This is the second installment in my series of reading key philosophical texts. It seemed appropriate to follow the reading of Plato’s Republic with the Nicomachean Ethics. This text is an incredible place for intellectual training, for training of our attention. It is an exercise in the art of noticing what is relevant in a given judgment. My overview is an invitation for you to read this great work. If.. Read More
Why Read Plato’s Republic
Two weeks ago I sat down and wrote a list of key philosophical texts that I believe I should read or re-read before I turn 40 (I’m now 37). I ended up with a list of 14 titles. I estimated that it should take me about one year to go through them if I devote to them at least one hour per day. Perhaps if I have the freedom, I.. Read More
Experimental Psychology of Culture
It is, for understandable reasons, difficult to hear, “What you’re doing is not what you think/say it is.” A message like this is not likely to evoke a friendly response. It is not likely to be seen as a friendly remark. In essence, the message is not denying the activity, “Yes, you are doing something.” But it is denying the interpretation assigned to the activity. This is my attitude toward.. Read More