Secondly, why do you continue to study it? Hi Arjun! Thanks for the (very interesting) question. There are several reasons why I study philosophy and why I will continue to study it in the future. Let me get straight into the most relevant ones. First of all, part of philosophy is to ask (and try […]
Why do you study philosophy? Read More
“If I have come to the conclusion that the fear of death is illogical, why do I still fear death?” (Herbert Fingarette) Thank you, Dave Boyo Klier, for a considered question. Uncharacteristic though it may be for a philosopher, I think I can provide a rather straightforward answer. Indeed, it does make sense that you
If fearing death is illogical, why do we still fear it? Read More
Hi, Mr Wynn P Wheldon! What an interesting question. Let me briefly sketch some possible answers! First of all, some people might question the assumption that a philosopher should not be wealthy. Although most philosophers are not wealthy (by western standards, at least), it might be totally okay for them to get a juicy salary
Why should a philosopher not be wealthy? Read More
Thank you, Jayle Paña, for such a sensitive question. Hope is a belief in the possibility of some goal or, more generally, toward the destiny of human beings or the world. A state of hopelessness is one in which there are many signs and much believable evidence that point in the opposite direction of our
Why do people hope even in hopeless times? Read More
Thank you, Joshua Chawner, for such an interesting question! I liked this question because I distinctly remember being baffled by a Flemmish expression that is taken to mean the same thing: ‘you need to taste all the sauces’ (or: ‘ge moet van alle saze nekeer proeve’). I was baffled because the proposed principle is so
‘Don’t knock it untill you’ve tried it’ – really? Read More
Thank you, Ramón Mansilla, for a great question! Let’s hope ignorance isn’t bliss, because here comes some knowledge… If someone were to call you ‘ignorant’, then you would usually take it as an insult – that is, if we regard ourselves rational agents who are epistemically responsible and see ignorance as a bad thing. By
Is ignorance really bliss? Read More
