In an interesting passage from his influential work Phenomenology of Perception (originally published in 1945), philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty refers to the visual illusion where two equally long lines appear different. It is known as the Müller-Lyer illusion (see the picture below). Merleau-Ponty suggests that we are mistaken to think of these lines as equal or unequal … Continue reading Visual Illusions and Context
A House Seen From Everywhere
In his influential work Phenomenology of Perception (originally published in 1945), the French philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty says that to see a house as it itself is would mean to see it from everywhere. What does he mean? After all, to see always means to see from somewhere. Precisely so. We are finite beings and so we … Continue reading A House Seen From Everywhere
Maurice Merleau-Ponty on Philosophy
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
A Walk In The Park With Irish Myths
In his book, The Power of Myth, Joseph Campbell says, "Myths are clues to the spiritual potentialities of the human life... Myths and dreams come from the same place. They come from realizations of some kind that have then to find expression in symbolic form." Often, that form finds an expression in art. Wind-felled Beech … Continue reading A Walk In The Park With Irish Myths
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
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