Thought of the Day: Ducking in the rain

Why is it that people duck in the rain, do they really think the rain won’t hit them? When people continue walking in the rain while ducking or adopting a stooped position, it’s often a natural and practical response to minimize exposure to the rain. While they may not be completely avoiding getting wet, thisContinue reading “Thought of the Day: Ducking in the rain”

Thought of the Day: Kidnapping

Whenever an adult is kidnapped, why isn’t it called adultnapped? The term “kidnapped” is derived from the word “kid,” which historically referred to a child or young person. The use of “kid” in this context can be traced back to the 17th century. Over time, the term “kidnap” evolved to describe the act of takingContinue reading “Thought of the Day: Kidnapping”

A measure for pleasure?

Can pleasure be measured in terms of quantity as well as quality? What’s more pleasurable to a ten-year-old – a kitten, a teddy bear, or a bar of chocolate? Can we turn a subjective concept like pleasure into an objective measure or comparison? A man called “Jeremy” thought so. Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832) was an EnglishContinue reading “A measure for pleasure?”

The history of the print revolution.

What was the impact on the production of both written texts and music? In considering the effect of the print revolution on the production of texts and music it is important to define what is meant by the term “print revolution”. In simple terms, this refers to a time period starting from around 1440 whenContinue reading “The history of the print revolution.”

Is religion always synonymous with belief in the supernatural?

Did Comte’s religion of “Positivism” break this link? Before discussing the thoughts of Auguste Comte (1798–1857), it is useful to define the terms “religion” and “supernatural” and then consider the philosopher’s approach within these boundaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines religion as ‘Action or conduct indicating belief in, obedience to, and reverence for a god,Continue reading “Is religion always synonymous with belief in the supernatural?”

Remembering and forgetting in Ireland.

Where does tradition meet collective memory? In considering this question it is important to clarify the terms “tradition” and “collective memory”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines tradition as ‘A belief, statement, custom, etc., handed down by non-written means (esp. word of mouth, or practice) from generation to generation; such beliefs, etc., considered collectively.’ The keyContinue reading “Remembering and forgetting in Ireland.”

How did Sartre and Beauvoir explain the philosophy of existentialism?

Did Simone de Beauvoir improve on Sartre’s views? Jean Paul Sartre (1905-1980) was the leading light in the philosophy of existence known as existentialism and an award-winning author. Together with Simone de Beauvoir (1908—1986) – herself a  preeminent French existentialist philosopher and writer – he would hang out in Parisian Cafes in the 1940s withContinue reading “How did Sartre and Beauvoir explain the philosophy of existentialism?”