PHIL 1402 Written Assingment 4
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A Personal Philosophy Through Ancient Lenses
University of the People Introduction to Philosophy: PHIL 1402
Professor Naugle
October 29th, 2023
A Personal Philosophy Through Ancient Lenses A Personal Philosophy Through Ancient Lenses
The philosophers we have encountered this week – Plato, Aristotle, and St. Thomas Aquinas – have offered invaluable frameworks for understanding the world around us. While their perspectives span centuries and continents, their questions resonate with the complexities of
family, society, and political philosophy in my own life. This paper is not a mere biography, but a mosaic, piecing together their ideas with my own experiences and observations to create a personal philosophy that guides my navigation of the world.
Plato's Republic: A Glimpse of the Ideal?
Plato's vision of a just society, as meticulously constructed in The Republic, is both alluring and unsettling. While the emphasis on reason, knowledge, and justice resonates with my own aspirations for a well-ordered world, the rigid social hierarchy and suppression of individual
freedoms raise concerns. The philosopher-kings, while embodying intellectual virtue, seem dangerously close to an elite caste, potentially suppressing dissent and hindering individual growth. Yet, the Republic's emphasis on education and the pursuit of truth remains a vital element of my own value system. In my family, open dialogue and intellectual curiosity are encouraged, reflecting Plato's belief in the power of knowledge to shape a better future.
Here in the bustling metropolis of New York, echoes of Plato's Republic reverberate in the pursuit of justice. The city's intricate legal system, a symphony of checks and balances, embodies Plato's ideal of rational governance. However, the stark realities of social inequality and the ever-present murmur of discontent remind us that Plato's utopian vision (Wright, 2012), while aspirational, remains a distant melody. 2
A Personal Philosophy Through Ancient Lenses Aristotle: Golden Mean and Moral Compass
Aristotle's emphasis on the "golden mean," (Madden, 2023) finding balance between extremes, resonates deeply with my approach to life. Both in my family and in the broader society, I see the detrimental effects of both excess and deficiency. Unbridled individualism like that of former president Trump, can lead to societal chaos as it did on January 6
th
, 2021; while excessive conformity stifles creativity and progress. According to a Psychology Today article (2021), our education system is excessively focused on getting the right answers, rather than promoting creative responses. An overemphasis on standardized testing negatively impacts our creativity. The kinds of questions we are asked in school severely limit our creative output. For much of our lives, we are predisposed to look for a single solution to a single problem. This obsession with getting the right answer (a proven consequence of an over-emphasis on standardized testing) conditions us not from taking chances;
it teaches us not to be creative. Simply put, our education is focused more on “mental compliance” than it is on innovative expression. Aristotle's focus on individual flourishing within
a virtuous community provides a guiding principle for my own actions. I strive to cultivate virtues like honesty, empathy, and responsibility, understanding that my well-being is intertwined with the well-being of those around me.
St. Aquinas: Natural Law and the Common Good
St. Thomas Aquinas' concept of natural law, universal moral principles inherent to human
nature, offers a compelling foundation for ethical decision-making, the light of reason is placed by nature [and thus by God] in every man to guide him in his acts." Therefore, human beings, 3
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A Personal Philosophy Through Ancient Lenses alone among God’s creatures, use reason to lead their lives. This is natural law. The master principle of natural law, wrote Aquinas, was that "good is to be done and pursued and evil avoided." (
Teach Democracy, 2006)
. In my family, we prioritize treating each other with inherent dignity and respect, reflecting Aquinas' belief in the equality of all human beings. Similarly, in the broader society, I advocate for policies and practices that promote the common good, ensuring that everyone has access to basic necessities and opportunities for growth which is why I chose to work in social services. While I may not subscribe to the strict theological framework of Aquinas, his emphasis on justice and the common good serves as a powerful moral
compass.
Finding My Own Mosaic: A Personal Philosophy Emerges
Interweaving these philosophical threads with my own experiences and observations, a personal philosophy emerges. I believe in the pursuit of knowledge and reason, but also in the importance of individual freedom and expression. I strive for a society that balances individual flourishing with the common good, where justice and empathy should reign supreme. This philosophy manifests in my family through open communication and mutual respect, and in my community through active participation and advocacy for social justice.
However, my philosophy is not a static picture. It is constantly evolving, informed by new experiences and encounters with diverse perspectives. While I find immense value in the wisdom of these ancient thinkers, I acknowledge their limitations and recognize the need for continuous adaptation and refinement.
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A Personal Philosophy Through Ancient Lenses In conclusion, this paper has not just presented a biography of these philosophers but used their ideas as stepping-stones to construct a personal philosophy. By engaging with their perspectives, I have gained a deeper understanding of my own values and aspirations. This journey of intellectual exploration is far from over, and I embrace the ongoing challenge of refining my philosophy through the lens of both ancient wisdom and contemporary experiences.
Word count: 859 words
References
Burnyeat, M.F. (1997). Culture and Society in Plato's Republic. The Tanner Lectures on Human Values. Harvard University. Available at https://tannerlectures.utah.edu/_resources/documents/a-
to-z/b/Burnyeat99.pdf Levin, M. (2012). Ameritopia: The Unmaking of America. NY. (23-36). Simon and Schuster Inc.
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A Personal Philosophy Through Ancient Lenses Madden. J. (2023, January). The ‘Golden Mean’: Aristotle’s Guide to Living Excellently. Philosophy Break. https://philosophybreak.com/articles/the-golden-mean-aristotle-guide-
to-living-excellently/
Teach Democracy. (2006). Aquinas and Natural Law and Common Good. https://www.crf-
usa.org/bill-of-rights-in-action/bria-22-4-c-st-thomas-aquinas-natural-law-and-the-
common-good
.
Wright. C. C. (2012). Plato’s Just State. Philosophy Now. Issue 90. https://philosophynow.org/issues/90/Platos_Just_State
.
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