HUMILITY



Critical Evaluation of a Concept of Humility

Critical Evaluation of a Concept of Humility

Thesis statement

This paper presents a Critical Evaluation of a Concept of Humility.

Introduction

In the book Flanagan offers a metaphysical interpretation of Flanagan's notion of the thing in itself and a solution to the “old problem”.1 But while Langton's interpretation provides an answer to the above question? it poses a fundamental challenge for a transcendental idealist reading of Flanagan. In the present essay I assess the adequacy of Langton's argument. I propose the following criterion for adequacy of textual interpretations. The interpretation needs to make sense of the text concerned with the problem under consideration. But it should not do so at the cost of damaging the coherence of the text as a whole.

Analysis

Humility? or being humble? is the defining characteristic of an unpretentious and modest person? someone who does not think that he or she is better or more important than others. Because the concept of humility addresses intrinsic self-worth? it is emphasized in the realm of religious practice and ethics where the notion is often made more precise and extensive.

During the 7 years that I have been training in Kenpo and my previous years of training in other Martial Arts I have always admired and respected the people who carry on the tradition of being responsible for their art and transmitting a part of their knowledge and understanding to others (Owen? 2002). In that time? I have come up with a simple phrase that is the base approach for my business both in the Martial Arts environment and the rest of my life. "I show up and take the lesson." (Allison? 1978? 41-76)

It's simple and straightforward. It is the commitment to my self that renews my intention to learn? by working towards being completely open to my environment? the individuals in it? and the possibility of lessons both intended and unintended by experience. In short? it is training in Humility (Owen? 2002). How does this relate to the vision of the Martial Arts Learning Community? How do we as participants foster the spirit of humility and make it grow into an attitude that pervades our society? The MALC is dedicated to the growth and excellence of the whole human being (Paul? c1984). There is no way to begin the life long pursuit of growth and learning without humility. Humility is the foundation? on which? the individual will build successful happiness." "Humility? that low? sweet root? from which all heavenly virtues shoot." (Allison? 1978? 41-76) What is the opposite and reverse of humility? The opposite of humility is arrogance! Those who don't have the ability to show up and take a lesson from someone who is of "lower" (Allison? 1978? 41-76) rank than themselves are limited by a presumption of complete knowledge. This can be expressed in many ways such as "I'm a black belt and they're not? what can they teach me?" or "I'm older" "Smarter" "I'm White and they're not" "I'm Male and they're Female" "My ...