Modern Day Philosophes
Who do you consider to be a modern day Philosophe? Think of someone who represents many of the same ideals as the Philosophes. Someone who communicates their ideas about society in a witty, sarcastic, or entertaining method. Perhaps they are a writer, give speeches, use film or music etc. to communicate their ideas to the public. Provide some evidence or reasons for your choice.
Rick Mercer is someone who I believe to be an example of a modern day philosophe as he uses wit, and satire to convey his opinions on various subjects such as the Canadian Government and politics. He uses his popular show The Rick Mercer Report to voice his opinions through entertaining skits and his famous rants, poking fun while simultaneously making a point about a topic. An example of his wit and humour is where Rick rants about Steven Harper spending money on people to tell him how to cut government spending, saying “Did you know the concept of irony is introduced in Canadian schools at about grade 8 and many teachers say it is a difficult concept for the children to grasp. Not any more, thanks to Mr. Harper, because the idea of spending 90 thousand dollars a day to get tips on how not to spend money, that is the new textbook definition of irony. A five year old will understand irony after this” (http://www.rickmercer.com/Rick-s-Rant.aspx). By pointing out the idiocy of Steven Harper’s reasoning in a humorous way he gets your attention while conveying an opinion.
There is no doubt that Penn Jillette (part of the Vegas magic duo Penn & Teller) is a modern day philosophe. Like Baron D’Holback from the 18th century, Penn speaks to and promotes atheism in his work. Not only is he an atheist, but he is a MILITANT atheist, reaching out to people whenever he can. He does this mostly through podcasts, books and television shows. His most recent book is entitled “God No: Signs You May Already Be An Atheist And Other Magical Tales”. It is a very entertaining and thought provoking book that provides insight into religion based on his own real life experiences. I also suggest looking up his podcasts called “PennPoint”. My favourite is “Agnostics Suck” which can be found on YouTube. Finally, if you’re really interested, look up his television show “Bullshit!” It is very enlightening and he discusses MANY religious topics. (He also has a new, web show called Penn’s Sunday School. I haven’t looked into it yet, but it apparently airs Sundays at 12 if you’re interested. http://www.pennsundayschool.com, I think.)
So, it is obvious that Penn Jillette is very active in the societal issue of religion, and many others through many modern mediums. He is definitely a modern day philosophe!
In my opinon, John Lennon is (or was) a modern philosopher. John believed that every individual represents a singularity of potential, and they can affect or influence another person. He questioned peoples’ opinion of the world’s popultaion as violent, self-gratifying and inconsiderate and suggests that if enough of us decide to change our attitudes and views on life then we can change the entire society. John Lennon spread his message using media and his music. As the leader of the beatles, he chose to sing about his beliefs and his philosophies. One of his most famous songs, Imagine, states that if everyone lives in the moment and stop fighting, we could live in peace, stop war and end arguments over things like religion. he states “Imagine all the people living for today, Imagine there’s no countries, It isn’t hard to do, Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too, Imagine all the people living life in peace…” This suggests dropping religion, forgetting race and countries and accepting everyone as a whole to live in peace. While there are many flaws in John Lennons philosophies he spread his beliefs and views to a public and changed many peoples’ opinions.
In my opinion, I believe that Ken Wilber is a modern day philosopher. Ken Wilber has writen over sixteen books about many things. Some of his books are about mysticism, philosophy, ecology and also on developental psychology. Out of these books he has created a theory that he calls “Integral Theory” The reason why I choose to do Ken Wilber as a modern day philosoper is because of the way he tells the world about what he thinks. His books have brought many to wonder what really is going on in the world. Some of the title’s of his books are: “A brief history of everything” which has everything from the big bang to the world we live in now. In this book he examines the universe and our place in it, and comes up with an accessible and entertaining account of how it all fits together. “The Collected Works of Ken Wilber” is where Ken tries to fix the centuries-old problem of the relationship between science and religion. Another one of his books is called “Eye to Eye” This is where he presents his model of consciousness that encompasses empirical, psychological, and spiritual modes of understanding
I believe that Michael Moore is a very good example of a modern day philosopher. He has Directed/Produced/Written many good movies about a lot of diverse problems in out society. For example, one of his films that really hit home to me was “Bowling for Columbine”. It approached the issue of guns and violence in a sort of angry humorous way. In his quest to find the source of all the violence in America, Michael Moore takes on a deeper examination of America’s culture of fear, bigotry and violence in a nation with widespread gun ownership. He also investigates political and corporate interest fanning this culture for their own gain.
I guess what I’m trying to say is the Moore tackles issues that others wouldn’t do so in a way that would get across so effectively. He is not afraid of the possible repercussions of what he says and writes, much like earlier philosophers.
I believe that John Lennon would be a great example of a modern day philosophe if he was still around. He had resepect for all races and didn’t believe in discrimination. He tried creating world peace through music, writing and his own words. He created protests and gatherings. He brought different races together. He wrote numerous songs that got his point across such as Give Peace a Chance, All You Need is Love, etc. Some people frowned upon him since racism, war and everything was extremely common and all over the place. His music and messages live on today.
Gene Roddenberry is an excellent example of a modern day philosophe. Through Star Trek, Roddenberry explored many aspects of the human condition, from psychology to politics the Original Series covered it all. Roddenberry’s views have had an effect on the world, his ideas about technology in the future , in their own words, inspired the creators of personal computers and cellphones as well as providing (and continuing to provide) the inspiration for numerous advances in such fields as medicine and space exploration. Roddenberry was also a philosophe in the means he distrubuted his message, by using television, he broadcast to millions through an entertaining and often humorous medium.
I think that five for fighting is like a modern philosopher. Even though hes not exactly funny, he has really meaningful songs about living life to the fullest, about life in general, and stuff like that. For example, in the song “100 years” he talks about how you only have a hundred years to live, how time goes by quickly and people come in and out of your life. He also talks about in “The Riddle” ‘the meaning of life’ what to do with your life, stuff like that. So yea, this guys pretty deep.
In my opinoin Dr. Phil is a modern day philosophe. I believe he is a modern day philosophe becasue he searches for change and improvemntes of peoples’ life. He looks at society as a whole and examines people within it. He informs, aids and analyzes our soiciety and the people within it.
Dr.Phil shows respect to people of all forms and colours. No matter the gender or race he will take people in and help disccuss their problems and teach them how to better themselves. Dr. Phil has a strong grasp of people today and his opinoin matters to a large majority of us as im suremost of us have seen at least one of his talk shows.
There are many people who do the same kind of thing as Dr.Phil such as Orah and Ellen Degenerous and I feeel these people all make a major impact on society and can easily be considered modern day philosophes.
The creators of South Park: Trey Parker and Matt Stone are two modern day philospohes. Every character models some aspect of life that everyone can relate. The show is a comedy that often reflects issues in society, politics and popular celebrities. South Park uses wit, humor and mockery to show their opinions which viewers can relate to.
Other examples of modern philophes are: Family guy, The Simpsons, and Futurama. They all relate to similar topics and wall use wit, humor and mockery. All of these shows are watched by audience young and old and can be enjoyed by all.
I think that Craig Kielburger is a modern day philosopher because of the ideas he has expressed as a result of the foundation he started called Free the Children. The foundation began as a way to bring hope to countries where poverty and child labour are much more common than in Canada or the United States. Free the Children got people interested in helping others in need, and shown a light on the issue of child labour in countries where it would otherwise be considered the norm. This was such a radical idea because it started a global unity where it wasn’t about how fortunate you were or how developed your country was, but focused on the equality of all people. Even though some parts of the planet do not always share similar rights or privileges.
Another idea that makes Craig Kielburger a modern day philosophe is the fact that the strides he has made to make his foundation and help children in other countries were done while he himself was also a kid. The basis of this idea is the power of youth, who have, until now, had no affect on influencing governments or rights while at a young age. Free the Children is and organization by kids and for kids.
I think that an example of a modern day philosopher is Bob McDonald, who is the host of the CBC Radio talk show “Quirks and Quarks”. He is one of Canada’s best known science journalists, and I think that he can also be considered a philosopher, because he is well educated in a very wide range of topics. When interviewing guests to the show, Bob is able to offer his informed opinions on every topic, and speculate about their meanings.
Bob is highly educated, having been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Calgary and an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Winnipeg, along with an honorary Doctorate of Science from McMaster University, and a Doctorate of Letters from Laurentian University.
I think that Bob Marley is a modern day philosphel. He expressed his opinions in his music.He longed for peace and love around the world and even now after his death he has changed the thought of people and a lot of people expecially teenagers loop up to him.
^ I remember when I “looped up” to Bob Marley back in the good old days….
In my personal opinion, I consider Tupac Shakur (Old school rapper) to be an evident prime/ideal example of a modern day philosophe. I believe this because Pac’s music and upbeat energetic persona has the ability to motivate people worldwide to have a more optimistic outlook on life.
Through his unique, empowering voice and individualized “From-the-heart” signature lyrics, Tupac is able to intricately communicate his struggles as an individual (being born into poverty & living in the Ghetto) as well as scrutinizing, analysing and voicing his opinion on controversial world issues. Tupac also discusses his uprising of success in life and his career as a rapper.
I believe that due to Pac’s musical genre being of the rap variety, this causes the effect of his music to be “flowing” because of his consistent rhymes. Thus, provokes listeners be more attentive.
For example:
Tupac, in the hit single “Changes” pokes aggressively at the fact that there has yet to be a black president (symbolizing the inequality and discrimination in our flawed society).
“I see no changes, all I see is racist faces, misplaced hate makes disgrace to races”
As well as his other hit single “Keep Ya Head Up”
This song provides some enlightenment regarding how many of our women in society are mistreated verbally, sexually and physically and how unacceptable it is.
“And uhh, I know they like to beat ya down a lot
When you come around the block brothas clown a lot
But please don’t cry, dry your eyes, never let up
Forgive but don’t forget, girl keep your head up
And when he tells you you ain’t nuttin don’t believe him
And if he can’t learn to love you you should leave him
Cause sista you don’t need him.”
Not only is he producing musical entertainment, but is presenting it in an often informative manner. In many scenarios/circumstances many of us are able to relate to his songs because of their relevance to our own lives. Tupac was murdered due to his affiliation with gangs, but goes down in history as a lyrical genius, a philosophe and ultimately an admirable legend.
Jon Stewart In my opinion is a modern day philisoph. He has challenged many controversies on his late night talk show ”The Daily Show”. Jon has attacked at religious views that go against human rights and does it in a satiric routine. ONe thing he commonly asks questions about are his governments views on change. To change the rules and laws the government advertises each party in a way to make them look bad, so Jon will come up with a comedy act to make it funny but informative. He has done this and has made Fox news say many quotes against his thought process’s and making him seem wrong.
A modern philosophe is, to quote from the assignment, “someone who communicates their ideas about society in a witty, sarcastic, or entertaining method.” I know someone who did just this.
George Carlin is one of the most influential comedians to ever hit the stage. As a comedian, most of his acts were focused around bringing attention to problems with our world and relentlessly making jest of them. His brand of philosophy is heavily saturated in sarcasm and outright disbelief at the issues that plague our society to this day. The serious flaws that he brought to the light were communicated effectively, and put in a witty, sarcastic AND entertaining method. George Carlin is the most prominent philosopher of our age, and a true modern-day philosophe.
I think that James Excalibur Barber is a modern day philosopher. Even though he is not famous or well known like the philosophers that my classmates have chosen I believe that he has a brilliant mind that has truly changed the way that my friends and I think. Through inspirational speeches and seminars James has taught us many things that will help improve our lives including money management, doing well in school, being athletic, and drug and alcohol abuse. Thank you James for everything you have done for us, we greatly appreciate it <3
A moderin day philosphe is Lisa Ling, a reporter who is regularly featured on Oprah. She travels throughout the world and reports about diverse and touchy subjects, then translates them back in a way that everyone can relte to and sympathize with aswell as understand. She also does stand-up comedy based around the issues she researches.
I think that Bob Marley is a modern day philisophe as he takes poor countries and brings it upon himself to cure racism and give people hope in the worst ecanomical positions for a country. He also tries to help people not worry about anything. Bob Marley is a great phliosopher using music to get across to the population and using a religion and a way of life making it famous.
I think that the Z-Boys were all philosophes. They went from young surfers who were trying to make their way in the sport to skateboarding superstars. They revolutionized the skateboard world and solidified their names in skateboarding lore. They went from a bunch of no-name hooligans to childhood idols all in a matter of years. They didn’t care what people outside of their circle thought of them; all they cared about was skateboarding. When their was a drought in California, they would always go find some empty backyard pools and skate for hours in them. That was the first true bowl riding that happened in skateboarding.
Slawomir Mrozek is a Polish playwright, cartoonist, writer, and journalist who is known as one of the earlier playwrights to create works in the genre of Theatre of the Absurd. He was raised in the Stalin era and still wrights to this day. The term Theatre of the Absurd was coined from a book that discussed many European playwrights who wrote satirical plays that looked at the absurdity of humanity and life in general.
One of his pieces of work is called Striptease, where there are two men trapped in a room. One is an intellectual, the other an activist. The intellectual believes inaction will best preserve his will, while the activist will protest and argue anything to preserve his. Eventually they are forced to strip, and they both create elaborate explanations as to why they follow along with it; explanations as to how they are still preserving their will.
Another one of his stories, The Elephant, is about a zoo where they are forced to have a balloon elephant instead of a real one for financial reasons. A class of young children visit the zoo to see the elephant that their teacher told them was thousands of pounds. When they see the elephant balloon fly away in the wind they return home, no longer believing in elephants.
In all of his cartoons, columns, plays, TV shows, shorts, etc. Slawomir Mrozek pokes fun of humanity, showing problems he finds in our thinking, poking fun of the way people have acted in the past, and will in the future. He writes of what is wrong with our society as a lesson to be learned in his entertaining and popular work.
David Suzuki is a good example of a modern day philosophe. A strong activist for the environment, he has written over 50 books and has hosted many radio and television shows such as his award winning The Nature of Things with David Suzuki, which is seen in over 40 countries. He himself helps the environment by not traveling overseas for vacation and giving lectures and speechs through webcam instead of traveling around everywhere. Recognized as a world leader in sustainable ecology he has received many awards including the United Nations Enviroment Program Medal and the Right Livelihood Award which is considered the alternate Nobel Prize. A world renowned environmentalist and a proud Canadian, David Suzuki is great example of a modern day philosophe.
I think that John Lennon was a modern day philosophe of our time..Even though he is dead, his songs hold his beliefs in them, and they were delivered across the world inspiring people to do the greater good. he was agains discrimination and beleived that everyone was equal. he wanted a world of peace and love and stood for his beleifs.
I believe that Michael Moore was a modern day philosopher because he has produced written and directed a lot of movies with a lot of political issues. He presents issues that a lot of people would want to know but are two scared to ask. Such as the scandals behind his movie Fahrenheit 9/11, about the twin towers falling down. Michael Moore always stands up for his believes and values no matter how controversial. Although he is quite Bias in his opinions, he still gets his point across. He is making a difference in today’s society, so I believe that he is a modern day philosopher. Like Cody said a modern day philosopher is someone who communicates there ideas about society in a witty, sarcastic, or entertaining method. This is exactly what Michael Moore does in all of his films, so I believe he is a modern day philosopher.
I believe that Matt Groening would be a modern day philisophe. Instead of posters and pamphlets, he uses his Simpsons episodes to cover many topics that are prominent in today’s modern world. A great example would be the way celebrities are portrayed. Today they are what most people follow and talk about, some even value celebrities lives over their own and devote themselves to their Hollywood idols.
Another big issue The Simpsons has tackled from the very beginning of the show are cartoons and how violence affects the youth of today. They effectively show this whenever Lisa and Bart watch Itchy and Scratchy. Lisa knows how to be a better person, whereas Bart is more easily influenced by the violence and acts out as a result.
Bart’s violence can also be attributed to his father (Homer) strangling him. This also attacks the old social norm of “disciplining” your child. No longer in this day and age does this happen on a regular basis, but it still happens.