INTEGRAL HYPNOSIS
 

FINAL SHOW

"Fake News" and What's "Real?"

The spectacle of the "leader of the free world" slinging "fake news" epithets with regularity is frightening to lovers of truth. Philosophers know that the distinctions between appearance and reality can at times be illusory, and it is wise to avoid making declarations of truth before sufficient thought and investigation have been applied. It is much the same, though different, to declare what is not the case because it difficult or impossible to prove a negative. There is a reason why our wannabe dictator's "fake news" accusations are so popular with real dictators--who I recently read are latching onto the the phrase. Trump's present-day Newspeak allows him to easily call respected news institutions fake because it is a broad-brush intended to delegitimize criticisms without countering claims with facts. Thus, Trump's news organ does not depend upon facts but only on an ideology or an idolatry that is used to supplant real facts.

Having said this, tonight's show will use "fake news" as the backdrop of a discussion about the relationship between ideology and reality. Politics, science, religion (and just about everything else) have their parallels to "fake news."

Social Philosophizers

Social Philosophizers is a Boston area social club for those who desire intellectual stimulation as a social enhancer. It is a group for the intellectually curious! It is a club for both singles and non singles, and for anyone who finds intellectual mingling to be the best form of social mingling. The club offers a variety of interesting venues to achieve its mission:

• Discussions on works in literature and philosophy from classic to contemporary
• Philosophical films shown in private function rooms or private homes
• Guest speakers (lectures, authors, etc.)
• Study groups
• Book club
• Adventure walks (long philosophical ruminations while walking nature trails or strolling city streets)
• Plays, movies, museums and special events
• Opportunities for members to lead discussions or promote their creative work
• After work mixers for socializing and philosophizing

For more information, please visit the Social Philosophizers Club at http://www.SocialPhilosophizers.com

Ethics has long been burdened with a certain perplexity: Is self-interest or altruism the primary ethical imperative? Ethical Empowerment: Virtue Beyond the Paradigms presents an ethical theory designed to encourage ethical thinking from multiple perspectives that go beyond ideology and dogma. By so doing it develops an understanding of ethics and morality that transcends rigid or inapplicable rules by returning to the principle of universal love. The result is an ethical framework for unconventional ideas and research that challenges traditional beliefs that are vested in ideological, financial and political interests that--through various mechanisms, seek to maintain the status quo.

Filled with controversial ideas, this is a book that is designed to engage the reader and spark healthy debate. Among the many issues that are discussed and critiqued--in light of the ethical theory developed, are the current monetary and economic systems, the meaning of social entitlements, the dubious virtue of political parties, and the potential abuse of scientific paradigms. Also discussed are the grounds for belief or disbelief in various claims concerning the suppression of technology and invention, and conspiracy theories. From the perspective of an ethics that is in harmony with the basic essence of morality, a long-term view of a peaceful and flourishing world is not merely possible but may, with time, become inevitable.

Ethical Empowerment  is available in hardcover, paperback and ebook editions. Available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and other online bookstores. Or ask your local bookstore to order it!

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