Capitalism/
Entrepreneurism:
|
Capitalism.org
Capitalism.net
NaturalCapitalism
American Enterprise Inst
Competitive Enterprise Inst
|
Trade, especially free trade with no tricks, is by far more profitable than war, for all
involved.
Competition in the marketplace advances the progress of humankind.
True progress comes from lifting oneself up, not from being pushed up by others.
Initiation of force should be the last resort, and for self-defense only. Try Peace before
War.
Art, music, cuisine, etc. are only possible when one doesn't worry about the next meal all
the time. Capitalism is the only system that is truly fair and egalitarian - everything
based on actual merit.
Capitalism comes naturally from the simple concept of self-ownership. Each individual owns
their own body, their own time, their own productivity, the fruits of their own labors.
Everything else is a freely-made contract between individuals. Other political/economic
systems may look prettier on the surface, but no other system so far discovered or
invented is realistic or fair to all...
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Darwinism/
Evolutionism:
|
Darwin Day
Evolutionary Theory
EvolutionaryBiology
EvolutionRing
EvolutionHappens
Get-A-Life?|Talk.Origins
|
Adapt or die...things do change. However, this is not really as harsh as it sounds...
Evolution promotes creativity and adaptability rather than stagnation. Experience the
diversity it brings. Evolution occurs not only in a genetic (DNA) context, but in the form
of memes for ideas, languages, concepts, technology, & culture. You can ride a good
meme a long way.
Evolution is the simple result of competitive replicator theory. Despite what many may
think, simple, mindless repetition with or without mistakes can build structures of
enormous complexity.
Consider: the amazing complexity of the fractal Mandlebrot set is given by: zn+1=zn2+c.
Simple rules * endless repetition --> complex structure. That is evolution.
The secret of Life itself is founded on this. Nothing more is necessary.
Arguments about how improbable it is for life to emerge this way are disputed thusly: here
we are... If you have a better explanation for how, then show some proof.
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(Soft)
Determinism:
|
DeterminismDef
Soft-Determinism
Nature of Freewill
FreeWill&Determinism
FreeWill-Determinism
|
Although we are made of quantum legos, ultimately obeying deterministic evolutionary laws;
moral responsibility and free-choice/free-will are valid and necessary concepts, although
perhaps not quite in the same way as you might believe. Just because one's fate is
determined, doesn't mean that one has to be a fatalist - you don't know for sure
what is going to happen; only the Universe as a whole "knows" that. We
have a "virtual" sense of free-will, just like we have "virtual"
senses of awareness, consciousness, and sentience - all are the synergistic, emergent
expressions that occur when lots of quantum stuff works together to make that which we
call life. What is called "free-will" is an excellent approximation to
what we "sense".
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Eclecticism:
|
Eclecticism
Tolerance
Moderation
Open-mindedness
Free-Thought
|
Eventually, the rational philosophical systems will be integrated and united in the same
way that the sciences have been; i.e. simply seen as different aspects of the same
underlying principles.
You're not the only one with a good idea...and a good idea is good regardless of its
source.
Life is an open system, with wonders to be found in many different viewpoints.
Be tolerant of others alternative views...learn positive things from everyone and
everything.
It is possible for different peoples to live together in peace...
Cooperation of differences leads to success for all. Together we Stand, United we Advance.
Diversity makes life interesting; everything the same is boring.
However, not be tolerated are those that preach hatred, fear, lies, or injustice, let them
experience what they preach. Tolerate only that which does not harm yourself or others.
Make no deals with your enemies. Fight for what is right, and when fighting, fight to win.
Moderation of extremes of all types leads to a harmonious life...
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Globalism:
|
|
Like it or not, we are a global society. Local actions have global consequences. The world
is becoming a smaller, more intimate place; this is a good thing. It allows interactions
between different cultures, each learning from the other. Some people say that all this
mixing will destroy some cultures. That may be, but it will create new ones as well. This
is simple evolution; and dynamic changing cultures are stronger and more vibrant than
static ones. Museums exist to preserve the memory of the things that don't evolve. Even in
a global world, there is plenty of room for regional dialects to form. Instead of trying
to close off the borders of your own little world, embrace the fact that we are a global
society, and take advantage of it. Otherwise, go live in your own cave, don't try to put
everyone else in caves. To the anti-globalization crowd: you are fighting a losing battle
for a concept that simply won't work. Get or make a better job for yourself. Nothing
static lasts forever.
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Heroism/
Self-Actualization/
Self-Realization:
|
|
Heroes are those individuals who go against the odds and achieve/actualize their
potentials. Every person is capable of being a hero, they simply have to do their best.
These are the explorers, the inventors, the great thinkers, those who conceive of a world
that is better than now, and then make it so. This is not to say that heroes are without
fault, but the great heroes are those that will correct their faults.
The greatest tragedy is when great heroes fall... May their spirits and memories live
forever.
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(Secular)
Humanism/
Existentialism:
|
SecularHumanism
ProgressiveHumanism
AHA
HumanistNetProject
GreatLakes Humanists Society
|
You can and should be moral without a divine command, simply because it's the
right/rational thing to do. Free-trading, secular individuals can accomplish anything,
including making their own moral code to live by. Humanists have done more for civil
rights than any religious group.
"Live and let live" - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto
you" -these are universal.
Be productive, creative, compassionate, question everything, and enjoy your life...
This is a belief system that is totally internally consistent, unlike most religious
belief systems.
"Knowledge from Science, Inspiration from Art, Motivation from Compassion."
Everyone has individual, intrinsic self-worth, you don't need a "holy" book to
get it,... or remove it... Let every person use their creativity and compassion, and the
world will become better.
The major religions have held back civil liberties and equality for all more than any
other group ever throughout history, as well as having been the cause of most bloodshed.
Basically, they are divisive entities, drawing lines between those that are in the group
and everybody else.
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(Rugged)
Individualism/
Egoism:
|
Individualism
Liberty & Self-Responsibility
Self-Ownership
Freedom Technology Resource Directory
|
Everyone should be responsible and accountable for their own actions.
Given this, whatever you do is your own business as long as it harms nobody else.
You don't need anyone or anything, other than yourself, to control your actions or
thoughts. It's called self-discipline and self-reliance. Is it easy? No. Is it worth
the effort? Absolutely yes!
The very simple purpose of life is to live and create meaning for your life.
Have fun, do good, and stop being depressing for the rest of us. :-)
Own yourself, and no one else. Be owned by no one else. Self-reliance is a virtue.
Altruism is truly altruism only when it is voluntary. Current day "mandatory
volunteerism" is nonsense. An egoist who "gives" is truly giving. The same
cannot be said of others.
Your duty to others consists only in your own self-obligation to others, not to another's
will.
All the frivolous lawsuits going around are not result of true, responsible egoists; they
are the result of short-sighted people who are not taking responsibility for themselves,
and they are creating a society in which all people are becoming slaves to one another.
Coffee is usually hot, don't spill it on yourself - duh! The entire world is now paying
for this stupidity. The lawyers need to realize that their seemingly local actions can
have catastrophic consequences. Promote responsibility, not a quick buck!
If
you are poor, fat, lazy, ignorant, chain-smoking, drunken, addicted, or
a slob - it is
because you choose to be. It is your own problem, not someone else's.
If you want to
improve yourself, then get a job, eat right, work out, study, quit
smoking, quit drinking,
quit whatever, and clean yourself up. Take a lesson from the
handicapped people who have alternate ways of doing things. Helen
Keller, both blind and deaf, learned how to
communicate and became a positive role model for others. How you choose
to live is how you
live; and you and only you are the one who can change how you live. It doesn't take
divine guidance, a 12-step program, or a law suit: it takes a choice that only you can make. Be
self-reliant and responsible to be truly free.
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(Conservative/Classical)
Liberalism:
|
|
Original Definition: favoring individual freedom and non-revolutionary
reform; broad minded or tolerant; relating to the cultivation of general knowledge and the
humanities; rejecting authoritarian government and defending freedom of speech,
association, and religion, and the right to own property. 1) Individuals free to pursue
their own interests, as long as they don't interfere with the rights of others. 2)
Individuals allowed to earn as much money as they want, and to spend it as they desire. 3)
Individuals should not expect either government aid or inhibition in the pursuit of their
desires, as such interference only destroys individual initiative and creates indolence.
NOT the current view of those who want big government, those looking for
free hand-outs and believing that they deserve something for nothing, or anybody else who
spouts nonsense and ignorance. Society owes you only what you give it. It is your
obligation to feed yourself. The government simply has the responsibility to defend its
citizens against threat.
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Libertarianism/
FreeThought:
|
Libertarianism|Self-Government
Libertarians
Cato Inst.
Future of Freedom Foundation
|
A good government exists to serve the individual, not the other way around.
A true, rational-based government's only necessary purpose is to provide individuals:
(1) the ability to be responsible for themselves as self-owning individuals, and
(2) the ability to protect themselves from those who act irresponsibly.
Given that, people should then sink or swim on their own...
People can always pay for swimming lessons!...or teach others to swim if they so desire...
Remember, liberty is not complete freedom to do anything, it is the freedom to be
responsible.
And yes, it is the duty of our government to defend its citizenry against the terrorists,
extremist fanatics, and irrational dictators who declare their hatred for us and threaten
to blow us up!
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Merit-ism:
|
|
To earn, deserve, warrant, based on the actual facts of a legal matter; based on value,
excellence, or superior quality; the intrinsic right or wrong of any matter.
Decisions where a choice between individuals must be made, should be based on the merits
of the individuals, not on side issues such as race, ethnicity, gender, etc. It is nice to
have diversity, but it is not the primary issue. The primary issue is to get the best
person for a particular job.
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Naturalism:
|
NaturalismDef
Naturalism|Spirituality
ImpersonalUniverse
|
The REAL world, here and now, is ALL that you get - live well and do good.
I have yet to experience anything that requires a supernatural explanation.
If anyone has really experienced a "true miracle", please let me know.
Otherwise...
Seek truth and avoid falsity via science and math, all else is fantasy.
The human-made "miracles" of modern science, physics, and mathematics
beautifully provide a darn good model of the universe, and it only gets better with age.
No religious view is even close.
One can still "connect" with the universe in a "spiritual", but
naturalistic way - try scientific pantheism!
Have you truly evaluated your own belief system, or are you just following your parents
footsteps?
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|
Objectivism:
|
Tenets|AynRand|NathanielBranden
ObjectivismToday
ObjectivistCenter
Objectivism
ObjRing
Guide|Dangers
DailyObjectivist
|
Existence and consciousness exist. Reason and rational self-interest are virtues. Free
trade.
"I am; therefore, I will think." -- I like that, an interesting twist on
rationalism!
Inside of every living being is a hero, one just has to believe in oneself and use one's
wits.
However, extremes can be irrational-choose tolerance and patience if you want your
philosophy to spread and grow-Remember, Objectivism is within reach to anyone who wants
to be rational. It is not necessary to be "officially sanctioned" by
elitists, just use your own brain and be rational. The basics of this philosophy are right
on track. Just don't go extreme.
Rand's theory of concept-formation is definitely worth reading.
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Optimism:
|
DynamicOptimism?
|
"Always look at the bright side of life"... Yeah, there is some bad stuff in
everyone's life, but don't dwell on it... I guarantee you that there is a lot of good
stuff that is much more interesting, and definitely more fun. Live while you have life.
You'll be dead for a lot longer... :-) Create something that will outlive you.
Optimism says that tomorrow always has the possibility of being better than today, and
much better than yesterday. Simply learn from the past, live well in the present, strive
for a better future. Pessimism will gain you nothing, and it annoys everybody else...so
quit
it, or at least keep it to yourself. If you are "just sick and tired of blah, blah,
blah", then go take a nap. I'm not listening to it anymore and maybe you'll wake up
happier...
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(Scientific/Natural)
Pantheism/
Cosmotheism:
|
PantheismDef
Scientific Pantheism
Naturalistic Pantheism
Pantheist Age
Pantheist.net|Pantheism.net
Pantheist-Index
Pantheist Humanism
Encyclopedia:Pantheism
Einstein's Pantheism
Phoenix Pantheism
Sci-Pan FAQ
|
(God=Universe=Laws of Nature): Spirituality and science can happily and mutually coexist.
That which others believe is "god/goddess", we call the universe and the laws of
nature.
This religion/philosophy is much more positive and healthy for this world, and the people
in it, than any other that I have studied. I think that I can safely say that no one has
been killed in the name of Pantheism. Can any other religion make that claim? Salvation is
a path for this world, not another. Pantheism is a step above atheism, open to greater
possibilities, and a lot more fun. Pantheism allows for the expression of a natural
spirituality that pure atheism lacks. It allows for a feeling of connectedness with the
universe as a whole which does not need a supreme being.
Many of the ideas of paganism and New Age thinking are similar, although I would only
agree with the ones that are actually scientifically verifiable. However, I remain
open to the possibility of conversion to Jedi Knight. "May the force be with
you!" ;-)
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Physicalism/
(Physical)
Materialism
|
PhysicalismDef
|
Very similar to naturalism. Basically the universe is composed of actual, physical,
material stuff, as opposed to supernatural, magical, or divine stuff. The closest thing to
supernatural might be a black hole... created when "god" divides by zero. ;-) Of
course, Einstein/Hawking provide the natural/physical explanation via General
Relativity/Quantum Mechanics -->Math + Science rule!
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(Mathematical/Natural)
Platonism:
|
Philosophy
of Mathematics
Computational Platonism
What is Mathematics?
|
Mathematics/mathematical-entities are universal/eternal structures of the universe which
can be discovered, but not "created", by sentient beings - in exactly the same
manner that the universe itself is universal/eternal, independently of human thought,
opinion, or existence.
This could be called mathematical realism. Likewise, this mathematical structure plays a
great role in the ability of science to model the universe successfully. Mathematics is
truly the language of the universe. Simple repetition, counting: 1,2,3,... gives worlds of
complexity capable of self-introspection.
Learn to speak mathematics, and you will be able to converse with reality...
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Progressivism/
Futurism:
|
Sustained Human Progress
Humans&Tech:Symbiotic Life
Lifeboat Foundation
FutureStudies
|
Technology got us this far, and it can take us to the stars and beyond...life is really
much nicer WITH technology. To anyone who disagrees, I suggest trying to live without ANY
technology for a couple of weeks. Please let me know how long you last, and did you enjoy
it...
Technology used wisely is a candle in the dark: the brighter the flame, the further one
can see...
If you aren't part of the future, then get out of the way, we are coming through!
Sidenote: There are very few things so "perfect" that they cannot be improved...
Beware anything which claims that it is totally without error. The only such thing that I
trust is mathematics that can be derived from 1,2,3...
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(Scientific)
Rationalism:
|
Science
CriticalThinking
Rationalism
|
Evolution gave you a brain, USE IT, don't waste it. "I think; therefore, I am."
Knowledge is power, Wisdom is the responsible use of it. One should balance the other.
Rational thought uses both. Religious fundamentalism uses neither.
Seek Truth, Avoid Falsity:
to achieve these goals, one should believe that Anything Is Possible but Doubt
Everything.
Only by using both concepts together in the light of reason does one gain knowledge and
wisdom. Use of either one exclusively leads to dangerous extremes.
Be curious and full of wonder.
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(CommonSense)
Realism/
Pragmatism:
|
MonoRealism
PragmaticRealism
|
Simple...Reality exists. Monorealism is very similar to Objectivism, basically logical
extensions on naive and critical realism - the idea that "stuff" really exists,
independently of human thought or activity. It is a practical understanding and acceptance
of the actual nature of the world, rather than an idealized or romantic view of it. The
universe would still exist if there were no people around to look at it. I agree with
pragmatism in the sense that you should generally go with what works. If you study the
universe, you will find out what works. However, unlike philosophical pragmatism, I
believe that there are fundamental principles that people are capable of discovering.
Basically, this is just ordinary common sense, for those people that actually bother to
use it.
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*Science*:
=======
*Reason*:
|
EventLoc[you]=(c*now, here)
:-)
ScienceDef
John's Science + Math
|
Science: a rational, self-correcting, progressive belief system that makes verifiable,
repeatable, & accurate predictions, as well as providing a coherent model of how the
universe works. It demands the use of rational, critical thought & analysis. It is
self-correcting in the sense that new data can force the theory to modify itself to take
into account both old and new data, usually extending the power of the theory in the
process. It is progressive in the sense that it becomes a closer approximation to reality
with each increase in scientific knowledge. Consider this: only science has been able to
accurately predict previously unknown phenomena - lasers, antimatter, black holes, weak
bosons, atomic power, quantum computing, etc. All of these were unseen & unknown, then
predicted by theoretical science, and only afterwards discovered experimentally.
Science models reality better than any other belief system.
It denies prayer, faith, or mysticism as a useful means of gaining secular knowledge.
Scientific rationalism is the basis of all the connected philosophies listed here.
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Scientism:
|
ScientismDef
|
The view that methods of the natural sciences can/should be applied to any subject matter.
Basically, this is a view based on empirical evidence and realistic pragmatism. Science
and math work. They are predictive, accurate, repeatable, verifiable, can be used by
anyone who chooses to use their brain, etc. No other explanatory system comes close...
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Secularism/
Agnosticism/
Atheism:
|
FreeThinkers/Infidels
American Atheists
Rationalists
|
Be concerned with THIS LIFE, it's the ONLY ONE that you, or anyone else,
has.
Get it right the first and only time. No extended play with more quarters...and no restart
button.
If you really want to see heaven, then we mortal humans must create it right here and now,
on earth and in this universe...using the natural beauty and abundance of the world and
the wondrous art, music, technology, innovation, creativity, ingenuity, etc. that people
are capable of when inspired. Heaven is the act of achievement of a hard-working,
smart-working visionary.
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Self-Discipline:
|
Responsibility/Self-Discipline
|
I consider this one of the most important philosophies to follow. Everyone should use
their own brains and control themselves. Willpower, self-control, self-respect,
self-esteem, self-reliance, belief-in-oneself, responsibility. Morality starts with these,
and ends with their absence...
Many of the life-enhancing (as opposed to aggressive) martial arts and yogas support this
view.
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(Scientific)
Skepticism:
|
James Randi Edu Foundation
Penn & Teller
Ontario Skeptics
Skeptics Society
Skeptics Dictionary
Skeptic News
CSICOP|SkepticalInquirer
|
A healthy dose of this (pragmatic skepticism) will keep the charlatans away.
Not to be confused with the extreme philosophical position of not believing anything on
principle, which is a useless position to hold. I refute it thusly, *ouch* (stubbing
my toe in the process...)
If something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Case in point, the .com
bubble. Lots of people, including me, got burned on that one. Remember, there is no
replacement for smart/hard work and practice, practice, practice; beware the
"easy" road.
"If it seems too good to be true: then read the fine print..."
Reality rewards dedication and constant effort, not hope or hype. Use your brain.
Basically, this is just more ordinary common sense, for those people that actually bother
to use it.
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Stoicism:
|
Stoicism: Wikipedia
|
Virtue is sufficient for happiness. Mental endurance, because occasionally bad stuff will happen. Just deal with it.
|
TransHumanism/
Extropianism:
|
Extropy Institute|Max More
Extropy Online|Principles
PostHuman
TransHumanism
World TransHumanist Assoc.
TransHumanism.com
Transcendo|Transcendo>H-Links
|
Be all that you can be...and more! Achieve, Create, Exceed! "To Infinity...and
Beyond!"
We are rushing toward the future at an exponential rate...get ready for an awesome ride!
Hyper-intelligent AI, genetic manipulation, nanotech marvels, fantastic science!
Start with secular humanism as a base, and then add extreme cutting-edge technology and
its incredible possibilities. Life is fun, live it so!
BEST DO IT SO! Boundless Expansion, Self-Transformation, Dynamic Optimism,
Intelligent Technology, Spontaneous Order.
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