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?”
Tag Archives: philosophy
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’?”
Quote of the Day: Opinion
“Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric.” Bertrand Russell Bertrand Russell is perhaps my favourite of the “modern-day” philosophers as he made philosophy available to a wide audience through his books, lectures, and broadcasts. This quote will surely resonate with all the scientists, academics, inventors, andContinue reading “Quote of the Day: Opinion”
Quote of the Day: Lies and Truth
“A lie told often enough becomes the truth.” Vladimir Lenin Oh, how I wish this quote wasn’t true in itself, but I believe it is. Lenin informs us and warns us about the pernicious force of propaganda and the malevolent and self-serving oratory of our political leaders. Seek the facts and beware of good stories!Continue reading “Quote of the Day: Lies and Truth”
Quote of the Day: Facts
“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.” Aldous Huxley Aldous Leonard Huxley was a 20th Century English writer and philosopher who wrote the novel “Brave New World”. This quote resonates with me for as much as we wish, we cannot change the truth! Thank you for reading my writings. If you’d likeContinue reading “Quote of the Day: Facts”
Quote of the Day: Hope!
“Hope is the fuel of progress and fear is the prison in which you put yourself” Tony Benn Although this is a political quote from the 20th Century, the message is timeless. It is a call for optimism and a positive outlook. Fear and anxiety can stop us from acting and keep us from movingContinue reading “Quote of the Day: Hope!”
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?”
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