Why?

[Jayhawker Soule]

We are a pattern-matching species.

[little_monkey]

Originally Posted by Jayhawker Soule

We are a pattern-matching species.

We also see cause/effect and intention everywhere. But we also say, why, as in why bother?

[Bouncing Ball]

Appareantly things need to keep going. The "why" question is nothing but a learningprocess. It's the same with where, who etc.. only you can applie why on more questions.

Your question should be "why do we want to learn?"
My counterquestion would be; "Would we realize we weren't questioning if we weren't?"

I do know the question is perfect for evolution

[little_monkey]

Originally Posted by Bouncing Ball

Appareantly things need to keep going. The "why" question is nothing but a learningprocess. It's the same with where, who etc.. only you can applie why on more questions.

Your question should be "why do we want to learn?"
My counterquestion would be; "Would we realize we weren't questioning if we weren't?"

I do know the question is perfect for evolution

Nevertheless, when the why question is answered, that can be immediately followed by another why question.

- Mommy, why do birds sing?
- Because they're happy.
- But mommy, why are they happy?
- because it's sunny.
- But why, mommy, why is it sunny?

[Bouncing Ball]

Originally Posted by little_monkey

Nevertheless, when the why question is answered, that can be immediately followed by another why question.

one "why-question" is not a learningprocess.

[little_monkey]

Originally Posted by Bouncing Ball

one "why-question" is not a learningprocess.

Indeed, great answer...

[Neo-Logic]

Originally Posted by little_monkey

Why do people ask the question, why?

Why does it feel unnatural when one's constipated?
Why do passing kidney stones hurt?
Why is giving birth painful?
Why do orgasms feel good?

God damn it, they just do!!!!

Does the original post even qualify as a philosophical question?? Seriously? This reinforces the stereotypical saying that goes "philosophy is common sense dressed in a suit"

[little_monkey]

Originally Posted by Neo-Logic

Why does it feel unnatural when one's constipated?
Why do passing kidney stones hurt?
Why is giving birth painful?
Why do orgasms feel good?

God damn it, they just do!!!!

Does the original post even qualify as a philosophical question?? Seriously? This reinforces the stereotypical saying that goes "philosophy is common sense dressed in a suit"

Does the original post even qualify as a philosophical question??

One is immediately urged to ask, why do you ask such question? Isn't philosophy the root of all our thinking? The whys of all our underpinnings??

Now disparaging the pursuit of philosophical questions with such crude analogy could be construed as a mark of arrogance or loathing. I hope this is not your case. But if it is, then I'm compelled to ask, why?

[zenzero]

Friend Little monkey,
It was only Mahakasyap who never asked any questions and was enlightened.
This is what Buddha himself said:
*I possess the true Dharma eye, the marvelous mind of Nirvana, the true form of the formless, the subtle dharma gate that does not rest on words or letters but is a special transmission outside of the scriptures. This I entrust to Mahākāśyapa.*
It is also called the Special transmission.
If you can take your mind to that state then questions neednot arise.
Love & rgds