Bill's Philosophy Shelves


Throughout my home page I have included my philosophy on various topics. Usually my philosophy is not too profound or completely removed from mainstream thinking. You may be wondering about why I have chosen to include "my philosophy" on these pages. One of the purposes of home pages is to enable others to get to know you. Your philosophy on various topics is an important part of who you are. If you know a person's philosophy you know something about the character, values, and priorities in life for that person. Philosophy is like the software in a computer, it guides that person everyday.

What is PHILOSOPHY?

Webster gives four definitions. The two that I consider most accurate are (1) A theory underlying a sphere or activity or thought and (2) the most general beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual or group.

Philosophy is not science; it deals with things that can not be proven by scientific means to be true. Until proven it is only "theory" or "belief".

MY PHILOSOPHY ON PHILOSOPHY

1. I believe that each of us are unique individuals and that each individual has the right to pursue happiness in their own way as long as he/she does not interfere with the rights of others.

2. I believe that each individual should formulate their own personal beliefs, philosophy or guidelines in life based upon their own knowledge and experience as it applies to their life. No one should merely adopt a code of living that someone else thinks that EVERYONE should follow.

3. I believe that putting your own personal philosophy in writing helps us to think about why we believe. It also helps us to understand who we are, what we value in life, and what we want out of life. Once we know what our real values are, it is much easier to chart out course toward goals that reflect our values.

4. I believe that one's personal philosophy should never be "cast in stone" but should be flexible. Knowledge and discovery are ever changing. As we continue to expand our knowledge about ourselves and the world around us, we should adjust our philosophy as necessary. I believe that there are no absolutes for a living being.

5.I believe that each individual should have complete control over their lives. No government or organization should have any authority over any individual unless it is absolutely necessary for the safety or well being of society as a whole. Each individual should not only be free to make choices but should also be responsible for those choices.

CREATING YOUR OWN PHILOSOPHY

There are basically two ways to obtain a philosophy: (1) adopt a philosophy or (2) create your own. Most people simply adopt a philosophy that has been worked out for them by others. Religious fundamentalists follow the Holy Bible, Koran, or other holy book without questioning if is really true or if it is the best advice for their life. There are hundreds of organizations that offer and demand strict adherence to their philosophy for your life.

2. Create your own philosophy for your life. Starting from scratch requires rational thinking. Often discomfort results because you discover that you may believe differently than most other people. But creating your own tailor made philosophy results in a perfect fit and a more enjoyable life. A philosophy, like clothes, do not come in a "one size fits all". For a proper fit you need to consider the individual differences that we each were born with or acquired as we journeyed through life.

PHILOSOPHERS THROUGHOUT HISTORY

Throughout history there have been individuals who were great thinkers. These were individuals who had a keen insight into human behavior and happiness. These philosophers are still remembered today because they had the ability to discern truth and not be swayed by popular opinion. I will give you links to some of my favorites. I don't necessarily endorse everything that these philosophers wrote but in each I find much that has the ring of truth. In an age where the winds of conformity blow strong in many areas of our society, I find these writings of past sages like a ray of hope that individualists like I, and perhaps you, can survive and even prosper among our enemies.

Thomas Paine: The Age of Reason

Read the entire book online here

PLATO

Bertrand Russell

PHILOSOPHY RESOURCES

The Internet Encylopedia of Philosophy

Philosoph y Links

Philosophy in Cyberspace

MISCELLANEOUS

Why Study Philosophy

This page is still under construction. Much more will be added in the days and weeks ahead. Keep checking back

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