Counselling sub-forum?
Some time ago I started a topic on the merits of starting a psychology sub-forum. I am happy with things as they stand and think that a psychology sub-forum would be redundant given how much of continental philosophy is discussed here contrasting it with analytic philosophy.
But, I think that at the very least we should have a counseling sub-forum for newbies seeking to further their interest in the field of philosophy. Many other forums, where rational enquiry is encouraged, have some form of counselling sub-forum to guide the youth of the world.
I hope this proposal can be met with some consideration, as it would help organize the forum into more compartments where these questions (should) arise.
Thanks.
But, I think that at the very least we should have a counseling sub-forum for newbies seeking to further their interest in the field of philosophy. Many other forums, where rational enquiry is encouraged, have some form of counselling sub-forum to guide the youth of the world.
I hope this proposal can be met with some consideration, as it would help organize the forum into more compartments where these questions (should) arise.
Thanks.
Comments (9)
Plus I don’t think many people here are equipped to ‘teach’.
Quite often, whoever responds (or everybody who responds) tells them to "Get ye to a psychiatrist and be quick about it!" which is sometimes quite appropriate advice.
Other times people are looking for some sign of caring from another human being. They are sad, lonely, alienated, misinformed, ill-advised people who have been steered in the wrong direction. They need some direction. They've lost track of the star they were following.
Philosophy types (of the sort that hang out around this joint) ought to be able to respond to these people. If they can't be bothered, one has to wonder what the fuck they are good for.
Wouldn't the Learning Centre fit that purpose?
Specifically the Questions section?
Quoting I like sushi
A teacher's merit is his student.
:up:
Well, yes. But, I feel as though we are ill-equipped to help those types. I mean, this place isn't like facebook, where some depressed dude comes along and asks what antidepressant is best to use for depression, and gets responses like:: "Don't take that shit, it's EVIL by BIG PHARMA" or some schizophrenic who gets responses like "Just practice meditation, antipsychotics are BAD 'cuz they shrink your brain after long term use."
Nevertheless, you do get some strange responses here like: "You don't seem schizophrenic to me." as if a 10-minute online assessment on a philosophy forum warrants that conclusion.
Wallowsome stuff...
I wonder how these newbies differ from those here who aren't new? I ask this in the context of the topic: what is it that newbies need or deserve that established or older members don't? Why is a sub-forum a good idea, and why is it that only newbies could benefit from it? Is TPF a forum intended only for seasoned philosophers? Maybe academically-qualified philosophers? :chin:
Well, this comes down to the very nature of what philosophy is. Is it a self-guided practice, as I have come to understand, or is it a practice that can be guided by some mentor.
Quite a pernicious question if you think about it wrt. to the history of philosophy.
:blush: Well said. :blush:
There are many disciplines whose new practitioners would benefit greatly from a mentor. Computer program design is one. Philosophy is probably another. There are many more. Is this pernicious?
Perhaps it is pernicious that mentors could be so helpful in so many different areas, but are rarely if ever present or available? :chin: