Monthly Archives: December 2009

The Worst Philosophical Sin

Posted on December 22, 2009 by profgiles

Philosophy has no shortage of controversy, but there is perhaps one issue throughout philosophy that has raised more ire than any other. It is the simple metaphysical notion called pantheism–God and the Universe are One. The idea that God and … Continue reading →

Posted in Metaphysics, Philosophy of Religion | Leave a comment

Hobbes: A Material Theist

Posted on December 13, 2009 by profgiles

Thomas Hobbes is best known for his political theory of the Leviathan and to a lesser extent for his theories on empiricism. Both Hobbes’ political and empirical theories are founded on his belief that there exists nothing but matter. There … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Religion | Leave a comment

In Praise of Simple Pleasures

Posted on December 10, 2009 by profgiles

John Stuart Mill emphasized the quality of pleasures in response to Jeremy Bentham’s notion that all sources of pleasure are intrinsically equal. Bentham had quipped that a child’s game was just as good as the art of poetry if it … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Society | Leave a comment

In Praise of Music Snobbery!

Posted on December 7, 2009 by profgiles

Someone on Facebook accused me of being a music “snob.” I think the intent was to insult me. The accusation is true and no it doesn’t insult me. It is a good opportunity to explain my philosophy of music and … Continue reading →

Posted in Society | Leave a comment

The Misleading Distinction

Posted on December 4, 2009 by profgiles

Traditionally, the period of “modern philosophy” (Bacon to Kant, 1590-1790) has been divided into empiricists and rationalists. On the “empirical” side are Hobbes, Locke, Berkeley, and Hume. On the “rationalist” side are Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz. The rationale given for … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosopeeves | Leave a comment