Sunday, May 8, 2011

The Republic by Plato

Plato wrote this great example of early philosophy and political view around 360 BC. The book covers several different theories and ideas but one that stood out the most for me was the inheritance of a belief system from generation to generation. Plato establishes a mock belief system using examples and observations already seen in society at the time to show that no matter how absurd early teachings are, they will be accepted as the primary belief system within just five generations. Although I would and should tell you about the belief system he has established in the book, I would rather have you read the book if you are interested in this.

1- How do you feel about man made belief systems, like religion?

2- Do you believe that any idea or set of stories, no matter how irrational or unrealistic can really be deemed true and important after a certain length of time even when their truth isn't tested?

15 comments:

Hayley D said...

In response to question number one, I feel that belief systems are an important aspect of human life and culture. But, I don't think that children absolutely have to follow the religion that their parents or grandparents believe. In my opinion each individual should have the right to decide which religion, if any, they want to follow throughout their life.

Allie H 11-12 said...

Answering question number 1, I am sort of iffy about man made belief systems, like religion. I myself do not have a major religion pretty much because it is hard for me to believe that certain Gods exsist. I think they are in our belief systems for comfort. I know a lot of people who are very religious because it gives them purpose and meaning to life. It gives them comfort knowing that there is something bigger than ourselves watching over us. I think religion is essential for certain people.

Alexander C. [13-14] said...

1. Religions are necessary for some people, but not all. I feel that certain religions make people dwell on their weaknesses which will eventually make them weaker. I personally don't feel that religion will further the future of society.

Anonymous said...

1) I believe that most man made belief systems are created so that man can give an explanation for those things he cannot understand. We as human beings are unable to explain everything in our lives, however as higher level thinking organisms we can't help but think about the problem until a reasonable explanation is given.

David G. 13-14 said...

1. I agree with Laura that man made belief systems are USUALLY created because of things we don't understand or have a hard time accepting. It's essentially an easier way of dealing with the insecurity that we don't know everything and a way to give explanations for things that we don't like the reality of.

Vanessa D. 13-14 said...

1.) I personally am not religious because I have a hard time believing many of the things that uphold certain religions. If there is a God, I would need it to be proven to me, because I simply cannot believe in something that is not proven. I do think though, that religion is important for some people. Although it does not pertain to me, it often gives individuals something to lean and depend on in hard situations.

Deanna K 5-6 said...

1- I think that they are very important. Belief systems are what you think is true and what isn't. Everyone's system of belief is different based on that person, that's why there are so many religions and ideas. It's because people believe in different things.


2- No, not if it isn't tested, I wouldn't think it to be true. Unless I personally had fact, I wouldn't necessarily believe it true, however, some people would.

Anonymous said...

1. man made systems are and will always be some of the most controversial topics. religion gives people a structured belief system that they find is easy to follow. i believe things like religion are all up to interpretation. even though religions have a one way structure, everyone interprets their own faith differently.

Fritz J. 13-14 said...

I think that religions can be a good thing, if they are used properly. They should be for a set of morals or a way of living, rather than an answer to life.

LibbyS5/6 said...

I believe that man made belief systems are a way for people to create comfort in the unknown. They are ideas that are developed and supposrted to offer reassurance about things that we are unable to explain easily. Religion is very controversial throughout the world and while everyone is entitled to their own beliefs, I personally don't support any religion.

Dana D 11-12 said...

1. Religion is one of those things that people are very opinionated about. I personally don't follow any religion at all. There are hundreds of different types of religion and no proof as to which one is correct. In my mind this just shows that religion is less a true history and more the evoloution of an idea to keep people in line. Religion gives people a reason to have morals and hope for a better future. I believe that as long as I strive to be a good person I have no need for a specific religion.

Megan L.11-12 said...

Religion is a way for people to explain the unexplainable with comforting ideas of a superior force watching over the good of mankind. While I hold no animosity towards people who follow religion, i believe that in today's society religion is used as a cover for the hypocrisy of fundamentalists who are following a religion they don't fully understand.

Kristen T. 11-12 said...

I feel that man made belief systems are really all that we know as human beings. We have developed, throughout history, everything that we know, from religion to politics to social habits. These things have been changed and modified throughout history, and everyone may view certain things differently. The difference in opinion has led to conflict, however, this is okay because this man made system is what we know. We must use it and learn from it to make choices in our lives.

Bojana Duric said...

1. I feel that man made belief systems, as others said, are a way to comfort people with the things that they do not know. I personally do not believe in any religion because they seem irrational to me. In my mind, there is no way that one person created the entire world.

2. I definatly think that any set idea or set of stories can be deemed true. For example, religion is deemed true when it really started off as stories written by monks. Thier truth is not tested because people are just accepting of what they do not know.

JessieW 11-12 said...

1). I don't believe in man made belief systems like religion. I have no problem with people who do believe in these systems, but I just don't believe it's right to judge other people based on whether or not they believe a certain religion. I believe that just because someone made something up and wrote it down in a book hundreds of years ago, doesn't mean it's the right thing to follow.