What is the role of philosophy in our modern age? We no longer believe in grand narratives (for the most part!), and empirical sciences seem to hold the keys to all existing and future knowledge. So what about philosophy - is there any place for it left? Although one of the oldest of disciplines that … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Philosophy’s Role Today
Spreading the Word: Philosophy of Art
What can we learn about art from philosophy? What does the concept of 'aesthetics' mean? How can we evaluate art, compare different artworks to each other, and should we do it at all? Philosophers have engaged with the question of beauty for centuries. Earlier this week, I posted a selection of beautiful lines from some … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Philosophy of Art
Spreading the Word: What Is Continental Philosophy?
During the 20th century, many things happened. It was a busy century. Among all that busyness, disenchantment with long-lasting traditions, and rapid technological advancement, one divide emerged that still holds strong today - the divide between analytic and continental philosophy. Why did it happen, and what does it mean? Today I share a video by … Continue reading Spreading the Word: What Is Continental Philosophy?
Spreading the Word: No Such Thing as Absolute Clarity
Many of us are taught at school that we should know the right answers, that that is a sign of knowledge. As children grow, they learn that society expects certain things of them and that those are the right things. Right answers, right behaviour, right thoughts. And the opposite is, of course, wrong. This approach … Continue reading Spreading the Word: No Such Thing as Absolute Clarity
Spreading the Word: Burnout Society
Where do hyperattention, hyper-productivity, and promoting constant personal improvement lead? To a burnout society, according to contemporary philosopher Byung-Chul Han. In this short video, professor Ellie Anderson discusses Han's book and some of the ideas he develops in it: The Burnout Society. Enjoy! Keeping up the "Spreading the Word" tradition, I hope to share an … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Burnout Society
Spreading the Word: Waiting and Lived Time
We all have experienced waiting. But could waiting be in danger of dying out as a phenomenon? Many of us do not like the feelings associated with waiting - the slow passing of time, the uncertainty, the sense of being stuck in some misty limbo land with no clear path in sight. So we try … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Waiting and Lived Time
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