h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

You probably don't remember me...we had a long debate about a year ago on this site about the nature of belief. I hadn't been here since then, but recently returned to check things out and saw the link to our discussion on my space. I recalled that it was that conversation that really got my interest in philosophy started. I just wanted to drop by and thank you.

I'm not studying philosophy formally, yet, as I just recently finished my first degree. I have, however, been a member of PhilosophyForums.com for several months and have learned much in that time. I'm curious if you're a member. Perhaps we've had a conversation or two?

In any case, thanks. I didn't realize what philosophy really was until our debate. I look back at it and feel slightly foolish at what I thought I knew and how little I actually did. Unintentionally or otherwise, you opened the door to a world in whaich I'm having an absolute blast.

Goodness -- it has been a while. I'm not at all sure how many of the views _I_ held then I still do hold, at least in unmodified form. But no, I do remember you; and that was a very stimulating debate.

It's wonderful to hear you're getting into philosophy. I'm not on PhilosophyForums.com; I don't actually do that much debating online now, mainly because I'm living out of college this year and so no longer have access to a fast connection at a flat rate; luckily philosophical discussion is of course part of my degree, so hopefully I haven't gone blunt. Perhaps I'll have a look at those fora when I have more free time; at any rate I'll probably be living in college again next year.

I notice you specified you weren't studying philosophy formally _yet_, and that you'd finished your 'first degree' (congratulations); does that mean you're planning to do some sort of philosophy course?

Anyway, it's very good to hear you're having such a blast. I see you've added me to your friends list; do be warned, you're now subscribed to my journal, which tends to be full of ramblings about anime and student life rather than philosophy. I also noticed that you're one of the few people the ACEs overlook, so you've never been officially welcomed to h2g2. So let me give you a hugely belated and entirely unofficial welcome.

I'm not planning on studying philosophy formally just yet. I still have to continue my current education(IT) as well as get a real job and become a grown up. I have become more interested in mathematics as well as metaphysics/ontology, ethics, and linguistics in recent months - mostly as a result of discussing these subjects online; however, they'll just have to wait until I get the necessities of life in order.

I am planning on reading some introductions to formal logic and philosophy, and perhaps attempting to tackle Critique of Pure Reason. Some say that it can be daunting to beginners. Would you say Kant is a good place to start?

In any case, thanks for the warm welcome.

Oh yes... the necessities of life.

Kant's notorious not so much for his ideas as for his writing style; apparently some German universities really do tell their students to read his works in English translation, rather than try to tackle the original German. If you want to know whether you'll be daunted, there's an easy way to find out: you can have a look at http://www.hkbu.edu.hk/~ppp/cpr/toc.html .