A question occurred to me the other day, and I've been thinking about it off and on since then. I thought it post-able, so here goes. Why are we more prone to blame people who violate moral norms than people who violate epistemic norms? Why do people who are lazy or indifferent when it comes … Continue reading The Blame Game
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Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Eight
Tonight there is no joy in Königsberg, for the mighty Kant is out. Of his opponent Plato, Kant once remarked: "It is not at all unusual that in comparing the thoughts which an author has expressed about his subject, whether in ordinary speech or in texts, we understand him better than he has understood himself." … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Eight
Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Seven
While the Society was falling in love with the Cinderella story of 15-seed Ptolemy, #9 Durkheim was quietly making a move of his own in the West region. After previously taking down top seed Aquinas, last night he had an equally remarkable upset victory over #2 Descartes, becoming the lowest ranked thinker to ever make … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Seven
Gould Recordings 11-15 – Brahms, Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Schoenberg, R. Strauss
This is a broad range of music; I've tried my best to devote a paragraph to each recording. I also intend (soon) to write longer entries about Gould's Beethoven Concertos, and also the Glenn Gould record collection I've started. Once again, just about all this music should turn up on Spotify or YouTube if you … Continue reading Gould Recordings 11-15 – Brahms, Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Schoenberg, R. Strauss
Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Six
Just a quick recap today, as this reporter just realized he has a lot of work to do before spring break ends! After four games last night, our Enlightened Eight is now in place. In the Midwest, top seed Plato moved on with a 77-69 win over #12 Beauvoir. So far in this tournament, no … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Six
Intellectual History
Josh and I have been chatting about Peter Watson's The German Genius, and our dissatisfaction with his account of Kant's philosophy. This led me to wonder what people's favorite intellectual histories are. I mean the fun, lively stuff, not the exhausting, nit-picking tomes that I have to read for work. I really like the idea … Continue reading Intellectual History
Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Five
After a few days of rest, we're back for another round in the Society of Fellows' Big Thinkers Tourney. Our sixteen surviving sages are facing off in the hope of moving on to the Enlightened Eight. Last night saw four debates in the West and East Regions. Our first match of the night was between … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Five
Revisiting Jane Austen
A couple of months ago I decided to start re-reading Jane Austen's novels (some for the second time, some for the third). I thought I'd record some thoughts about them, since it's about 15 years since I had originally read these books. I've just re-read Northanger Abbey, Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice. Probably in … Continue reading Revisiting Jane Austen
Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Four
Let's recap another exciting day of Big Thinking action. In the Midwest, the All-Destroying Kant looked sharp in a 66-50 win over 7-seed Adam Smith. Smith's controversial invisible hand had effectively regulated the critical parries of first round opponent Deleuze, but was of little use against Kant's bold and systematic theorizing. Kant moves on to … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Four
Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Three
Friends, it was another thrilling day of games here at the Big Thinkers Tournament. We’ve seen an unusual number of upsets this year, and the pattern continued last night. The Western Canon may never be the same in light of this year’s results! Let’s start with the shocker of the night. Top seed in the … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Three
