Poll: Philosophy group

[Yeq]

Hell no. Nice idea, but we'd cross into the realm of Religion faaaaaaar too quickly.

A group of people standing atop their pedestals, spouting out words from their thesaurus? Sounds like a fun time.

Partially agree with both of these. To the first...I guess it runs a risk, but a short, sharp slap can be delivered to ensure that enlightenments from the theologians of the internet who have it all worked out can be minimised. To the second, true, people talking about philosophy usually don't know what they're talking about, but neither do the people listening. Hell, I sure don't. Doesn't mean it's not worth trying, though. If it fails, claim you're a postmodernist, declare victory, then run away before anyone realises what you did.

 

[Harlemura]

As long as I don't have to make any points, I'd be fine with it.
I can't explain stuff well and thinking philosophically hurts my head. So much that I can't spell even thinking about thinking.

 

[UltimatheChosen]

I'm somewhat interested, but I'd probably pass on the really, really deep stuff. Still, there's nothing I love more than a good debate/discussion.

 

[philosophicalbastard]

Alright count me in.

 

[Sneaklemming]

em... how does it work? Are "we" allowed to create groups? or is it admin begging time?

 

[Kilo24]

'twould be interesting. I'd partake in it.

 

[quiet_samurai]

Err... maybe. There are alot of people on here who claim to be right about everything, not to mention the increased chance for religion to take dominance in discussion. We all know how that end up.

 

[TwistedEllipses]

...but what is philosophy?
...and what is a group?
...and by what standard are we meant to consider whether "a philosophy group" will be good? - for example by modern standards or by those of an 18th century Caribbean woman?

..okay count me in!

 

[Sneaklemming]

I was thinking... maybe a philosophy and science gamers society?

 

[Sneaklemming]

Can anyone think of a good name for this group, before I submit the request?

 

[Xvito]

How about Logically Philosophical? It fits the science part as well.

Also, I'm in as long as get to bring logic to your philosophical discussions.

--Xvito, keeping it excellent.

 

[Zamn]

I think it would break down into a bunch of warbling, and while it would be nice to see the occasional gem shine out, I don't think a philosophy group would go over well. Philosophy as a whole is something done on a personal level, not in a group setting. It's the same reason why it's epistemology, not straight up philosophy, that is taught in classes.

I'm guessing you haven't formally studied Philosophy? Correct me if I'm wrong. I say it because debate and discussion is at the very core of what it is to do Philosophy. I can't imagine any university running a Philosophy course that didn't place debate front and centre.

So, I think a Philosophy group would, at least in principle, be a good idea.

 

[Dr.Poisonfreak]

That's an interesting question, I'll have to reflect on that...
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No, but seriously. I'd definitely enjoy sharing my views but I'm no pro in terms of philosophy so I probably couldn't contribute many quotes and whatnot.
I guess I'd at least try to take a part in this, though.

pretty much this, it definitely sounds like good idea in theory, if it happens, i'm in

 

[Bored Tomatoe]

I'd join...

 

[BehattedWanderer]

I think it would break down into a bunch of warbling, and while it would be nice to see the occasional gem shine out, I don't think a philosophy group would go over well. Philosophy as a whole is something done on a personal level, not in a group setting. It's the same reason why it's epistemology, not straight up philosophy, that is taught in classes.

I'm guessing you haven't formally studied Philosophy? Correct me if I'm wrong. I say it because debate and discussion is at the very core of what it is to do Philosophy. I can't imagine any university running a Philosophy course that didn't place debate front and centre.

So, I think a Philosophy group would, at least in principle, be a good idea.

I have, actually. Debate and discussion is one thing, but it almost always has degraded down into a muckstorm. Most people in the class weren't quite willing to hear some of the things said, as it came in and invaded their beliefs, on most occaions, and most of my class had a nasty aversion to challenging what they've been told their whole lives. While some of the people made insightful points, most of the debates came down to the professor having to stop it because almost of a quarter of the class was making noisy complaints every time, and so the people who might be swayed into thinking something else were silenced before having the chance to talk. I love philosophy, but watching as the debates were butchered with phrases like "Because it's in the Bible, that's why I [insert whatever here]." Although, I suppose that's what I get for going to school in this area...But, feel free to prove me wrong by getting one instituted. If it works, I'll say my bad, and have fun with it. If not, nothing lost.

 

[Pocket Apocalypse]

Behatted Wanderer: I had that experience in a lot of my early philosophy classes (particularly applied ethics - I'm still wary of any formal debate on abortion), but I've been studying philosophy in debate-led settings for six years now, and the trend has been steady improvement.

Also take into consideration that the Escapist's forum users tend to be intelligent, civil, rational people. Opinionated, sure, but most of the debates I've participated in on here have gone off mostly without devolving into yelling matches, and people who are repeatedly obnoxious do tend to get banned etc. I think a philosophy group could work quite well, and I'm definitely in if one appears.

That said, a couple of rules that I think should be included; 1> let's have strictness with spelling and grammar 2> no attempting to convert anyone to atheism or any religion (not because I think it's necessarily an unhealthy debate, I just don't think it's possible to convert people by argument, and it's only going to ruffle a lot of feathers the wrong way).