Metaphysics 101: Meta/SociPsych Studies 512

[Metaphysics]

Welcome and Welcome to Metaphysics 101, I am your teacher Proffesor Metaphysics. I hope you are all open and ready to learn ^___^ As for my qualifications to teach this class, I have a Master’s in Metaphysics as well as a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology. Yes, I am going for my Ph.D and Th.D in Metaphysics.

To start off, we will have multiple discussions in class, you will be graded for participation in them. Not harshly, I keep a relatively low maintenance class room. Feel free at any time to ask questions either on the board or telegram me. Either way works for me. In this class room, I will neither confirm nor deny the existence of God(s), I expect AAAALLLL of you to respect the opposing side as Metaphysics deals in Part with the existence and role of God(s) or if God(s) exists at all. Please be aware that we will also be discussing Human Nature and other topics such as that. If at any time you are disrespectful to anyone I will report you to a Mod. R.E.S.P.E.C.T. is what I demand here. Now off of all the boring stuff let’s get started. I try to make this class fairly simple by giving you important and key words with their definition. There is very very very very little homework, but there may be a test or two but they are fairly simple.
Any questions for me? O:


1.) I will quickly start off the class by answering the question of “what is Metaphysics?” Put simply, Metaphysics is the branch of Philosophy and Science responsible for the study of existence, perception, knowledge, reality, and being. It is the foundation of a worldview. It answers the question "What is?" and “Why is it?” It encompasses everything that exists and may exist, as well as the nature of existence itself. It says whether the world is real, or merely an illusion. It is a crucial view of the world around us.

Metaphysics: The branch of Philosophy and Science responsible for the study of existence, perception, knowledge, reality, and being.

2.) Reality is absolute. It has a specific nature independent of our thoughts or feelings. The world around us is real. It has a specific nature and it must be consistent to that nature. A proper metaphysical worldview must aim to understand reality correctly. However, Perception causes our view of reality to be skewed, either slightly or wholly. Perception causes us to be “partially blind” to true reality. In Metaphysics we try to overcome this necessary barrier called Perception. Perception itself is not a bad thing. It allows us to perceive things, which is vital for humans.
Reality: The absolute truth independent from our thoughts and feelings
Perception: Blocks our view of the truth; however this is not a bad thing.


This is day one of Metaphysics. ^___^ any questions about the class, course, or material?

[Metaphysics]

Tommorow we will be looking at basic theories.

[hoodhat]

a question, how are you going to carry out the tests, if we can just came here for the answers?

[Metaphysics]

Open notes mostly, but I do have a time set in which tests must be completed by.

My tests are fairly easy. This class is fairly easy. You just need to take notes and ask questions.

[hoodhat]

ok, and what time the classes are going to be? is it the same time as this?

[Metaphysics]

It will be daily or every other day. The class will have breaks. I will usually tell you. If you ever miss you can come back and look over what you missed and telegram me with questions.

It is highly reccomended that you attend discussions (THIS FRIDAY) because you will be graded on participation.

[hoodhat]

ok, thanks. i thinks that's all for know. about the material i going to wait for the next class to make questions

[Moonstone]

I have a few questions. It's my first time at this kind of university so I don't really understand few things. Mostly, how will tests and discussions take place? Do I have to be online when test or discussion starts and then provide my answers in some time limit?

[Markanite]

Mar 8, 2012 2:30:38 GMT -5 Moonstone said:

I have a few questions. It's my first time at this kind of university so I don't really understand few things. Mostly, how will tests and discussions take place? Do I have to be online when test or discussion starts and then provide my answers in some time limit?

Welcome to the University Moonstone!

Discussion will typically take place in this thread, and it can go on throughout the day no need to be on at a specific time!

Test will take place here or in the University testing center! I'll let your professor confirm this though

[Metaphysics]

"how will tests and discussions take place?"
Discussions will occur on this forum tests will occur at the test center

"Do I have to be online when test or discussion starts and then provide my answers in some time limit? "
No, I will give probably give a two day time limit for tests. Discussions are important, and you should give me prior notice if you cannot attend.

[Metaphysics]

Day 2:

Popularized by the book “The Secret” The law of attraction is a theory, that states "like attracts like," and that by focusing on positive or negative thoughts, one can bring about positive or negative results. According to the law of attraction, the phrase "I need more money" or "I don't have enough money" allows the subject(Person or being which perceives) to continue to "need more money" or "not have enough money". If the subject wants to change this they would focus their thoughts on the goal (having more money) rather than the problem (needing more money). This might take the form of phrases such as "I have more money now" or "I have more money than I need." From a Psychological standpoint, this thought process will make the subject feel that they have enough or more than enough money both physically and emotionally.

There is heavy controversy over whether or not this law has any validity.Some state that this goes far beyond our ability to measure its effects.
Many critics state that there is an UGLY flipside, if like begets like, then we attract all the negative in our life.
Whether you believe in this or not is entirely up to you, but it sets up many more theories coming later in the class.

Today is short ^______^
, any questions?

[hoodhat]

i think that theory is true, people that have good thoughs and atitudes, in most cases, have lives that happens many good things, and that also reflects in there physical health.

[Metaphysics]

This will be a discussion question tommorow.

[Metaphysics]

DICUSSION!!! Starts today and will run until Monday. Classes Resume Monday.


Discussion Question 1 IS the Law of Attraction Valid?
Discussion Question 2 Sinse Perception blocks our ability to percieve thing correctly, in part and or in whole, are arguments(yelling matchs) useless?
Discussion Question 3 Where do you see this class going?


Please feel free to debate respectfully ^___^

[Moonstone]

1. Well I guess that Law of Attraction is much like God, you can believe in it or deny it but in any case it's impossible to prove that it is valid or not. It is mostly true that happy, optimistic people are able to achieve more than gloomy, pessimistic person who always have his focus on the negative, but does it really means that there is such thing as Law of Attraction?

People have different personality and with each personality comes different perception of the world, but personality aren't something that we can shape easily like we want, it's something that we acquire from our experience, especially as a child. So, maybe that's it, more likable person gets many friends, job promotions, sexy women, etc., but he is still vulnerable to the same bad things as his gloomy neighbor, like sickness or accidents. But in some way You could say that "like attracts like", of course for our gloomy friend things aren't looking so good, because it's very hard to change Your personality (I think that it is also called - unconscious mind) and with such pessimistic attitude it's almost impossible, so he's stuck in valley of sorrow for eternity.

2. Will think about this. Don't think that I fully understand the question.

3. I wouldn't like for this class to head where it seems to be heading, a discussion of a certain self-help book. I'm of course no expert of metaphysics but I think that there are many things to discuss and I hope that we will get to them.

[Boltor]

1. I do not think the law of attraction is valid as a "law", since I cannot prove whether it valid or not for any situation. Problems with proof include the fact that I don't believe you can really measure a thought, so there is no way of proving/disproving any causality from purely thinking, also isn't thinking positively or negatively all in the eye of the beholder - which makes me ask how does the law of attraction work for competing interests of different beings? Also anyone can say they had positive/negative thoughts which brought them positive/negative results but that seems like it could suffer from a bit of Confirmation bias.

I'll use Meta's definition of reality "Reality is absolute. It has a specific nature independent of our thoughts or feelings." and I do believe our thoughts are independent of effecting the absolute reality. The absolute reality is not effected by a beings thoughts, it is effected by the actions carried out by the being, this is what does effect the reality, and although our thoughts do influence our own behavior, I do not believe they effect everything elses behavior.

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2.I do not think arguments are useless, they are a form of communication and this question can be escalated to "Since Perception blocks our ability to perceive thing correctly, in part and or in whole, is communication useless?" - which I believe it is not, but I do believe perception can effect what each individual understands when in any form of communication, and can impair communication between beings when any party in the communication perceives things incorrectly.

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3. I have no idea where this class is going, but I guess I'll stay on for the ride

[Metaphysics]

fairly accurate on #1 Moonstone

[Metaphysics]

accurate skeptics view of #1 Bolter

[Aersoldorf]

1. I don't believe that the law as stated is valid. I do believe though, that attitude regarding a specific matter can influence the outcome to a certain extent. Having a positive attitude about something tends to lead to working harder toward that end, and conversely, a negative attitude tends to lead to frustration and giving up.

2. Arguments are conversation gone bad. I see no reason why debating a topic needs to escalate to a full blown argument. I think that when that happens it's because either one or both parties involved have simply chosen to respond with an overabundance of feeling and emotion, rather than simply adhering to discussing the logic, facts or merit of an idea or course of action.

3. Since you are the professor of this class then I'm going to assume that it will go in the direction that you take it ;D

[hoodhat]

1- in my point of view, this theory is somewhat valid. is true that the mind has control over our bodies, and that's why our state of mind can influence our actions. individuals who are positive in the way they see the world are more likely that good things will happen, this also applies in reverse.

2- i don't think is useless, sometimes a good arguments is what is necessary to solve problems or discussions that wouldn't otherwise resolve.

3- i don't know, i hope that it follows a good path.

[Ater Nox]

1. I think the Law of Attraction is one of those things that if you believe it, it seems to work. Kind of like how people who think they are lucky, generally have more good luck because they focus more on when good things happen. Psychologically, I guess it can sometimes work. If you keep telling yourself you are good at something, you're more likely to become good than someone who keeps telling themselves they're useless. However, I don't think it can be proved and definitely think that the law itself is not really accurate.

2. Arguments can be quite useful as long as they don't escalate too far. Disagreements which are resolved will result in change and progress and this can be advantageous. Screaming matches don't help anyone, and are generally counter-productive.

3. On a field trip?

[Bellemiatic]

Any vacant seat?

[Metaphysics]

You may join up still! please review what was already taught.. classes resume either today or tommorow

[Aersoldorf]

Or the next day

[Metaphysics]

I apologize I am quite busy this week.

[Metaphysics]

Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will.-
Jawaharal Nehru

So, What is your opinion, Determinism vs Free Will...Feel free to speak and speak against opinions, You may agree with the quote or argue against it, please feel free to include your own thoughts. ^____^

[Aersoldorf]

As a Christian I am a firm believer in free will. God created us in his image to love an worship him, but he didn't make it a mandate. He presented us with the option of serving him or not. He gave us free will to do and believe as we see fit. We will be judged based on how we apply these parameters.

[Boltor]

I prefer Free Will to Determinism, but I think there is a mix of both due to the predictability of certain events.

[Metaphysics]

good to see some opinions ^_____^

[Moonstone]

I agree with the quot, play that pocket deuces like aces!

Of course if I'm wrong it could turn out that every action of our free will has been predetermined.