philosophsdracheNov 12, 2014Nov 12, 2014 at 01:02 AM
#1
My name is Allison (or Allie). I am from California in the US.
What are your nicknames? What do you prefer to be called?
Mostly just 'Allie.' You may also call me 'Firiel.'
What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
Currently 'Metaphysics: The Big Questions', 'Introspection and Consciousness' and the entire LoTR series (that I have still not read).
How often do you doodle? What do your doodles look like?
Not often. When I do, I enjoy doodling trees or branches.
What do you do if you can’t sleep at night? Do you count sheep? Toss and Turn? Try to get up and do something productive?
I meditate.
How many days could you last in solitary confinement? How would you do it?
Je ne sais pas. I think context is important for determining character, so put me in one and let's find out together.
Do you save old greeting cards and letters? Throw them away?
They go into the recycling bin immediately (assuming the card-giver is not present). I'm not a huge fan of cards as they seem wasteful to me. Please, a simple phone call or text will suffice.
Who is the biggest pack rat you know?
My husband's mother. She saves EVERYTHING.
When making an entrance in to a party, do you make your presence known? Do you slip in and look for someone you know? Do you sneak in quietly and find a safe spot to roost?
Depends on the group, but usually I prefer some alcohol to interact comfortably.
What is your strongest sense? If you had to give one up, which would it be?
Touch. I have something of an obsessive tactile preoccupation (especially skin, hair, and fur). I think I would give up sight because it's the sense I am already beginning lose.
How many times a day do you look at yourself in the mirror?
I'm not sure. Maybe 5 - 10. Depends on how many times I need to pee.
What is the strangest thing you believed as a child?
That dinosaurs and giants were buried under large hills and mountains.
What is one guilty pleasure you enjoy too much to give up?
I do not feel guilty about any of my pleasures!
Who performs the most random acts of kindness out of everyone you know?
I don't know. I'm not keeping track.
How often do you read the newspaper? Which paper? Which sections?
Nearly everyday I read the NY Times and NPR. Usually world news, US news, science and opinion.
Which animals scare you most? Why?
Rattlesnakes. Humans have a primitive fear of snakes (and spiders), so this probably has something to do with it. My Dad also used to make rattlesnake noises when we would hike in the woods to tease me.
Are you more likely to avoid conflict or engage it head-on?
Engage, always. (Of course in a non-aggressive manner.) It's worse to leave a conflict unattended because it can make things worse in the long run.
What is something about yourself that you hope will change, but probably never will?
Possibly a behavioral condition I have (trichotillomania), there is no known cure and it doesn't seem to impact my life much. For aesthetic reasons, I would like to quit.
Are you a creature of habit? Explain.
Of course. I think that habit is a basic feature of human nature. We use it to infer order from the world (see David Hume). 'Creature of habit' seems like an empty phrase.
Are you high maintenance? Explain.
It depends. I spend a lot of time getting ready in the morning, but I am socially very low maintenance. I have few expectations about how things should be and I consider myself very tolerant of differences.
Do you have a whole lot of acquaintances or just a few very close friends? Why?
Many acquaintances and few close friends. I get along with people easily in a somewhat superficial manner. I find that few people truly get me and/or are willing to put up with my radical opinions.
What do you think about more than anything else?
My husband.
And general questions like: What is consciousness? How is experience structured? What is the moral thing to do? How does human nature impair or structure normative knowledge and morality? How much freedom/agency do humans have? Etc.
What’s something that amazes you?
Consciousness. How on earth is it possible for something that seems objective (i.e., physical matter) to produce something subjective like conscious experience?!
Do you prefer that people shoot straight with you or temper their words? Why?
Be straight-forward. I don't take things personally. I like constructive criticism.
Where’s your favorite place to take an out-of-town guest?
Out to Berkeley for beer and to Oakland for vegan soul food. Yumm!!
What’s your reaction towards people who are outspoken about their beliefs? What conditions cause you to dislike or, conversely, enjoy talking with them?
I don't mind if people are outspoken or passionate in itself. However, I do get frustrated when people are too confident that their beliefs are correct. I think a healthy dose of skepticism and justification (or good reasons) are important when asserting beliefs.
Humility is wise.
YouTube video: wvVPdyYeaQU[/youtube]
How and where do you prefer to study?
In a quiet space while listening to quiet music (like, early classical).
What position do you sleep in?
I'm not sure because I'm unconscious when I'm asleep. :P
What’s your all-time favorite town or city? Why?
Berkeley, because they have amazing comic and gaming stores!
What are the top three qualities that draw you to someone new?
Openness, humility, intelligence.
How has your birth order/characteristics of siblings affected you?
Yes, I'm the oldest. My parents were much more strict/abusive with me than my siblings.
If you could eliminate one weakness or limitation in your life, what would it be?
I wish I had healthy eyes.
If you could restore one broken relationship, which would it be?
None. They break for a reason.
Do you believe ignorance is bliss? Why or why not?
Bliss, perhaps. But not happiness.
'The evil that is in the world almost always comes of ignorance, and good intentions may do as much harm as malevolence if they lack understanding.' Albert Camus
What do you consider unforgivable?
I believe under the right circumstances any action may be forgiven.
Have you forgiven yourself for past personal failures? Why or why not?
Yes, because I have an ongoing project of self-improvement to ensure those mistakes are avoided.
How difficult is it for you to forgive someone who refuses to apologize?
I am pretty forgiving. I do not tend to blame people for their missteps. (I don't believe in free will.)
Do you hold any convictions that you would be willing to die for?
Absolutely. I would be willing to die for an egalitarian society. I would also be willing to die if my death was able to save or benefit others more so than my life.
To what extent do you trust people? Explain.
I think it's important to provide others with the opportunity to trust them. I trust others by default and trust until subsequent actions suggest that I should not.
In what area of your life are you immature?
Maturity/immaturity is a social construction. So, you tell me.
How difficult is it for you to be honest, even when your words may be hurtful or unpopular?
If I think being honest is the right thing to do, I don't find it difficult. I don't like being honest unnecessarily if it might hurt someone's feelings.
When do you find yourself singing?
A fair amount. My husband and I have a habit of altering/debasing song lyrics.
What are your nicknames? What do you prefer to be called?
Mostly just 'Allie.' You may also call me 'Firiel.'
What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
Currently 'Metaphysics: The Big Questions', 'Introspection and Consciousness' and the entire LoTR series (that I have still not read).
How often do you doodle? What do your doodles look like?
Not often. When I do, I enjoy doodling trees or branches.
What do you do if you can’t sleep at night? Do you count sheep? Toss and Turn? Try to get up and do something productive?
I meditate.
How many days could you last in solitary confinement? How would you do it?
Je ne sais pas. I think context is important for determining character, so put me in one and let's find out together.
Do you save old greeting cards and letters? Throw them away?
They go into the recycling bin immediately (assuming the card-giver is not present). I'm not a huge fan of cards as they seem wasteful to me. Please, a simple phone call or text will suffice.
Who is the biggest pack rat you know?
My husband's mother. She saves EVERYTHING.
When making an entrance in to a party, do you make your presence known? Do you slip in and look for someone you know? Do you sneak in quietly and find a safe spot to roost?
Depends on the group, but usually I prefer some alcohol to interact comfortably.
What is your strongest sense? If you had to give one up, which would it be?
Touch. I have something of an obsessive tactile preoccupation (especially skin, hair, and fur). I think I would give up sight because it's the sense I am already beginning lose.
How many times a day do you look at yourself in the mirror?
I'm not sure. Maybe 5 - 10. Depends on how many times I need to pee.
What is the strangest thing you believed as a child?
That dinosaurs and giants were buried under large hills and mountains.
What is one guilty pleasure you enjoy too much to give up?
I do not feel guilty about any of my pleasures!
Who performs the most random acts of kindness out of everyone you know?
I don't know. I'm not keeping track.
How often do you read the newspaper? Which paper? Which sections?
Nearly everyday I read the NY Times and NPR. Usually world news, US news, science and opinion.
Which animals scare you most? Why?
Rattlesnakes. Humans have a primitive fear of snakes (and spiders), so this probably has something to do with it. My Dad also used to make rattlesnake noises when we would hike in the woods to tease me.
Are you more likely to avoid conflict or engage it head-on?
Engage, always. (Of course in a non-aggressive manner.) It's worse to leave a conflict unattended because it can make things worse in the long run.
What is something about yourself that you hope will change, but probably never will?
Possibly a behavioral condition I have (trichotillomania), there is no known cure and it doesn't seem to impact my life much. For aesthetic reasons, I would like to quit.
Are you a creature of habit? Explain.
Of course. I think that habit is a basic feature of human nature. We use it to infer order from the world (see David Hume). 'Creature of habit' seems like an empty phrase.
Are you high maintenance? Explain.
It depends. I spend a lot of time getting ready in the morning, but I am socially very low maintenance. I have few expectations about how things should be and I consider myself very tolerant of differences.
Do you have a whole lot of acquaintances or just a few very close friends? Why?
Many acquaintances and few close friends. I get along with people easily in a somewhat superficial manner. I find that few people truly get me and/or are willing to put up with my radical opinions.
What do you think about more than anything else?
My husband.
And general questions like: What is consciousness? How is experience structured? What is the moral thing to do? How does human nature impair or structure normative knowledge and morality? How much freedom/agency do humans have? Etc.
What’s something that amazes you?
Consciousness. How on earth is it possible for something that seems objective (i.e., physical matter) to produce something subjective like conscious experience?!
Do you prefer that people shoot straight with you or temper their words? Why?
Be straight-forward. I don't take things personally. I like constructive criticism.
Where’s your favorite place to take an out-of-town guest?
Out to Berkeley for beer and to Oakland for vegan soul food. Yumm!!
What’s your reaction towards people who are outspoken about their beliefs? What conditions cause you to dislike or, conversely, enjoy talking with them?
I don't mind if people are outspoken or passionate in itself. However, I do get frustrated when people are too confident that their beliefs are correct. I think a healthy dose of skepticism and justification (or good reasons) are important when asserting beliefs.
Humility is wise.
YouTube video: wvVPdyYeaQU[/youtube]
How and where do you prefer to study?
In a quiet space while listening to quiet music (like, early classical).
What position do you sleep in?
I'm not sure because I'm unconscious when I'm asleep. :P
What’s your all-time favorite town or city? Why?
Berkeley, because they have amazing comic and gaming stores!
What are the top three qualities that draw you to someone new?
Openness, humility, intelligence.
How has your birth order/characteristics of siblings affected you?
Yes, I'm the oldest. My parents were much more strict/abusive with me than my siblings.
If you could eliminate one weakness or limitation in your life, what would it be?
I wish I had healthy eyes.
If you could restore one broken relationship, which would it be?
None. They break for a reason.
Do you believe ignorance is bliss? Why or why not?
Bliss, perhaps. But not happiness.
'The evil that is in the world almost always comes of ignorance, and good intentions may do as much harm as malevolence if they lack understanding.' Albert Camus
What do you consider unforgivable?
I believe under the right circumstances any action may be forgiven.
Have you forgiven yourself for past personal failures? Why or why not?
Yes, because I have an ongoing project of self-improvement to ensure those mistakes are avoided.
How difficult is it for you to forgive someone who refuses to apologize?
I am pretty forgiving. I do not tend to blame people for their missteps. (I don't believe in free will.)
Do you hold any convictions that you would be willing to die for?
Absolutely. I would be willing to die for an egalitarian society. I would also be willing to die if my death was able to save or benefit others more so than my life.
To what extent do you trust people? Explain.
I think it's important to provide others with the opportunity to trust them. I trust others by default and trust until subsequent actions suggest that I should not.
In what area of your life are you immature?
Maturity/immaturity is a social construction. So, you tell me.
How difficult is it for you to be honest, even when your words may be hurtful or unpopular?
If I think being honest is the right thing to do, I don't find it difficult. I don't like being honest unnecessarily if it might hurt someone's feelings.
When do you find yourself singing?
A fair amount. My husband and I have a habit of altering/debasing song lyrics.
Edited Nov 12, 2014 at 02:07 AM by 0
BhidulNov 12, 2014