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Is Ancient philosophy still relevant today?

Discussion in 'Philosophy' started by Alex, Apr 12, 2015.

  1. Alex

    Alex New Member

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    Many people consider Ancient philosophy to be resigned to the history books, but I would say that it is more applicable than modern philosophy.

    Ancient philosophy questioned morality and instilled those values which the current society is now lacking. Modern philosophy on the other hand looks at idealistic ways to govern society, but given that human nature likes the idea of equality, many don't mind it as along as they are more equal.

    Philosophy is about ideas and the logical and moral way to do things, but these lines get blurred the more society accepts that once immoral behavior is now acceptable. The Ancients have much to teach us, because along the way materialism influenced society and morals have been abandoned and compromised, so how can any ideal state be created?
     
  2. Hiraeth

    Hiraeth New Member

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    I would beg for some more clarification. There's more to these philosophies than their simple polarization into "ancient" and "modern" divisions. Ancient philosophies will include Socrates, Plato, Aristotle among others. Plato for one, in his The Republic (Book X), condemns all forms of art when he denounces poets and poetry as destructive to the proper functioning of a State. Given the state of affairs in today's world with every alternate country fighting with one another, I can't imagine a more appropriate time to bring in poetry and the arts for a better functioning state.

    As for modern philosophers, I cannot help but agree with Nietzsche when he questions the existence of God in the present age, even questioning the purpose and meaning of human existence. I also religiously try to follow Sartre where he says that humans must create their own purpose and meaning of life.
     
  3. SleepySnake

    SleepySnake New Member

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    I'm under the impression that ancient philosophy isn't taught enough in school, and you'd have to specifically chose to study it. Life seems to throw religion at us, and then some idealistic psychology and misses out any wisdom and inspiring notions from ancient philosophy. Anything can be inspiring and very relevant, as long as it's not idealistic or full of glib comments. I agree, anything moral and logical is good, because it encourages you to look for the answers from within yourself. I think you know when something isn't going well, so if you carry on with the same problems, why keep going about things in the same way? I'd love to know if there is an ancient philosopher who mentions things along those lines, but that's the sort of practical common sense approach I like to use, when trying to make good decisions. I also like the modern concept of random acts of kindness. You often also see videos on YouTube that show whether people are likely to get involved helping somebody eg an elderly person who fell in the street. People don't like to get involved, yet you'd hope if you are in trouble, somebody would help you. Treating people well and with respect is a must, loyalty, honesty etc... and that surely has been relevant throughout all times. Perhaps human nature hasn't changed that much, and anything inspirational will always be appropriate. If somebody chooses to be ignorant, then they'll always treat others badly, have problems, and never find anything inspiring.
     
  4. Dinbanks

    Dinbanks Member

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    Ancient philosophy is relevant but I believe, at times, we put too much emphasis upon it. We as any other species are in a constant state of rapid evolution therefore it is logical for us as a species to formulate new philosophies. I do not believe ancient philosophies are the be all end all of philosophy for all future generations. It has it's place for sure but again I think too much emphasis is at times put upon it to a point where modern day culture fails to create its own philosophies thus halting the evolution and expansion of philosophy.
     
  5. preacherbob50

    preacherbob50 New Member

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    I have taken a little time and read through some of the replies to not only this thread but a couple of others as well. It seems that the very topic "Philosophy," is somewhat misrepresented in that the word encompasses five sub-topics which no one has yet delved into in this forum. At this point I will list the 5 and let's see if we cannot come up with a better answer than the use of such broad brush strokes.

    Epistomology: Questions and studies of the sources of Human Knowledge.
    Mind and Human Nature: What are we, who are we?
    Logic: To simplify, what is good and bad reasoning
    Metaphysics: Who is God? What is God? What does He look like? All of the questions and theories concerning a supreme being. Numbers and mathmatical questions also fit here. (as in Zeno's paradoxes)
    Ethics: What is the true nature of right versus wrong. Our morality.

    Now, with the above information, maybe I can come up with a good answer. Yes indeed, I can see the fragmentation from the studies of old and those of the new!
    While they all do apply to today as well as eons past the marked difference is the question, "why." It didn't make any difference who did the questioning for the answers were all across the board. The statements made from the noted philosophers of old seemed to apply to everyone, and all of human nature and not just for specific cultures in a recognized civilization.

    Today's methodology dealing with philosophical questions deal with culture and sectarianism and no longer ask the question "Why" based on a common thought process and all of mankind but rather on the singular issues of a group. When one thought process is hailed as the major philosophical view point such as Ethics, say, then all other philosophical headings are diminished. All questions delving into the world of mankind and God should be treated equally in order to provide some semblance of balance. Sadly, they are not.
    Philosophically speaking......IMHO ya'll.
     
  6. bc22o15go

    bc22o15go New Member

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    Everyone is entiltled to their own opinion,but learning from the past gives a better understanding of the present.
     
  7. Rex2fx

    Rex2fx New Member

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    Ancient philosophy is still relevant because it can be used now. A lot of things that were said in the past are still true now. Business philosophies
    that were used hundreds of years ago are being used by successful entrepreneurs now. Actual facts never change even over time, like it's better to be early than late that's a old saying that's still true. Ancient philosophy is never just something a person said, but a observation of the world around them.
     
  8. arthnel

    arthnel New Member

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    Ancient philosophy is still as relevant today as when they were crafted many, many years ago. I like your point @Rex2fx, where you explain that it's not just something said, but an observation of the world around them. Even now, education systems across the world are dominated by philosophies of Aristotle, Plato, Karl Marx, Niccollo Machiavelli, Caesar Augustus, John Dewey, Thomas Jefferson, Henry David Thoreau and an endless list. They impact our social welfare, financial and political systems and practically every area from the reclusive individual to socialism.

    Of course, there are modern philosophies, but they have evolved from tenets of the old school. Perhaps we can call it refinement. The world, as observed back then, has changed as it relates to infrastructure and technology. How we deal with and interact with each other as mankind has really not seen much change. We are still guided by ancient philosophies.
     
  9. Raven1194

    Raven1194 New Member

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    I think ancient philosophies are still relevant especially when it comes to human nature and moral questions. Are there contradiction with more "modern" ideas? Yes, but what's life without a little disagreement? Plato and Machiavelli have a pretty good grasp on human nature and how leadership and finances effect the human mind.
     

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