Materialist notes 1

Where should we start studying philosophy? Since philosophy is a very broad field, including many different objects worthy of study, and since different readers become interested in philosophy for different reasons, it is unlikely that the answer can be given in the form of a uniform trajectory. In other words, there are many ways to begin studying philosophy. The choice of any one line of presentation would not be philosophical, but a dogmatic judgment, accidentally chosen from many possible ones.

At the same time, pure pluralism, expressed in the recommendations “All topics are good, study as you want!” would be the opposite extreme, indifference to the interests of novice philosophers and to their ignorance of the subject. Indeed, such a dismissal gives room for arbitrary and dogmatic recommendations, so that the risk of starting to read straight away difficult authors such as Deleuze, Hegel or Heidegger, without understanding them properly, and moving on to the random authors they refer to, such as like Nietzsche, Hume or Kierkegaard, and end with a study of the writings of the holy elders, explaining how to correctly interpret the bible, restrain sinful desires and love government power because it is “of god.”

The prospect of such a life path is not just ironic, but has a number of very specific biographies, as by inadequate study of philosophy, many authors not only did not improve, but significantly worsened the lives of both themselves and those around them. Here are some examples:

Blaise Pascal is a French scientist and philosopher who did not master the method of radical doubt discovered by Rene Descartes and fell into Catholic religious irrationalism. A similar fate, namely the fall into religious irrationalism, befell a number of other philosophers, including the former marxist Nikolai Berdyaev, who after his conversion began justifying human freedom and interpreting the book of Apocalypse; as well as the French communist Roger Garaudy, who at first was an ardent Stalinist, after the 20th Congress of the CPSU, which condemned the cult of personality, became an equally ardent Khrushchevist, and in his old age he became a radical muslim, conspirologist and anti-semitic.

Friedrich Nietzsche — a German philologist who took up the study of philosophy, did not understand the categorical systems of outstanding German philosophers who lived quite recently before his work — Kant, Fichte, Schelling, Hegel and others — and therefore could not prove or refute any of them in his texts new philosophical idea. The content of his texts, in essence, is not so much philosophy as literature, since they lack clear categorical work, proof and refutation of certain ideas, but there are many pathetic declarations, literary turns and other fiction. In fact, Nietzsche’s ideas are not applicable in any specific science, and within the framework of philosophy itself, individual major figures such as Deleuze, Foucault and Heidegger referred to him — but in such a way that their interpretations correlate rather weakly with the texts and ideas of Nietzsche himself — or reactionary ideologists, liberal and nationalist.

Karl Popper — Austrian philosopher-idealist who posed themself as a scientific theorist; in his youth he was unable to learn and understand the basic ideas of ancient, modern European and Marxist philosophy, and subsequently began to “criticize” his ideas about the philosophies of Plato, Hegel, Marx and other outstanding authors. The level of his “criticism” can be judged by the fact that while “refusing” Plato’s idealistic doctrine of the three kinds of existence — pure ideas, formless matter and the real world at their junction, he plagiarized and distorted the same concept, putting forward an unprovable doctrine of three other worlds — physical, mental and intelligible, between which every scientist seems to teleport when crossing the threshold of his laboratory.

Joseph Stalin — a former Marxist and revolutionary, after the October Revolution and the death of Lenin, turned into a counter-revolutionary and statist, organized the repression of Marxists and philosophers in the USSR, and also contributed to the vulgarization and dogmatization of materialist philosophy in his works and in the works of his subordinates.

In the light of these examples, it becomes clear that not every method of studying philosophy is good, and that mistakes in this matter can cause great harm both in personal and in public life. At the same time, the error of such philosophizing can be realized and corrected only by the means of philosophy itself, and erroneous philosophizing is opposed by correct philosophizing, and not by abandoning it in favor of the so-called “common sense” or something like that.

A detailed presentation of philosophy that allows one to avoid such mistakes would be very useful — but also time-consuming, due to the vastness of the material being studied. At the same time, some kind of presentation, even if brief and not complete, is better than its absence. Therefore, to give an idea of where it’s best to start studying this discipline, let’s focus on three overview points:

Firstly, philosophy as a historical and meaning whole is given in educational literature — in handbooks, dictionaries and encyclopedies. The history of philosophical schools from the Greeks, Chinese and Indians to the present day allows us to form a clear and distinct idea of what periods, schools and authors took place, in what order, what significant texts were written, when and by whom. Dictionaries and encyclopedies are important because, in addition to listing the same schools of thought, philosophers and treatises, they provide an idea of the meaning of categories and obscure terms.

Secondly, philosophy as a set of specific topics and subjects is given in primary sources, grouped around certain problematics. Indeed, significant philosophical texts are always written to solve some problem or another, about which different philosophers have different views. Therefore, it is important to turn to primary sources and compare the views of different authors in order to be able to distinguish which of them, where and why, said something true, and where they made a mistake or even deliberately lied.

Thirdly, philosophy as a social practice related to scientific and democratic progress is given in demarcation from ideologists and reactionaries, that is, from obscurantists and enemies of the people. The misconceptions spread by the latter may be more obvious — like fables that the soul after death flies to the transcendental world and communicates there with god, with feathered angels, with furry devils and holy saints; and less obvious ones — such as the belief in the existence of an unchangeable “human nature”, the idea that society consists of individual humans, etc. Philosophy allows you to understand the types and methods of refuting false ideas and misconceptions, and also shows the way to their final overcoming.

In other words, the variety of philosophical texts is ranked by importance in connection with their use for solving theoretico-philosophical and socio-applied problems. Here are two key divisions of philosophical positions, in the light of which we will build further studies of philosophy:

Firstly, the division between practically-oriented materialists and various kinds of metaphysicians, primarily objective, subjective and intersubjective idealists, some eclectic and dogmatic materialists, as well as pure eclectics, striving to combine these inadequate positions in every possible way.

Secondly, the internal division between materialists who are consistent in their practice — that is, Marxists who are engaged in the development of the theory of knowledge and transformation of the world and act in accordance with it — as well as various kinds of inconsistent Marxists who deviate into eclectic and dogmatic materialism, but still recognize some elements of dialectics and striving for some kind of practice to transform the world.

Indeed: philosophy as a special structure is not reducible to social requirements or ideas about it; however, the development of philosophy has always been carried out according to qualitative social changes, especially industrial, political and cultural revolutions. While their inhibition and the victory of the forces of reaction were related with the degradation of philosophy and repression against not only the masses, but also philosophers, scientists and artists, in a word — the progressive intelligentsia. Therefore, every sensible philosopher is obliged to promote a revolutionary change in society not out of tearful compassion, but out of a clear awareness of his own selfish interests in security, curiosity and ambition, which are the driving force of philosophical search and invention. The most adequate of the existing schools of thought in this regard is Marxist philosophy, which combines a materialistic, natural-scientific idea of the structure of the world, excluding belief in gods, angels and other unprovable devilry — as well as an indication of the need to change it in accordance with what already exists in it objectively development trends. The most important of which is the process of the withering away of private ownership of the means of production, which underlies the transition from capitalism to global stateless communism and technosocial singularity.

Therefore, the task of every sane subject is to be a consistent Marxist, so as not to be overwhelmed by the movement of huge masses of social matter in this stream of changes. From which the obvious conclusion follows is that there is a risk of also being an inconsistent Marxist, of acquiring separate, fragmentary ideas about the structure of the world and methods of changing it, on their basis making a bunch of mistakes and suffering “heroically” from them.

How can we improve this note? According principle of semi-automatization of philosophical thought we can ask AI about ways of improvement of studying of philosophy:

Me: "Dear GPT, how do you think about process of studying of philosophy?"

ChatGPT: "The process of studying philosophy is a rich and rewarding intellectual journey that involves several key steps and practices. Here are some thoughts on this process:

1. Engage with Primary Texts

Reading Original Works: Engaging with the works of major philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, and others is crucial. These texts provide firsthand insight into foundational ideas and arguments.

Close Reading: Philosophy often requires careful and slow reading to understand the arguments and nuances of the text.

2. Contextual Understanding

Historical Context: Understanding the historical and cultural context in which a philosopher wrote can provide deeper insights into their work.

Philosophical Movements: Familiarize yourself with the broader movements and schools of thought, such as empiricism, rationalism, existentialism, and others.

3. Critical Thinking and Analysis

Questioning and Doubting: Philosophy thrives on questioning assumptions and critically examining arguments.

Argument analysis: Learn to break down arguments into premises and conclusions, assess their validity and soundness, and identify logical fallacies.

4. Writing and Discussion

Writing Essays: Articulating your thoughts in writing helps clarify and develop your understanding.

Participating in discussions: Engaging in discussions with peers or mentors can expose you to different perspectives and refine your ideas.

5. Comparative Study

Comparing Philosophers: Examining how different philosophers approach similar problems can provide a richer understanding of the issues.

Interdisciplinary Connections: Exploring how philosophy intersects with other fields like science, politics, and art can deepen your insights.

6. Practical Application

Applying Ideas: Consider how philosophical concepts can be applied to contemporary issues and personal life.

Living Philosophically: Incorporate philosophical thinking into everyday decision-making and reflect on ethical and existential questions.

7. Continual Learning

Lifelong Learning: Philosophy is a continuous journey. Stay curious and open to learning throughout your life.

Stay Updated: Engage with contemporary philosophical debates and new publications to keep your understanding current.

8. Reflective Practice

Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your own beliefs, values, and assumptions.

Philosophical Journaling: Keeping a journal can help track your thoughts and development over time.

By following these steps, you can cultivate a deep and nuanced understanding of philosophy, allowing you to appreciate its complexities and apply its insights to various aspects of life."

Me: "Your answer is good but formal. What are you think about content of philosophical studying? You should take into account in your answer importance of philosophers for actual scientific, political and artistic practice as well as variety and completness of they viewpoints."

ChatGPT: "The content of philosophical study is incredibly rich and diverse, encompassing a wide range of topics, perspectives, and methodologies. Here’s what I think about the content and its relevance to various fields:

1. Foundational Concepts

Metaphysics and Ontology: Exploring the nature of reality, existence, and being. These foundational questions underpin much of scientific inquiry and influence how we understand the universe.

Epistemology: The study of knowledge, belief, and justification. This is crucial for scientific practice, as it addresses how we know what we know and the limits of our understanding.

2. Ethics and Political Philosophy

Moral Philosophy: Examining what is right and wrong, good and bad. This directly impacts contemporary debates on bioethics, environmental ethics, and social justice.

Political Philosophy: Exploring concepts like justice, rights, and the role of the state. The ideas of philosophers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and John Rawls continue to shape modern political systems and policies.

3. Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science

Consciousness and Identity: Investigating the nature of consciousness, personal identity, and the mind-body problem. These topics intersect with psychology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence research.

Free Will and Determinism: Debating whether humans have free will or if our actions are determined. This has implications for legal responsibility and moral accountability.

4. Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art

Art and Beauty: Analyzing what constitutes art, beauty, and aesthetic experience. This influences artistic practice, criticism, and appreciation.

Interpretation and Meaning: Understanding how we interpret and find meaning in art. This is essential for artists, critics, and anyone engaged in creative fields.

5. Philosophy of Science

Scientific Methodology: Examining the principles and methods of scientific inquiry. Philosophers like Karl Popper and Thomas Kuhn have profoundly influenced how science is practiced and understood.

Realism vs. Anti-Realism: Debating whether scientific theories describe an objective reality or are merely useful instruments. This impacts how we interpret scientific findings and their implications.

6. Diverse Perspectives

Engagement with Global Philosophies: Exploring philosophical traditions from around the world, such as Indian, Chinese, and African philosophies. This broadens our understanding and incorporates diverse viewpoints.

7. Practical Application

Philosophy in Everyday Life: Applying philosophical concepts to personal and societal issues. For instance, Stoic philosophy can offer practical advice on dealing with adversity, while existentialism explores the search for meaning.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Philosophy trains you to think critically, question assumptions, and solve problems systematically. These skills are invaluable in any field.

8. Interdisciplinary Connections

Philosophy and Technology: Examining ethical issues related to technological advancement, such as privacy, AI ethics, and digital rights.

Philosophy and Environment: Addressing philosophical questions about our relationship with nature and our responsibilities towards the environment.

By engaging with the content of philosophical study, you not only gain insights into fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and values but also develop skills and perspectives that are applicable across various domains of life. Philosophy’s breadth and depth make it a vital field for understanding and navigating the complexities of the modern world."

Me: "How I can use your knowledge and abilities to extend my understanding of philosophical thought? What kinds of questions is most effective to study this theme?"

ChatGPT: "Using my knowledge and abilities, you can extend your understanding of philosophical thought in several ways. Here are some approaches and types of questions that can help deepen your exploration of philosophy:

1. Approaches to Using My Knowledge

Deep Dives into Specific Philosophers or Texts

Ask for summaries, analyses, or interpretations of specific works by philosophers like Plato, Kant, Nietzsche, or others.

Explore the historical context and influence of these philosophers and their ideas.

Comparative Analysis
Compare and contrast the ideas of different philosophers on specific topics (e.g., ethics, metaphysics, political philosophy).
Examine how different philosophical traditions (Western, Eastern, etc.) approach similar questions.

Thematic Exploration

Delve into specific philosophical themes such as existentialism, utilitarianism, phenomenology, or postmodernism.

Investigate how these themes have evolved over time and their relevance to contemporary issues.

Application to Contemporary Issues

Discuss how philosophical concepts apply to modern dilemmas in science, politics, technology, and art.

Analyze current events or societal trends through a philosophical lens.

Critical Thinking Exercises

Engage in thought experiments and hypothetical scenarios to practice philosophical reasoning.

Solve philosophical puzzles or debates to sharpen your analytical skills.

2. Effective Types of Questions

Foundational Questions

What are the key arguments in [philosopher]'s [work]?

How does [philosopher]'s view on [topic] differ from [another philosopher]'s view?

Contextual and Comparative Questions

What historical events or cultural factors influenced [philosopher]'s thinking?

How do Eastern and Western philosophies approach the concept of [specific concept] differently?

Analytical and Critical Questions

What are the strengths and weaknesses of [philosopher]'s argument on [topic]?

Can [philosopher]'s ideas be applied to contemporary issues like [specific issue]?

Ethical and Practical Questions

How would [philosopher] address modern ethical dilemmas such as [dilemma]?

What can we learn from [philosopher]'s views on [topic] to improve our society?

Philosophical Themes and Movements

What are the main tenets of [philosophical movement]?

How did [philosophical movement] influence later thinkers and ideas?

Interdisciplinary Connections

How do philosophical ideas about [topic] relate to developments in science/technology/art?

What ethical considerations arise from advancements in [field] based on [philosophical perspective]?

3. Sample Questions to Ask

Philosophers and Texts

"Can you provide a detailed analysis of Descartes' 'Meditations on First Philosophy'?"

"What are the main arguments in John Stuart Mill’s 'On Liberty'?"

Comparative Analysis

"How do Kant’s and Hume’s views on morality differ?"
"Compare and contrast the views of Confucius and Aristotle on virtue."

Thematic Exploration

"What is existentialism, and who are its main proponents?"

"How has the concept of justice evolved from Plato to Rawls?"

Contemporary Application

"How can utilitarian ethics be applied to current debates on artificial intelligence?"

"What philosophical questions arise from climate change, and how might different philosophers address them?"

Critical Thinking Exercises

"Can you present a thought experiment that illustrates the challenges of free will?"

"What are some common logical fallacies in philosophical arguments?"

By asking these types of questions and engaging deeply with the answers, you can enhance your understanding of philosophical thought and its application to various aspects of life."

And there is possibility of strong extension of the field of philosophical questioning from notes to notes.