Do something

In my 15 years of study, I have met many students of philosophy who leave it because they want to do something. They find philosophy frustrating and leave it to "do something". They fail to see the insight that philosophical inquiry offers because it lack the egocentrism as well as the ethnocentrism. Philosophy does not pander to our psychology so most overlook the importance of the uselessness of philosophy (to use Wendy Hamblet's title) and want it to be something else. I understand that as a career philosophy may not be for them, but I think it more than that. It seems they abandon the inquiry because it is easier. My guru always said philosophy is not for everyone since few wish to see truth or aspire to see it or are persuaded by their experience that there is no such thing. To draw conclusions from experience is at best very limiting. Does experience justify belief? Most likely not, but it can teach us to examine it if we explore. This simple reflection can lead to a good life but "doing something" is often more complex and ego driven. It is wanting something and it is guised as goodness or compassion. I worked in the "caring profession" for seven years and I saw more rhetoric than caring. Foucult may have had it right how we form our discourse determines much of how we approach the world and each other. Doing something without clear understanding has lead us to where we are today and I would argue it is not a very good place. Perhaps, thinking more and doing less would be wiser.

Check out the article link:
Children forced into cell-like school seclusion rooms

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/12/17/seclusion.rooms/index.html

I worked in Social Services - Residential Treatment for youth for over 7 years. Quiet rooms or seclusion rooms are used regularly for the most violent youth. Holds are also applied when necessary. Training and strict rules are followed. When a child is secluded, the child is not have their shoes taken and a proper search is preformed. When in seclusion the child is constantly supervised (and I mean at all times and documented). An emergency specialist is immediately called to make sure the child is doing okay. In addition, approval is required for any seclusion over an hour. I am not defending seclusion rooms but it is sadly necessary for violent children with severe mental health problems. Tragedies like the one reported are rare but with the conditions of most places like treatment centers and alternative schools. It is surprising there are not more. After my time in "treatment" centers I would rather dig ditches. I advise any parent to avoid it if they can.

I wrote this and it was quoted recently, check out the post:

http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/Americas/2008/December/Parents-Sue-School-for-Son-s-Suicide.html