Science → Faith → Enlightenment
Reality & Existence
- Metaphysics: Substance and form lay the foundational understanding of objects, which then relates to causation and change in determining their dynamic existence. The relationship between universals and particulars explores how general concepts manifest in specific instances, underpinned by the nature of substance and the processes of change.
- Philosophy of Science: Empiricism emphasizes deriving knowledge from sensory experiences, which then feeds into the philosophy of scientific realism about the veracity of scientific theories. Both are then applied within the frameworks of scientific methodology, ensuring that empirical data and theoretical constructs align effectively.
- Philosophy of Religion: The nature of divinity provides foundational beliefs for the religion in question, influencing personal experiences and setting the stage for potential conflicts or harmonies between faith and reason. Faith might be informed or challenged by reason, and personal religious experiences can reinforce faith or raise questions about the nature of divinity.
Knowledge & Reason
- Epistemology: Beliefs are continually being assessed for justification to be considered knowledge. Skepticism brings challenges to this process, testing the robustness of justifications and potentially reshaping our sources and methods of acquiring knowledge. These sources then, in turn, influence the beliefs we hold and how we justify them.
- Logic: Deductive reasoning sets general rules, which, when applied to specifics, lead to particular conclusions. Induction works oppositely, using specific observations to infer general principles. Recognizing fallacies ensures both deductive and inductive reasoning remain sound, maintaining the integrity of logical processes.
- Philosophy of Language: Semantics offers an understanding of meaning in language. Syntax structures this meaning, while pragmatics contextualizes it. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of how language conveys ideas, how it should be structured, and how context can change meaning.
Value & Conduct
- Ethics: Normative ethics presents guidelines for moral behavior. Meta-ethics investigates the nature and origin of these moral values, potentially influencing or reshaping normative claims. Applied ethics, in contrast, tests these moral frameworks against real-world scenarios, refining both normative guidelines and our meta-ethical understanding.
- Aesthetics: Definitions of art set the stage for understanding its nature. Artistic representation then becomes a means of navigating the relationship between art and reality, while the value in art assesses the importance and impact of these representations, feeding back into our definitions and appreciations.
- Political Philosophy: The concepts of rights and justice lay foundational principles for governance, with authority and power providing structures for their application. Democracy and freedom then serve as mechanisms to ensure that these rights are preserved and that power remains accountable. Each influences the other, as the nature of rights might shape democratic processes, which in turn can redefine authority structures.
Spiritual Leadership
My name is Jason Spangehl. I spent my life trying to figure out what it is that is just off about the world. I began innocent, became a skeptic, and found faith through reason and understanding. What I have found to believe in, I think you can believe in too.
I have taken a vow to be bound to this cycle of existence until all sentient beings attain enlightenment, and that includes you.
Support My Cause
In the world today, clear and noble purpose is rarely paired with robust financial resources,
And yet, it is clear to me that the enlightenment I share must not only be free to all, but I must devote my life to sharing and explaining what I have learned with the world.
As such, I depend on the kindness of strangers to support my efforts, and you may donate if you wish.