PHIL 3310. Exploring the philosophical, ethical, spiritual, existential, social, and personal implications of a godless universe, and supporting their study at Middle Tennessee State University & beyond.
One could venture at this time that walking the dogs is as enjoyable for the walker as it is the dogs. It's as if this pandemic holds our retractable lease, allowing us to roam ever so slightly before shorting the distance dramatically.
"Make your life awesome(Pandemic Edition): Comment "Outdoor Church": Comment "Quiz/Change in Class Structure": Comment "Sad Note": Post "Trip to Freshman Year": Post + Comment "Joys of Walking": Post "Tennessee Lockdown": Post + Comment "Binge-Watching": Comment
Seneca had an image with which to evoke our condition as creatures at times able to effect change yet always subject to external necessities. We are like dogs who have been tied to a chariot driven by an unpredictable driver. Our leash is long enough to give us a degree of leeway but is not long enough to allow us to wander wherever we please. A dog will naturally hope to roam about as it wants. But, as Seneca's metaphor implies, if it can't, then it's better for the animal to be trotting behind the cart rather than dragged and strangled by it. As Seneca put it: "An animal, struggling against the noose, tightens it... there is no yoke so tight that it will not hurt the animal less if it pulls with it than if it fights against it. The best alleviation for overwhelming evils is to endure and bow to necessity."
There are many who are angered by this Government's way of responding. To some, this is ridiculously overrated and has ruined their lives. To others, they understand the severity of the situation but are angry that the government has chosen to simply extend this isolation rather than enforcing it from the very beginning with total honesty. Chances are, there are people who work for the government who knew how ugly this was going to be, and yet somehow Americans are the last to know. In a time like this, the best thing a government can be is transparent with its citizens. Thus, the speculation continues: we are meant to understanding and trust our government yet our government only halfheartedly understands us and doesn't trust us with truth. Had they severely isolated us from the very beginning, the theory is that the curve would be flattened tremendously by now.
Ah, yes, I hear you. There are, I think, some legitimate concerns about transparency, particularly when you look at the actions of officials like Sen. Richard Burr. I can understand the need to avoid causing a panic, but that has to balanced against the need to inform the public and take action. There'll be a lot of analysis to come when this is all over and a big piece will be what you've brought up.
I look forward to that piece and will spread it across my social media. The current state of affairs has more to do with the government misinforming the people and the people overreacting rather than the actual virus.
I'm just happy to be here, so long as the governor's order doesn't interfere with my most "essential activity" these days: walking the dogs.
ReplyDeleteOne could venture at this time that walking the dogs is as enjoyable for the walker as it is the dogs. It's as if this pandemic holds our retractable lease, allowing us to roam ever so slightly before shorting the distance dramatically.
ReplyDelete"Make your life awesome(Pandemic Edition): Comment
Delete"Outdoor Church": Comment
"Quiz/Change in Class Structure": Comment
"Sad Note": Post
"Trip to Freshman Year": Post + Comment
"Joys of Walking": Post
"Tennessee Lockdown": Post + Comment
"Binge-Watching": Comment
2 runs, I believe :D
Indeed, we're like the dogs on Seneca's leash...
DeleteSeneca had an image with which to evoke our condition as creatures at times able to effect change yet always subject to external necessities. We are like dogs who have been tied to a chariot driven by an unpredictable driver. Our leash is long enough to give us a degree of leeway but is not long enough to allow us to wander wherever we please. A dog will naturally hope to roam about as it wants. But, as Seneca's metaphor implies, if it can't, then it's better for the animal to be trotting behind the cart rather than dragged and strangled by it. As Seneca put it: "An animal, struggling against the noose, tightens it... there is no yoke so tight that it will not hurt the animal less if it pulls with it than if it fights against it. The best alleviation for overwhelming evils is to endure and bow to necessity."
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/alain-de-botton-who-needs-philosophy-9241509.html
"Large amount of speculation," Patricia? What have you heard?
ReplyDeleteThere are many who are angered by this Government's way of responding. To some, this is ridiculously overrated and has ruined their lives. To others, they understand the severity of the situation but are angry that the government has chosen to simply extend this isolation rather than enforcing it from the very beginning with total honesty. Chances are, there are people who work for the government who knew how ugly this was going to be, and yet somehow Americans are the last to know. In a time like this, the best thing a government can be is transparent with its citizens. Thus, the speculation continues: we are meant to understanding and trust our government yet our government only halfheartedly understands us and doesn't trust us with truth.
DeleteHad they severely isolated us from the very beginning, the theory is that the curve would be flattened tremendously by now.
Ah, yes, I hear you. There are, I think, some legitimate concerns about transparency, particularly when you look at the actions of officials like Sen. Richard Burr. I can understand the need to avoid causing a panic, but that has to balanced against the need to inform the public and take action. There'll be a lot of analysis to come when this is all over and a big piece will be what you've brought up.
DeleteI look forward to that piece and will spread it across my social media. The current state of affairs has more to do with the government misinforming the people and the people overreacting rather than the actual virus.
ReplyDelete