Philosopher: Socrates Biography & Profile
Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher who became very influential in the development of Greek philosophy and, thus, Western philosophy in general. The most extensive knowledge we have of him comes from Plato's many dialogues, but there is a little information about him in the historian Xenophon's Memorabilia, Apology and Symposium, and in Aristophanes' The Clouds and The Wasps. Socrates is best known for the dictum that only the examined life is worth living.
Existentialist Psychology
Although the influence of existentialism on literature, art, and philosophy is not very surprising, its influence on psychology might be to some people. Understanding it better should help make it clear, however, that existentialism is less a philosophical school than a broader cultural movement that has involved a number of intellectual pursuits - all focused on the existence and importance of the individual human being.
How Parapsychology Tricks Scientists, Not Illusionists
Much research into the existence of psychic phenomena utilizes a false dilemma as a fundamental premise. Stated simply, it is alleged that those who have researched these phenomena and have ended up believing the events to be examples of genuine psychic phenomena, unexplainable by normal scientific methods and laws, must either be correct or must be declared cheats, lunatics, or worse.
Humanist Politics
Means, Ends, and Rational Society
America's Developing Death Industry
Is it ethical?
Integrity, Doubt, and Academic Freedom
What's a professor of religion to do?
Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka
The Woman Behind Pope John Paul II
Ethics of Individual Moral Preference
How important is it?
Odor, Sexuality, and Mating Practices
Fascinating results...
Journalism, Legitimation, and Control
Fight the system!
Book Reviews:
1) Eastern Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Shinto
Eastern religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto) encompass a significant percentage of the world's population and are part of some of the oldest cultures on the planet. For most Americans, though, they are nearly invisible. Most people may have heard of them, but probably don't know anything about them. This religious illiteracy inhibits cultural and political understanding in an increasingly connected world.
2) The Mirror of the Gods: Renaissance and the Pagan Gods
As most people probably know, the 'Renaissance' was a 'rebirth' of scholarship and learning derived from ancient history - not just ancient philosophy, but also ancient religion. Most people are unaware, however, just how the reclamation of Europe's religious heritage occurred. It wasn't inevitable and it didn't occur independent of contemporary political, social, and religious considerations.
3) Dworkin and His Critics: With Replies by Dworkin
Ronald Dworkin is one of the most important figures in the 20th century for moral, legal, and political philosophy. His ideas have spread widely and have had a profound influence on debates over basic issues in all those fields. Those ideas have not, however, been uncontroversial and he has had quite a few critics over the years. What have those critics had to say?