The Ancient View of the Universe, Essay Example

Basic world substance

The world is made up of the living beings, and the non-living things. This determines the way the world runs for the living beings influence the way the world looks like. This is because the world is both metaphysical and physical, where certain activities, such as, the ones of humanity and the happenings in the universe influences the way the world operates. Gifford (1986) writes,

“Living and non-living forms of beings and items make the world of today, and no one can turn from this reality” (Gifford, 1986).

What is eternal or finite

The question on what is finite or eternal may be answered through the aspect of ‘belief’. Personally, I hold on to the belief that the form of the earth in terms of the water bodies, such as, seas, and land are eternal. This is because little changes occur or demonstrates that they will end. However, other beings seem to have an finite end. A supreme being (God) must be responsible for the things that are on earth.

“Eternal things last for ages, and no forces can change them, as compared to finite things whose end is certain” (Girma, 2012).

What is the nature of humans

The human nature is a social, where all humans depend on one another, and would seek social gratification from others. Humans get character traits from their lineage. Humans have innate characteristics, which no one can change. Humans are not alike, because they have an active ‘reason’, which makes them perceive differently.

“Human beings are social beings, and the satisfaction of their social needs would act as a strong motivation for life” (Weiner, 2013).

Nature of god / divine / supernatural

In my opinion, there is a God. This is because the earth cannot create itself, there must be a supreme being responsible for the things as they are today. Creation is amazing, and this makes me know there is a supreme being, God who is in-charge of things as they are. God is a supreme being with authority over the seasons and timing.

“The existence of supernatural things may be argued out as the evidence of the existence of a supernatural being, God, who controls seasons” (Girma, 2012).

Is there change or a world force

The world is changing because human actions shape other things in the world. For instance, human action to use fossil fuels, and timber is changing the world by leading to challenges of global warming. As an observer, I believe the world is changing for people are living differently from the way they used to live before. In my view, the world will become more polluted, and dangerous in the years to come.

“Key changes in the world include the technological and environmental changes, such as, global warming and climate change” Rodden, 2011).

Fate or free will

Humans free to make real choices by taking on the decision that they feel is appropriate. They have the free choice to make critical decisions on the way they want to live. Human decisions are guided by what the soul perceives, and what one’s mind tells the person.

“Humans should exercise their free without compromising the free will of others to make their choices” (McCormick, 2009).

Is the soul immortal

Humans have a soul. The souls will always exist by the virtue that only the body can be destroyed. New souls come into being through procreation, where human beings are born. Souls may be said to be created by God, who is a supreme being with the ability to engage supernatural forces.

“The soul may be said to be immortal for it operates even in the supernatural realms” (Selart, 2001).

Mind / epistemology

The mind works through cognition, where the mind engages in deliberating and brainstorming possibilities. Through the senses, the mind may take on a certain dimension, and allow the body to respond to the issues. At times through revelation, the mind may be in a position to tap new ideas that were not present before.

“The mind plays a critical role in guiding the process of decision making from time to another” (Selart, 2001).

Education

We should educate people through allowing people to use their ability for ‘reason’ to establish what is true or false. This is a participatory form of learning, where learners engage their mind into knowing what truly exists from the falsehood of the world.

“Learners learn best through active interaction with teachers and the concepts taught; this allows concepts to be grasped faster” (Rudge, 2010).

Existence of absolute truth

Truth exists by virtue that truth is a fact. Truth cannot be argued out, for it is a natural and as real as we are. I know something is a truth, when it needs no much evidence to defend it. Truth defends itself. The test of truth is truth itself, where truth will always defend itself. On the contrary, what is false will need much defense to be true. “Truth has no defense, but is defense in itself” (Kushner, 2011).

Good and evil exist

Good and evil comes from God and the devil respectively. God is responsible for all the good, while the devil who is against good will bring forth evil. We have the liberty to choose on good or evil that happens to use, it is a free choice to choose.

“Good and evil does exist and has been there for a long period” (Senex, 2008).

Government

In my view, the best form of Government is a democratic Government. This is because this view allows people to freely express their opinions on governance. My view of Government fits with my view of humans, for I believe that humans are social beings who need to freely express their views with others.

“Democracy is enshrined in the provision of freedom of expression, criticism,   participation, and inclusion in the running the Government” (McCormick, 2009).

Personal reflections about course

This course has taught me much about life and issues of life I have never thought before. What I like about the course is that it was open in views, allowing others and I to express themselves on their philosophy to life. The new thing that I like from the course is the way things exist, and the possible causes of their existence. The greatest help was in reading other resources and developing insights from the views of other philosophers.

References

Weiner, B. (2013). Human Motivation. London: Psychology Press.

Girma, M. (2012). Understanding Religion and Social Change. NewYork: Palgrave Macmillan.

Gifford, G. (1986). “The Ancient View of the Universe, Theology Journal for Southern Africa, Vol 45 (1986), 3-14 and Before Philosophy.

Kushner, H. (2011). Living a Life that Matters. London: Pan Macmillan.

McCormick, M. (2009). American Foreign Policy and Process. London: Cengage Learning.

Rudge, L. (2010). Holistic Education: An Analysis of Its Pedagogical Application. NewYork: LAP Lambert Acad. Publ.

Rodden, G. (2011). Changing the Metrics of Green, Pulp & Paper International, Vol. 53 Issue 6, p. 14-19.

Senex, S. (2008). Religions of the Past and the Religion of the Future. New York: BiblioBazaar.

Selart, A. (2001). Decision Making: Social and Creative Dimensions. London. Springer.