Momma & philo

My mom is great. Earlier this summer, it occurred to me that it would be nice to learn more about Western philosophy. If I had finished my schooling in France, I would've certainly had a better foundation in it. As it is, I really have none. In French high schools, kids have to take"philo" (fee-lo) and pass an exit exam to receive their diploma. It makes for more a well-rounded education, definitely. Just listen to a "man on the street" interview in France versus, well, the US.

My mom knew of my interest, and recently forwarded me a little tool to help me on my quest. It's from a book called Une Semaine de Philosophie: 7 questions pour entrer en philosophie. (A Week of Philosophy: 7 questions to get into philosophy, by Charles Pépin)

This approach of taking on some simple questions and turning them over in your mind, one by one, appeals to me. Maybe others will find it useful too. I'm hoping to revisit these topics in future entries.

Lundi: Réfléchir peut-il nous rendre heureux?
Monday: Can thinking make us happy?

Mardi: Faut-il respecter les lois?
Tuesday: Should laws be respected?

Mercredi: Pourquoi la beauté nous fascine-t-elle?
Wednesday: What is so fascinating about beauty?

Jeudi: Qu'apprend-on vraiment a l'école?
Thursday: What do we really learn in school?

Vendredi: Faut-il croire en Dieu?
Friday: Should we believe in God?

Samedi: La démocratie est-elle le meilleur régime politique?
Saturday: Is democracy the best form of government?

Dimanche: Comment se préparer a mourir?
Sunday: How do we prepare ourselves to die?