HISTORY OF IDEAS

LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The Journey Towards Absolute Truth

MUHAMMAD ROHAB JAMAL & MUHAMMAD ZIA

BBA SP. MORNING – VI SECTION A

This paper discusses what we learned in our philosophy class and how it changed the way we see the
world. For the assignment, we chose the topic “Health or Wealth"
 MUHAMMAD ZIA:

My Experience of Studying the Course:

embarking on the journey of studying philosophy for the first time has been a revelation for me, as prior to
delving into this intellectual realm, my understanding of the subject was limited to the mere awareness of its
existence. The world of philosophy appeared as an abstract domain, and I possessed only a vague notion that
it involved the exploration of profound questions about existence, knowledge, and reality. However, as I
ventured into my studies, I quickly realized that philosophy is a multifaceted discipline that challenges my
preconceptions and encourages me to engage critically with fundamental aspects of human experience. The
exposure to diverse philosophical theories and thinkers has broadened my perspective, fostering a newfound
appreciation for the intricacies of thought and the profound impact philosophy can have on shaping our
understanding of the world. Through this academic exploration, I am not only acquiring knowledge but also
developing a deeper curiosity and a more nuanced approach to questioning the fundamental aspects of life.

Knowledge after Studying Philosophers:

Exploring the works of philosophers like Machiavelli and the Reformation thinkers provided a captivating
insight into governance complexities and societal dynamics. Socratic dialogues and Plato's allegory of the
cave prompted introspection, unveiling layers of reality and soul levels, challenging my understanding of
knowledge. Aristotle's exploration of pleasure and his four causes broadened my comprehension of causality
and the diverse factors shaping essence. Saint Augustine's "City of God" offered profound reflections on the
spiritual-temporal relationship, influencing my perspective on church-state separation. Descartes' radical
doubt instilled skepticism, urging me to question assumptions. His famous assertion, "I think, therefore I am,"
affirmed existence certainty through conscious thought. Kant's moral philosophy and Hegel's dialectical
process deepened my ethical reasoning appreciation. Hegel's historicism highlighted history's crucial role in
understanding present ideas. His dialectical method, with thesis, antithesis, and synthesis, exposed inherent
contradictions driving historical development. As the "last philosopher of history," Hegel emphasized
contradiction's profound role in shaping hidden complexities. These encounters expanded my intellectual
horizons and enriched my appreciation for the inherent complexities in the human experience.

Some Other mix-up experiences & knowledge

The exploration of elite thinkers shaping our perceptions and decisions has been intellectually riveting. The
notion that societal norms are often dictated by a select few resonates with reality, raising questions about
power dynamics and the extent to which the masses adhere to decisions made by the elite. The observation
that in a scenario where everyone goes mad, the lone sane individual would be labeled as mad reveals a
paradox about consensus and the subjective nature of sanity.
The concept of a fallacy grounded in common belief or the influence of the affluent reflects on the tendency
to accept ideas simply because they are widespread or endorsed by those in power. This underscores the
importance of critical thinking and questioning societal norms, recognizing that truth should not be
determined solely by consensus or authority. It prompts an examination of the balance between individual
discernment and societal influence.
Delving into desires and the unconscious reveals that our unconscious mind harbors the roots of our desires,
highlighting the intricate interplay between desires and social connections. This introspective journey
emphasizes the precarious nature of human intellect, which, as a slave to desires, tends to fabricate a version
of reality aligned with what we love or desire.
The dictum that "man is the measure of all things" encapsulates the subjectivity inherent in human
experiences and perspectives, urging us to recognize the relativity of truth. The maturity of the mind, as
illuminated through the acceptance and consideration of diverse ideas, serves as a hallmark of intellectual
growth, fostering a nuanced understanding of the world.
Exploring Renaissance humanism, with its emphasis on the value of the individual and the pursuit of
knowledge, challenges blind obedience and encourages independent thought. Epistemology, the study of
knowledge and belief, prompts reflection on the nature of knowledge and the criteria for determining truth.
Contemplating the dynamics of recognition within relationships reveals the transactional nature of human
interactions, prompting a reevaluation of motivations and a call to seek genuine connections.
In essence, this philosophical exploration has been transformative, challenging preconceptions and offering
profound insights into the complexities of human existence. It has illuminated the delicate balance between
individual agency and societal influence, the intricate dance between desires and intellect, and the evolving
nature of truth and knowledge. Navigating this intellectual terrain has provided a deeper understanding of
the human condition and heightened awareness of the factors shaping our perceptions and decisions.

Towards atheism & existence of God?

Before this course I only knew some basics of atheism but this course gave me a lot of knowledge that how it
started & why it started & why people started to deny the existence of god & I believe as a Muslim it is really
important to have knowledge not only about Islam but other religions as well.
 MUHAMMAD ROHAB JAMAL

My Experience of Studying the Course:

The course “History of Ideas” seriously hit very different. It was something we haven’t studied throughout
our BBA program. Even though I could not attend all the sessions, I will convey my thoughts about the few
classes I did attend.

At starting the lectures seemed like they were going straightaway against our religion i.e. Islam, challenging
my lifelong beliefs and thoughts. The questions that made me feel that were like: How do you prove that
Allah actually exists because normally we tend to consider eyewitness testimony to be a fairly reliable source
of evidence, right? How do you know that things written in Quran is 100% true, it is that because the
truthiness of Quran is itself written in Quran? Why do you think that a right thing is right and the wrong is
wrong just because your parents have told you so? It questioned us about the trends and things that are
doing in our so-called personal and social life, that what we think or do, is that actually what we want to think
or what we want to do or derived by the thoughts and actions that society and elite personality have built in
our minds? Are we setting our goals and achieving it through our free will or that is what our society our
family and our needs wants us from? These questions gave me goosebumps.

In the beginning, like any other person, I was defensive about my faith and hesitant to have it scrutinized. I
would often enter debates over these topics, yet found myself lacking substantial arguments by the end. But
slowly and gradually as we proceed to some more classes of this course it made me think more and more. As
I was getting the answers of some questions that were asked earlier, I realized that those questions were
forcing us to think like as we actually have to. We should find out our own findings, that will help us to build
our base stronger. It highlighted me the consequences for which people slip into the atheists track and how
should we counter the questions of an Atheist or people with other believes to prove our religion true and
genuinely it wasn’t possible for me before questions like these were asked by me.

The course promoted enlightened conversations that dispelled misconceptions around these topics. Iq2 got
to know that the notion that societal norms are often dictated by a select few resonates with reality, raising
questions about power dynamics and the extent to which the masses adhere to decisions made by the elite.

The class made it possible for open and well-informed talks that challenged the negative ideas people have
about the topics. The concept that a universal standard should determine an action's morality made me
examine my beliefs and consider the wider consequences of moral decisions. I dealt with moral and ethical
issues' complexity with this perspective. Neither my personal nor cultural ideas could guide my judgments
anymore. The course helped me learn more about how different people see the world and pushed me to
think about how people in the past and present thought about things.
 HEALTH or WEALTH?

Introduction

In the perpetual pursuit of a fulfilling life, individuals often grapple with the age-old dilemma of prioritizing
health or wealth. Both are really important, and finding a good balance between them is not easy. In the
contemporary landscape, where the relentless pace of life and the pursuit of success dominate, the
significance of health and wealth has taken on new dimensions. This following write up explores the
contrasting perspectives of 2 individuals selected randomly we both will share the importance of health and
wealth, shedding light on the contemporary applications and the underlying realities that shape our choices.

Modern Application

In the 21st century, the link between health and wealth is more complicated. In the digital age,
hyperconnectivity has changed how we live and do business. When you make a lot of money, you often have
to work hard and deal with strict deadlines and tough competition. As wellness and health have become
more important, a multibillion-dollar business has grown around exercise, nutrition, and mental health.
These basic aspects of modern life are reflected in sedentary work, fast-paced city life, and the never-ending
pursuit of financial goals. We spend more time sitting down because of technology, which is bad for our
health. When people are having a hard time meeting their social and financial obligations, it can also affect
their mental health. The complicated link between health and wealth in the 21st century shows the good and
bad things about modern life.

Muhammad Zia’s Perspective: Health is Wealth - What is the Reality, and how would we know
that?

Many people are always trying to make more money, but I'm becoming more and more interested in the
simple truth that health is wealth. From this point of view, it's clear that a strong base of physical and mental
health is not only a personal benefit, but also a key factor in determining a successful and satisfying life. This
idea that there is a link between health and success is not just a passing fancy. It is backed up by a lot of study
from respected academic schools and health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO).
Findings from these studies seem to match up with what I've been through as I learn more about the subject.
Finding a strong connection between happiness and efficiency shows that taking care of your health is very
important for professional success. This discovery doesn't just apply to personal interests; it affects society as
a whole. More and more companies are starting wellness programs and mindfulness programs, and health
and exercise apps are becoming very popular. Apart from that if I tell you my own experience being on bed
rest for past 6 month all because of me having a fractured bone made me realize how important it is to have
functioning body parts. This shows that we all understand how important health is in our lives. Also,
businesses are becoming more aware of the real benefits of having a better staff. Companies are starting to
believe that investing in the health and happiness of their workers is a good idea because it leads to higher
output, fewer absences, and lower healthcare costs.

What should be done and what should not be done?

Understanding the importance of prioritizing preventive healthcare measures, I firmly believe that as
individuals and as a society, we should recognize that health is the ultimate wealth. It is crucial that we
incorporate regular exercise, maintain a balanced nutrition regimen, and embrace mental well-being
practices as essential parts of our daily routines. By doing so, a strong and durable health profile is
established. In the realm of professional life, it is crucial for employers to be proactive and invest in
comprehensive wellness programs. These initiatives can greatly enhance the overall well-being of the
workforce, placing a strong emphasis on the physical and mental health of employees. Through the
implementation of exercise breaks, offering healthy meal choices, and providing resources for mental well-
being, employers contribute significantly to fostering a workforce that is both productive and in good
physical and mental health. On the other hand, it is crucial that we do not overlook our health in our
relentless pursuit of wealth. Ignoring the warning signs of stress and prioritizing career goals over personal
well-being can have serious long-term effects. It is important for individuals to find a balance, setting
achievable goals and maintaining healthy boundaries to prevent the pursuit of wealth from negatively
impacting their well-being.

Muhammad Rohab’s Perspective Two: Wealth is Health - What is the Reality, and how would
we know that?

From my point of view, there is a strong case for putting wealth first if you want to live a happy and
successful life. This point of view doesn't downplay the value of health; instead, it says that being financially
successful is necessary to get access to high-quality healthcare, live a comfortable life, and deal with
problems that come up out of the blue. This point of view is based on the idea that having a solid financial
base lets people get the medical care they need, buy healthy food, and find a safe place to live. If I tell you my
own experience being on bed rest for past 4 months all because of me having a fractured bone made me
realize how important it is to have functioning body parts and if not then medical facilities are very important
to make you fit again and this is only possible if you have strong financial back to live without going on work.
Being financially stable has effects on the real world that go beyond just having nice things. It has a big
impact on how happy a person is with their life in general and helps lower the stress that comes with not
having enough money. It's not just about getting rich; it's also about knowing how important money is for
living a happy, healthy life. To back up this point of view, we need to look at economic indicators and studies
that look at the complicated link between health outcomes and socioeconomic level. It is very important to
use research from trustworthy sources like the World Bank and state health agencies to show the real links
between income and quality of life. Research after research has shown that people with more money
usually have better access to basic services like schooling and health care. They can keep up their overall
health with this access. Besides that, the main idea behind this point of view is that being financially stable is
like having a strong safety net that lets people in Pakistan get the medical care they need, buy healthy food,
and make their homes stable. Economic well-being is more than just having nice things. It's a big part of how
happy someone is with their life in general and makes them less stressed when they don't have enough
money. It's not important to chase money blindly; it's more important to understand how important it is for
a happy life, especially given Pakistan's current economic situation. To make this point of view stronger in
Pakistan, it is important to depend on research done by reputable groups such as the Pakistan Bureau of
Statistics and national health agencies. These institutions help us understand the complicated link between
a person's socioeconomic standing and their health in Pakistan. There is a lot of evidence that people in
Pakistan who are wealthier have better access to basic services like healthcare and schooling. In addition to
making them healthier, this gives them the tools they need to face life's challenges with strength.

What should be done and what should not be done?

I strongly agree with the idea that wealth and health are the same thing. I see the goal of financial success as
a way to make sure that you have a life that is not only richer but also healthier and more comfortable. To do
this, I make smart job choices, priorities responsible financial planning, and invest in education and skill
development. I see these as important parts of my journey. Having said that, I am aware of the problems that
can arise when you only focus on getting rich. It is very important to me that I don't put my physical and
mental health at risk while I work hard to reach my cash goals. I support a method that is fair and takes into
account how health and wealth are connected. Finding this balance is very important for living a life that is
both financially and personally satisfying. In addition, I stress the moral growth of wealth. It is very important
for me to think about other people's well-being and how my financial choices affect society as a whole.
Putting an emphasis on a decent way to get rich is not only good for you, but it also helps everyone else
survive and thrive. Though I want to be financially successful, I am determined to make sure that health and
moral issues are always important to me.

Conclusion

In the complex patchwork of life, health and wealth are like two threads that are knitted together. They
affect each other deeply. The different points of view that were looked at here show the complicated facts
that people face when dealing with these important parts of life. There is still debate about whether health
or wealth is more important, but a balanced approach that sees how the two can work together is becoming
clear as the key to a truly satisfying life. Finding balance, based on an understanding of how health and
wealth are linked, helps people live lives that are not only successful but also important and long-lasting.