For 2,500 years, the West has progressively developed its philosophical analytical methods to answering questions concerning ultimate reality, the nature of knowledge, and the principles of being. While this approach led to vast scientific advances, global communication , and legal foundations for individual liberties, it failed in its original (primary) task of gaining a sturdy perspective and understanding of reality and the human mind.
             Although we might not understand completely what reality is or what the human psyche consists of, the processes towards finding these answers have brought us (as a whole society civilization) one step closer to a complete understanding of ourselves and our surroundings. Individually, I believe that our surroundings, environment, self perspective, and the like are open to our own interpretation and understanding. The way we look at things, based on our upbringing and process of thought, plays a major role in the conclusion we reach after interpreting all that we see.
             The existence of philosophers, the process of understanding, creating views, and the theories to shorten our curiosity (and sometimes stretch our imagination), have all contributed significantly to mankind's general perspective of reality and consciousness. Ultimate reality versus consciousness remains however, beyond the grasp of western philosophers. The way out of this apparent dead end in western philosophy was best described by German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860); "Reality is a blind impelling force, appearing in individual
             man as will." So according to Schopenhauer, reality is a factor of consciousness. One cant help but to wonder, when looking at this philosopher, and many others, as to where 'modern' philosophers base, or stem their process of reason and thought. The most logical answer would be Socrates; the founder and most inspired man in the world of philosophy.
             Socrates (C. 46...