Group talk

Use this forum to have philosophical discussions about aesthetics and art. What is art? What is beauty? What makes art good? You can also use this forum to discuss philosophy in the arts, namely to discuss the philosophical points in any particular movie, TV show, book or story.
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Fleetfootphil
Posts: 277
Joined: May 25th, 2012, 9:33 pm

Group talk

Post by Fleetfootphil »

I have tried to get at this in other places but the fuse burned down with no explosion. Why do people (you, me, anyone) talk about art in a forum like this? Are we bored in our lives; does it help our art; is there no one close to us with whom we can discuss art issues in philosophical terms; are we just dopey; can we not stop listening to our own voices echo in a chamber where titles of discussions are issues that we think we know something about; are we trying to impart knowledge to someone? Who?

Why bother talking about art when we could spend the same time making art, making love, cooking dinner, cleaning the litter box? Why talk about morality (a different discussion with much the same membership) when we could just practice whatever we think is right? Are we looking for approval? Validation? Should we all just kill ourselves and leave the rest of humanity alone to enjoy a quiet and peaceful repose?

What the hell are we doing?
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HANDSON
Posts: 181
Joined: June 1st, 2012, 8:40 pm

Re: Group talk

Post by HANDSON »

There are multiple reasons why I participate in this forum. I have encountered fresh and thoughtful approaches to common dilemmas; some on this forum are better educated in certain disciplines than I am and I appreciate their thoughts. I continue reading in the hopes of encountering intelligent thoughtful perspectives.

In terms of my own submissions, I find it beneficial to put my own meandering thoughts into intelligible language. The amount of time required to browse the forum is pretty insignificant.
Belief is truth to the believer.
Fleetfootphil
Posts: 277
Joined: May 25th, 2012, 9:33 pm

Re: Group talk

Post by Fleetfootphil »

I also like the feel of putting my thoughts into a concise post. Sometimes I am not totally aware of what I think until I read what I have said. There is an aesthetic pleasure involved in saying what I think, regardless of whether or not anyone listens or cares.

-- Updated January 26th, 2013, 10:24 pm to add the following --

I refrain from rambling posts or those where points are copy/pasted and then refuted one by one. I find those boring to read and would not want to do that to other people. What I enjoy is to read a simple post making a statement about an issue, especially when I disagree, but in which I can sense a mind at work, not a parrot chirping, or whatever it is that parrots do.

Finding humor here or anywhere is also good.
XavierAlex
Posts: 307
Joined: June 4th, 2012, 10:56 am

Re: Group talk

Post by XavierAlex »

Agree with many of the sentiments above. Actually, one would be hard pressed to discuss philosophy or art with such a diverse group of thinkers elsewhere. This forum's niche is strongly enticing for me despite probably the sense I get from others.

I enjoy creative ways of viewing and posting, and sometimes I lack the knowledge-base, so it's good to read what others know. I will say certain trends either bore me or I find inconclusive. While a central question in philosophy is that of the existence of God, the whole theist v atheist argument seems a bit winding and without substance.

Last point, I find it quite odd how I get a lot of opposition or people passing by. Must not be doing something right on this forum.
Fleetfootphil
Posts: 277
Joined: May 25th, 2012, 9:33 pm

Re: Group talk

Post by Fleetfootphil »

I take opposition as a compliment. At least they are listening : )

I too feel the god discussions are endless and pointless. We're only squiirrels running in the cage if we agree to run. Hence my agnosticism- don't know, don't see that it matters. In very literal terms, existence of god makes no earthly difference.
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Misty
Premium Member
Posts: 5934
Joined: August 10th, 2011, 8:13 pm
Location: United States of America

Re: Group talk

Post by Misty »

Fleetfootphil wrote:I have tried to get at this in other places but the fuse burned down with no explosion. Why do people (you, me, anyone) talk about art in a forum like this? Are we bored in our lives; does it help our art; is there no one close to us with whom we can discuss art issues in philosophical terms; are we just dopey; can we not stop listening to our own voices echo in a chamber where titles of discussions are issues that we think we know something about; are we trying to impart knowledge to someone? Who?

Why bother talking about art when we could spend the same time making art, making love, cooking dinner, cleaning the litter box? Why talk about morality (a different discussion with much the same membership) when we could just practice whatever we think is right? Are we looking for approval? Validation? Should we all just kill ourselves and leave the rest of humanity alone to enjoy a quiet and peaceful repose?

What the hell are we doing?
It takes each piece of the pie to make a whole pie, that is what we are doing, giving and receiving trying to make life whole.
Things are not always as they appear; it's a matter of perception.

The eyes can only see what the mind has, is, or will be prepared to comprehend.

I am Lion, hear me ROAR! Meow.
Fleetfootphil
Posts: 277
Joined: May 25th, 2012, 9:33 pm

Re: Group talk

Post by Fleetfootphil »

Life is whole, with or without us as individuals. If I die, or were never to have existed, life would none the less be full. We see what is here, not what isn't here. The pie is always there and we either enjoy it or we complain that it should be more.
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