Thus far, the only results of my foray into virtue are flu-like symptoms. Either I'm sick, or Aristotle is killing me.
As for Monday, I worked during the day and taught my Practical Reasoning course. I started to feel sick at the end of my class. So, I didn't have a lot of time to work on my habits. All that I managed to do was to stay on my diet and to practice on the bass.
For today, I'll work on my music, maintain the diet, and work on my Italian. Since I'm sick, I doubt that I'll engage in any physical habits.
Oh, the Italian! There's a good deal of research that shows that learning a language helps a person develop a certain level of mental limberness. So, does reading novels. Both activities will be part of my process.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Monday, March 28, 2016
An attempt at Virtue
Ethically speaking, I've always been a consequentialist. Given that almost every human that I've met is a consequentialist, I'm not surprised. Many people think that they're deontologist, but when I ask them why they perform a utility calculation. So, they may be missing the point.
When I started teaching philosophy a few years back, I had to develop a working relationship with Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics. My only aim was to be able to teach it with the passion that I feel my students deserve. I never thought that it would have any effect on me. This "thinking" was almost certainly brought on by my prejudice against ancient sources in favor of more contemporary philosophy.
But, Aristotle got his hooks into me. Slowly at first, but I soon found myself seeing how his virtue ethics could produce a better me. I also began to see how a country that had a population with proper virtue could truly be a great country. Dreams of developing an American Virtue Ethics started to fill my mind, but that's another story. For now, I'll work on me.
I don't really have any grand ides(s) of what virtue(s) I should develop. I am, after all, new to this game. So, I've decided to stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before me. I will begin with a rough reflection of the ancient Greek approach, and make changes where and when necessary.
For my body, γυμνός (gymnos) will consist of rowing, hiking, and the occasional weights.
Weight Watchers will help me develop sophrosyne (self-restraint). I'd wager that Aristotle never saw that coming.
I broke my dusty bass guitar out of the closet, and have started practicing for μουσική (mousike).
This is just a few examples of the habits I have in store for myself. Other habits will include yoga, Tai Chi, and writing.
For a start, I plan on engaging in at least two of these habits a day. Yesterday (Sunday), I rowed, practiced my bass, did yoga, and wrote a brief blog update. Sadly, I also over ate at an Easter supper.
That's the start. I'm sure that ἀρετή is right around the corner.
Chris
When I started teaching philosophy a few years back, I had to develop a working relationship with Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics. My only aim was to be able to teach it with the passion that I feel my students deserve. I never thought that it would have any effect on me. This "thinking" was almost certainly brought on by my prejudice against ancient sources in favor of more contemporary philosophy.
But, Aristotle got his hooks into me. Slowly at first, but I soon found myself seeing how his virtue ethics could produce a better me. I also began to see how a country that had a population with proper virtue could truly be a great country. Dreams of developing an American Virtue Ethics started to fill my mind, but that's another story. For now, I'll work on me.
I don't really have any grand ides(s) of what virtue(s) I should develop. I am, after all, new to this game. So, I've decided to stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before me. I will begin with a rough reflection of the ancient Greek approach, and make changes where and when necessary.
For my body, γυμνός (gymnos) will consist of rowing, hiking, and the occasional weights.
Weight Watchers will help me develop sophrosyne (self-restraint). I'd wager that Aristotle never saw that coming.
I broke my dusty bass guitar out of the closet, and have started practicing for μουσική (mousike).
This is just a few examples of the habits I have in store for myself. Other habits will include yoga, Tai Chi, and writing.
For a start, I plan on engaging in at least two of these habits a day. Yesterday (Sunday), I rowed, practiced my bass, did yoga, and wrote a brief blog update. Sadly, I also over ate at an Easter supper.
That's the start. I'm sure that ἀρετή is right around the corner.
Chris
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Course(s) update(s).
Howdy!
As per usual, I've let things get between me and my writing. This is not historically uncommon, because the act of writing makes me want to stop writing and go do other things.
However, all excuses are not created equal, and this time I've got something better than my traditional laziness. I've been slammed with my teaching schedule. I knew going into this semester that I'd have three classes to teach. Three classes plus my day job is more than enough to allow my ego to justify not working on my blog. Adding to that, an adjunct had to give up a class at the last minute. My boss ask me to take it, and I accepted (because, I'm an idiot). It's a practical reasoning course. I've never taught this class before. So, it's great experience. That not withstanding, I'm teaching four classes, and working my day job.
Sadly, my Eastern Thought class has been put on the back-burner. The assistant dean thought that given the current budget fights, we should wait for a better time to ask. I see his point.
The same budget fears also have the drama department not rushing to work on my philosophy play production idea. I'll just stay on their good side by giving my students extra-credit to go to their productions. Hopefully, I can get them back on-board this summer.
That's it for now. I know that it's not much, but I forced myself to write it, because...
I'll tell you tomorrow.
Besos,
Chris
As per usual, I've let things get between me and my writing. This is not historically uncommon, because the act of writing makes me want to stop writing and go do other things.
However, all excuses are not created equal, and this time I've got something better than my traditional laziness. I've been slammed with my teaching schedule. I knew going into this semester that I'd have three classes to teach. Three classes plus my day job is more than enough to allow my ego to justify not working on my blog. Adding to that, an adjunct had to give up a class at the last minute. My boss ask me to take it, and I accepted (because, I'm an idiot). It's a practical reasoning course. I've never taught this class before. So, it's great experience. That not withstanding, I'm teaching four classes, and working my day job.
Sadly, my Eastern Thought class has been put on the back-burner. The assistant dean thought that given the current budget fights, we should wait for a better time to ask. I see his point.
The same budget fears also have the drama department not rushing to work on my philosophy play production idea. I'll just stay on their good side by giving my students extra-credit to go to their productions. Hopefully, I can get them back on-board this summer.
That's it for now. I know that it's not much, but I forced myself to write it, because...
I'll tell you tomorrow.
Besos,
Chris
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