Monday, October 30, 2006
Plato and DaVinci's Notebook
Have you heard the latest episode of The Acapodcast?
At the very least, listen to the first track in the latest episode, a wonderful number by DaVinci's Notebook. Besides being amazing music, it is also damn funny.
Also, check out this video. Warning: Mature content in lyrics.
Seriously, man, listening and watching this kind of stuff always makes me want to sing a cappella. If only I can arrange half as well. Oh wells.
I recently came across an interesting article on the Euthyphro Dilemma, by a particular forum member of a particular forum I visit regularly.
Euthyphro, as you may know, is one of Plato's many dialogues. I was aware of the general idea of the work, but had never read it in full. Apparently it is available in Wiki, so here it is; it isn't terribly long, but quite brilliant as you may expect from Plato.
The gist of the matter is, as you may have guessed by now, translated into modern monotheistic terms, "Is what is moral commanded by God because it is moral, or is it moral because it's commanded by God?". This present a problem for Christian thought because if what is moral is only so because it is commanded by God, that hardly seems fair and, indeed, sounds very much like tyranny, while the alternative, that God commands that which is moral, begs the question of exactly what moral basis God is referring to when making that choice. Now at first glance it seems to be almost too perfect. Socrates seems to have Euthyphro soundly beaten! There goes the theistic basis for morality!
But wait! A closer examination of the argument presented by Socrates (Plato) enables one to poke many logical holes in his argument, as presented by this essay.
Facinating. Well, at least I think it is.
Departing from the realm of Philosophy, is anyone going for the Rockapella concert? I can't seem to find anyone interested in going with me. Also, the Swingle Singers are coming to town this December!
LFM A Cappella concerts pst.
{/3:13 PM}
me