Throughout the years, I had a growing interest in the area of humanities, and as reading and my knowledge accumulated, my interest was focus on the scope of philosophy. Before joining the philosophy club, I was part of MUN, as I enjoyed reasonable arguements over a certain case. Of course, one mustn’t say that just by reading a few books from a few philosophers could build an understanding of the philosophical ground. Though I may have been disappointed as philosophy is not provided on our campus, I was able to find this alternative club that may help me strengthen my knowledge and viewpoints. 「LO1」
The first day of taking part has given me a shock, as I’m not sure what to do and what to say — I don’t feel I have the confidence to say anything as their’s conversation involves many complicated terms. I was surprised by the information that was exchanged here — although some sophistry was attempted, however, the pieces of information expressed are usually concrete with the combination of difficult words. 「LO2」Ms.Gemma has been very encouraging as she gives me some confidence when stating my points of view to the group. I think that although issues in the vocabulary will persist for a time, it could be partially avoided just by start speaking, as my brain tends to think faster when I start to illustrate. My points were usually backup by other members as not only a mean to extend the thinking but also the approval of the validity of my issues.
The main discussion of the day was trying to reach an understanding of the “good” and “evil.” Although I’ve been attempting to start an argument by mentioning H.H.’s evilness express through his ego as even disregarding his crime, his personal ego made him say in front the judge that it was lolita who has seduced him. This was a success to some degree, but I was not able to fully express my ideas due to lack of vocabulary as well as lack of an in-depth read of the book itself. 「LO1」
As I began to become more engaged in the club, I was able to draw up the scientific theory in an attempt to disprove the existence of all forms of religion that is being back up by idealism. In a sense, this topic was not the original question being asked. However, such conversations could last as long as 20 minutes, which is quite long for a branch out of the original topic. Before I state my point I was able to research the case before the Monday club and learning Marxist materialism had a significant contribution towards the theory I said: “materialism believes all facts are dependent upon physical processes. As an example, the mind is a product of the human brain. In contrast, although the mind is not a physical subject, it is a development of the mind based on the human material basis.” I do get questions outside the class, from my friends asking “why are you putting so much time into this CAS thing?” and my usual response is “it’s in my natural interest.”「LO4」
Lastly, this activity is about morals and values, and it’s quite a unique scene where 20 people with different ideas could sit down and battle fiercely while smiling and laughing. Certain people have tried attempts to justifying certain extreme ideologies, and people respond with their own arguements to rebuttal the opinion. 「LO7」
In a brief conclusion, I firmly believe that one must read more theories, books to the accumulation of knowledge. In return, I would be more skilled not only to express the thought clearer but most importantly, to construct my own theories based upon great past philosophers like Hegel and Marx. I personally think that although the exchange of information is critical, however, the way we think, interpret and convey are the crucial skill to learn, as it has a long term effect of how one thinks, reacts and resolves. 「LO2」