Dennis wrote:

In short, Integral, and yes. Strenuous stuff, but yes.

I agree absolutely. A good philosopher, I think, should always at least in effect be helpful at removing causes for depression. Depression is typically associated with the down-trodden and those, in my mind, most likely to be the primary cultural bearers of common sense; in short, the only people peculiarly and naturally inclined to likely see philosophy as a worthy thing in itself and a source or cause of goodness (it after all will justify much of his common sense beliefs and defend them from sophistic and skeptical attacks). Now that might seem counterfactual at first, as a consequence of  the common man on the street's associating philosophy with what is actually not-philosophy (e.g. various forms of what is ultimately really skepticism). But this condemnation is based on his common sense and is correct insofar as it goes.

Now it may seem strange that I am associating depression with the common lot of mankind and now to philosophy. For good philosophy is not itself common (wisdom is by nature rare). But depression itself is a kind of deprivation that is almost always reducible to a bad underlying philosophy or philosophical outlook in man. It is further a deprivation insofar as either deliberately by the powers that be or out of actual ignorance man lacks philosophical enlightenment. Depression in a way can be seen as a kind of perplexity; and to that extent it can now be seen as being in some wise associated with philosophy. Of course, it is ultimately spiritual; but not spiritual in any sense divorced from wisdom. It is as philosophically enlightened that the poet can rightly declare, e.g., that "expectation is the root of all heartache" (Shakespeare). Now if this man is ultimately depressed because he was expecting certain things from certain other things, but this proved vain or false, then wisdom can in principle correct this by either removing the expectation or providing what is more reasonably apt to provide for that expectation. Of course, beyond doubt if depression sinks into out-and-out despair, then certainly we are in the realm of what is more specifically spiritual.

Last edited by Timocrates (2/26/2016 9:31 pm)

Thank you for sharing that, I can relate. I've grew up on Christian music because of it thanks to that, so I'm not complaining and I'm happy just to love philosophy and know that God loves you and me. 

I shall post three songs in no specific order in order to thank all three of you, Timocrates, iwpoe and BillMcEnaney to have the courage to post here,

Ancient Skies, by The Gungor Band

Bohemian Rhapsody, by Queen

Give Thanks (Psalm 105: 1-3), by Seeds of Worship


I have a ton of Christian music, in all those years of my wrestling with depression, and even now at times, I do nothing but listen to these songs of hope to strengthen my faith in God. Pleasing, t'would be if I had a true confidant, but no fret, I can confide in God! 

(I'll post more songs for up-liftment later! Be warned. )

Last edited by Dennis (3/04/2016 6:35 am)