Journal #3

Reason is the power to think in such a way the we proceed from what we know to what we do not know yet. Reason is a higher level of thought that is based on information we have accumulated over our life and things we have made assumptions about. It isn't simply thinking, we must analyze received data and apply them to our life and other information at had, in order to come closer to knowing the truth. Reason incorporatesthe five steps to critical thinking, the five common thinking errors, and the process of knowing.

Three Important Things to Remember

Ad Hominem thoughts/arguments are ones that attack the person the information came from for a quality of the person, not the issue at hand. I do this alot because I feel insecure sometimes when I am confronted by somebody I see as different or of little authority. This occurs when I want to defend my argument, but can't seem to think of something to say. I attack them rather than their point, and thus losing some respect and also undermine their image or personality. Although this seems like a harsh and cruel thing to do, people do this everyday, so they can have the self satisfaction of belittling others for their own sake.

2.Look For Different Perspectives

There is usually more than one way to look at an issue. Most people, when given a choice, naturally choose a more negative interpretation. When people genuinly believe that a point is true, they will only look at their idea instead of being open to other peoples ideads. This often can lead to one of the 5 Common Thinking Errors. It is also very ignorant to just let other peoples thoughts and equally as valid beliefs go in one ear and out the other. I need to work on this because i usually think about my ideas and don't care about the others i could possibly hurt during the process.

3.Aristotle's Virtue Ethics

Aristotle believes in 4 Moral Virtues: Temperance, Prudence, Justice, and Fortitude. These plus good fortune, luck, lead us to true happiness. Along this process however, Aristotle believes that there is one real problem: "wants" versus "needs." "Wants" are often called perceived goods, or goods that we are made to belive that they can help us on our journey to true happines. "Needs" are often called real goods, things that i really must have in order to attain happiness. The three types of real goods are bodily goods, external goods or wealth, and goods of the soul. If I have these, I will succeed in my effort to live well and make a good life for myself. I often want expensive things that aren't needed in life and can be done without, but no matter how hard I try, I am always sucked toward the appeal of nice things. I want to remember this so that I can become more aware of the selfishness of my life and work my best toward living for happiness through attaining lifes "needs."

http://www.philosophyprofessor.com/philosophers/aristotle.php

Question to Ponder

How do I use reason?

I use reason everyday, wether I am doing homework, talking to someone, or even watching T.V. Although reason seems to be very intellectual and hard to comprehend sometimes, reason is a huge part of everyone's life. Many people aren't aware that they use reason, but often do. I always try to find the deeper meanings to things, this has made me look at the entire world differently.