Philosopher's Group : Philosopher's Group

[Seeking_Nirvana]

Jung makes several references to Nietzsche and Freud in his book that I'm reading. I wish I had time to read all of these philosopher's books.

Tammy

 

[linasmom]

Tammy, what is the name of the book? This discussion has piqued my interest in Jung so if you could recommend that book your reading, I'd like to get it.

 

[Seeking_Nirvana]

The book I'm reading right now is called "A Man and His Symbols. It discusses a wide range of things including the shadow. It is mostly about dream symbols but there is some discussion on the collective unconscious as well

The other book I have that I will start reading is "Memories, Dreams, Reflections. I think Carl Jung is one of the best analytical thinkers. I haven't read Nietzsche or Hume but I intend to at some point.

Tammy

 

[reallydown]

Ok...not much seems to be happening here lately...so, just thought I'd throw this out there...change of topic...sex and gender...

Many people think they're one and the same...but are they really? How stable are gender categories? How stable is sex? You can still be of a certain sex but be of the opposite gender... Who's included and who's excluded in these categories? Of course, people can change thier sex now too? Are (in general) stuck in heteronormativity in terms of what's considered 'normal' in terms of sexuality and the performance of gender (obviously I'm drawing on Judith Butler's work here)
ANyway...thoughts?

 

[Andre]

I see the entire gender/sex question as loading different concepts into the same word. A combination of biological and social classifications, and personal identity. Genetics can be complicated but in the context of reproduction, whichever organs are functional could classify a person as a male or female. That kind of falls apart once you start thinking about cloning though. And it doesn't really address infertile men and women-they are no less men and women. Genetic and anatomical characteristics serve the purpose there so it basically varies with different contexts. Social classification is complicated since its based more on sexuality, and it is influenced by appearances that can be altered by surgery. As far as personal identity, well everyone is entitled to define themselves however they want to define themselves.

 

[Cindy]

Very interesting presentation of 'Science'. Having been a research scientist and a science educator I feel I may have something to add here. Science to me is a method (you were right there imo) in which we study phenomena to learn about them. Whatever we observe as humans leads us to ask questions, draw conclusions, persue further information. I believe a scientific study involves analyzing the information and conclusions, followed by more questions. When the conclusions are changed based on new information that contradicts the original conclusions progress is made. Science to me is a different way of approaching information gathering and its use.

Is psychology science? I believe it is. Are methods created and modified based on results? Are observations made and conclusions drawn? All sciences or new ideas have crude beginnings as they emerge. Some of the basic premises of many sciences have been questioned and argued over time, but all endure to their believers.

Science can be part of any discipline in my opinion because it is a strategy to attain knowledge, analyze it, and apply it.

 

[Cindy]

OK - the order is backwards? I read the post on page six and thought it was the most current - OOPS. OH, well. You'ld think I would have noticed the time and dates. Go figure - it must be Friday night - my brain dead night. Time to play solitaire.

 

[Cindy]

Here's a question for everyone. How do you define your spirit or soul? Are they the same or are they different? Can the spirit be broken and therefore the soul? How is spirit connected to spirituallity? OK - it was a few questions.

 

[Seeking_Nirvana]

I think the spirit grows while the soul stays grounded inside of our earthly body. They are not the same, but are connected.

No, I feel the spirit can not be broken but the soul can. Our spirit wants to grow so we can be free of ourselves, and once we do that we are one with God (But that usually doesn't happen until death)

 

[Cecilia]

IMO, everyone is born with a soul, it is like an invisible part of the body that only the creator can touch. The spirit is what feeds the soul. The spirit changes and is to some degree a choice of the person. One may feed the soul with love, joy, peace, etc....The spirit may become broken and feed the soul suffering, sadness, brokenness, but the creator can touch the soul and turn brokenness into joy, gladness or accept the suffering as a gift to himself and join in the suffering of the soul. This can be soul cleansing and allow one to love more deeply.

 

[Cindy]

I think the soul is part of our being at birth and is a reflection of the person we are inside. It reflects our inner beliefs and relationship with our higher power.

The spirit is more ethereal, it is around us and through us. I believe it is a measure of our hope and faith. It is what we relate through to the outer world and experiences we have. I think the strength of our spirit can fluctuate and be broken but mended. I believe our spirit is what we leave with our family and loved ones when we die. I feel my father's spirit with me everyday as well as my recent lost dog -Casey.

 

[Seeking_Nirvana]

I believe you two are correct. The spirit can be broken, not the soul.