In the "Preface" of his highly influential work Phenomenology of Perception (originally published in 1945), the French philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty wrote the following words about philosophy. Perhaps they can serve as an inspiration to embrace and even encourage the experience of being a beginner: "There is no thought that encompasses all of our thought... The philosopher … Continue reading Maurice Merleau-Ponty on Philosophy
Maurice Merleau-Ponty on Perception
The 20th-century French philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty studied human perception his entire career. He stressed the absolutely fundamental, primary nature of our perception - being there and situating us in the world before any analysis, judgment, explanation or observation. Here is what he says in the "Preface" of his highly influential work Phenomenology of Perception (originally published … Continue reading Maurice Merleau-Ponty on Perception
What Does Empathy Mean
Many people across the world are celebrating the beginning of a new year today, and some are thinking about New Year's resolutions - how to improve ourselves, be better persons, take on new projects, hobbies, or change some habits. Maybe you would like to be more compassionate and understanding with other people. This worthy goal … Continue reading What Does Empathy Mean
Medieval Sceptics
There is nothing like a historical 'murder mystery' for the Christmas festivities, don't you think? Whether you celebrate this Christian festival or not, whether you agree with Nietzsche that "God is dead" or not, you might be interested in diving into a 'tour of medieval unbelief'. This one-hour lecture explores medieval European dissenting and blasphemous … Continue reading Medieval Sceptics
Foucault On The Role Of Philosophy
Michel Foucault, a highly influential French philosopher whose work focused on exploring and critically analysing relations of power in society and their influence on individuals, thought that philosophy's task is to notice what we take for granted and bring it to our attention so that we can actually see what we see. I wonder what … Continue reading Foucault On The Role Of Philosophy
Philosophical Quote for Inspiration
Sometimes we all need a little inspiration and encouragement to just keep going. One day at a time. "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."Confucius keep exploring! P.S. Thank you for visiting me here on the humanfactor.blog! If you enjoyed this post and are interested in more philosophical content, I … Continue reading Philosophical Quote for Inspiration
Threat of Risk-Free Love
French philosopher Alain Badiou sees modern love under a double threat: safety and comfort. When love is presented as 'for your safety and comfort', it is a selfish kind of love, one that shifts all the risks to the other, while pretending to love them. But how can love exist without mutual vulnerability, without being … Continue reading Threat of Risk-Free Love
What Is Philosophy? Thinking About the Question (Part 2 of 2)
In this second part of my essay (see the first part here), I focus on exploring the relational identity of philosophy in terms of philosophy’s social relevance and contributions. A number of recent articles have directly or indirectly addressed the question of philosophy’s identity. Some of the common themes that emerged include philosophy’s role … Continue reading What Is Philosophy? Thinking About the Question (Part 2 of 2)
What Is Philosophy? Thinking About the Question (Part 1 of 2)
What is philosophy? What are the mysterious people called ‘philosophers’ doing, and what is their role in human society? In this paper, I do not aim to answer these questions definitively. Instead, my goal is to explore the question itself. What do we mean when we ask what is philosophy and what is the role of philosophers? … Continue reading What Is Philosophy? Thinking About the Question (Part 1 of 2)
María Lugones on Intersectionality
Intersectionality makes visible what is obscured by thinking in separate categories. In her 2007 essay Heterosexualism and the Colonial / Modern Gender System, philosopher María Lugones writes: "Intersectionality reveals what is not seen when categories such as gender and race are conceptualized as separate from each other. The move to intersect the categories has been … Continue reading María Lugones on Intersectionality
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