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Practical question: What does a philosopher do, when he is drugged?

Gottservant

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Hi there.

So basically I'm pretty honest about the fact that certain doctors think I should be on medication. The medication makes me extremely weary (I can only focus on the most immediate thing most of the time) and I do not reason well at the best of times. Hence, I have been watching this forum from a distance. But the thought has occurred to me, that maybe Philosophy should be able to help...

...what does a philosopher do when he is drugged?

Now, I'm thinking that the utilitarian will say "the ends justifies the means, do whatever you can to enhance your focus on the moment" which I have done. I meditate when I feel up to it and write down proverbs, on a regular basis. I try not to look at the medication as a total downer, instead providing me with an opportunity to handle pressure and develop faster cognition. But unfortunately, this leaves me with little excuse for not being on the medication, as far as the utilitarian is concerned. After all, if I see the medication as a benefit, why not stay on it?

The next thing I think is that Kant or someone like that would say that it is important to develop equanimity and objectivity, so that regardless of whether the drugs have a negative or positive impact, I remain in the best position to either benefit or move on. This makes a lot of sense, and is harder, but the reality is that on medication what is directly in line with this is unchanging from week to week, providing little stimulation and what is not directly in line with this, simply gets forgotten. As such, I remain objective, about coming off the medication, all the time, but I function very poorly about doing "normal" things, while on it. And equanimity and objectivity don't seem to help that.

The next thing I think is that Descartes would say "Imagine its all in your mind" or "You think you are drugged, therefore you are (drugged)" this is comforting at first, but after a few moments, does nothing for me. After all, I am on the medication, it is in my mind, all of it. What is more, I don't like it. The part about stating my sanity is more comforting, in that assertions of sanity have something to do with getting doctors approval to get off the medication and embracing the reality of the medication can only ground such assertions all the more in reality. So just adopting the attitude of assertion helps, but sporadically.

Socrates and plato and all the greek philosophers had funny ideas, but I get these feeling that they revolve around little more than attitudes of the heart to vague metaphysical concepts, which is basically out of touch with my suffering altogether. There was one philosopher (I forget who, he was definitely Greek) who said you should start the day feeling as negative as possible, that way whatever happens, you will enjoy it as better than what you were feeling - sort of like intellectual fasting. I do something similar to this, in that when I am taking the medication, I try to imagine that I am as much as like God as I can possibly be (bearing in mind that God is not delusional but rather humble, meaning I try to emulate the humility) that way, whatever part of my personality survives the onslaught of fatigue and so forth, is at least close to God, which is what they say you are when you suffer anyway.

My days studying philosophy you would think would help me through all this, but in fact, the only other things I really know are about time travel - well I wish I could go back in time and convince myself not to get in trouble with people who rely on psychiatrists to determine what justice is, but I can't - and Indian philosophy, which is all about castes, as far as I can remember - not particularly helpful when you consider that it is a kind of caste discrimination that keeps the psychiatrists convinced their judgment is superior to mine in every instance but my meaningless nagging. I mean I really never got told that there would be a practical component to what I was learning and there was nothing in the way of an objective assessment of how finely tuned my discernment about life matters was. Certainly they never anticipated that I would be dealing with psychiatrists that had little to no regard for my suffering in the light of the greater good.

And then there is Christ, who if anything is little more than the philosopher's inspiration or at best an institution for which all the places are filled. But there is something in that, actually, in as much as being a madman or a philosopher is equally dispossessing and if you are to focus on anything, then inspiration is it, yes inspiration. So from day to day I look to Him to lead my proverb writing and to sharpen my wit through meditation, all the while hearing my prayers which are hardly philosophical but necessary nevertheless. Indeed, He is something of a comfort. To an extent. Certainly, I cannot boast of Christ and nothing else and expect the insanity ward to let me go - they have accused me of religiosity extensively. So it is like being given the key and being told "do anything with it, but open the door, there's a good lad". I mean, what I am I supposed to do? Cut myself to sanity with theology, hardly a philosophical approach.

And I do believe there is a rational response. I would much rather believe that I can be philosophical about my treatment and be treated like a short period of time and then let go than think that I am on some sort of healing treadmill for which no philosophical appeal will be heard - much like that chap that pushes the rock up the hill in Hell, what was he there for again? Probably assertiveness that would be right. But I digress. My mind is going blank. There are various arguments I could make. My girlfriend once said I should see a psychiatrist instead of her, if you want a laugh, I was annoying her trying to talk to her when she had decided she'd had enough of me. Perhaps that is a philosophers lot: first you contemplate Hell, then you justify a reason for being there.

In that sense Philosophy is a help, not because it alleviates suffering but because it reminds me, you, us all, that suffering is normal, that even the best of men, without pandering to God (as if that was something anyone could do, even in the greatest suffering, being born in ignorance, a sinner, like all the rest) cannot but suffer. I suppose that is a kind of fatalism. The danger of course there is that I start to think the medication is forever or go insane trying to resist that last surrender. What does a philosopher do? I can only imagine that I am close to the mark with my assertion that he suffers and suppose for myself that it is a matter of finding the kind of suffering that suits me best.

So we arrive at hedonism. The bottom of the barrel. And yet, there is a delicate sanity here, in that, drugged out of my brain, I can do little else but suppose that a little pleasure won't hurt. Indeed, it is like a balm, applied sparingly, that keeps my soul hoping that I won't perish under the ignorance of people who keep to their barbaric traditions in the hope that someone will rescue them, just as I hope to be rescued...

But what do you say? What philosophical approach should I be taking? Is there an answer in time travel after all? Will Hedonism kill me eventually, if my soul is not watchful? Could there be more to fatalism that I have not considered, a penultimate state of commitment perhaps? What do you say?

Practical, no?
 

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What does a philosopher do?

A philosopher does two things:

1) Accept reality for what it is, but not fatalistically
2) Keeps taking the meds for as long as this is needed


eudaimonia,

Mark
 
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Gottservant

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A philosopher does two things:

1) Accept reality for what it is, but not fatalistically
2) Keeps taking the meds for as long as this is needed


eudaimonia,

Mark

You mention philosophy on one point, but then you fail to qualify the second.

I am not sure you are paying attention.

Or if you are, you are narcoleptic.
 
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Davian

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Hi there.

So basically I'm pretty honest about the fact that certain doctors think I should be on medication. The medication makes me extremely weary (I can only focus on the most immediate thing most of the time) and I do not reason well at the best of times. Hence, I have been watching this forum from a distance. But the thought has occurred to me, that maybe Philosophy should be able to help...

...what does a philosopher do when he is drugged?

Now, I'm thinking that the utilitarian will say "the ends justifies the means, do whatever you can to enhance your focus on the moment" which I have done. I meditate when I feel up to it and write down proverbs, on a regular basis. I try not to look at the medication as a total downer, instead providing me with an opportunity to handle pressure and develop faster cognition. But unfortunately, this leaves me with little excuse for not being on the medication, as far as the utilitarian is concerned. After all, if I see the medication as a benefit, why not stay on it?

The next thing I think is that Kant or someone like that would say that it is important to develop equanimity and objectivity, so that regardless of whether the drugs have a negative or positive impact, I remain in the best position to either benefit or move on. This makes a lot of sense, and is harder, but the reality is that on medication what is directly in line with this is unchanging from week to week, providing little stimulation and what is not directly in line with this, simply gets forgotten. As such, I remain objective, about coming off the medication, all the time, but I function very poorly about doing "normal" things, while on it. And equanimity and objectivity don't seem to help that.

The next thing I think is that Descartes would say "Imagine its all in your mind" or "You think you are drugged, therefore you are (drugged)" this is comforting at first, but after a few moments, does nothing for me. After all, I am on the medication, it is in my mind, all of it. What is more, I don't like it. The part about stating my sanity is more comforting, in that assertions of sanity have something to do with getting doctors approval to get off the medication and embracing the reality of the medication can only ground such assertions all the more in reality. So just adopting the attitude of assertion helps, but sporadically.

Socrates and plato and all the greek philosophers had funny ideas, but I get these feeling that they revolve around little more than attitudes of the heart to vague metaphysical concepts, which is basically out of touch with my suffering altogether. There was one philosopher (I forget who, he was definitely Greek) who said you should start the day feeling as negative as possible, that way whatever happens, you will enjoy it as better than what you were feeling - sort of like intellectual fasting. I do something similar to this, in that when I am taking the medication, I try to imagine that I am as much as like God as I can possibly be (bearing in mind that God is not delusional but rather humble, meaning I try to emulate the humility) that way, whatever part of my personality survives the onslaught of fatigue and so forth, is at least close to God, which is what they say you are when you suffer anyway.

My days studying philosophy you would think would help me through all this, but in fact, the only other things I really know are about time travel - well I wish I could go back in time and convince myself not to get in trouble with people who rely on psychiatrists to determine what justice is, but I can't - and Indian philosophy, which is all about castes, as far as I can remember - not particularly helpful when you consider that it is a kind of caste discrimination that keeps the psychiatrists convinced their judgment is superior to mine in every instance but my meaningless nagging. I mean I really never got told that there would be a practical component to what I was learning and there was nothing in the way of an objective assessment of how finely tuned my discernment about life matters was. Certainly they never anticipated that I would be dealing with psychiatrists that had little to no regard for my suffering in the light of the greater good.

And then there is Christ, who if anything is little more than the philosopher's inspiration or at best an institution for which all the places are filled. But there is something in that, actually, in as much as being a madman or a philosopher is equally dispossessing and if you are to focus on anything, then inspiration is it, yes inspiration. So from day to day I look to Him to lead my proverb writing and to sharpen my wit through meditation, all the while hearing my prayers which are hardly philosophical but necessary nevertheless. Indeed, He is something of a comfort. To an extent. Certainly, I cannot boast of Christ and nothing else and expect the insanity ward to let me go - they have accused me of religiosity extensively. So it is like being given the key and being told "do anything with it, but open the door, there's a good lad". I mean, what I am I supposed to do? Cut myself to sanity with theology, hardly a philosophical approach.

And I do believe there is a rational response. I would much rather believe that I can be philosophical about my treatment and be treated like a short period of time and then let go than think that I am on some sort of healing treadmill for which no philosophical appeal will be heard - much like that chap that pushes the rock up the hill in Hell, what was he there for again? Probably assertiveness that would be right. But I digress. My mind is going blank. There are various arguments I could make. My girlfriend once said I should see a psychiatrist instead of her, if you want a laugh, I was annoying her trying to talk to her when she had decided she'd had enough of me. Perhaps that is a philosophers lot: first you contemplate Hell, then you justify a reason for being there.

In that sense Philosophy is a help, not because it alleviates suffering but because it reminds me, you, us all, that suffering is normal, that even the best of men, without pandering to God (as if that was something anyone could do, even in the greatest suffering, being born in ignorance, a sinner, like all the rest) cannot but suffer. I suppose that is a kind of fatalism. The danger of course there is that I start to think the medication is forever or go insane trying to resist that last surrender. What does a philosopher do? I can only imagine that I am close to the mark with my assertion that he suffers and suppose for myself that it is a matter of finding the kind of suffering that suits me best.

So we arrive at hedonism. The bottom of the barrel. And yet, there is a delicate sanity here, in that, drugged out of my brain, I can do little else but suppose that a little pleasure won't hurt. Indeed, it is like a balm, applied sparingly, that keeps my soul hoping that I won't perish under the ignorance of people who keep to their barbaric traditions in the hope that someone will rescue them, just as I hope to be rescued...

But what do you say? What philosophical approach should I be taking? Is there an answer in time travel after all? Will Hedonism kill me eventually, if my soul is not watchful? Could there be more to fatalism that I have not considered, a penultimate state of commitment perhaps? What do you say?

Practical, no?

So these threads and posts that we endure are some sort of therapy for yourself? Great. :doh:

Should you not let those in the Physical and life science forum know this, so they need not take your posts seriously?

And will I not get an answer to this post?
 
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Ana the Ist

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Hi there.

So basically I'm pretty honest about the fact that certain doctors think I should be on medication. The medication makes me extremely weary (I can only focus on the most immediate thing most of the time) and I do not reason well at the best of times. Hence, I have been watching this forum from a distance. But the thought has occurred to me, that maybe Philosophy should be able to help...

...what does a philosopher do when he is drugged?

Now, I'm thinking that the utilitarian will say "the ends justifies the means, do whatever you can to enhance your focus on the moment" which I have done. I meditate when I feel up to it and write down proverbs, on a regular basis. I try not to look at the medication as a total downer, instead providing me with an opportunity to handle pressure and develop faster cognition. But unfortunately, this leaves me with little excuse for not being on the medication, as far as the utilitarian is concerned. After all, if I see the medication as a benefit, why not stay on it?

The next thing I think is that Kant or someone like that would say that it is important to develop equanimity and objectivity, so that regardless of whether the drugs have a negative or positive impact, I remain in the best position to either benefit or move on. This makes a lot of sense, and is harder, but the reality is that on medication what is directly in line with this is unchanging from week to week, providing little stimulation and what is not directly in line with this, simply gets forgotten. As such, I remain objective, about coming off the medication, all the time, but I function very poorly about doing "normal" things, while on it. And equanimity and objectivity don't seem to help that.

The next thing I think is that Descartes would say "Imagine its all in your mind" or "You think you are drugged, therefore you are (drugged)" this is comforting at first, but after a few moments, does nothing for me. After all, I am on the medication, it is in my mind, all of it. What is more, I don't like it. The part about stating my sanity is more comforting, in that assertions of sanity have something to do with getting doctors approval to get off the medication and embracing the reality of the medication can only ground such assertions all the more in reality. So just adopting the attitude of assertion helps, but sporadically.

Socrates and plato and all the greek philosophers had funny ideas, but I get these feeling that they revolve around little more than attitudes of the heart to vague metaphysical concepts, which is basically out of touch with my suffering altogether. There was one philosopher (I forget who, he was definitely Greek) who said you should start the day feeling as negative as possible, that way whatever happens, you will enjoy it as better than what you were feeling - sort of like intellectual fasting. I do something similar to this, in that when I am taking the medication, I try to imagine that I am as much as like God as I can possibly be (bearing in mind that God is not delusional but rather humble, meaning I try to emulate the humility) that way, whatever part of my personality survives the onslaught of fatigue and so forth, is at least close to God, which is what they say you are when you suffer anyway.

My days studying philosophy you would think would help me through all this, but in fact, the only other things I really know are about time travel - well I wish I could go back in time and convince myself not to get in trouble with people who rely on psychiatrists to determine what justice is, but I can't - and Indian philosophy, which is all about castes, as far as I can remember - not particularly helpful when you consider that it is a kind of caste discrimination that keeps the psychiatrists convinced their judgment is superior to mine in every instance but my meaningless nagging. I mean I really never got told that there would be a practical component to what I was learning and there was nothing in the way of an objective assessment of how finely tuned my discernment about life matters was. Certainly they never anticipated that I would be dealing with psychiatrists that had little to no regard for my suffering in the light of the greater good.

And then there is Christ, who if anything is little more than the philosopher's inspiration or at best an institution for which all the places are filled. But there is something in that, actually, in as much as being a madman or a philosopher is equally dispossessing and if you are to focus on anything, then inspiration is it, yes inspiration. So from day to day I look to Him to lead my proverb writing and to sharpen my wit through meditation, all the while hearing my prayers which are hardly philosophical but necessary nevertheless. Indeed, He is something of a comfort. To an extent. Certainly, I cannot boast of Christ and nothing else and expect the insanity ward to let me go - they have accused me of religiosity extensively. So it is like being given the key and being told "do anything with it, but open the door, there's a good lad". I mean, what I am I supposed to do? Cut myself to sanity with theology, hardly a philosophical approach.

And I do believe there is a rational response. I would much rather believe that I can be philosophical about my treatment and be treated like a short period of time and then let go than think that I am on some sort of healing treadmill for which no philosophical appeal will be heard - much like that chap that pushes the rock up the hill in Hell, what was he there for again? Probably assertiveness that would be right. But I digress. My mind is going blank. There are various arguments I could make. My girlfriend once said I should see a psychiatrist instead of her, if you want a laugh, I was annoying her trying to talk to her when she had decided she'd had enough of me. Perhaps that is a philosophers lot: first you contemplate Hell, then you justify a reason for being there.

In that sense Philosophy is a help, not because it alleviates suffering but because it reminds me, you, us all, that suffering is normal, that even the best of men, without pandering to God (as if that was something anyone could do, even in the greatest suffering, being born in ignorance, a sinner, like all the rest) cannot but suffer. I suppose that is a kind of fatalism. The danger of course there is that I start to think the medication is forever or go insane trying to resist that last surrender. What does a philosopher do? I can only imagine that I am close to the mark with my assertion that he suffers and suppose for myself that it is a matter of finding the kind of suffering that suits me best.

So we arrive at hedonism. The bottom of the barrel. And yet, there is a delicate sanity here, in that, drugged out of my brain, I can do little else but suppose that a little pleasure won't hurt. Indeed, it is like a balm, applied sparingly, that keeps my soul hoping that I won't perish under the ignorance of people who keep to their barbaric traditions in the hope that someone will rescue them, just as I hope to be rescued...

But what do you say? What philosophical approach should I be taking? Is there an answer in time travel after all? Will Hedonism kill me eventually, if my soul is not watchful? Could there be more to fatalism that I have not considered, a penultimate state of commitment perhaps? What do you say?

Practical, no?

Gott, I'm saying this to you as a friend, as someone who is genuinely concerned for your well being. Follow your doctor's advice.

The human mind is a remarkable thing in many ways, one of those ways is evidenced in what the mind can grow accustomed to. Dizzying highs...nightmarish lows...all manner of emotions and ranges in-between...once any state is experienced for enough length it can become "normal" to the mind experiencing it.

To that mind it would seem "there's nothing wrong with me", yet to all others the difference can be startling. Consider, please, that for so long now what you've known as normal is nothing of the sort. An imbalance has occurred...and it need not define who you are. You have to correct that imbalance long enough.....long enough to see clearly....to decide if it does indeed define you. Let your doctor try to facilitate this. Please.
 
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willlowbee

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Hi there.

So basically I'm pretty honest about the fact that certain doctors think I should be on medication. The medication makes me extremely weary (I can only focus on the most immediate thing most of the time) and I do not reason well at the best of times. Hence, I have been watching this forum from a distance. But the thought has occurred to me, that maybe Philosophy should be able to help...

...what does a philosopher do when he is drugged?
I understand your holding to your privacy and not revealing what drug you're on. I would hope that you had sought out the information on the medication so as to know all there is about it. Side effects, etc... so as to make an informed choice about your health.

As to your query, I think this is an opportunity for a philosopher to have revealed to him a new way of seeing things. A new philosophy on a personal journey you might say.

I hope all goes well for you.
 
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Gottservant

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So these threads and posts that we endure are some sort of therapy for yourself? Great. :doh:

Should you not let those in the Physical and life science forum know this, so they need not take your posts seriously?

And will I not get an answer to this post?

You didn't even come close to answering the question and you have the gaul to expect me to reply?

What do you want me to say? Nonsense glibs the harmony southside?
 
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Gottservant

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Gott, I'm saying this to you as a friend, as someone who is genuinely concerned for your well being. Follow your doctor's advice.

"Friend", in other words "I need you to listen to me because I'm desperately opinionated"? Just checking because the Devil has a habit of giving advice that has nothing to do with life with Jesus, that I live.

Honestly, whatever your answer, I wish you would have addressed the topic. It was practical down to earth and thoroughly thought out. The fact that you have not attempted to link philosophy with drugs at all, as per the topic, only shows you are either not much of a philosopher, or not interested in being one.
 
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Gottservant

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I understand your holding to your privacy and not revealing what drug you're on. I would hope that you had sought out the information on the medication so as to know all there is about it. Side effects, etc... so as to make an informed choice about your health.

As to your query, I think this is an opportunity for a philosopher to have revealed to him a new way of seeing things. A new philosophy on a personal journey you might say.

I hope all goes well for you.

I really don't think the drugs are relevant to the conversation. In as much as a philosopher always starts with a generalization, it suffices to apply the motive his philosophy gives him to the suffering at hand.

Your suggestion that I see it as a journey is interesting, but I'm vague about what the promised land of psychorestrictive chemicals would be? Refined character?

Certainly you offer something, which for some God unknown reason others in the thread do not seem to be able to do, I suppose if I just let the thought sit with me for a while, I will start to see things as you do.
 
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Take your meds!
-- Aristotle

Seriously, though, a philosopher recognizes practicality, and this is practical advice that is more important than the topic you wish to discuss.


eudaimonia,

Mark
 
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Gottservant

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Take your meds!
-- Aristotle

Seriously, though, a philosopher recognizes practicality, and this is practical advice that is more important than the topic you wish to discuss.


eudaimonia,

Mark

Yes, but take my meds how? Practicality is not limited by a single effort - you should know that. I can only conclude that you think it funny that I am trying to apply philosophical attitudes to a context in which the mind is affected, yet anyone else would tell you that is where it is most needed.

If I am sane, my sanity does not depend on the chemistry in my brain, I am above that. Therefore, mindset will determine how my time on drugs turns out. Surely you see that? It would be a lightweight philosophy that could not deal with such a possibility, actually. The greater the alignment of my philosophy with the nature of my suffering, the greater my strength will be.

But you suppose there is no lesson to be learned here? You are a philosophical puff of air? The fact is I want my suffering to be as consistent as possible, so the approach I am taking is actually that of a Stoic. But having never studied the Stoics in depth (I know them only by reputation for denying the flesh) I can only assume that someone else here is more expert than me. Is that such a bad thing?

Really, people, be practical in the true sense of the word.
 
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The greater the alignment of my philosophy with the nature of my suffering, the greater my strength will be.

That isn't necessarily so. The brain isn't as simple as that. Some psychological conditions just aren't solvable in that way.

But having never studied the Stoics in depth (I know them only by reputation for denying the flesh) I can only assume that someone else here is more expert than me. Is that such a bad thing?

I have studied Stoicism. What do you wish to know?


eudaimonia,

Mark
 
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Ana the Ist

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"Friend", in other words "I need you to listen to me because I'm desperately opinionated"? Just checking because the Devil has a habit of giving advice that has nothing to do with life with Jesus, that I live.

Honestly, whatever your answer, I wish you would have addressed the topic. It was practical down to earth and thoroughly thought out. The fact that you have not attempted to link philosophy with drugs at all, as per the topic, only shows you are either not much of a philosopher, or not interested in being one.

Gott, the reason that I...and I'd wager almost no one else ever responds to the topic of your posts is because they are all nonsensical. To you, they are brilliant, well composed, well thought out and entirely relevant. To everyone not suffering your delusion...they have no real meaning at all.

To be sure, parts appear to make sense when viewed alone and apart from the rest...but as a whole they can only make sense to you. This is a hallmark of your neuropathy.

I say friend because I do genuinely care, despite what you believe, I wish you no ill will.
 
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drjean

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Yes but knowing that you are sane is dependent upon brain chemicals. Some diagnoses have a philosophical hangup about God, so is this something you fear losing? Would you choose to ramble on and on with doubts and ideas or would you like to be able to focus on something that may be reality?

Medications do have side effects. But untreated mental unwellness has more pervasive outcomes. One of the problems with those who don't take their medication is that they don't take it! LOL I mean, they might think they are being loyal to the dosage and timing, when in reality they are skipping and thus perpetuating the false reality that medication makes them groggy or doesn't work. Most medications take some time to find an efficacious dosing, such dosing might allow the fog to clear. If you never take your medication long enough to find out, well, then, you'll never know.

May I remind you that many of our "greats" were on drugs, or used drugs that enhanced their genius or at least promoted their ability to produce.
 
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Ana the Ist

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If you really want an answer to what the philosopher would do regarding the drug, its a lot simpler than you're hoping for. Philosophers are interested in truth. They become philosophers by way of seeking understanding. They value wisdom...they value truth.

If a doctor were to tell a philosopher that his gift of insight and wisdom wasn't really a gift at all, but rather a delusion...a fevered dream...a result of a chemical imbalance within the brain, this would be a hard thing for the philosopher to accept. After all, the philosopher knows what he knows...why should some Dr be able to tell him otherwise? Yet, this is the nature of delusion...it alters perception of reality to the point where the delusional accepts his false perceptions as real.

The philosopher would realize that he cannot decide for himself if he is delusional.

However, the philosopher should still seek truth in all things. He should seek the truth of his perception...the truth of his knowledge. He should ask himself, "Is all that I hold true correct regarding reality? Or has delusion distorted my perception so that what I hold true is in fact false?" These are not questions he can answer without help...if he could, he'd need not ask them.

If the doctor is correct in his diagnosis, and he has prescribed the correct medications, the philosopher can learn the truth of his knowledge. All the philosopher has to do is take the medication and find out. Now, in this instance, the type of medication has very specific rules. I would imagine it needs taken every day for a length of time probably no less than 2 months before a chemical imbalance can be corrected. However, once the philosopher has done this...he can finally know truth. If his perceptions have not changed, even though he has taken the drug consistently in the manner described...then he will know for certain that he is not delusional, that there is no chemical imbalance altering his perception. If, however, his perception has changed...and he realizes that what he held true before taking the drug he now holds false...then he must realize that he was delusional. It's not a comforting thought...but the philosopher would rather know the discomfort of truth that the comfort of delusion.
 
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