Category Archives: Philosophy
Philosopher Sam Harris says we need government to address wealth inequality and social shortsightedness. I question the premises in support of that conclusion. Continue reading
Journalist Ron Rosenbaum castigates atheists as believers in a religion of science. I argue that he’s wrong. Continue reading
Global warming cynics reject the science supporting climate change. Does that make them “deniers”? I explore the mechanics of denial to answer the question. Continue reading
Many people can’t imagine life without God. But I have soundly rejected the concept. In honor of Christmas, here’s why. Continue reading
The theory of evolution is not responsible for Nazi bloodshed. Continue reading
David Hume said humans, in observing pain, experience that pain, too. Therefore, we want to alleviate the pain of other people, to ameliorate the suffering it causes within us. This empathy for our fellow humans constitutes the basis for treating them decently. Hume’s best friend Adam Smith, in his 1759 work The Theory of Moral Sentiments, agreed that instinctual empathy helped birth human morality. He wrote: How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his … Continue reading
As anyone who has opened a newspaper or watched the news over the past few years knows, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been pursuing nuclear capability. Iran’s government insists its only goal is to develop nuclear power plants that would not threaten anyone. The United Nations, though, is concerned Iran might instead covet nuclear weapons. The United States is convinced that is the case. In any event, for an aggressive and fanatical theocracy such as Iran to research nuclear … Continue reading
On December 25 of every year, a wonderous celebration takes place: We scarf down copious amounts of food, imbibe generous portions of alcohol, and give and receive presents in joyous approbation of the money, greed, free enterprise, industriousness, decadence, and gluttony that define our culture. We should do that; it promotes recognizance of what we are, which is a good thing. But let’s stop calling the day on which we indulge in a capitalist wet dream “Christmas.” Jesus Christ, from … Continue reading
