Adding philosophical depth to anything and everything
How many activities do we perform in life mainly because at a young age we were told to? We are socialized into a variety of routine behaviors and learn what is expected of us. So we habitually conform to social conventions. How often do we examine these routines and habits? […]
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Sometimes, listening to politicians in the “developed” world, one gets the impression that hordes of barbarians are at the borders. These politicians tell us to be very concerned about the threat of immigrants. What these barbarians are accused of isn’t exactly clear; the message is vague beyond “be afraid.” These […]
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Follow-up to my article on the objectification of women. My article published earlier this month, “It’s Not Misogyny — It’s Worse Than That,” had many readers and many great comments. That’s wonderful because the issue of discrimination against and oppression of women is something that needs more public discussion. I thank everyone who […]
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A strip of cloth. Really? That’s what matters? Yes, according to some right-wing politicians. I can’t remember the last time I wore a tie. I have two or three stuffed somewhere in my wardrobe (the one that doesn’t lead to Narnia). I’ve carried these strips of cloth with my possessions […]
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If I was conspiratorially minded, I would believe that Big Tech is out to control every aspect of our lives. I do not engage in conspiracy theories, instead, I recognize that power will exercise its power, and often without regard to the consequences. In the world today, arguably the biggest […]
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Spoiler Alert: I will divulge as little as possible about the specifics of the movie as I talk about the real-life implications of its philosophical ideas, but, obviously, some content of the movie will leak out. Yes, Barbie is a surprisingly philosophical movie. I had low expectations for Barbie. I’ve […]
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I learned the word “stroppy” when I lived in England. Great word. The word is often used in the phrase “stroppy teenager,” to denote a bad-tempered, grumbly kid who doesn’t like anything. We all know the type. Some stroppy teenagers turn into stroppy adults. We all know the type: touchy, […]
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A subject that has been in the news quite a lot lately as a political issue is diversity, equity, and inclusion, and this is a topic that’s dear to my heart as a philosophy professor. I have taught at 12 different universities over the course of my career. At first, […]
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Fireworks are an enjoyable visual spectacle. Ever since French King Louis XIV made fireworks an integral part of his court festivals, they have been a staple of celebrations. The Fourth of July in the United States, Guy Fawkes Day in England, and New Years Eve nearly everywhere, are marked by […]
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Two blocks from my home in Prague is my local pub. Once a week on average, I take a little table in the corner, converse with the owner and bartenders, and have a nice burger and beer. It is a part of my life, a pleasurable, brief escape from my […]
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