The search for the foundation of ethics. Everyone wants to live a good life, but what does that mean? Generally we picture a life with enough money to make us independent, time to pursue activities we enjoy, and opportunity for sensual pleasures. But can you live a good life even if you don’t have the… Continue reading In Pursuit of the Good Life
Tag: Philosophy
The Fingerprints of God – A finely tuned universe
Modern physics has produced some amazing insights into the nature of the universe. One of the most astonishing is the discovery the fundamental forces of nature are balanced with a delicate precision. Upset this delicate balance and the universe could have collapsed in on itself before getting started. No atoms could form, which means no… Continue reading The Fingerprints of God – A finely tuned universe
The Presumption of Atheism on Trial
It’s become fashionable to say atheism has no burden of proof. It’s said atheism is the default assumption and the onus is on the theist to prove, not on the atheist to disprove. While this idea has the superficial gloss of rationality, under a critical cross-examination it falls apart. Rather than promoting rational methods, it… Continue reading The Presumption of Atheism on Trial
Why is there Something Rather than Nothing?
The cosmological argument for God. The cosmological argument is a formidable argument for the existence of God. It’s not a single argument but a family of arguments with a similar theme. While there are several different versions of the argument, it’s unfortunately one of the most misunderstood. This is a vast topic, but in this… Continue reading Why is there Something Rather than Nothing?
The Impossibly Hard Problem of Consciousness
The philosophical zombie apocalypse. In 1994 the philosopher David Chalmers raised questions about consciousness which ignited a zombie apocalypse. These weren’t questions no one had asked before. These were questions that rattled the established orthodoxy. They challenged the complacent modern assumption that science had settled all such questions. Many people assume it’s no longer an open… Continue reading The Impossibly Hard Problem of Consciousness
Do Extraordinary Claims Need Extraordinary Evidence?
Exposing the skeptics linguistic sleight of hand. You can’t travel far on the internet without hearing someone chanting the mantra: Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. It’s often assumed that merely reciting the incantation is sufficient to reject any idea its power is aimed at. The saying was popularized in Carl Sagan’s 1979 book Broca’s Brain in reference to… Continue reading Do Extraordinary Claims Need Extraordinary Evidence?
Metaphysics — Mysticism for the Intellect
What is metaphysics and why is it important? When most people hear the word metaphysics they think of mystical things like ghosts, auras, and supernatural beings. It’s a logical way to interpret the meaning of the word. Meta means beyond and physics means physical stuff. We naturally think of immaterial things. But this is almost… Continue reading Metaphysics — Mysticism for the Intellect
Philosophy – The Timeless Art of Clear Thinking
The value of philosophy is often denigrated by high-profile scientists in the popular media. The most common accusation is that philosophy makes no progress and produces no useful knowledge. These criticisms reveal a deplorable ignorance of what philosophy is from otherwise well-educated scientists. Of course, if the critics are right and philosophy isn’t contributing any knowledge,… Continue reading Philosophy – The Timeless Art of Clear Thinking
Prudence Louise 