Category Archives: essay

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?”

What was Marx’s problem with capitalism?

Is greater state control of the economy the solutuon to a post Covid recession? Karl Marx (1818 – 1883) is best know as the father of Marxism. He was a philosopher, author, and economist and is renowned for his manifestos on capitalism and communism. In describing Marx’s objections to capitalism it is necessary to defineContinue reading “What was Marx’s problem with capitalism?”

What was Rousseau and Hobbes’ view of the ‘state of nature’?

Did Rousseau undermine Hobbes’ views on absolute rule? Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) was an English philosopher who wrote at a time of great civil unrest and turbulence in his own country, his major works were written in exile in France during the English Civil War. Hobbes described the “state of nature” in his Tetralogy of BooksContinue reading “What was Rousseau and Hobbes’ view of the ‘state of nature’?”

Is the will of the majority always right?

So we have referendums, polls, political votes, surveys, juries, committees, parliaments, and consumer groups. The majority view must prevail. We have traditions, practices, accepted beliefs, and ways of life. The status quo must prevail. But where does the truth lie and is the will of the majority always right? Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopherContinue reading “Is the will of the majority always right?”

Aristotle’s argument against democracy.

Aristotle’s argument against democracy – but was he right? Aristotle believed the best type of government was by monarchy, or, at the very least, by aristocracy. Democracy was not to be encouraged! To better understand this seemingly somewhat outdated and extreme “right-wing” view, we must look at his philosophical reasonings for his proposition. Aristotle linkedContinue reading “Aristotle’s argument against democracy.”