Category Archives: Philosophy
A Dummies’-Style Guide to Becoming a Cult Leader
These guidelines will help people to recognize such scam artists when encountering them. Just about all cults include most or all of these elements. Make a Promise that gets at something people really want and don’t have, such as community, … Continue reading
Science and Ethics
Why Ethical Statements Are Not Merely Matters of Opinion Ideas matter. Over time, some spread virally and have consequences far beyond their place of origin. In our time, in which philosophy has become, alas, an academic discipline far removed from … Continue reading
Robert’s Rule
ROBERT’S RULE: If you are wondering whether a new policy, procedure, technology, law, regulation, or system is a good idea, just think of the worst person at the worst time in the future wielding its power. –Robert D. Shepherd Bob’s … Continue reading
The Writer Puts Words in Their Place
I’ve seen it argued that animals (by which the authors meant nonhuman animals, for we are animals too) can’t be self-aware because they don’t have language. Yikes. The notion here is that in order for a creature to have a … Continue reading
Ideas Matter, Exhibit 1: The Horrific Legacy of Christian Neo-Platonism
The Christian Church grew up mired like a fly in treacle in the utter darkness that was Platonism–the sick, world-and-life-denying doctrine of Plato, who split the universe down the middle, into an airy-fairy spirit world “up there” and a contemptible … Continue reading
