IQ 13
Nilima
Read "Life on a Rack" on p. 146 of Becker. How does what Becker say about "the
exercise of practical intelligence all things considered" relate to
rationality? Is part of rationality the fact that, depending on your
perspective different things can be rational?
Becker says that stoics can partake of life's normal pleasures, such as
drinking, but they know these are not where real happiness lies. Is there a
cotradiction here, in practice if not in theory? Can you think of someone who
normally acts very righteously slipping up, or simply acting normally, are they
criticized because we hold them to a higher standard, or because they were
preaching their virtues to others and it's pay back time.
Explore what Becker says on 147 about intent. He points out that people can
endure greatly for causes they believe in. How does this mind/body interplay
relate our scientific understanding of pain. How about mind over matter. Is
this a merely human trait, or can animals persevere for things they care about
(think Incredible Journey).
Rachel
1. Is contentment as good as it gets? Is it the same as happiness? Can or should
it be the ultimate goal of a life philosophy? What about happiness, if there's
a distinction?
2. In what ways would an agent's biological destination (death)
affect/define/undermine its agency goals, if at all?
3. Consider the implications of saying that virtue is 'perfected agency',
defined as 'the optimization of the number of endeavors successfully pursued.'
What is success?
Zuzana
Can a person really ever become a purely perfect stoic, by the old definition of stoicism or by Becker's definition, and live life perfectly by it?
Stoicism seems a lot like scientific cold separation of your feelings or emotions down to just being a creature that eats, sleeps, and eventually dies without ever 'enjoying' life. Do you see that parallel too? Is it possible to have a full range of emotion and actually care about what you do, and to be happy (or even truly happy), and function not like a robot?
I like how Becker is trying to rewrite an old philosophy to fit modern times so it makes more sense. Is this valid though? I mean, you could rewrite the bible right now to fit more to 21st century life so it made more sense with respect to your life -- but would it be right/useful/needed?
Joe Briggs
1. What would a stoic's take be on the meaning of life?
2. As described in the first two chapters, stoicism seems an attractive philosophy. How would your life change if you embraced stoicism? Would it be for the better?
3. Although humans may be called "rational" animals, many actions we take are not done rationally. As I type, I am not actually thinking where to put my fingers, they just hit the right keys without my thinking. Is this acting rationally? Can an animal that is not acting rationally be considered a rational animal?
Graham Budd
1. To what extent do you find yourself able to apply stoic principles to your life or do you even want to apply these principles to your life? Why or why not?
2. Do animals exhibit a certain amount of the stoic ethic? They are not as bothered by events outside their control (presumably) as humans are. They follow the natural plan of the world, as least as far as we think. To what extent can (non-human) animals be said to be stoic?
3. Is stoicism actually attainable or is it just a goal to aim for? If it is actually unattainable is it still useful to strive for?