jwattles

How to defend “brotherhood” from ethicism in the form of languagism

Scientism reduces spiritual truths to lower level facts. Ethicism in the form of languageism handicaps spiritual truths by unbalanced devotion to worthy social and political values–for example, suppressing talk of the brotherhood of man by linking the phrase with sexism. I feel sad to see the …

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How far can this philosophy of living go with Buddhism?

Philosophy

I just realized a new rapprochement with Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path. That might seem surprising, since this philosophy of living—this way of living—has a spiritual core of faith that leads to the realization of the indwelling presence of the spirit of God, friendship with God, …

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A secular view of life as art: the strongest alternative I’ve seen to my philosophy of living

Character, Morality, Philosophy of living general

The best alternative I have read to my philosophy of living takes a contemporary and secular turn which stimulates us to think anew. I believe I serve you best here by simply setting forth the position rather than by adding my replies. John Kekes, in The Art of Life (Ithaca, New York: …

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Andrea McGhee’s dramatic discovery in nature

Beauty in nature

As a guest blog this week I want to present an experience report based on Andrea McGhee’s project in aesthetics of nature. First, I’ll present the short, dramatic version. Next, for those who are interested, I include the full paper to give you an idea of what a full project report looked like in …

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The porosity of fact, situation, and mind

Philosophy, Science, Spiritual experience

A quiet, humble, and bright student with whom I once had the pleasure to work would ask questions about facts that were not in dispute. Not just one question; sometimes three or four. Feeling initially confident about my grasp of the fact, then finding myself unable to answer the questions, I was …

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Are words like “homophobic” the right words?

Morality

A friend of mine referred to a mutual friend as “Islamophobic” and I disagreed. I said, “Islamophobia” is a psychiatric diagnosis which you have no justification for making. It implies extreme fear. I support my friend’s intention to challenge stereotypes and to stand up for the humanity in every …

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