First off, DO NOT be scared to write on the blog! I remember being really intimidated of sharing my thoughts like this because then people could read it and argue with me or something. So do not be afraid! Whatever you write will be great! And if its not....well, i hadn't thought about that...
just kidding! You will all write awesome stuff as long as you follow the guidelines Lucy and Will explained to the class!
As I read Descartes again I was struck by his willingness and further his deep desire to question. We spoke in class about the enlightenment and it's change on ideas that started to bring about an individualistic and inquisitive spirit and this piece definitely is a prime example as he questions his very existence. In my anatomy class we are covering the history of the science of a&p. (bear with me English kids) Dr. Swiger mentioned that the author blames the stagnation of science and development solely on the church. (I suddenly felt like I was in honors because this deep thought lingered with me all day)
When glancing at the scientists like Galen (one of the great contributors to a&p) we find that although he encourages students and readers of his atlas (basically a map of the body) to be inquisitive and search out truth (much like Descartes' investigation into reality) his books were taught dogmatically and teachers strongly discouraged the spread of new ideas or the testing of new ideas. We may scoff at this idea because everyone who graduated high school and took science knows that scientists are constantly coming up with and disproving their own theories... So who's fault was it that people neglected to seek out truth for themselves? An exterior force like the church making rules or an inside lack of that spark or curiosity and hunger for more? It is a difficult question not easily answered and one that Descartes brought me back to while reading his Meditations. I really think that this reading from Descartes is a perfect way to begin honors, questioning our surroundings and really diving deeply into philosophy.
"In philosophy, on the other hand, where it is believed that all is doubtful, few sincerely give themselves to the search after truth, and by far the greater number seek the reputation of bold thinkers by audaciously impugning truths as are of the greatest moment."
In this class and in our lives we cannot be afraid to question people who we may think are better than us our have more knowledge. The great men who brought their world into the enlightenment were unafraid to question those things which their solid foundation of believes rested on, and not so they could discard them. As they sought they were able to encourage others also to look beyond the obvious and find answers for themselves.
Rachel Kotlan
I love the fact that you brought up what Dr. Swiger taught us in class. It really kind of sank into my mind for a while. I have to say now days I see that many times when things go wrong, many want to blame the church. But like you said we can not be afraid to question. When you think about it the church is made up of people. People are fallible, so whether you are in the church or out of it we can all make mistakes. So the blame lies not with the church or an organization, but with people. Needless to say those people are associated with different things, so those areas which they are involved usually get blamed (IE - Our government. Is having authority good, yes, it is biblical, but does that mean that all of those in office is will run it in a God honoring way?)? What would happen though if we stepped out of our comfort zones and started asking the questions that hurt or intimidate us?
ReplyDeleteOh, Rachel- I thought Descarte was a wonderful way to start this new semester of Honors, as well. His Meditations are a prime example of what we are all about here in Honors- asking questions to the big guys. He is digging deep into some absolutes- that he has proved should only be absolutes if we have indeed proved them for ourselves. Why do we believe three plus two is five? Because someone told us! But, I am getting a little beside myself (not so much with off handedness, much more so with excitement.) Descarte has very much so invoked the "Spirit of Honors" in this text and shows a very progressive move of "Suffering into Truth."
ReplyDeleteApplause face. :)
Rachel Kotlan posted on Meghan Johnston's blog.
ReplyDeleteSamuel Weeks- samweeks05@comcast.net
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