In the Histroy of Philosophy; Ancient Philosophy class that I am also taking this term, we have just finished working with the Socratic dialogue Gorgias, in which Plato defends Socrates' way of life. Perhaps the most essential argument within this text is whether the life should be lived for the good of the soul or for the pleasure of the body. That is: should we use philosophy to better spirit, or spend our time gaining more worldly things through politics and rhetoric? Socrates, as you may have guessed, advocates the former - his friend Callicles sets out to prove the later.
Without delving too far into the specifics of this debate, do you see how this could relate to Horkeimer? Where does the rise of the bourgeoisie fit in? Objectivism vs. Subjectivism?
Patrick?
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Well Micheal,
ReplyDeleteTo respond to this, I must agree with Socrates in the fact that life should be about living for the good of the soul, using philosophy to better the spirit, in a metaphysical sense, earthly pleasures would have no context in life, since expanding and enhancing the spirit and mind (perhaps through religion? or knowledge?) would be more beneficial to the body as a whole. This relates to Horkheimer and to the Burgeoisie by questioning the act of pursuing earthly materialistic pleasures. Obviously a subjectivist view concerning material things, and in relation to the improvement of the spirit would be objective.
Just to add to the question of preferring life to lived by earthly pleasures, and in relation to past class discussions, our favorite sicko and creator of sadism, Le Marquis de Sade, profound author of explicit, grotesque erotic compilations such as Justine and 120 Days of Sodom (which was discussed in class), would have to advocate for the pursuit of earthly, flesh driven desires as a means to live life. His philosophy would be that pleasure by earthly means, and not by spiritual pursuits would be the key to life. I wouldn't take his advice to heart though, since during his life he mutilated and killed French prostitutes for sexual pleasure, and was hence imprisoned for the remainder of his life. I must say that for this example, he certainly takes the extreme option of earthly pleasures.
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