PHI 014S Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Melanesians
14 Apr 2018
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Betrand russell- reflections on suffering satre - subjective. It is possible to think wrongly that one"s life has meaning. He is offering (on paper) a theory of meaning for determinism: love, knowledge, compassion. Question- does a serial killer live a meaningful life? . 2 answers : yes meaning is unrelated to ethics, no a meaningful life must also involve an ethical component. Ruth benedict- morality is relative: explain the point about trance/behavior/mysticism (state of temporary paralysis). In some cultures, trance and mysticism are psychic manisfestations are not only desirable, but are seen as highly valued and gifted people. ie. in christianity it marks sainthood. While some cultures connect this action with a good connotation, others see as crazy or delusional. They live in constant paranoia: someone is out to get them, they fear the outside world, rigorous religous practices, explain the point benedict makes about ethics.
