| | November 28th - December 2nd, 2005
Topic #13 What is enlightenment, and is it easier or more difficult to attain in modern times?
Topic #14 What is happiness? Is it the result of circumstances or a state of being? What is the difference between happiness and love?
Again, we had very clear results in the poll, two topics favored by many members. This week, I left the questions exactly as they were, something I haven't done before. Little by little, I feel I can relax in this forum, letting the members lead the way. We have two potentially very interesting topics, each of which have endless possibilities for examination. The second topic, happiness, came from two suggestions, either of which make for a fine discussion.
This week, I want to challenge each of you to ask questions while you ponder the topic. As this forum is based on Socratic dialogue, questions are encouraged of ourselves and of other people. So when you make your rounds of the participants, if a question pops into your mind, please ask it. Through questions, we are able to see the topic in a new light. Remember, questioning is why we are here.
Here's to a week of many questions!
Simone
Edit: Wednesday 6:30 a.m. Eastern
This morning, I've taken the time to visit nine blogs in response to both topics. In doing so, a sense of amazement at what is happening in this forum is overtaking me. Each blog consists of a Socratic dialogue! Yes, I know this is what we were aiming for, but I am so proud of what I am seeing. The questions and answers that are provoking further questions and answers are exactly what the The Society for Philosophical Inquiry intended when creating Socrates Cafe. It is what Socrates intended by asking all those questions that got him in so much trouble. (Kill the thinkers! Kill anyone who encourages radical thought! Do not question authority! Because I said so!--These are the statements and beliefs against which we battle in this forum.) Wow! And I am learning so much from each of you. Congratulations to each of you taking part in this forum. This week, we have more than earned our right to call it Socrates Cafe. Not only do we have one "cafe," but we have an offshoot of many!
Edit: Thursday 6:51 ET (11:51 GMT, I believe)
Well, it seems I have gotten what I asked for! We've had so many interesting and well-thought out posts on these topics, that I am, once again, behind in reading and questioning. I will try to get to everyone's blog at least once before Sunday evening. I do want to remark, again, on how impressed I am with the development of Socratic dialogue in this Xanga forum. I see many participants are answering questions in their own blog as a reply, creating a Socratic dialogue for all to follow and learn from. This is truly rewarding to me to see this happening for people, and I hope that you are just as personally rewarded through these discussions. Warm Regards, Simone
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