[What follows is much more of an emotionally exploratory essay than a logically rigorous proof of something... though at times I'll probably make arguments that I allege are logical.] El Greco's painting and the story to which it alludes speaks to the attraction and potential danger of the public display of anger. On the one hand, … Continue reading Other Thoughts on Political Anger
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Libertarianism and the Blue Ridge Parkway (Part One)
In recent posts, I’ve been exploring a (loosely) Libertarian line of thought. While I don’t think standard Libertarian accounts adequately ground their positions, I do believe that there are important insights to be gleaned from the tradition. I’ve sketched out the foundation for a reformed version--which David has helpfully coined “Teleological Libertarianism.” (I should acknowledge … Continue reading Libertarianism and the Blue Ridge Parkway (Part One)
On Political Anger
Josh and I have been discussing Pound's angry letter in response to an editor's critical comments on Joyce's manuscript of Portrait of the Artist. We've been using this letter as a proxy for our larger, ongoing debate about the uses and abuses of anger in contemporary (mostly political) discussion. But, as it stands, this way … Continue reading On Political Anger
Ezra Pound Defends James Joyce Against an Early Critic
I'm a fan of polemical writing, whatever the subject-matter. In fact, my reading of Joyce's letters and biographies has tipped me off to a future project: reading more Ezra Pound, those excerpts which have been included having been so creatively acerbic. Pound's is a name I've heard here and there but I don't really know that … Continue reading Ezra Pound Defends James Joyce Against an Early Critic
Magritte – The Human Condition
What is Magritte saying about "the human condition" (this piece's title)? I'm not sure. I invite you to say what you think within the comments. I especially encourage you to answer if you don't want to read the rest of the post, or if you've never commented before, or both! There is an exhibition at the … Continue reading Magritte – The Human Condition
Unger on Philosophy
Philosophers struggle with an intellectual/academic/disciplinary version of low self-esteem. A recent victim is Peter Unger, who recently gives an interview-cum-advertisement for his latest book in philosophy, the central thesis of which is that philosophy is at best an enjoyable diversion and at worst an utter waste of time. (We're to assume, I suppose, that the … Continue reading Unger on Philosophy
Dubliners (and Joyce’s early career struggles)
My rereading of Dubliners was as enjoyable as always. That book reminds me of a great band's first album. Not the sort of band whose first album is their only good one, but the sort of band that, even though they go on to produce other great (even great-er) work, you always retain a soft … Continue reading Dubliners (and Joyce’s early career struggles)
Best Opening Section of a Philosophy Essay???
Here's my entry, from David Lewis' "Void and Object": The void is deadly. If you were cast into a void, it would cause you to die in just a few minutes. It would suck the air from your lungs. It would boil your blood. It would drain the warmth from your body. And it would … Continue reading Best Opening Section of a Philosophy Essay???
Joyce’s Earliest Writings
I'm making my way through Richard Ellmann's biography, along with the three volumes of Joyce's letters, and then also stopping to read everything else he wrote along the way. I've read most of these texts (except the letters and the biographies) many times, but re-reading brings new perspectives. The main reason for this re-reading is … Continue reading Joyce’s Earliest Writings
Listening to Beethoven and the Beatles with My Newborn
Obviously having a child brings a lot of change, but one thing that's stayed the same - when I get up on weekends, I still listen to a record or two and enjoy my apartment while my wife gets herself up a little later. With a big difference though: now, while my wife gets some … Continue reading Listening to Beethoven and the Beatles with My Newborn
Original Positions 