Painting, nature, and science
Why painting is more truth-seeking than philosophy and physics
11
04, 2017
30
03, 2017
Aristotle and the modern computer (Chris Dixon, The Atlantic)
Aristotle and the modern computer: how the Greek philosopher's logic influenced the mathematical equations that underlie digital computation.
22
03, 2017
“Philosophia vitae magistra”: philosophy is the teacher of life
"Philosophia vitae magistra": philosophy is the teacher of life Who is unaware that human life without the liberal arts is not only destitute and empty, but indeed far inferior and worse to that of many animals? When I then turn my attention to philosophy itself, how many times have I heard from you that it in [...]
5
03, 2017
Are the humanities “useless”? If so, do they still provide a use?
Are the humanities "useless"? If so, do they still provide a use? Said Hui Shih to Chuang-tzu: “These sayings of yours are useless.” “It is only with people who know about the useless that there is any point in talking about uses. In all the immensity of heaven and earth, a man uses no more than [...]
22
02, 2017
Humanities in the Age of Big Data
Humanities in the Age of Big Data: an historian tries to unravel the consequences for ourselves and our way of life. Dataism is a new ethical system that says, yes, humans were special and important because up until now they were the most sophisticated data processing system in the universe, but this is no longer [...]
12
02, 2017
Singapore’s sciences require the humanities (Alfred Chua, Today Online)
Singapore's sciences require the humanities: how a leading university understands the need for engineers to train in the humanities. From the article: Technology and innovation may be the twin forces to power Singapore’s new economy but increasingly, social sciences and humanities are getting some unexpected attention and gaining importance in the workplace and helping policymakers [...]
3
02, 2017
Between wisdom and enlightenment
Between wisdom and enlightenment: self-understanding outshines knowledge of other people and things Knowing others is wisdom; Knowing the self is enlightenment. Mastering others requires force; Mastering the self needs strength. He who knows he has enough is rich. Perseverance is a sign of power. He who stays where he is endures. To die but not [...]
24
01, 2017
The highest mode of life
The highest mode of life: a proposal from 2500 years ago, relevant today in all dimensions. If on the other hand I tell you that to let no day pass without discussing goodness [aretês] and all the other subjects about which you hear me talking and examining both myself and others is really the very [...]
28
12, 2016
George Orwell: A Life in Pictures
George Orwell: A Life in Pictures An insightful docudrama using Orwell's words and re-creating episodes from his life.
11
12, 2016
Learning, language, and moral character
Learning, language, and moral character: to what degree does education, in humanities or the sciences, influence our moral progress? Their own weakness, however, is not the only factor which can make students of philosophy waver and double back. The earnest advice of friends and the mocking, bantering attacks of critics can also, on their occurrence, [...]