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.”
Category Archives: philosophy
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?”
Quote of the Day: Ignorance
“Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil.” Plato Plato (c. 427–347 BCE) was an ancient Greek philosopher and one of the most influential figures in Western philosophy. He was a student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle. Plato’s contributions to philosophy covered a wide range of topics, including metaphysics, ethics, politics, epistemology, andContinue reading “Quote of the Day: Ignorance”
Quote of the Day: Excellence
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle Aristotle (384–322 BC) was a Greek philosopher, scientist, and polymath who made significant contributions to various fields of knowledge, including philosophy, natural science, ethics, politics, and more. He was a student of Plato and later became the tutor toContinue reading “Quote of the Day: Excellence”
Quote of the Day: Wealth
“The greatest wealth is a poverty of desires” Seneca The quote “The greatest wealth is a poverty of desires” suggests that true richness or wealth comes not from accumulating material possessions or constantly seeking more, but rather from being content with what one has and having few material desires. In other words, it’s about findingContinue reading “Quote of the Day: Wealth”
Quote of the Day: Friendship
“One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood.” Lucius Annaeus Seneca Lucius Annaeus Seneca, often known simply as Seneca, was a prominent Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, and playwright who lived from around 4 BC to AD 65. He was born in Corduba (present-day Córdoba, Spain) and cameContinue reading “Quote of the Day: Friendship”
Quote of the Day: Anger
“Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.“ Mark Twain Mark Twain was the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, an American author and humorist who lived during the 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born onContinue reading “Quote of the Day: Anger”
Quote of the Day: Gifts
“A gift consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer.” Seneca Seneca, also known as Seneca the Younger or Lucius Annaeus Seneca, was a prominent Roman philosopher, statesman, and playwright who lived from approximately 4 BC to AD 65. He was born in Corduba (present-day Córdoba,Continue reading “Quote of the Day: Gifts”
Quote of the Day: Insignificance
“The whole life of man is but a point of time; let us enjoy it.” Plutarch The quote “The whole life of man is but a point of time; let us enjoy it” suggests that human life is short and fleeting in the grand scheme of things. It emphasizes the brevity and transience of life,Continue reading “Quote of the Day: Insignificance”