Philosophy Talk: Work and The Ethics of Identity

Philosophy Talk, the radio show based out of San Francisco, California features hosts Ken Taylor and John Perry of Stanford University. Philosophy talk visited Centenary College on Saturday October 27th and taped a live recording about work with guest Al Gini.

The Philosophy talk hosts Ken Taylor and John Perry interacted with students and faculty alike during their time at Centenary College. Both philosophers answered student questions in a conversational convocation on Friday, October 26. They described how philosophy came to be such an important part of their lives and identities, as well as how it has changed and shaped who they are today and provided a little philosophical advice to the freshman class of 2011. 

The philosophers discussed the relevance and importance of identity to the process of living. It is natural and, in this culture, necessary that people represent themselves through their work and achievements. However, both Perry and Taylor emphasized the importance of individuality to the very abstract concepts of work and ethical identity.

Ken Taylor finished the convocation with advice to Centenary's freshman class. "Be bold! Fortune favors the bold!" He meant bold in several contexts: courage to pursue happiness in our lives, and pursue it in a way that it reflects in every aspect: socially, economically, and academically. Although Taylor encouraged responsibility and hard work he also emphasized a sense of bold carpe diem!

Philosophy Talk the Ethics of Identity - pre-convocation requirement 

The Philosophy Talk hosts Ken Taylor and John Perry initiated a thought-provoking conversation about the topic of personal identity, as well as how identity relates to society in association with Anthony Appiah’s The Ethics of Identity. Appiah is a well established professor of philosophy at Princeton University, who discussed ideas associated with the ethical nature of identity as he defines it, with emphasis placed on the moral and political spectrums of identity.

A major theme was developed in which personal identity and social identity correspond, or quite possibly conflict for that matter, to create an image or identity which is projected to the world. Taylor and Perry began by explaining that personal identity is a representation of oneself and the collection of attributes which shape the way a person lives their life. Appiah makes a point however; to note that individuals often associate themselves with definitions of only what is commonly thought identity consists of: ethnicity, religious views, profession, gender, age and geography. Appiah strives to clarify that these are only shallow characterizations of the composition of an individual, but rather a person should describe themselves by their passions and moral values.

Appiah defines the ethics of identity as a highly personal question of what it means to lead a good life and the sense of principles and values which guides decisions. He asserts that individuality and identity are to be distinguished by how an individual responds and reshapes their life beyond culture and circumstance to correspond with personality and morality. Appiah’s beliefs maintain that the ethical nature of identity is thus a prototype for the projects and goals for an individual’s life, more than just a politically correct attitude, but a lifestyle. Appiah explains, according to his theories, that identity is flexible to personal circumstances and thus is self determining.

Philosophy Talk: The Ethics of Identity is an interesting examination of how individuals perceive themselves and others, as well as how these perceptions define social interactions. Anthony Appiah’s open minded view that identity lies in the abstract rather than the tangible helps articulate the struggle many encounter in terms of self discovery and the role identity should play in our daily lives.

Once Upon A Time College Students Made a Difference…

Once Upon A Time College Students Made a Difference…

Once upon a time college students at campuses across the nation stood up for their rights and the rights of others.

Civil disobedience is the path to true democracy. In a country where a referendum does not exist and the ‘wasted vote’ mentality has caused voter turnout to decline steadily, the voice of the people has been forced to find a new arena. While respect for the law is important, upholding the justice of humanity is more so. It is the obligation of every free individual to stand up for the rights of those who are not free. We are compelled to protect the dignity of mankind and in this enlightened age be remembered not as tyrants but as advocates of freedom.

College students in particular are those whose voices are the most important. The conscience and passion of youth reverberates a passion that can redefine the world. The careers which we strive for are what will one day be the core of our society. Our books and papers and degrees are meaningless unless we have a society free of oppression to live in. Through modern technology college students and young adults are intrinsically connected to one another. A unified front of liberal and open minded individuals’ possesses great potential to make a profound statement to the world through unity and strength of conviction.

What once was must be again. Radicalism is the new moderate, as the moderate are content to observe without action. In no way is violence or anarchy recommended, but rather peaceful and nonviolent protest, encouraging communication and cooperation.

“Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country,” however, our country is the country of humanity (Eugene J. McCarthy). We should not allow the imagined lines of country borders to generate hatred but work to dissolve segregation, tyranny and special interest. The awareness and actions of college students are the foundation for which the future will be apathetic or empathetic.


“We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed”
–Martin Luther King Jr.

“Lend your voices only to sounds of freedom.”
–Jewel

written in response to the small student protest on Centenary's campus concerning diversity

Unitarian Universalism: A New Approach to an Old Problem

For someone looking to explore different religions the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church is a moderate way to start. All Souls is a church founded on principles of love and tolerance, a sanctuary free of dogmatism and denomination, a spiritual union of all souls. It seems humanity has stumbled across a solution to the age old problem of warring religions. Unitarian Universalism incorporates liberal Christian and Jewish religions, Pagans and Wiccan, as well as catering to the Eastern religions of Buddhism and Hinduism. While there were no references during the service to any religion in particular, the style and atmosphere –with the exception of standard symbols of Christianity – was reminiscent of Christendom. The service was led by Reverend Lyn Oglesby and the ‘message’ was given by a comparative religions professor from Louisiana Tech, Dr. Richard Hutchinson – a Buddhist. All Souls acts like a bridge for the transition of Christians to alternative religion. Tremendous diversity is not to be witnessed at All Souls; the congregation consisted for the most part of Caucasians with small children and the elderly, most of who upon first meeting would be presumed as Christians.

The Unitarian Universalist Church promotes themselves as a diverse community, open to all who wish to respectfully worship together. The top of their worship bulletin is marked by Thomas Edison, “Nonviolence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages” a quote that defines and describes a peaceful community of acceptance. UU strives to integrate the many truths of religion, culture, heritage and individualism into one defining Truth. A Truth of tolerance, a Truth in their eyes that is a stepping stone toward liberating the world of hatred. Let’s hope it catches on.

www.uua.org
www.allsoulsuushreveport.org

All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church
9449 Ellerbe Road
Shreveport, Louisiana