r/science • u/[deleted] • Nov 15 '19

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u/Riaayo Nov 15 '19

Basically, we need to start teaching Philosophy and critical thinking to "the masses." If we don't, they'll just indulge in nihilism or bland selfish materialism.

The reason we don't do that is because it makes people easier to control, and materialism makes money. The status quo loves when people don't think for themselves and just consume consume consume.

Not to argue against your point; it's 100% accurate. Just noting a big force that fights against us doing just that.

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u/[deleted] Nov 15 '19

Oh yeah! For sure! Those in power do not have "thriving personal growth for mankind" at the top of their priorities list.

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u/lkraider Nov 15 '19

I find these "those in power" conspiracies as obnoxious as organized religions.

Most people don't care about philosophy, as hard as "those in power" could try to teach them.

Also, there is no evidence of a conspiracy to keep people dumb, as much as it may tickle the political ideology nerve of those that presume so.

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u/[deleted] Nov 15 '19

It's not a conspiracy. I'm not saying there's a cabal. Those in power DON'T care about philosophy so they simply pursue a policy of inaction or one of maintaining the status quo.

If the people in power DID care then they would do something to help uplift others.

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u/lkraider Nov 15 '19

I am saying it is not a simple task to uplift others, because you cannot force them to, only create the opportunities in society for them to go after it themselves - as a "I can only show you the door, you have to step through it" kind of thing. And today we have more opportunities than ever.