Monthly Archives: May 2009

Misunderstanding Descrates

Posted on May 27, 2009 by profgiles

Rene Descartes is one of the few philosophers students have heard about before they take a philosophy course. Descartes is known for “I think, therefore I am”—the famous “Cogito” that almost everyone knows. But knowing the quote doesn’t mean you … Continue reading →

Posted in Bad Philosophy, Metaphysics, Modern Philosophy - 1600-1800 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

No, Skepticism is Not an Answer

Posted on May 25, 2009 by profgiles

So often you see professional philosophers commit bonehead mistakes. I recently ran across one. Barry Stroud attacks the notion of a “privileged class” of statements that are “transcendental arguments” Such arguments are statements that when uttered meaningfully by certain individuals, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bad Philosophy, Contemporary Sophism, Philosophy at-large | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Arrogance of Theism and Atheism

Posted on May 23, 2009 by profgiles

A popular argument among philosophers and pseudo-philosophers is the existence or nonexistence of God. Even though many philosophers have long pointed out the futility of having the debate, in certain circles it rages on. A circle is the proper analogy … Continue reading →

Posted in Metaphysics, Philosopeeves, Philosophy of Religion | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The Current State of Philosophy

Posted on May 22, 2009 by profgiles

The course I teach most frequently is Introduction to Philosophy. As required by the standard curriculum and expectations, “Intro” is rooted in the history of Western philosophy—we study a bunch of old dead white guys. As we should, because the … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy at-large | Tagged | 1 Comment

This is not a blog.

Posted on May 21, 2009 by profgiles

As a college philosophy professor, I am troubled by the lack of good Internet philosophy resources for undergraduates. On a separate but ultimately related subject, I am also troubled by the state of philosophy today. I cannot hope to solve … Continue reading →

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