We live in a world today where we have sadly abandoned sound thought and reason. As a country influenced by western philosophy we have given up on sound, logical reasoning. We seem to have traded it in for a much more ridiculous ideology that centers on our emotional comfort and needs. Throughout the history of philosophy, we have generally held to the belief in three different forms of truth and many people hold to the idea that there is only one form of truth out of the three that is actually accurate.
Our society has suffered from a departure from sound reason partially because many don't take the time to verify what they read on the internet or social media, and simply take it as truth. No wonder we have so many people in this world who struggle to think in a productive manner. Faulty thinking is an epidemic and needs to be dealt with. I will try to do my part and explain what I believe and how I got to my conclusions.
For obvious reasons this blog post will not cover everything in relationship to these three major theories of truth. This is meant as an introductory post to the ideas of truth and cause people to think a little deeper.
Pragmatic Theory of Truth
This theory of truth holds that something is true only if it is useful. If it works and is practical for your lifestyle then it is true. From the outset this seems like a good view and makes sense. However, after testing this theory it seems to fall apart because it is inevitable to come to a circumstance where you have to disregard a truth you had held and "believe" something that you formerly did not believe to be true because it is useful.
Correspondence Theory of Truth
This theory holds that truth is only true if it is consistent with reality. Truth is consistent to reality and nothing else. It is outside of our humanity and outside of our realm to decide what truth is, and what isn't true. often times, people who hold to this theory of truth believe in a God or gods who has defined what truth is, and how it impacts our world. Truth is beyond ourselves and outside of our worldview. It extends far beyond the scope of humanity.
Coherence Theory of Truth
This theory claims that something is true if it is consistent with other statements that are true. Truth is true as long as it is consistent with other truths in this world. This implies that everything that is true is consistent and cohesive. That sounds really good but in the end it falls apart because you have to start asking questions and the answers do not hold up under scrutiny. At some point the question will arise, what is the original truth, and trumps all other truths? Something will have to be the original truth that does not need to be verified by any other source of truth.
Conclusion
Let's talk about it more. ;) Where do you land, and what do you believe, and more importantly... why?
until next time,
Merry Christmas!!
Love,
Duckie
Showing posts with label philosophy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philosophy. Show all posts
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Friday, December 23, 2016
The Quest to Find Ourselves
There are many moments in our lives that we just have to sit down and wonder... "How did I get here, and who am I?" this could be something that only I have had to deal with, but I have a strange feeling that I'm not alone here. I'm only 24 years old, and I sometimes feel like I'm having a midlife crisis already.
The thing is, I have read enough to know how to solve the problems of identity and purpose, but I still struggle with it and it is endlessly frustrating. However, as I struggle away, I want to maybe encourage anyone else out there who is struggling with the same thing. I have compiled a list of 10 things that help me and continue to push me towards becoming the person that I believe I am.
1. I was given gifts for a reason
We have all been given a particular set of natural gifts. For some of us we are more geared towards administrative work, some of us are good activators, some of us are good with very particular details, some of us are good at inspiring others, some of us are good listeners, and some of us are good at big vision, and future planning. We all have our specific gifts and it is important that we all find out what they are so that we can utilize them to the best of our abilities. Every single one of us has the gifts we have so that we can bless someone else. I firmly believe that and it is important that we allow this to aid us when we feel lost in a sea of confusion.
2. I can be confident in my strength, and strengthen my weaknesses
We have strengths and we have weaknesses. Often times we let our weaknesses speak louder than our strengths because we're so scared of our weaknesses showing instead of relying our strengths to carry us through. This does not mean that we should not work on the areas in our lives that are weak, but rather... know where your strengths are so that you can be the most beneficial and fulfilled person you can be. I know, that I have certain strengths, but I let my fear of my weaknesses dictate how I act in certain circumstances and sometimes I even allow my fears to dictate how I view myself. I can tell you from personal experience that this is crippling to one's self improvement. If you want to improve remove fear from your vocabulary and from your mindset. This isn't easy, but it is possible to accomplish.
3. My emotions do not control my identity
In a day and age when much of society believes that our feelings dictate who we are and what we are we need to understand that this is just not true--it is a lie. Our feelings, though powerful, do not alter the true state of reality. If I feel one day that I am worthless and have no value because of something someone said, that is simply not true because our families and friends value us. Even if they do not value us, we are born with value in us. We were created for a purpose, and that purpose is special and individual to each of us.
4. My circumstances do not define me
Another common misconception is that our present circumstances define who we are and our worth. Again that is simply not true and we need to get rid of this falsehood. Our circumstances shows us the consequences for who we were,\ and the choices that we made in the past. That doesn't mean we are the same today. Many times our past can be a huge encouragement when we see how far we have come. Never allow your circumstance or situation define you or define your worth. If you are committed to growth, you will grow, and if you are committed to discipline, you will become more so, and your value will continue to rise.
5. My future is (somewhat) in my control, and I directly influence my progress.
Yes, yes inevitably my future is in God's hands and I have no say about whether I take another breath or not. However, the little things in life are up to me. I can control the aspects of my life that are under my control. I can choose to spend my time growing my mind or wasting it. I can choose to hit the gym or I can choose a bag of cookies. I have the choice and I have the control to define the level of success I achieve in the future. I am in control of my future.
6. The choices I have made in my life have led me to where I am now.
Understand that the choices we have made in the past are our decisions are we are responsible for where we are. No one else is responsible for our mindset, mentality, and drive. I look back at my first 24 years and I see many choices that I made that I really regret making and really wish I could change, but I can't go back in time and change them. I can simply vow to never make that decision again and never put myself in that position again.
7. My true friends will love me through my struggles, and flaws
You are the sum of your closest friends. If your friends are trustworthy, honest, and people of integrity so are you; but if your friends are liars, cheaters, and lazy... so are you. You will be hard put to find a situation where this does not hold true.
However, you must understand that there will be people around you who truly love you and desire the best for you. They will see you not for who you are but for the person you want to become, and they will see the potential in you and push you to achieve the greatness that has been placed in you.
8. I am allowed to make mistakes but have no excuse to repeat them.
We all make mistakes and none of us are perfect, but we cannot allow that to excuse making the same mistakes repeatedly. We must continue to improve our decision making and learn from our mistakes. If we continue to make mistakes that we have previously made we do not deserve to experience success because we haven't become any wiser. Success will always follow our personal growth.
9. The things that I feed myself will be what I become.
We are what we eat. If we fill our mind with junk, we will become junk. If we fill our minds with wisdom we will become wise. Whatever movies you watch, whatever music you listen to, whatever conversations you have, that is what you will become. If you desire to grow, you will invest in better music, movies, and conversations. Many times you will eliminate entertainment because your success does not have time for you to turn off your mind.
10. My identity is in the unchanging character of Christ.
Lastly, my identity is found in Christ and his unchanging character. This is where our hope rests. It rests in Christ, his consistent person, and attributes. We have a compass to guide our lives because his character is unchanging and constant. We have the power to succeed even in the tough times, when we aren't sure about who we are, because we know that Christ will remain consistent.
We all have times of uncertainty and insecurity, and we have struggle at times. Don't let your struggles get the best of you. Continue to push forward and strive for the best in all things. You can achieve whatever level of success you want in life as long as you show consistency and growth.
The thing is, I have read enough to know how to solve the problems of identity and purpose, but I still struggle with it and it is endlessly frustrating. However, as I struggle away, I want to maybe encourage anyone else out there who is struggling with the same thing. I have compiled a list of 10 things that help me and continue to push me towards becoming the person that I believe I am.
1. I was given gifts for a reason
We have all been given a particular set of natural gifts. For some of us we are more geared towards administrative work, some of us are good activators, some of us are good with very particular details, some of us are good at inspiring others, some of us are good listeners, and some of us are good at big vision, and future planning. We all have our specific gifts and it is important that we all find out what they are so that we can utilize them to the best of our abilities. Every single one of us has the gifts we have so that we can bless someone else. I firmly believe that and it is important that we allow this to aid us when we feel lost in a sea of confusion.
2. I can be confident in my strength, and strengthen my weaknesses
We have strengths and we have weaknesses. Often times we let our weaknesses speak louder than our strengths because we're so scared of our weaknesses showing instead of relying our strengths to carry us through. This does not mean that we should not work on the areas in our lives that are weak, but rather... know where your strengths are so that you can be the most beneficial and fulfilled person you can be. I know, that I have certain strengths, but I let my fear of my weaknesses dictate how I act in certain circumstances and sometimes I even allow my fears to dictate how I view myself. I can tell you from personal experience that this is crippling to one's self improvement. If you want to improve remove fear from your vocabulary and from your mindset. This isn't easy, but it is possible to accomplish.
3. My emotions do not control my identity
In a day and age when much of society believes that our feelings dictate who we are and what we are we need to understand that this is just not true--it is a lie. Our feelings, though powerful, do not alter the true state of reality. If I feel one day that I am worthless and have no value because of something someone said, that is simply not true because our families and friends value us. Even if they do not value us, we are born with value in us. We were created for a purpose, and that purpose is special and individual to each of us.
4. My circumstances do not define me
Another common misconception is that our present circumstances define who we are and our worth. Again that is simply not true and we need to get rid of this falsehood. Our circumstances shows us the consequences for who we were,\ and the choices that we made in the past. That doesn't mean we are the same today. Many times our past can be a huge encouragement when we see how far we have come. Never allow your circumstance or situation define you or define your worth. If you are committed to growth, you will grow, and if you are committed to discipline, you will become more so, and your value will continue to rise.
5. My future is (somewhat) in my control, and I directly influence my progress.
Yes, yes inevitably my future is in God's hands and I have no say about whether I take another breath or not. However, the little things in life are up to me. I can control the aspects of my life that are under my control. I can choose to spend my time growing my mind or wasting it. I can choose to hit the gym or I can choose a bag of cookies. I have the choice and I have the control to define the level of success I achieve in the future. I am in control of my future.
6. The choices I have made in my life have led me to where I am now.
Understand that the choices we have made in the past are our decisions are we are responsible for where we are. No one else is responsible for our mindset, mentality, and drive. I look back at my first 24 years and I see many choices that I made that I really regret making and really wish I could change, but I can't go back in time and change them. I can simply vow to never make that decision again and never put myself in that position again.
7. My true friends will love me through my struggles, and flaws
You are the sum of your closest friends. If your friends are trustworthy, honest, and people of integrity so are you; but if your friends are liars, cheaters, and lazy... so are you. You will be hard put to find a situation where this does not hold true.
However, you must understand that there will be people around you who truly love you and desire the best for you. They will see you not for who you are but for the person you want to become, and they will see the potential in you and push you to achieve the greatness that has been placed in you.
8. I am allowed to make mistakes but have no excuse to repeat them.
We all make mistakes and none of us are perfect, but we cannot allow that to excuse making the same mistakes repeatedly. We must continue to improve our decision making and learn from our mistakes. If we continue to make mistakes that we have previously made we do not deserve to experience success because we haven't become any wiser. Success will always follow our personal growth.
9. The things that I feed myself will be what I become.
We are what we eat. If we fill our mind with junk, we will become junk. If we fill our minds with wisdom we will become wise. Whatever movies you watch, whatever music you listen to, whatever conversations you have, that is what you will become. If you desire to grow, you will invest in better music, movies, and conversations. Many times you will eliminate entertainment because your success does not have time for you to turn off your mind.
10. My identity is in the unchanging character of Christ.
Lastly, my identity is found in Christ and his unchanging character. This is where our hope rests. It rests in Christ, his consistent person, and attributes. We have a compass to guide our lives because his character is unchanging and constant. We have the power to succeed even in the tough times, when we aren't sure about who we are, because we know that Christ will remain consistent.
We all have times of uncertainty and insecurity, and we have struggle at times. Don't let your struggles get the best of you. Continue to push forward and strive for the best in all things. You can achieve whatever level of success you want in life as long as you show consistency and growth.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
The Future of Our World Through the Eyes of Music.
I have been thinking about this issue for sometime and it has started to really bother mean. I understand that in certain genres you want to employ very "brutal" or dark imagery to get your message across. I don't believe that all bands that use such really mean to be overly graphic or turn people off because of it, but that's inevitable that they do.
However, whatever you listen to and whatever you put into your head affects you. I haven't always done the best job of listening to music with a positive message. I understand that a lot of it does come down to the genre that I prefer and it is not always as positive; however that does not mean that every song and every band is negative like the vast majority.
In this particular example, I am taking two songs and contrasting the views in them. The songs that I will be looking at are, "They Will Know Another" by Thy Art is Murder and "Break the Cycle" by For Today. Both songs fall into a similar genre and address the future of our world. The difference is that one piece focuses on the problem while the other offers a solution.
Thy Art is Murder "They Will Know Another"
This song goes through and mourns the destruction of Aleppo. I do not have that confirmed from the band, but the music video does hint towards that. The band mourns the pain of losing children and how even if we try to spare them from one form of torment another will surely find them. The line that stands out to me the most is, "I'm not afraid to die, I'm afraid I'll survive and have to watch you suffer." There are many difficulties in this world. It seems the news is filled daily with lives lost. This is where this song stops-- the problem without a solution. That is sad... Because it doesn't have to. If you let your outlook on life stop here, you will not have any hope or drive to push for a brighter future. It suggests that the answer is to give up and die which I would strongly reject. I refuse to go down without a fight and I will push with everything I have to make a positive impact on this world.
For Today "Break The Cycle"
This song also talks about the decline of our society and world and also addresses how self-destruction and such tendencies have become commonplace. Instead of simply mourning the destruction of our culture is offers hope and a solution for our situation. They proclaim that the solution is in the blood of Christ and sharing the Gospel to a broken world is the answer. They spend the majority of the song on the hope that can be the future rather than simply mourning the future.
I believe that this is that will carry us into our future --- hope and hope in Jesus Christ.
Now, please understand this is only my two cents on the subject so I'm totally cool with starting a discussion on the topic.
I have posted the links to the music videos below, so feel free to check them out if you so wish.
Break the Cycle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1z91zfPJAw
They Will Know: Another https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY6SLEBM19M
If you do not enjoy or care for metal as a genre of music, then you probably won't enjoy listening-- I know for many it is not their cup of tea. However I do appreciate you taking the time to read this post and hearing my perspective! Thanks!
However, whatever you listen to and whatever you put into your head affects you. I haven't always done the best job of listening to music with a positive message. I understand that a lot of it does come down to the genre that I prefer and it is not always as positive; however that does not mean that every song and every band is negative like the vast majority.
In this particular example, I am taking two songs and contrasting the views in them. The songs that I will be looking at are, "They Will Know Another" by Thy Art is Murder and "Break the Cycle" by For Today. Both songs fall into a similar genre and address the future of our world. The difference is that one piece focuses on the problem while the other offers a solution.
Thy Art is Murder "They Will Know Another"
This song goes through and mourns the destruction of Aleppo. I do not have that confirmed from the band, but the music video does hint towards that. The band mourns the pain of losing children and how even if we try to spare them from one form of torment another will surely find them. The line that stands out to me the most is, "I'm not afraid to die, I'm afraid I'll survive and have to watch you suffer." There are many difficulties in this world. It seems the news is filled daily with lives lost. This is where this song stops-- the problem without a solution. That is sad... Because it doesn't have to. If you let your outlook on life stop here, you will not have any hope or drive to push for a brighter future. It suggests that the answer is to give up and die which I would strongly reject. I refuse to go down without a fight and I will push with everything I have to make a positive impact on this world.
For Today "Break The Cycle"
This song also talks about the decline of our society and world and also addresses how self-destruction and such tendencies have become commonplace. Instead of simply mourning the destruction of our culture is offers hope and a solution for our situation. They proclaim that the solution is in the blood of Christ and sharing the Gospel to a broken world is the answer. They spend the majority of the song on the hope that can be the future rather than simply mourning the future.
I believe that this is that will carry us into our future --- hope and hope in Jesus Christ.
Now, please understand this is only my two cents on the subject so I'm totally cool with starting a discussion on the topic.
I have posted the links to the music videos below, so feel free to check them out if you so wish.
Break the Cycle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1z91zfPJAw
They Will Know: Another https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nY6SLEBM19M
If you do not enjoy or care for metal as a genre of music, then you probably won't enjoy listening-- I know for many it is not their cup of tea. However I do appreciate you taking the time to read this post and hearing my perspective! Thanks!
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
The Definitions of Worldview vs Mindset (Part 2)
In the last blog post, I talked about what Worldview is. I also explained why it is very important to have a consistent worldview across all areas of life. If your worldview cannot accommodate everything, then you can either rethink your entire existence, or you can assimilate new things into your current worldview, and modify those things that are necessary to change.
The second portion of this series is going to be focusing on Mindset. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Mindset as; A particular way of thinking; a person's attitude or set of opinions on something. Now going from this definition of what a mindset is, we can probably envision what that might look like. A lot people probably associate mindset with motivational pictures, and posts, and pump you up memes. While this is a good physical representation of a positive mindset, there is a whole lot more that goes into creating a mindset than just looking at positive things.
There are really two types of mindsets that you can accept/achieve. The first is a negative mindset, and the second is a positive mindset... Crazy right? Now, for me a positive mindset is a creative mindset, and always asks how can I? Everyone's mindset with be slightly different than anyone else's mindset, but you can still tell if it is a positive or negative mindset. A positive mindset will continue to grow, and develop, whereas a negative one will remain small, and the same. A positive mindset will strive to learn, and understanding continually more about the world around you, while a negative one will be closed to anything new, and stay ignorant of reality. some people think if abstract ideas, and jumbled thoughts that are smooth and easily understood by themselves, while others have very organized thoughts, and can simply and quickly solve problems, both are fine, and neither one or the other are wrong. My point in say that is everyone's mindset is going to vary, and just because your mindset doesn't match someone else's doesn't mean yours is inferior, or that theirs is.
The second portion of this series is going to be focusing on Mindset. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Mindset as; A particular way of thinking; a person's attitude or set of opinions on something. Now going from this definition of what a mindset is, we can probably envision what that might look like. A lot people probably associate mindset with motivational pictures, and posts, and pump you up memes. While this is a good physical representation of a positive mindset, there is a whole lot more that goes into creating a mindset than just looking at positive things.
There are really two types of mindsets that you can accept/achieve. The first is a negative mindset, and the second is a positive mindset... Crazy right? Now, for me a positive mindset is a creative mindset, and always asks how can I? Everyone's mindset with be slightly different than anyone else's mindset, but you can still tell if it is a positive or negative mindset. A positive mindset will continue to grow, and develop, whereas a negative one will remain small, and the same. A positive mindset will strive to learn, and understanding continually more about the world around you, while a negative one will be closed to anything new, and stay ignorant of reality. some people think if abstract ideas, and jumbled thoughts that are smooth and easily understood by themselves, while others have very organized thoughts, and can simply and quickly solve problems, both are fine, and neither one or the other are wrong. My point in say that is everyone's mindset is going to vary, and just because your mindset doesn't match someone else's doesn't mean yours is inferior, or that theirs is.
Friday, May 6, 2016
The Definitions of Worldview vs. Mindset (Part 1)
When mindset is brought up in conversation, hardly anyone would think to substitute worldview for mindset. However, if asked to explain the difference between the two, some people might struggle to define the difference. This blog is not to teach something to those who already know the difference, Rather, it is to inform those who are not aware yet. There is nothing wrong with not knowing, the excitement is in the learning away.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary minds-set is; "A particular way of thinking: a person's attitude or set of opinions about something." Now, this is a good definition for mindset, but without any application/example it is really hard to fully understand the power of mindset. Mindset shapes your framework for HOW you do life. How you think, how you interact with people, how you accomplish things, and whether or not you accomplish things.
The Merriam-Webster's definition for worldview is, "The way someone thinks about the world." however, this simple definition is not very helpful. Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry gives a much more comprehensive definition of Worldview: "A worldview is a set of beliefs and assumptions that a person uses when interpreting the world around him. A worldview deals with issues like, what are we? Were we created, or did we evolve? What is our purpose in life? Does God exist?" etc. etc. This definition gives us a much better look at what worldview actually is. World, helps you interpret your world around you. It gives you guidance, and supplies you with a construct for morality, and truth. For example, if you have a pragmatic worldview, you will assume truth to be whatever it most helpful to your current situation and truth can change. If you believe in a Coherent worldview, then truth is not relative to you, rather truth is beyond you, and you are bound by it. You do not define your own truth, rather truth defines, how you react and respond to different things. Coherence also means that truth is logical, and not based on a whim.
Now that we have some working definitions of what mindset is, and what worldview is...? For starters every single one of us, has both. We have a worldview and we have a mindset. However, your worldview will help to shape the mindset that you have. Since I have defined them in this order, it would make sense that I address Worldview before Mindset.
Worldview influences everything you see in the world, and how you see the world. It informs your beliefs, but often times in very interconnected with your beliefs. For example, if you want an effective, and dynamic worldview it needs to be logically consistent. If you have contradicting beliefs, you will eventually run into problems because you will realize, the root of your thinking does not make sense. If your worldview cannot make for your internal beliefs, there is no way it will make sense of the world you live in. In short, your worldview must be logically consistent.
Secondly, your worldview will define, your stance on many different issues, and how you respond to different stimuli. For example, a very basic belief that informs your worldview is whether or not God exists and how he is involved in our human world. If you are an atheist it will drastically change how you answer all philosophical, and ontological questions. Comparatively if you have a traditional biblical worldview it will also change how you view the world, and all that is in it, as well as how you define your purpose for life.
The biggest problem with many people in our culture today, is a denial of absolute truth. Many people hold to a more pragmatic view of truth because it is convenient... Not because it is consistent or logically stable. pragmatic truth, is the idea that truth is truth as long as it is practical and the most effective view at the current moment. The ominous issue with this theory of truth is because you are stating an absolute while denying an absolute truth, which is just as logically sound as stating that one plus one is now two-hundred and fifty. The point is this philosophy should be rejected simply on the basis that it is not logically consistent.
From the beginning of your intellectual life, you will have to decide what your worldview is going to be and once you have established your worldview then you can began to delve into more about your individual person, your likes, dislikes, and what morality you hold to. However, the challenge is to stay consistent, and not contradictory.
In the second part of this series I will discuss the import of Mindset, and how that shapes your personality, as well as how you stay motivated.
Worldview influences everything you see in the world, and how you see the world. It informs your beliefs, but often times in very interconnected with your beliefs. For example, if you want an effective, and dynamic worldview it needs to be logically consistent. If you have contradicting beliefs, you will eventually run into problems because you will realize, the root of your thinking does not make sense. If your worldview cannot make for your internal beliefs, there is no way it will make sense of the world you live in. In short, your worldview must be logically consistent.
Secondly, your worldview will define, your stance on many different issues, and how you respond to different stimuli. For example, a very basic belief that informs your worldview is whether or not God exists and how he is involved in our human world. If you are an atheist it will drastically change how you answer all philosophical, and ontological questions. Comparatively if you have a traditional biblical worldview it will also change how you view the world, and all that is in it, as well as how you define your purpose for life.
The biggest problem with many people in our culture today, is a denial of absolute truth. Many people hold to a more pragmatic view of truth because it is convenient... Not because it is consistent or logically stable. pragmatic truth, is the idea that truth is truth as long as it is practical and the most effective view at the current moment. The ominous issue with this theory of truth is because you are stating an absolute while denying an absolute truth, which is just as logically sound as stating that one plus one is now two-hundred and fifty. The point is this philosophy should be rejected simply on the basis that it is not logically consistent.
From the beginning of your intellectual life, you will have to decide what your worldview is going to be and once you have established your worldview then you can began to delve into more about your individual person, your likes, dislikes, and what morality you hold to. However, the challenge is to stay consistent, and not contradictory.
In the second part of this series I will discuss the import of Mindset, and how that shapes your personality, as well as how you stay motivated.
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