Introduction
Philosophy is a rather complicated and highly rewarding discipline to study as it offers a variety of issues for analysis. However, during such contemplation, one may realize that one’s previously established views or ideas are wrong or, at least, can be doubted. During the course, several topics were eye-opening for me to the extent that they made me change my perspective on them. Namely, the issues of divine deontological ethics, cultural ideals, and conventional meanings of ‘good’ or ‘justice’ were the most thought-provoking.
Kierkegaard’s “Virtue of the Absurd”
Kierkegaard’s idea about the virtue of the absurd turned my previously held beliefs about religion and faith upside down. Before reading this source, I was convinced that Abraham’s story is the highest virtue since he sacrificed his only son in the name of his faith. Nonetheless, Kierkegaard’s explanation of Abraham’s act made me reconsider that notion. The philosopher posits that Abraham’s being “higher than the universal” can only be explained by “virtue of the absurd” (Kierkegaard 56). Upon carefully considering the author’s explanation, I started understanding that Abraham would not have sacrificed Isaac had he not been in a spiritual trial. Hence, the reading helped suggest an alternative view on my rationalization of the virtue.
Freud’s View of Civilization and Its Accomplishments
Another topic that offered an interesting reflection angle was that Freud gave in his analysis of society and culture. I have always believed that our civilization is highly well-developed and undoubtedly worth cherishing and defending. However, reading Freud’s notion that many individuals doubt whether “what little” we have acquired “is indeed worth defending at all” (7) made me doubt my notion. I had considered our civilization a flourishing organization in all realms, including culture, politics, economics, and others. Yet, the reading made me see that people’s fight for material wealth has blinded them to crucial things, such as equality and a respectable attitude toward nature.
Plato’s ‘Good’ and ‘Justice’
The third point that made me alter my convictions was related to Plato’s ideas of ‘good’ and ‘justice.’ I have previously considered that people who abide by the laws and treat others well should be the happiest and most rewarded. Notwithstanding this belief, I started doubting the correctness of my judgment upon reading The Republic. Plato argues that a just man will never be “better off at the end of the deal than the unjust” (25). When I read this theory, I reevaluated some situations when I was right yet did not end up in a better state than the ones who were wrong and realized that Plato’s concept was legitimate.
Conclusion
The discussed ideas are only a few that were genuinely eye-opening and changed my perspective on things. Although some may find it difficult to doubt their beliefs, I consider such an opportunity valuable. By learning different opinions and arguments set forth by prominent philosophers, I could comprehend important ideas deeper and evaluate them from a different viewpoint, which was somewhat gratifying.