Challenges
A brief introduction to some of philosophy's major themes and challenges. Includes a list of terminology, some argy-bargy, and a list of resources.
The Question of Doubt - Is there anything that we can know with absolute certainty? In order to know something we must have sufficient grounds for knowing it. Do such grounds exist?
The Problem of Self - The question of self delves deep into who we are. What is the relationship between our mind and our brain? Are they the same or different things? An exploration of mind-body dualism.
The Concept of Equality - The concept of equality is fundamental to political philosophy. But what exactly is it? In what ways are we equal; and in what ways should we be equal?
The Paradox of Tragedy - How is it that we can find intense enjoyment in the theatrical portrayal of suffering?
The Argument from Geometry - There is reason to believe that we dream in a different geometry to waking experience. If so, this is compelling evidence for substance dualism.
The Question of Dilemma - While some dilemmas are trivial, they can involve serious consequences and can be the cause of immense suffering. How do they arise and how can they be resolved?
The Problem of Freedom - It certainly feels as though we have free will, that in any circumstance we are free to do one thing or the other, but there are compelling reasons to believe that this feeling is an illusion.
Perspectives
Bright ideas, additional questions and alternative points of view.
Karma - Is karma an extrapolation of Newton's Third Law? Injecting some reality into both sides of a misunderstood theory.
Androgyny - What is masculinity? What is femininity? How to cultivate an androgynous mind.
Giving - The philosophy and art of giving and receiving. How can we make giving sustainable and mutually rewarding.
Hope - Is hope a mathematical certainty ... or is this just wishful thinking? Does infinity only go in one direction? What are the implications?
Self-Improvement - Don't think about your faults. There's a much better and far less expensive way to overcome them.
Propagation - Everything bears within itself the means of its own propagation. Is this the most fundamental thing we can say about life in general?
Sun Worship - Is sun worship the most logical expression of religious devotion? People worship more ridiculous things.
Control - Our greatest control is always at the beginning. What lessons can we draw from a rolling boulder?
Intuition - Is intuition a faculty possessed by all living things? What is the relationship between instinct and intuition?
Free Will or Fate - Are the events of our life the result of free will or fate? A proposed model of their relationship.
The Meaning of 'Life’ - What does it mean when we can't define 'life'? Could it be indefinable? Why?
Fables
Philosophy in story form, but don't call it fiction.
Evil Dust - Be careful what you wish for, especially when it's the end of the world. An eco-fable.
To Root or to Sprout - The story of one person's experience of direct communication with nature. This could be an example of a well-developed intuition.
The Poo Cycle - It's not disgusting; it's really quite magnificent. A story of poo, elephants, Morula fruit, and the food chain.
Articles
Everything from the evolution of sex to the different levels of thinking.
The Evolution of Intimacy - Evolution is just as capable of developing emotional and intellectual capacity as it is of developing hard-shelled eggs or mammary glands.
Yin and Yang Parenting - How to nourish your children and remain sane. A theory of interpersonal energy.
The Fifth and Sixth Dimensions - The stretching of where and when. The effects of an additional dimension of time and space.
Follow your Heart - The advice may come from well-meaning friends, motivational speeches, song lyrics, or self-help books, but 'Follow your Heart' could be the worst advice you'll ever hear.
Making sense of our Senses - With all the filtering, spin and compartmentalization our senses are subject to, it's a wonder that we can know anything at all.
The Thinking Pyramid - A lot has been written about different styles of thinking, but less about different levels of thinking.
An Intriguing Book - The Bible, the most influential book in the Western world has no greater relevance than any other ancient text. As the 'Word of God' it disintegrates with the barest breath of reason. A brief look at authorship, translation, and derivation.
Love, Knowledge, and Power - Love supports knowledge and power, and should always precede and accompany them.
What is Humanism? - Humanism is a secular philosophy that values people, emphasizes reason and science, and promotes innovative and reason-based solutions for human and environmental problems.