Entering Into the Arena

Reason thinks about things concerning the facts vs fiction; if something is doable or impossible. Desires are associated with likes and dislikes. Coupled together, we make choices that result in actions.  With each desire experienced, we think about the ramifications and determine if pursuing it will lead to a good and happy life. To make quality choices two areas are in agreement: desire and intellect.  To be governed by desire alone will take away choices. To live by reason alone, ignoring our own desires, also takes away choice.  By combining deliberation and desire, factors such as timing, others and the best approach enter into the mix and choices are given freedom and quality.  This is the practical application of our intellect.

 We cannot be creatures of choices without having the ability to fulfill our own desires, having a concept of right and wrong, and a way for us to determine the best way to live an enjoyable life. Our intellect is the arena of determination so it is a good idea to study it out.When the intellect is working in the arena of morals and character it is working with our desires. But the function of our intellect by itself is determining the difference between fact and fiction; true and false.  

The arenas of the soul where truth is examined are art, scientific knowledge, practical wisdom, philosophical wisdom and intuitive reason. Things such as judgment and opinion don’t belong in this arena since we are concerned only about truth and want to lay aside feelings and self-interest.

People tend to generalize and put everything under science so we need to describe what we mean in this context. Scientific knowledge comes from things that exist. We examine them and form conclusions about their characteristics. It forms the foundation of our knowledge since we learn by association. The more we are organized at examining things properly and in context, the more likely our conclusions will be accurate. Most of the everyday things we conclude are assumed. Science demonstrates in depth conclusions about similarities and reactions. Observed consistencies are true while inconsistencies are false.

Art is a word that is used toward design today. But what it really means is the ability to make things. And we will examine this next time…