Branches of Philosophy

There are four distinct branches of philosophy: Logic, Epistemology, Metaphysics, and Theoretical Ethics. Logic is a study of the forms of correct reasoning. Epistemology is the study of the nature of knowledge and how we should justify our knowledge claims. Metaphysics is the study of the ultimate nature of features of reality that can't be studied by empirical science. The branch that I most identify with and find most interesting is Logic. I am a Finance major so I enjoy reasoning through numbers. I usually have to see factual evidence of something to believe it. I also enjoy Epistemology because it also deals with how we justify claims.

http://matthewtorok.brandyourself.com/

Wisdom

We begin the second half of the semester with a different professor, with a different philosophy on teaching. We are presented with the different forms of wisdom: Theoretical and Practical. Theoretical Wisdom is a true and justified understanding of the facts about reality. Practical Wisdom is having a correct and justified set of values for living with. I feel that it is important for people to have a balance between the two. It is important to know the facts when making a decision (Theoretical) but you shouldn't base your decision just on the facts. You also have to take into account the ethics and morals behind your decision. (Practical) As a result, to live a meaningful life one should be both theoretically and practically wise.
Matthew Torok

Allegory of the Cave

Plato's Allegory of the Cave begins with prisoners chained to a cave. They are controlled by puppet masters who lead them to believe that shadows of figures cast by the fire represent reality. One day a prisoner escapes the cave. The prisoner experiences actual reality and returns back to the cave to describe reality outside of the cave. The other prisoners respond angrily. Even though this allegory was written almost 2000 years ago, I feel that it still applies to society today. We, the people, represent the prisoners and the government or others in power are the puppet masters. Our chains are the lies and propaganda we are told. The escaped prisoner represents someone who stands up against this propaganda and tells of what is wrong with it. Even in today's society, people who stand up against these lies are usually looked down upon because they are going against the societal norm.

Mind vs Body

One case we we're asked to debate on was whether or not we'd travel to Mars by having our minds transferred from Earth to a new, identical body on Mars. I personally believe that what makes a person is their soul, mind, cogito, or whatever you choose to call it. I think the quote "I think therefore I am" helps to explain my view. You exist as a person because you can think freely. Your body does not do the thinking. It is your mind and soul, which determine who you are as a person. So going back to the original case about teleporting, I would definitely have to say go for it. Even though you'd be getting a new body, you would still have your original soul and mind and as mentioned earlier these are your most important parts.