Tag: Philosophy
Derridan différance: Lessons in meaning, and the pursuit thereof
Jacques Derrida is a leading figure in 20th-century French thought. His work, controversial and enthralling, spread through much of the world at the close of a century unlike any other–one packed with war, institutional transformation and a deep reformation of societies everywhere. The sceptical outlook as reaction and in its own right, that fills much […]
Letters to Milena: The art of copycat
Good artists copy, good artists steal! Pablo Picasso We might argue, fight, and writhe and roll our eyes at copycats. Yet a certain gesamtkunstwerk to the well-copied allows it a fighting chance. A chance to be more than a slavish reproduction, a homage; an act of love even, to the original. I was reminded of […]
Epistemic Circles: Squaring up with Utilitarian Ethics
Warning: A winding tale. Read only if you are very bored, or find circles particularly fascinating. At first glance, utilitarian ethics offers the attractive proposals of common good, society, inalienable rights, and the desirable ultimate goal of ensuring greatest human happiness. The utilitarian ethic is grounded in an empirical understanding of the world: things result […]