Apropos my earlier rant on people who think that paradoxes are meaningless, I figured I ought to take a stab at giving some meaning to paradox. To this end I reformulated a paradox in my terms. I suppose I should called it the Mirror Paradox, though ‘Looking-Glass Paradox’ seems more lyrical and has an historical nod. My apologies to whoever actually came up with this first, though I am sure I haven’t heard it before… […]
Are Paradoxes Meaningless?
Aaron Cotnoir has suggested that people think that paradoxes are meaningless. I think they are lucky that they hadn’t suggested that to me unless they wanted to see me freak out. It was my good fortune to have my first real exposure to the work of Frege, Russell and Wittgenstein be from Thomas Ricketts. I can’t remember verbatim what he said, but this is close: No one knows how long it took Frege to understand […]
Philosophers’ Carnival: Call for Submissions
I’m pleased to announce that this blog will be hosting the 63rd Philosophers’ Carnival. Submissions can be made by clicking on this link. Though I’ve written better papers, one of the few I think about regularly has to do with a philosophical theory of comedy. Since I believe we could all use a laugh, funny posts and posts having to do with comedy will take precedence. Still, if you know of a post that is […]
Creativity
Lifehack.org is giving away a db clay wallet for the best tip on how to be or stay creative. Here’s what I said: Creativity comes from ruthlessness. Being thoroughly ruthless with what you have and what has been done will allow you to create something new. If there is something that is equal to your abilities, i.e. you do not have command of it, then that thing is something new, at least for you. If […]
I will not write any more boring philosophy
props
On The Scientific View of the World
Many people have a “scientific” view of the world. This means that the world operates according to the laws of science, i.e., there are no mysterious forces that cannot be explained by some combination of physics, biology, psychology, economics etc. It is a mistaken view. The scientific view of the world can be summarized by this formulation: S) The world is governed by science if and only if, given a specified way things are at […]
Some Links, not that you really needed more
IGN: Bob Ross Paints on Revolution That’s right. There will be a ‘Joy of Painting with Bob Ross’ video game coming out for Wii. Bold Escape Not First Try for Inmate – New York Times Guys escaped from prison Shawshank Redemption style. Draw a pig personality test YouTube – Groovy Dancing Girl Music by DAFT PUNK – “Harder Better Faster Stronger” Video Beatbox Fame Game It’s a cooking show… kinda. plump plum: Clara Bow Blood […]
My Visit to the First Public Toilet in New York City
Yesterday I visited the first public toilet in New York City. It is much lauded. Here is my take: The toilet it located near the southeast corner of Madison Square Park. It has the oh-so-typical whitish glass and brushed steel look. I am not criticizing the toilet specifically, it is a clean look for a restroom to have, but I’m getting a bit tired of this design scheme in general. I had to wait a […]
Consciousness Dilemma
I watched Dan Dennett’s Ted Talk “Can We Know Our Own Minds” yesterday and it reminded me of a problem I had with the study of consciousness. I am convinced a solution cannot be written down or said. Assume someone knows what consciousness/mind/divine spark/what-you-will is. If someone knows something, then it is part of their consciousness. If someone knows what consciousness is, then the consciousness has a part that contains consciousness. Therefore someone has a […]
Philosopher’s Carnival to be hosted here!
I’ve agreed to host the Philosopher’s Carnival here on February 18. So if you think you got what it takes, tough guy/gal, submit a post and I’ll tell you whether you’re up to snuff.