This question is intended for serious philosophers, no need for amateurs?

Question

Philosophy and Ethics are limited to science. He who knows all, knows the truth. But no human knows all, or even a small fraction for that matter. - "I know that I know nothing" - So then I ask you, "What is the point in living life how 'you' think is right, when it is clear that your knowledge is limited?" Is it because there is not other alternative? - Or maybe It's because your not looking hard enough, and instead take the blissful way out; ignorance. But let me not judge your thoughts with my limited knowledge, if any knowledge at all, of how you think. But instead, you tell me why you live according to your philosophy.

Answer 1

It sounds like you are saying, "If I can't know the mind of God, my life is meaningless." Not everyone who falls short of omniscience is blissfully ignorant. Some struggle, like you do, against the realization that human omniscience is an impossibility. One can both accept limited knowledge and strive to increase that knowledge. It need not be a struggle, unless you are striving to know the mind of God (or the totality of the universe(s)). It is not a bad thing to seek knowledge, but it borders on presumption to believe that knowledge has no worth if it is not complete.

I do not suffer from the need to know everything; therefore the information I gather and sift through my cognitive faculties is satisfying and stimulating, rather than food for an addiction that can never be assuaged. You are probably young; the young often have this insatiable craving for all the knowledge there is. I am not saying this is a bad thing; I am only saying that you should not be disappointed when you fall short. That is the road to despair and negates all positive effort.

Answer 2

>> Philosophy and Ethics are limited to science.

Science has never said anything about philosophy or ethics.

Both are 'humanities'.

>>He who knows all, knows the truth.

Also not true since ultimate truth is outside the realm of human existence. "Knowing" is a human thing...it's only part of all of things that are knowable (existential epistomology)

>> But no human knows all, or even a small fraction for that matter.

Also not true...every human can or does know a small fraction of what is knowable...they may just not know it.

>> So then I ask you, "What is the point in living life how 'you' think is right, when it is clear that your knowledge is limited?"

Don't understand what you're asking. Everything you choose is existentially right (righteous...an assertion) but not "right" (conventional agreement).

You're saying that unless you know everything it doesn't make sense to make choices...which is also a choice...and you chose (above) many assumptions to make that conclusion.

>> Is it because there is not other alternative?

Yes...duh....if you disagree then choose nothing (can't).

>> Or maybe It's because your not looking hard enough, and instead take the blissful way out; ignorance.

You can't choose ignorance because knowing what you're ignorant about precludes you being ignorant about it. Stated another way...you can't unbake a cake.

>> But instead, you tell me why you live according to your philosophy.

It's not mine...it's the same existential one that's worked since the day it was distinguished.

Answer 3

Those that live by instinct are animals, I live by knowledge and past experiences and I consider my self a human being. I have been using the Bible lately, and reading it has given me some insight. When everyone comes to the point were we do what is right in our own eyes, we are going to have to build many more prisons. Oh wait we are getting there already. I live according to my "philosophy", because I have realized that my very limited knowledge, in the grand scheme of things, those not allow me to set rules of morality, for myself or for others. Setting my sights on this Biblical "philosophy" I find myself in a stage of growth, in my spirit as well as my mind. Enjoying an optimistic view of myself, adding daily to my understanding, it is my belief that I am becoming what "the universe" had planned all along. I, also believe, that philosophy and ethics are not limited to science, but are separate from it

Answer 4

"Philosophy and Ethics are limited to science"

I don't understand this statement. Philosophy and ethics are applicable to all facets of one's life.

"What is the point in living life how 'you' think is right, when it is clear that your knowledge is limited?"

How should you live your life then? In a way that you think is wrong? Most people are acting with their own best interests in mind. Of course your knowledge is limited, but it is still knowledge. As you gain more knowledge and experience, you have more information at your disposal on which to base your decisions. Perhaps you will learn and grow and change some things about your way of life, but you could also have your notions about what is "right" reinforced. The phrase "live and learn" comes to mind.

Answer 5

i know that i am because i feel so there is something that i can know, i know i am. and if i can know that maybe there are other things i can know. And maybe there is no truth or not as much as we think, maybe there is plenty up for interpretation, no clear path or code, just a monkey in a chaotic world where power and guns make a country great or strong. There's no special reason for any of it to happen. The world exists as it does and constantlty changes.

Do certain thought patterns and actions make one more welcome in a social network? Compassion, generosity, these ethical ideals make a more attractive partner for your own self interest. And will make you more attractive to the group. The reality beneath the social hive i think is a bit colder but this is how the animal is successful, by working together intelligently.

i just live for pleasure and fun, we'll all die and it won't mean anything. You need to make some balances to get things you want, you can't just be greedy and such cause you want love and to live with others, so there's a balance to it all. There is no bright white truth floating in the heavens for you.

Answer 6

Are you curious? I suppose you already know there is nothing new under this sun.Every day is a new learning opportunity,you arrive to where you are by core principles based on every experience you perceive.I have become aware of the fluidity of ideas, how they change,and how I am changed by the ideas that I embrace.I try very much to listen to other peoples opinions,and compare them in a flexible way around my own.The do unto others as you would have them do unto you principle, though hard to accomplish, seems to be the best way to live ones life.I have chosen this main philosophy because of what I have felt,and how I feel emotionally when I hurt someone,or allow someone to hurt me.So you can say,I live my philosophy because it makes me happy,it seems to be good for other people who I interact with.Till something better,or more blissful comes along,if your curious, this is the WHY,for me.

Answer 7

You already know the answer to this question. Why ask it? You have admitted that there is an absolute truth; a knowledge. If there is a tangible truth, knowledge, then it can be obtained. How do you know that no human can obtain this truth? Especially since you proclaim that you know nothing. With that mindset you will never know anything. If you know nothing how is it that you are able to pose this question?

It is not necessary to know all to live our limited exsistence anyway. Get off your soap box and flip my burger, your life is important if only to serve us at Micky D's!!

Answer 8

I could be correct to say that we don't live our lives by the way we think is right, rather we live our lives based on others. Because we have limited knowledge we look for other sources to base our knowledge on. I am creating my own experiences right not. I belive it is possible to understand everything. We are all the same we are all connected in some way. We are creating our own philosophy right now as we speak.

Answer 9

I stared at the truth, and understood the most important thing in this life is how ww treat others . I realized I must completely die to know more. I decided to live, with this life only a moment for an eternal being, and the promise of more knowledge in death.

Answer 10

On a personal note: I believe philosophy cannot be taught in school because everyone lives by their own philosophy.

However, Socrates believed the highest way of being is to "think". Then you start to think about what he means. So.. technically the only way to live is "think about thinking". Once you hit this point in your life you have become knowledgeable about all. It isn't the knowledge of knowing as much as it is about the thinking of the knowledge of knowing all.

Thinking is truelly superb.