I studied Western philosophy for a few years as a younger man. I recall a graduate course on metaphysics, delivered by Henry B. Veatch, one the most widely published and decorated American philosophers of his time. It would be incorrect to call Veath a “showman,” but, trust me, no one fell asleep listening to him speak.
Metaphysics is defined as “the branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such as being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and space.” All this sounds fine, until we consider that most of these ideas are now more properly the domain of science.
Yes, Kant told us that space and time are “forms of our intuition,” but in the 21st Century, we’re more answer questions on this subject via references to Einstein or Schoedinger.
Aristotle, on the most important early metaphysicians, explained that “to be is to be a substance,” but nowadays, if we want to understand the fundamental building blocks of the universe, we turn to theoretical physicists.
For better or for worse, the heyday of philosophy seems to be behind us.
I have such respect for Pascal that I considered naming our son after him. (My wife wasn’t having it. Maybe if we lived in France?)
Pascal made important contributions to both math and physics but he’s perhaps best known for his philosophic “wager,” that it makes sense to believe in God, since if He exists, you’ll be very glad you did, and if He doesn’t, you haven’t lost anything. I counter that this is not how we accept or reject religious tenets.
“Republican Patriots” writes: Howard Stern once again reveals the contempt so many in the entertainment elite hold for everyday Americans. He claims not to hate President Trump himself, but openly declares his hatred for those who support him, calling them stupid and saying he has no respect for them. This kind of arrogant dismissal shows how out of touch these Hollywood types have become with the hardworking people who built this country.
I’ve got news: contempt for Trump supporters is hardly limited to “these Hollywood types.” The vast majority of Americans–especially at this point–are neither greedy pigs nor hateful morons. We respect human rights and rule of law.
Can’t something be done to stop this lunatic?
-
Greenhouse Gases8 months ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Climate Change8 months ago
Guest post: Why China is still building new coal – and when it might stop
-
Greenhouse Gases2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Bill Discounting Climate Change in Florida’s Energy Policy Awaits DeSantis’ Approval
-
Climate Change2 years ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change Videos2 years ago
The toxic gas flares fuelling Nigeria’s climate change – BBC News
-
Carbon Footprint2 years agoUS SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules Spur Renewed Interest in Carbon Credits
-
Renewable Energy5 months agoSending Progressive Philanthropist George Soros to Prison?