Body over Mind?: Philosophy Forums

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Body over Mind?

Body over Mind?

Cjwalker
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Posted 04/28/08 - 06:46 PM: Subject: Body over Mind?	#1
This is my first post, and I just recently have become interested in Philosophy~ Considering humankind and how intelligence is the key to our success as a species, is it less ethical to focus just on your body (physical appearance,strength) than on your mind? Exp...Is lifting weights for sexual attraction less productive and ethical to humanity than reading a book or critical thinking? Edited by jdrw on 04/29/08 - 11:10 AM. Reason: spelling, punctuation, font
_____________________ “I have reached inner tranquility now that I have developed introversion within myself. No matter were I end up in life, and no matter what the circumstance of my confine, I will always have an infinite mind to look upon for my own amusement”. --Me

Abiathar
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Posted 04/28/08 - 07:10 PM:	#2
I do not think that this is really a question of Ethics, as it is more a reference to one's personal choice as to how they wish to live. Many highly intelligent people learn to use the ethics of others against them, making themselves unethical, however many strong men help people on a day to day basis, go home and comb their hair for an hour. So really, I do not think that it can be perscribed as more or less Ethical.

Floyd
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Posted 04/28/08 - 11:15 PM:	#3
I try not to make ethical prescriptions, which would be religious in my opinion. Amorally speaking, focusing merely on one's body mostly seems superficial and unfulfilling to me. At least in our society, I think mind-power is more useful than good looks and body strength. But they needn't exclude each other anyway. One can train both one's mind and body. In fact, I think it's easier to do each one by doing both. In my experience, people who do not take care of their body tend to be mentally weak or mentally problematic as well. For example, overeating is often caused by depression, and vice versa. Additionally, in my experience, exercising and taking care of one's body helps strengthen the mind. For example, it relieves stress, clears the mind and builds concentration, confidence and a positive attitude.
_____________________ Short and to the point. \| Online Philosophy Club \| Book & Reading Forums \| My Philosophy Articles "Only the descent into the hell of self-knowledge can pave the way to godliness." ~Immanuel Kant

Cjwalker
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Posted 04/29/08 - 06:46 AM:	#4
I agree with you both, however I'm trying to think outside the box and deeper into this. If one only spent time on there body, and was one of those conceded types who didn't care if they were ignorant. Can't that kind of ignorance, which one would carry, lead to indirect unethical behavior? Can't an ignorance such as that lead to racism, intolerance and even genocide? Couldn't it lead to other poor habits such as greed and selfishness. Being as powerful as humans truly are, don't we all need to share a type of responsibility in preventing this kind of ignorance, by self improvement of body and mind?
_____________________ “I have reached inner tranquility now that I have developed introversion within myself. No matter were I end up in life, and no matter what the circumstance of my confine, I will always have an infinite mind to look upon for my own amusement”. --Me

Dr.Black
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Posted 04/29/08 - 12:44 PM:	#5
I have thought about this in the past, and it is interesting that you've brought it up, Cj. I must say, though, that superficiality and, therefore, ignorance (assuming that an individual devoted ALL time to physical improvement and basically NO time- or as little time possible- to intellectual development) would not necessarily lead to things like racism, intolerance, and genocide. One is not required to be of high intellect to use common sense, and I would also argue that those who have been large proponents of these things (especially genocide, and namely Hitler) have been VERY intelligent individuals. Why else would anyone follow them, and how else could they succeed? I do believe, however, that there is some sense of unethical behavior within the ultimately vain; if one were to spend ALL of his (or her) time sculpting his or her physical attributes and using these accomplishments to do no ethical good, then I believe it can be argued that his or her time would be better spent indulging in activities in which they could do good, namely the intellectual development of the individual. However, amoralists, relativists, and subjectivists will not accept this notion, but I suppose they can keep it to themselves (just kidding, guys... ) This debate reminds me of Plato's elements of a human being, as well as Aristotle's theory of the Golden Mean. Perhaps one should be the best in all fields as possible (alike to the decathalon champion,) and follow Aristotle. Then again, I see it more fit to develop all sects of the individual to the utmost, yet certainly focus on that which is of natural inclination, or perhaps that which you find to be the most beneficial. In any case, it is an interesting topic. I had actually thought of another question while considering this in the past (I was, at this time, a smoker): Is it ethical to smoke (cigarettes)? Or, for that matter, use any drug, drink alcohol, drive in a manner which is dangerous, etc. According to the Golden Mean, everything in moderation, but if we are speaking of ethics (especially consequentially) should we not be doing what is best for all (ethically) at ALL times? Then again, this is a qualm with consequentialism in general; does it not ask too much of us? Are the expectations of the utilitarian doctrine too rigorous, and therefore some above-and-beyond acts in accordance with it should be deemed superrogatory? I doubt this very much; Sartre would call us all weak, and I have to say- I agree with him. Perhaps the ultimate human is the one which is actualized with the notion that he must, at all times, do what is in the best interest for himself and all. Then again, we will be pulled in separate directions at times, will we not? Before I add another stretch of twine to this knot that I have weaved, I will stop. I do, however, find this debate to be quite pertinent- though I cannot say so for all philosophical questions, I do believe that there is an answer out there to this. Perhaps, though, I am simply exercising my "Will to Meaning"...

Cjwalker
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Posted 04/29/08 - 02:39 PM:	#6
I do also think idealistically such a being could exist. One who puts ethics above all else avoiding his (her) own conveniences and comforts as well as avoiding any at all harmful materialistic qualities. However living in a developed country requires the need for energy, transportation and other securities taken for granted, to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I would consider this “purity” as being extremely difficult to follow. To maintain that type of ethical purity, one would have to sacrifice the littlest of things that are important in any healthy life style, in todays world. Such as indoor pluming, electricity and most means of transportation. I do think that if one could live in an environment that could sustain a human life yearly, such as Native Americans do, then that idealistic form of life may occur.
_____________________ “I have reached inner tranquility now that I have developed introversion within myself. No matter were I end up in life, and no matter what the circumstance of my confine, I will always have an infinite mind to look upon for my own amusement”. --Me

Dr.Black
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Posted 04/30/08 - 12:38 AM:	#7
I feel the same, and hope that, one day, this lifestyle will be seen as attainable, virtuous, and, therefore, desireable. I know that I constantly wish to lead a more ethical lifestyle, though the small pragmatic necessities (as you mentioned,) are just that- necessary. Perhaps one could reach for the best that their current position can offer, but until one lives a lifestyle which is completely in accordance with the values that we have identified, I imagine that they would feel much unrest and unaccomplishment. Ethical "purity" was a nice way of putting it.

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