Navigating the World: A Personal Journey Through Philosophy 🌸📖

Hello deer, this is Seri 🌸

Welcome again on my personal blog!

Today's theme is philosophy! 📖

Philosophy has long been a tool for questioning, critiquing, and exploring the societies we live in.

Through the ideas of various thinkers, we can see how philosophy has served not just as an academic pursuit but as a powerful force for challenging the status quo.

In my exploration of philosophy, I’ve found myself drawn to those who questioned the foundations of their societies, seeking alternative paths for human existence, meaning, and freedom. From ancient Greek thinkers like Socrates to modern-day philosophers like Nietzsche and Marx, these intellectuals have paved the way for critical thinking and social change.

In this text, I aim to reflect on the philosophical perspectives that resonate with me, focusing on their critiques of societal norms and their calls for individual freedom, truth, and self-expression.

What is Philosophy 📖

Philosophy comes from the Ancient Greek words philo (love) and sophia (wisdom), so it literally means "love of wisdom."

At its heart, philosophy is about asking deep questions like:

📖What is real?

📖What is good?

📖Why are we here?

📖How should I live?

📖What is beauty, truth, meaning...?

The purpose of philosophy isn't to give one final answer, but instead to:

📖Reflect deeply on life, the self, and the world

📖Challenge assumptions and encourage critical thinking

📖Guide ethical decisions and personal values

📖Help us live more consciously and meaningfully

📖Make sense of complex or painful experiences

Some people use it to live a virtuous life, others to find peace, some to fight for justice, and others to simply understand themselves.

My philosophy 📖🌸

I’m interested in philosophy, but not in specific philosophers.

I focus on exploring philosophical ideas and systems, applying them to modern life and shaping my own worldview. I value extracting concepts and applying them practically in my life, blending and customizing ideas to create a philosophy that speaks to me personally. I prefer a flexible, adaptive approach to philosophy that allows me to navigate life’s challenges without being confined to a rigid doctrine.

Subjectivism 🎀

- What it is: Subjectivism is the belief that knowledge, truth, or morality is based on personal experiences, feelings, or perceptions. It rejects the idea that there are objective, universal truths independent of individual perspectives.

- Where it’s from: Rooted in early modern philosophy, subjectivism can be traced back to figures like René Descartes, who emphasized personal experience as a foundation for knowledge. It is also closely tied to existentialism and relativism.

Pragmatism 🎀

- What it is: Pragmatism is the view that the truth of ideas or beliefs should be judged by how practical, useful, or effective they are in real life. It focuses on action and consequences rather than abstract reasoning. Pragmatists value results over theories and see truth as something that evolves based on experience.

- Where it’s from: Developed in the late 19th century, Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey are key figures in American pragmatism. They were influenced by the idea that knowledge is shaped by the context in which it is used.

Positive Nihilism 🎀

- What it is: Positive nihilism is an optimistic take on the idea that life has no inherent meaning or purpose. Instead of seeing this as a depressing or hopeless idea, positive nihilism embraces freedom and encourages individuals to create their own meaning and values.

- Where it’s from: Nihilism has roots in Friedrich Nietzsche, who argued that traditional values and beliefs (especially religious ones) were being questioned in modern times. Positive nihilism draws inspiration from existentialist thinkers, especially Nietzsche’s ideas on overcoming nihilism and embracing life despite its meaninglessness.

Moral Relativism 🎀

- What it is: Moral relativism holds that moral judgments and values are not absolute but are instead shaped by cultural, social, or individual contexts. This means what is considered "right" or "wrong" can vary between societies or even individuals.

- Where it’s from: Moral relativism has ancient roots in sophism, a movement in Ancient Greece, but its modern development was influenced by philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche and Michel Foucault, who argued that moral norms are historically and socially constructed.

Epicureanism (Opinions About Death) 🎀

- What it is: Epicureanism, founded by Epicurus in ancient Greece, teaches that the purpose of life is to achieve happiness through pleasure, particularly intellectual and emotional pleasure. Regarding death, Epicurus argued that death is not to be feared because when we die, we cease to exist — there is no pain or suffering after death. He famously said, “Death is nothing to us, for when we exist, death is not, and when death exists, we are not.”

- Where it’s from: Epicurus founded the Epicurean school of philosophy in Athens, around the 4th century BCE. His teachings emphasized a life of moderation and the pursuit of inner peace, free from fear, especially the fear of death.

Individualism 🎀

- What it is: Individualism is the belief in the importance of personal independence and self-reliance. It emphasizes the value of individual rights, freedom, and expression over collective or societal pressures. Individualism supports the idea that individuals should be free to make their own choices and live according to their values.

- Where it’s from: The roots of individualism can be traced back to Renaissance humanism and Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who advocated for individual rights and personal autonomy. It became more prominent in 19th and 20th-century philosophy, particularly in existentialism and libertarianism.

Anarchism 🎀

- What it is: Anarchism is a political philosophy that rejects all forms of hierarchical authority, especially the state, and advocates for self-managed, stateless societies. Anarchists believe in the inherent equality of all people and seek to create systems of mutual aid, direct democracy, and voluntary cooperation without rulers or coercion.

- Where it’s from: Anarchism emerged as a political philosophy in the 19th century, influenced by thinkers like Pierre-Joseph Proudhon and Mikhail Bakunin. It evolved in response to the inequalities and abuses of power within capitalist and state systems, and was later expanded by thinkers like Emma Goldman and Peter Kropotkin.

Summary:

- Subjectivism: Knowledge and morality are shaped by personal perspectives.

- Pragmatism: Truth is based on practical effects and consequences.

- Positive Nihilism: Embraces life's meaninglessness and creates personal meaning.

- Moral Relativism: Moral values are shaped by culture and context.

- Epicureanism: Life's goal is pleasure and happiness, and death is not to be feared.

- Individualism: Focuses on personal freedom and self-expression.

- Anarchism: Advocates for a stateless, equal society based on mutual cooperation.

These philosophies are related in the sense that they each focus on the individual and personal freedom, and they often challenge traditional norms or structures of society.

Japanese philosopher I appreciate to read about 🥀

Hiratsuka Raichō (1886–1971) was one of the most influential figures in modern Japanese feminism, and her work had a significant impact on the social and intellectual climate of Japan in the early 20th century.

She played a critical role in reshaping women's roles in society and advocating for women's rights, particularly in an era when Japanese society was still heavily influenced by traditional gender roles.

🥀Here are some key aspects of her life and philosophy:

1. The Bluestocking Movement (Seito): Raichō founded Seito (Bluestocking) magazine in 1911, a pivotal feminist publication that challenged the conventions of the time. The magazine was a platform for young women to express themselves creatively and politically. It called for social reforms and addressed issues like women’s education, suffrage, and the right to work outside the home.

2. Advocacy for Women’s Independence: Raichō’s feminist ideas were centered around the belief that women should be independent and assertive in their personal and professional lives. She argued that women were entitled to the same rights and opportunities as men, and she critiqued the societal norms that kept women confined to domestic roles.

3. Literary and Philosophical Contributions: Raichō was not only a feminist activist but also a writer and intellectual. She wrote essays, short stories, and novels that explored the struggles of women and their place in Japanese society. Her literary works often depicted women's inner lives and the emotional complexity of their experiences.

🥀Writing about Women’s Lives: Hiratsuka Raichō’s works often portrayed the complexities of women's lives, struggles, and inner worlds. Her stories delved into the emotional and intellectual lives of women, and she captured the conflicts that arose from societal expectations. Her writings frequently depicted women breaking away from societal norms and pursuing their individual desires. For example, in her early works, she explored women’s struggles with marital expectations and the tension between personal freedom and societal pressures.

🥀Promoting Female Expression: As the editor of Seito, Raichō played a significant role in encouraging women to express themselves creatively and intellectually. She published essays, poetry, and stories by women that explored their experiences in a male-dominated society. The writings in Seito often dealt with themes of love, independence, and social change, and Raichō’s own works were part of this broader effort to redefine the role of women in Japan.

🥀Themes of Individual Freedom and Self-Liberation: Her works expressed her deep belief in the necessity of individual freedom. She often wrote about the importance of women asserting their autonomy and rejecting societal pressures. Her writings encouraged women to seek personal fulfillment, whether through art, education, or relationships, and she advocated for a life lived on one’s own terms.

🥀Feminist Philosophy and Gender Equality: Raichō’s philosophical approach to feminism was deeply influenced by the idea of gender equality. She argued that the concept of “womanhood” in Japanese society was not a natural or universal condition, but something constructed by patriarchal norms. By challenging these norms, she sought to free women from the constraints of gender expectations. She emphasized the importance of autonomy and personal agency for women, and she critiqued the systems that restricted women's freedom.

🥀Criticism of Patriarchy: She was critical of the patriarchal structures that defined both Japanese society and literature. Her work, while supporting individual freedom, also critiqued the societal structures that maintained gender inequality.

🥀Influence on Later Generations: Hiratsuka Raicho's work continued to inspire future generations of Japanese feminists. Her ideas helped lay the groundwork for the feminist movements of the post-war period and the broader feminist discourse in Japan.

Her work as a writer, social activist, and intellectual made her an important figure in both the feminist and literary movements in Japan. She was part of a generation of women who sought to redefine their roles and assert their independence in a rapidly changing world.

If you're interested in philosophy and individualism, Raichō’s ideas could be inspiring, especially her emphasis on self-liberation and the rejection of societal expectations placed upon women. She was an early advocate for the kind of freedom and personal growth that you're interested in, which makes her a fascinating figure to explore further.

Many male philosophers throughout history have also disagreed with the societies of their times, often offering critiques of social, political, and cultural norms. These philosophers have questioned traditional values, institutions, and systems of power, aiming to challenge the status quo and promote alternative ways of thinking and living.

For example:

🥀 Socrates(469–399 BCE) – Socrates questioned the conventional beliefs of Athenian society and the justice of its political system. His method of questioning, known as the Socratic method, was aimed at encouraging critical thinking and self-reflection. This approach led to his eventual trial and execution, as his ideas were seen as a threat to the established order.

🥀Friedrich Nietzsche(1844–1900) – Nietzsche challenged the morality and religious values of his time, particularly Christianity. He famously declared "God is dead," suggesting that traditional religious beliefs were no longer relevant in the modern world. Nietzsche's ideas on the "Übermensch" (Superman) and the will to power were radical and sought to inspire individuals to transcend conventional societal norms.

🥀Karl Marx (1818–1883) – Marx critiqued the capitalist systems of his time, arguing that they led to the exploitation of the working class. His ideas about class struggle, historical materialism, and the need for a revolution to overthrow capitalism challenged the prevailing economic and social structures.

🥀Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) – Rousseau critiqued the inequality and corruption he saw in society, particularly in the context of the social contract and government. In his work The Social Contract, he argued that legitimate political authority rests on a social agreement where individuals give up some freedoms in exchange for collective security, but this authority must be grounded in the common good.

🥀Michel Foucault (1926–1984) – Foucault questioned the power structures within society, particularly in relation to institutions like prisons, psychiatry, and the medical field. His work focused on how power operates in society and how knowledge is used to control individuals.

🥀Herbert Marcuse (1898–1979) – A member of the Frankfurt School, Marcuse critiqued capitalist society and modern industrialism. He argued that modern capitalist societies repress individuals by creating false needs and promoting consumerism. His work contributed to critical theory and was influential in the student movements of the 1960s.

These male philosophers, like many female philosophers, sought to critique and challenge the values, structures, and assumptions of their societies, often with the aim of creating a more just, free, and thoughtful world. Many of their ideas continue to resonate today in various fields of philosophy, politics, and social theory.

In conclusion,

my philosophy is a unique blend of various schools of thought, where personal experience, practical living, and individual freedom take precedence. My interests align with ideas that embrace subjectivity, the fluidity of morals, and the quest for meaning in an often indifferent or harsh world. I value the exploration of my inner world while acknowledging the complexity of the external world, drawing inspiration from pragmatic actions and a gentle acceptance of life’s uncertainties. This philosophical perspective allows for a flexible, evolving approach to existence, where meaning and purpose are crafted through personal reflection, experiences, and interactions with the world.

My ideas can be seen as a modern, fluid synthesis of various philosophical traditions—subjectivism, pragmatism, positive nihilism, and moral relativism combined with a desire for individual freedom and self-expression. I navigate life with an open heart, embracing both the beauty and challenges it offers while rejecting dogmatic doctrines. It’s a philosophy that cherishes personal growth, introspection, and the search for meaning, unbound by rigid definitions or external constraints.