Is it possible to dream without knowing it? I realize this sounds like the tree falling in the forest question, but I think your answer will reveal a lot about your philosophical views, specifically on the mind/body problem. Could be fun? Maybe? Well, let us go then, you and I... If we can dream without … Continue reading A Different Kind of Dream Analysis
Philosophy
Heidegger’s Being and Time (Part II: Dasein)
In the last Heidegger post, I promised I'd address why Heidegger thinks that dualism (the mind-body problem) is predicated on a huge mistake that has carried through the whole history of Western philosophy. I will eventually. I'm putting that off until the next post...I hope you'll stick around until then. I'm not promising anything, but … Continue reading Heidegger’s Being and Time (Part II: Dasein)
Stoicism in my Toolbox
We like to think of philosophy as a worldview or a quest for truth, but I'd like to offer an alternative view—philosophy is a toolbox. We can pick out some specific philosophy for some specific purpose and use it to fix things. To be clear, this toolbox metaphor is not meant to replace that quest … Continue reading Stoicism in my Toolbox
Stumbling Blocks in Reading Philosophy
Philosophical texts are notoriously difficult to read, but the real problem comes when each text calls for a distinct set of skills. By the time you've "cracked the code" to reach that "ah ha" moment with one philosopher, it's time to start all over with another. I'd like to share some of my stumbling blocks … Continue reading Stumbling Blocks in Reading Philosophy
What is Freedom?
Just another word for nothing left to lose? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn7dKI3fbYg At Jmeqvist, you'll find a great post distinguishing between positive and negative freedom. I'd like elaborate on these to get you good and confused: 1. Negative Freedom. Here I'm quoting Johan at Jmeqvist as he says it so well: "...we are free in so far as external … Continue reading What is Freedom?
Diotima's Ladder 