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Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Philosophy Club

Philosophy Discussion Forums
A Humans-Only Philosophy Club

The Philosophy Forums at OnlinePhilosophyClub.com aim to be an oasis of intelligent in-depth civil debate and discussion. Topics discussed extend far beyond philosophy and philosophers. What makes us a philosophy forum is more about our approach to the discussions than what subject is being debated. Common topics include but are absolutely not limited to neuroscience, psychology, sociology, cosmology, religion, political theory, ethics, and so much more.

This is a humans-only philosophy club. We strictly prohibit bots and AIs from joining.


Discuss the November 2022 Philosophy Book of the Month, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes.

To post in this forum, you must buy and read the book. After buying the book, please upload a screenshot of your receipt or proof or purchase via OnlineBookClub. Once the moderators approve your purchase at OnlineBookClub, you will then also automatically be given access to post in this forum.
Forum rules: This forum is for discussing the book In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All. Anyone can view the forum and read the post, but only people who purchased the book can post in the forum.

If your purchase has not already been verified (i.e. if you don't already have access to post in this forum), then please upload a screenshot of your receipt or proof or purchase via OnlineBookClub. Once the moderators approve your purchase at OnlineBookClub, you will then also automatically be given access to post in this forum.
#452786
In my other topic, Do you agree with everything in the book, "In It Together"? If not, what is the first sentence with which you disagree?, Rob Carr responded with the following:

Rob Carr wrote: November 12th, 2023, 5:06 am For me my first point is on page 12 "This is not a political book."

Philosophy is inherently political. We all have inbuilt political biases that influence our principles. If we genuinely want to reach across political divides to unite behind a common aim we cannot ignore the natural biases that sit beneath our thoughts. If we ignore them and simply try to focus on higher principles we will unintentionally reflect our personal biases in the principles we espouse. This makes it harder to achieve unanimity.

While I don't agree (at least not yet), I am very intrigued by the claim that "philosophy is inherently political".

So I ask all readers of these forums, what do you think? Is philosophy inherently political?

Is it possible for a book, even just one book in the entire world, to be both philosophical and non-political, or is it true that it's completely 100% impossible for a philosophical book to not also be political?

What if the philosophy book was written by a non-human alien living alone another planet all by himself who never interacted with another person ever? Perhaps that alien lives, writes his book, and dies all before we stumble upon his book. Is the book political? Necessarily so?


With love,
Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
a.k.a. Scott
Favorite Philosopher: Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
By Jay Lu
#453200
Whether philosophy is inherently political depends on how we define "political". If "political" broadly refers to all social interactions and human behaviors, then most human philosophy might be political. However, if "political" is understood more narrowly as relating to human governance and societal structures, then theoretically, there could be non-political philosophical works, especially in hypothetical or extraterrestrial contexts. Thus, there's no absolute answer, and different perspectives hold their validity.
By Alissa Nesson
#455516
Jay Lu wrote: January 10th, 2024, 3:18 am Whether philosophy is inherently political depends on how we define "political". If "political" broadly refers to all social interactions and human behaviors, then most human philosophy might be political. However, if "political" is understood more narrowly as relating to human governance and societal structures, then theoretically, there could be non-political philosophical works, especially in hypothetical or extraterrestrial contexts. Thus, there's no absolute answer, and different perspectives hold their validity.
I agree with what you say here. It really depends on what you mean by “political” because the word has different implications depending on what we’re talking about. If we’re going with a broader definition of “political”, then speaking of anything that has to do with human behaviors and the way we treat or think of one another would necessarily be political.
By Ruth Siriba
#455643
Philosophy's breadth allows for engagement with various aspects of human experience, beyond the political sphere. Philosophers may discuss aesthetics, the nature of consciousness, or questions related to the meaning of life, which may not always have direct political implications.
#462808
Philosophy is often seen as a study of big questions about life, existence, and knowledge. But, when you think about it, philosophy is deeply connected to politics because it deals with ideas that shape how we live together in society.

One reason philosophy is political is that it often asks about justice, rights, and the best way to live. These are questions that affect how we organize our communities and countries. For example, philosophers discuss what makes a society fair. Thinkers like John Rawls and Robert Nozick have different ideas about what justice means, and these ideas influence how we think about laws and government policies.

Philosophy also challenges power structures and questions who holds power and why. Philosophers like Karl Marx and Michel Foucault looked at how power affects people’s lives and how it can be challenged. This shows that philosophy isn't just about abstract ideas; it’s also about understanding and changing the real world.

Furthermore, many political ideologies, such as liberalism, conservatism, and socialism, come from philosophical ideas. Philosophers like John Locke, Karl Marx, and Emma Goldman developed theories about human nature and society that became the foundation for these political movements. Their ideas continue to shape political debates and decisions today.

Ethical philosophy, which explores what is right and wrong, directly impacts politics, too. Issues like abortion, the death penalty, and climate change are not just political but also ethical questions. Politicians and policymakers use philosophical arguments to support their views on these issues.

Finally, our understanding of democracy itself is based on philosophical ideas. Ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, and modern thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Stuart Mill, wrote about what makes a good democracy. Their ideas help us think about the role of citizens and the limits of government power.

In summary, philosophy is inherently political because it deals with questions about justice, power, ethics, and governance. These questions shape our societies and influence the policies and laws that govern us. By exploring these fundamental issues, philosophy engages with the political world in a deep and meaningful way.
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=515592
#462812
Philosophy and politics often intersect, but they're not inherently the same thing. Philosophy is about questioning and understanding fundamental concepts like existence, knowledge, ethics, and reality. Politics, on the other hand, deals with governance, power, and social organization.

However, philosophy can influence politics and vice versa. Philosophical ideas can shape political beliefs and systems. For example, the concept of democracy, rooted in philosophical thinking about equality and justice, has had a profound impact on political systems around the world.

Likewise, political ideologies can influence philosophical discourse. For instance, Marxist philosophy is deeply intertwined with socialist and communist political movements, advocating for economic equality and collective ownership.

Moreover, philosophical debates often have political implications. Discussions about justice, freedom, and human rights are not just abstract concepts; they inform political decisions and policies. For example, debates about the ethics of war influence decisions about military intervention, and discussions about personal autonomy influence laws regarding reproductive rights and bodily autonomy.

Additionally, philosophers have historically engaged with political issues, using their intellectual tools to critique existing power structures and propose alternatives. Thinkers like Karl Marx, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau have profoundly influenced political thought with their philosophical writings.

In summary, while philosophy and politics are distinct fields, they are deeply interconnected. Philosophical ideas shape political beliefs and systems, while political realities influence philosophical discourse. Ultimately, both disciplines are concerned with fundamental questions about human society and the individual's place within it.
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=515592
#462895
Eckhart Aurelius Hughes wrote: January 4th, 2024, 2:31 pm In my other topic, Do you agree with everything in the book, "In It Together"? If not, what is the first sentence with which you disagree?, Rob Carr responded with the following:

Rob Carr wrote: November 12th, 2023, 5:06 am For me my first point is on page 12 "This is not a political book."

Philosophy is inherently political. We all have inbuilt political biases that influence our principles. If we genuinely want to reach across political divides to unite behind a common aim we cannot ignore the natural biases that sit beneath our thoughts. If we ignore them and simply try to focus on higher principles we will unintentionally reflect our personal biases in the principles we espouse. This makes it harder to achieve unanimity.

While I don't agree (at least not yet), I am very intrigued by the claim that "philosophy is inherently political".

So I ask all readers of these forums, what do you think? Is philosophy inherently political?

Is it possible for a book, even just one book in the entire world, to be both philosophical and non-political, or is it true that it's completely 100% impossible for a philosophical book to not also be political?

What if the philosophy book was written by a non-human alien living alone another planet all by himself who never interacted with another person ever? Perhaps that alien lives, writes his book, and dies all before we stumble upon his book. Is the book political? Necessarily so?


With love,
Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
a.k.a. Scott
It depends s on the philosopher. Some philosophers will write political books while others won't.
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=489094
#464039
Yes, philosophy is inherently political. Philosophical ideas and theories inevitably intersect with questions of how society should be structured and governed. Fundamental philosophical concepts like justice, freedom, rights, and the role of the state are political in nature. Even metaphysical views have implications for political philosophy by shaping our understanding of human nature, knowledge, and reality itself. Ultimately, any comprehensive philosophical worldview will contain premises and conclusions that bear on the political realm and the organization of the collective social life.
In It Together review: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewt ... p?t=506031
User avatar
By Sushan
#464496
This is a fascinating question that touches on the very nature of philosophy and its intersection with politics. Philosophy, at its core, seeks to explore fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Politics, on the other hand, deals with the organization, governance, and power dynamics within societies. The two fields inevitably overlap because philosophical ideas often inform political theories and practices, and political contexts shape philosophical inquiries.

Even if a book were written by an isolated alien with no contact with others, the very act of contemplating existence, ethics, or knowledge could be seen as inherently political. This is because these reflections often carry implicit assumptions about power, authority, and societal structures. For example, a philosophical treatise on ethics, even in isolation, might implicitly reflect on the governance of one's actions, which is a political concern.

Moreover, the interpretation of any philosophical work is inevitably influenced by the political context in which it is read. Readers bring their own political perspectives and societal contexts to their understanding of a text, thus making the philosophical inherently political in its reception.

So, while it might be theoretically possible to conceive of a purely philosophical work devoid of explicit political content, in practice, the political dimensions of human (or alien) existence and interpretation make such a separation difficult to maintain.
#465347
Philosophy is inherently political, as it often explores ideas about justice, power, and how societies should be organized. Fundamental philosophical concepts like justice, freedom, rights, and the role of the state are political in nature. Metaphysical views also have implications for political philosophy by shaping our understanding of human nature, knowledge, and reality. A comprehensive philosophical worldview will contain premises and conclusions that bear on the political realm and the organization of the collective social life. Even if a book were written by an isolated alien, the act of contemplating existence, ethics, or knowledge could be seen as inherently political, as these reflections often carry implicit assumptions about power, authority, and societal structures. The interpretation of any philosophical work is influenced by the political context in which it is read.

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