Philosophy

Our Universe: Chaos, or Cosmos?0
- Culture, Featured, Philosophy
- July 23, 2024
Is the universe a meaningless collection of lifeless matter? We live on a small planet in an out-of-the-way corner of an insignificant galaxy, and though our lives might feel real and important, is that just a delusion? After all, the only thing that’s really going on is that atoms are randomly careening off of one
READ MORE
Freedom: It’s Not About What You Want1
- Philosophy, Featured
- July 15, 2024
Is a king free if he can’t control his own passions? This question has puzzled philosophers for thousands of years. In an age when most people in the West have standards of living markedly higher than the kings of ancient times, it’s worth returning to this puzzle to try to get to the heart of
READ MORE
In Defense of the Freedom to Be Wrong 0
- Philosophy, Education, MomThink
- June 27, 2024
It is the rare fortune of these days that one may think what one likes and say what one thinks. —Tacitus It’s very important for institutions of concentrated power to keep people alone and isolated: that way they’re ineffective, they can’t defend themselves against indoctrination, they can’t even figure out what they think. —Noam Chomsky
READ MORE

Who Was Jean-Jacques Rousseau?2
- Philosophy, Education
- May 30, 2024
“Masochist, exhibitionist, neurasthenic, hypochondriac, incapable of normal or parental affection, incipient paranoiac, narcissistic introvert … pathologically timid, a kleptomaniac, infantilist, irritable, and miserly.” This is how one scholar has diagnosed Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Harsh though this may sound, the details of Rousseau’s life (1712–1778) bear out this description. Rousseau’s ideas are at the foundation of the
READ MORE
Our Culture of Narcissism Fosters Misery. Here’s Why.2
- Culture, Philosophy
- May 28, 2024
“You be you.” “Follow your heart.” “Pursue your dreams.” “Be yourself.” Such are the individualistic mantras of the 21st century, which continually call us to look inward for our “true selves” and lasting happiness. Historian and social critic Christopher Lasch called this a culture of narcissism. But does happiness truly come from within? Thaddeus Williams
READ MORE
Tradition: Good or Bad? How Francis Bacon Approached Communal Customs 1
- Philosophy, Western Civilization
- May 14, 2024
Almost single-handedly, Sir Francis Bacon popularized the scientific method. He’s credited, too, with inspiring “the modern world as we currently know it.” In his remarkable works (such as his famous Essays), Bacon drew heavily on ancient literature and proverbs: He looked to the past as well as toward the future. In our fast-changing times, we
READ MORE