For this month we chose the topic:
idealism
/aɪˈdɪəˌlɪzəm/
noun
1. belief in or pursuance of ideals
2. the tendency to represent things in their ideal forms, rather than as they are
3. any of a group of philosophical doctrines that share the monistic view that material objects and the external world do not exist in reality independently of the human mind but are variously creations of the mind or constructs of ideas Compare materialism (sense 2), dualism (sense 2)
The Idealist strives for perfection or at least improvement, while the Realist says reality will be the final judge. The Realist says great evil has been done in the name of ideas while the Idealist says our greatest teachers have been idealists. But the Buddha advised seeking the real and rejecting dogma. However are not all ‘isms‘ idea driven, including Buddhism, UUism, … even Realism? For better or worse humans are idea driven, always mistaking the symbol for the thing, the model for reality, hence is it realistic to pretend otherwise? Given that all supposed reality is filtered through and shaped by our senses and mind, how real is it, really? And what is the relationship between Idealism and Hope?
Join us to listen to what others think and to share what you think. The Religious Exploration Salon is a group that meets 3rd Sundays to discuss various topics in the format called Bohm Dialogue which emphasizes respectful listening and balanced, synergistic sharing. For more details about how Dialogue works, please see this intro.
Everyone is welcome. You are welcome to think about the topic beforehand but no preparation is required or expected — come as you are with whatever thoughts/intuitions you have, ready to listen, learn and contribute. We next meet Sunday Feb 19th at 7pm in the Brackett Room.
Contact Paul Reising, Tom Yelton or Jan Hardenbergh for more information.