Philosophy Reflection Questions
Reflection Question 1
Using dialogue, one can advance knowledge in philosophy since one can ask and discuss challenging questions. Dr. Tyrone Wells asks hard but answerable questions to his host, Pedro, who explains in a practical manner. Pedro is very flexible and accommodative throughout the dialogue period and is able to accept corrections from Dr. Tyrone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oljRZrAByg8&feature=youtu.be). He states philosophical statements that keep the dialogue and the conversation going forward as the two gentlemen try to find a response that fits their topic of discussion.
The dialogue has a goal, which is to explore the origin of mathematics and the importance of the subject. Dr. Tyrone starts by asking Pedro whether mathematics is a subject that has been explored and exhausted. Responding to him, Pedro refutes that claims and say that a lot is yet to be explored in mathematics. It is not that there are no answers, but they are, however, to be discovered. He gives the example of quantum physics where particles are yet to be properly explained, but this has been gradual since the technology is helping in studying even the smaller one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oljRZrAByg8&feature=youtu.be). The goal of the dialogue is to explain what is yet to be discovered but still exists. Many people may dispute that a certain concept does not exist, yet they are, however, to do research on it. For example, Pedro gives an illustration that there may be no answer when solving a problem at that particular time. It is not that the answer is not there, but it is yet to be discovered by the use of a particular formula. So mathematicians will leave it at that step waiting for discoveries to be made concerning that particular concept.
Dr.Tyrone Wells uses the question and query moves to advance the conversation. He does this by throwing questions to Pedro at every stage so that he can get more and more information and his thoughts regarding the subject matter of the dialogue. The queries and clarifications make the conversation even candid and fruitful as they agree on the various issues reading the subject matter being discussed (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oljRZrAByg8&feature=youtu.be). I would describe the approach as a phenomenon where two people hold a conversation trying to get information and understand a particular subject matter. No party involved in the dialogue wins, but they come into an understanding and consensus regarding a certain topic.
Reflection Question 2
My feelings are that these two people are very independent thinkers. They are ready to confront and ask hard questions regarding facts in mathematics. They actually do not disagree with the research and findings so far done, but they want more information regarding mathematics as a subject. They are in a fact-finding mission. Pedro is ready to question some of the mathematical formulae that remain inconclusive hence not giving conclusive answers. Being a free thinker makes one ask fundamental questions without clouding once mind with what that has already been done.
This kind of dialogue provides one with an opportunity to think outside the box. The two gentlemen ask each other hard questions that other people may not be willing to ask. They question everything regarding their subject of discussion. Dr. Tyrone Well wants to know what Pedro thinks regarding findings on quantum mathematics (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oljRZrAByg8&feature=youtu.be). As a free thinker and independent, Pedro responds by saying that a lot is yet to be done and discovered. Therefore one cannot go ahead and say that the subject has been exhausted in terms of research. This kind of dialogue provokes one to consider and look into issues more closely and in a critical manner. They are not criticizing but critic analysis applications. The dialogue also encourages one to be free from influence from others when making a conclusion. Instead, the dialogue encourages one to think independently free from social, spiritual, political, and even economic influences.
I believe that every individual should be given and have equal rights and opportunities as long as they are human beings. The mistreatment of human beings by others is therefore wrong and should not be tolerated. Those who commit such actions should be punished to deter others from behaving in such a manner. Sympathy and anger are the emotions that arise in relation to this belief. This belief is so important to me since to provide the basis to championing human rights and equality in all races and in all regions of the world where humanity exists. I was brought up in an environment where every person is respected irrespective of who they are in society. The environment around them tries to give them resources so that they can have an equal opportunity to be who they are and achieve their goals in life. Even without evidence, I would still not change my mind regarding this belief. I am not ready to be persuaded into changing my belief regarding human dignity and equality, as held by my belief.
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