Due to a recommendation from a follower, I’ve decided to commence a series of posts that explain a little more thoroughly some aspects of philosophy. Think of these as your personal—and very general—philosophy lessons. I will consult my own knowledge from previous philosophy classes and discussions, the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, my own, personal philosopher, and, when all else fails, Wikipedia.
Because I, myself, would probably get too bored with a series of philosophy lessons if they were to be posted every day, I will intersperse them weekly with other posts.
Philosophers, you will love these because you can comment after the post with all sorts of points that I leave out or misrepresent. Then, you can complain to your non-philosophers about my post and explain to them what exactly I should have said, which will open up all sorts of healthy, philosophy-communication.
Non-philosophers, I will make these as unintimidating and interesting as possible. Perhaps there will even be illustrations. This post is not a philosophy lesson, though; as I need to do some research tonight first.
Please feel most free to message me with suggestions, either for topics that you would like to know more about or topics that you think that non-philosophers need to know more about (by email or on this post; my email address is on the left sidebar).
As far as real posts go, I was too busy with real work during lunch to come up with something, so I'll make sure tomorrow's post is extra cool.
I will probably start with some topics in Metaphysics tomorrow, because I really need to get over my first traumatic experience with Kant (Fall of `07). Perhaps a study of metaphysics will help me get over that.
Here's a picture, to apologize. For those of you who have lived in Texas, you know that the bluebonnet picture is a must for every Texan family.
~The Philosiologist~
Can't wait - I'm sure they will be very educational for me as a non-philosopher!
ReplyDeleteI hope you will have a post on American Pragmatism!
ReplyDeleteThat picture is sacrilegious.
ReplyDeleteMetaphysics is the only sensible place to start. Philosophers who are given to seeing the history of the field in broad strokes will often claim that Descartes initiated the first great turn in Philosophy -- to epistemology away from metaphysics -- and that Frege/Russell instigated the second great turn -- to linguistics and logic away from epistemology. However, it's only just becoming evident that with Kripke we are in the midst of a third great turn .... back to metaphysics.
ReplyDeleteIf you're looking for fun topics, I was would recommend googling some Philosophy 101 syllabuses (syllabii?) Every PHI 101 course I've been aware of touches on a number of the "big issues" in Philosophy, and also chooses topics that most people have a lot of intuitions about, once they start to think about the issues.
ReplyDeleteSo, for example: Utilitarianism vs. Deontology; Materialism vs. Idealism; Incompatibilism vs. Compatibilism; etc, etc. Setting up the lessons in terms of a dialectic can make it more interesting and easier to engage, even if it ultimately leads to oversimplifications (which are OK in introductory lessons).
Katie--I have been studying and teaching philosophy for a long time (studying longer than teaching, thank heavens for small favors) and have been married twice. I wish that this blog had been around during/through my marriages. Nearly everything you say on here is hilarious, not despite being true, but because it is true. Thank you soooooo much for providing a MUCH needed service!
ReplyDeletep.s. Are you sure you are not a philosopher too?
ReplyDelete