Philosophy For First Dates
By: Agrima Sharma
It's the first week of freshman classes, and you take Philosophy 101. Now, let’s be honest– it was just a requirement that you check off your list, but there is this cute girl in your class. Not to rain on your parade, but she is smart as hell. Nietzsche is her light reading, Socrates is her favorite highschool teacher and Simone De Beauvoir? She’s her Beyonce. But do not be afraid; Philosophy 101 has the introduction covered and this article will help you dwell into some interesting conversation starters if she ends up going on a date with you. (This article will not assist with teaching the charm needed to ask a lady out).
Have you ever contemplated the concept of free will– acting without external nudges? Did you choose to read this riveting article entirely by your own volition, or is it the result of your grandparents' move to Edmonton some years ago? The night before your rendezvous, ponder these notions. Then, as the coffee flows and conversations bloom, inquire whether she's ever wondered if a prehistoric dinosaur squashing a tiny bug set the stage for humans evolving from apes. Are we merely products of cosmic coincidence, or is there a grand design? Brace yourself for a spirited discussion spanning determinism, chaos theory, and the intricate web connecting everything, barring an existential crisis.
Speaking of which, think about a ship: the Ship of Theseus. As years drift by, through rust and wear, all its parts are changed to new yet identical components. The conundrum that emerges is whether this fully revamped ship can still be called the Ship of Theseus or if it has morphed into an entirely new entity. This paradox is not just about a ship; it is about the essence of identity. So what defines one’s identity? Is it just physical parts, or does its name and purpose play a role in constructing its identity? As you take your much needed shower before the date, think about the things that constitute you, and as you dive deep into her amber eyes, do not forget to wonder what makes her so cute.
Now that we have covered self introspection– let’s take a quick dip into the reality of this world. Imagine you're a prisoner, bound in the depths of a dimly lit cave. Shackled and confined, your existence is solely defined by shadows dancing on the cave wall. The outside world remains a mystery, its existence unknown. This vivid scenario is Plato's Allegory of the Cave, a philosophical tale illustrating how our understanding of reality can be as limited as that of the cave prisoners. It can prompt you to ponder whether we, too, might be ensnared by our perceptions, and whether there is a profound, hidden truth waiting to be discovered beyond the shadows of our immediate senses. Ask her opinion, and refrain from referencing the matrix, or you might sound too much like someone who rhymes with Shmandru Shmate.
Safe to assume, you're all set for a beautiful date, but since half a page cannot make you Camus, feel free to admit your lack of knowledge and appreciation of what you already know. After all, the key to a wonderful conversation is not pretending to be a philosopher extraordinaire but sharing genuine curiosity and the thrill of exploration. So, whether it's Plato's cave or the mysteries of everyday life, remember that embracing the journey of learning together can be just as charming as any philosophical masterpiece.
