Mon__Feb_17_

PHIL 1033: The Meaning of Life

I. The Proper Aim of the Philosopher

• Context: References popular culture (e.g., Star Wars, Episode III) to illustrate the theme.

• Key Idea: Philosophers should focus on the dichotomy between the embodied life and the afterlife, which is seen as superior to physical existence.

II. Mind-Body Dualism

• Core Concepts:

  • Minds are invisible, indivisible, and intangible.

  • Bodies are visible, divisible, and tangible.

  • Minds and bodies are fundamentally different; minds are not physical.

• Support from Apology: The argument for dualism reiterated through Socratic dialogue.

III. What We Ought to Be Doing with Our Time

• Perfection vs. Imperfection:

  • Bodies are inherently flawed.

  • Ideal forms in mathematics represent perfection (e.g., equality in math, perfect geometric shapes).

• Imperfect Representations: Physical drawings are flawed compared to the perfect ideals they represent.

• Philosophical Implications: Since perfect things are of higher value, focus should shift from physical bodies to the pursuit of spiritual and intellectual ideals.

IV. The Senses and Physical Desire

• Physical Distraction:

  • Physical objects and the associated senses distract from the pursuit of higher truths.

• Distracted Cognition: The sensory experience is viewed as a diversion from more exalted pursuits.

V. Freedom of the Mind

• Mind vs. Body Analogy:

  • Using a harp as an analogy to explain dualism. The music produced (thoughts) is not solely dependent on the harp strings (brain).

  • Socratic Claim: Our thoughts and decisions are not entirely dictated by brain activity.

• Free Will:

  • If decisions are caused by prior brain states without the possibility of alternatives, free will is negated.

  • Questions raised include whether our thoughts are just products of neural activities or if there exists a separate will.

• Critique of Determinism: Suggestions that some scientists argue our choices are determined by previous brain states.

VI. Reversal of the Harp Analogy

• Socratic Argument:

  • Argues against the idea that mental states are caused purely by brain firings.

  • Emphasizes the distinct separation of mind and body—an argument supporting mind-body dualism.

VII. Socrates on Living Well

• Nobel Purpose of Mind:

  • Socrates argues that our minds and spirits are the most dignified aspects of humanity.

• Societal Structure and Good:

  • Offers insights on how to define the good and create the best structure for society.