time, just to express the fact that I enjoy them as people, and because I enjoy seeing them happy. This can also hold true for people I don't know either - one of my favorite parts of the previous year was buying a bundle of roses and handing them out to people through-out my area. Perhaps I'll write about it one of these days. This is probably a hasty response. My apologies.
Political - Canadian, anti-Stephen Harper. I am desperate in Canada for a unite-the-left movement. Otherwise, we are stuck with more of the same. Religious or spiritual - culturally Jewish. Otherwise, what mk said: mortal consciousness on an island in a sea of time and space. I would add, learning to swim. Personal ideology: We are all here for a single purpose: to grow in wisdom and to learn to love better. We can do this through losing as well as through winning, by having and by not having, by succeeding or by failing. All we need to do is to show up open-hearted for class -- Rachel Naomi Remen
As a fellow Canadian I couldn't agree more with the political sentiment. I like the NDP although I liked them more under Layton, but I think the NDP and Liberal party are just not different enough to demand two parties. Especially with how our political system works, and the fact that there is one right-wing party. I hate the idea that the two left wing parties could potentially get a huge majority of the popular vote, but because of how our ridings are set up they could lose.
The new NDP guy is ok, but he's not Jack Layton. I like Justin and I think his heart is in the right place. Both parties are controlled by Old Guardists who cannot imagine adjusting their perception of the parties to include the other. You and I could unite the left, but it would take every minute of every day for the next five years at least, maybe less of our personal time with an effective committee of about 50,000.
I used to feel so much more comfortable labelling myself politically/spiritually when I was younger. As I've left college, worked, quit a job, and almost joined a new one, I've found myself beaten progressively towards the centre politically. I look back at the days I used to identify myself as an anarcho-marxist/neo-marxist/whatever-else-ist with the same amount of scepticism as I applied to 'the system' then. I do define myself as politically very liberal, though. The only trouble is that there is no Indian liberal party that I feel truly represents the kind of 'liberal' that I am. Middle class problems, I guess, but for me it isn't theoretical. Our elections are coming up, and I'm not even certain where I stand on the issue of participation. I've been a hopeful atheist for as long as I can remember. I believe in a customised version of the philosophy of Theravada Buddhism, though, and the books I've read on the subject gave me peace of mind when I needed it most. Personally, I find it hard to reconcile my adolescent interest in existentialism with a belief in Buddhist philosophy, which is why I use the word customised, I guess. Who knows? (Which is also probably the best way to sum up my personal philosophy at this point.)
I am not under the power of those in power if that is what you are asking. But as a capricorn I don't believe in mystical things.
For politics, I believe compassion is the only way we're going to have a society that is not constantly in fear of its own government. If you treat your people well, you get much better results- including a good approval rating. I tend to lean on the libertarian side in social matters, but I am not an anarcho-capitalist. I don't identify with any religious group, and I'm an atheist. I've never really felt the need for religion, but I was brought up in a culturally Jewish household. We'd only celebrate at most two of the holidays. We never went to Synagogue. I think religion is mostly harmful to society (especially when there is interference in politics) and not everyone needs it. If you feel you need it, then that's your decision to make.
I try not to really conscious identify with any group. I judge things as they come and by what feels right at the time. I don't see any benefit in trying to align my views to certain ideology or groups, but if I naturally fit into some by my own accord then so be it.
None at the moment. I was raised Catholic but was never really invested in it. Can't say I lean in one particular direction politically. However, I feel that I still have much developing to do, so I'll likely come to have some identifying ideology at some point.
We just moved to a new neighborhood. The people across the street were kind enough to invite us over for a Superbowl party they had. We entered and I asked how they all knew one another and was told they were part of a "living group" at their church. I smiled outwardly, while internally I went "Doh!" They were all very, very nice to us and welcoming but there is always this sense that I'm about to be pitched Amway at some point by someone that self-identifies as "religious." While I've never self-identified as a Dem or Rep, I (like most rational people) have always thought of myself as socially liberal and fiscally conservative. But these are subjective things and I don't like to paint myself with too broad of a brush. Identifying with a political party, to me, seems insane. -especially in the times we live in. I was raised Catholic too and I have to say that some times I still enjoy seeing a mass, if only to enjoy the nostalgia that comes from the routine. Friends that know I'm a musician always think I'll like thier church because the band is rocking and the light show is spectacular etc... But to me, church should be an organ and a choir. There's no electric guitar in church, no drum set.
(Totally going with that because it was more succinct than my rambles.) Political: Independent: I'm about as middle of the road as you can with out literally being the middle of the road. Religious: Agnostic Personal: I'm not sure what my personal ideology would be. I guess just "i'll do what I think is right".
A person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God or of anything beyond material phenomena; a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God.
Political: A strange mix between libertarian and democrat. I'd love to see basic income, but i'd also love to see less regulation, less government, etc. Personal: I'm not sure what my personal ideology would be. I guess just "i'll do what I think is right". Religous/spiritual: None. All things are physical, our minds are physical, our experiences are physical. Just atoms bouncing around in patterns.
Politics: I'm mostly liberal. But I dislike identifying solely with one party because I like to form my own opinions for each specific issue. Religion: I was born in a fairly strict Catholic household without much room for free thinking. But now 2 of the 3 children in my family secretly identify as atheist, myself included. Personal: I want to focus mainly on accepting my life as it is. If I can be happy with where I'm at now and realize that things don't always go as planned, I will always be content with my life and myself. Living in the present, forgetting the past, and looking forward to the future. I want to live my life as though each day were my last. Remembering that I am an insignificant little part of the world, so I should stop focusing so much on myself and reach out to others instead.
Spritual: I'm an apatheist. Theists believe in a god, Atheists don't believe in a god, agnostics can be either, but say we can never truly know... And the apatheist just doesn't give a shit. God could come down and say "Yo, I'm god and I exist", and at the end of the day I still have to do what I have to do. Not like his existence being confirmed means I'll suddenly won't have to work anymore. I wouldn't change a single thing I'm doing if he existed regardless if I believed or not. He could exist. He could not exist. We could never know... But at the end of the day the question of God's existence matters little to my life and actions. I have the feeling I would have felt this way even back in more religious times. Personal beliefs: I dunno. I'm just here and am trying to not step on anyone's toes. My ideal life is to live quietly and peacefully, and die without making a big fuss. Political: I want as little to do with politics as possible. Enter when absolutely necessary and at your own peril. When you enter the game of politics, you don't come back unscathed. For what it's worth, most political tests pegged me as left-libertarian, and I almost always get chaotic neutral in those alignment tests, because that's totally related to politics in my brain.
Thank you. This is me. I didn't have a term for it before. I just don't care if God exists. It would not alter my behavior in any way and if it did, I'd just prove that I'm an idiot pandering to the most popular person in Hollywood so that they smile at me after I die.And the apatheist just doesn't give a shit. God could come down and say "Yo, I'm god and I exist", and at the end of the day I still have to do what I have to do. Not like his existence being confirmed means I'll suddenly won't have to work anymore. I wouldn't change a single thing I'm doing if he existed regardless if I believed or not. He could exist. He could not exist. We could never know... But at the end of the day the question of God's existence matters little to my life and actions.
Everyone should be allowed to believe what they want to believe. In doing so, hopefully that path leads them to a life of understanding, sincerity, and compassion.
Buildings get blown up when they believe that everyone should only believe what I believe and what I believe will lead everyone to a life of understanding, sincerity, and compassion providing they continue to believe what I believe and do what I say, especially the women.
Political: Financially conservative, socially liberal. Spiritual: Atheistic with the occasional Buddhist philosophy. Personal: Live to know myself and others better. When you understand yourself and those around you, handling situations is much easier. I was raised in a Baptist household with conservative parents. It pains me that my little sister is currently growing up with constant indoctrination.