Philosophy in a Modern Age

   This week we studied the great Philosophers. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle contributed to the ways of many great thinkers and leaders throughout the ages. I found and irony in the way Aristotle influenced both Christianity and Islam with his thinking. I seem myself to conduct a bit of self-discovery and self-awareness.

   Rosethstand writes “Our responses to situations must remain flexible, and we each have our own ideals and failings, but the right, virtuous response reveals itself in being appropriate to the situation and falls within a range that is recognized by other people of virtue.” In my research this week I came across an article regarding Philosophy and our modern times. The author, Andrea Maltman states “Our addiction to online praise and our obsession with having a perfectly curated social media space isn't all that different from the ancient Greek Polis, where The Sophists wandered around selling proverbial soap boxes and teaching citizens the gift of the gab.” Philosophers referred to it as rhetoric. She goes on to point out Socrates critical nature and how he analyzed everything. Pointing out that people should stop talking and start listening.

   We go through life in the modern age living in a digital quandary and seeking praise on Facebook and Twitter. “Aristotle depicted reciprocal friendship as the glue that binds entire societies together, as equally -- if not more -- important than justice and honor.” (Maltman, 2015). No further from the truth is the fact that we need friends. I myself have reconnected with military and high school colleague alike. I don’t know at what cost. Seems Facebook is a blackhole of acceptance and criticism based on a digital life that someone wish to post every drama filled minute or horrible self-event, news event that contrives with despotism of life.

   I have since taken a break from my digital life. Why? I ponder it, I sometimes find myself wondering…but in the end I have taken a break to rid myself of the negative the world has to offer.  I am trying to find my virtuous self, caring and considerate, the one known for helping others and reaching out. It seems all the negativity was beginning to affect me on another level.

   That leads me back to being flexible, recognizing and accepting failings, but to gain a virtuous perspective again.  To do the right thing under the right circumstances and help others when they need it. I have had time to self-retrospect and to not allow others to affect my thoughts of self. The world is a terrible place in some ways, it other it is about more. Hope, love, family and friends as well as the helping of others. This week has touched a nerve and my inner thought. Socrates is lives after death due to Plato’s need to write. Through his expressions we as a civilized culture have deeper understandings of human nature.

Rosenstand, Nina (2012-07-01). The Moral of the Story: An Introduction to Ethics, 7th edition. McGraw-Hill Higher Education -A. Kindle Edition.

Maltman, A. (2015, January 7). Classic Philosophy Hacks for the Modern Age. Retrieved July 11, 2015, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrea-maltman/classic-philosophy-hacks-_b_7710828.html