Category: Philosophy
Two Ways Through Life: Reflections on The Tree of Life
Last week an old friend insisted that I see Terrence Malick’s recent film, The Tree of Life. The film instructs us from the beginning that we must choose which way we will follow through life, the w... Read More
What to a Felon is the Fourth of July?
Article first published as What to a Felon is the Fourth of July? on Blogcritics. One hundred and fifty-nine years ago, Frederick Douglass was invited to give a speech to commemorate the birth of what... Read More
Defeating Dogmatism
How can we make sure that we are not simply protecting ourselves when we discuss our deepest beliefs, and are in fact evaluating the evidence and reasons with clear eyes? How can we ensure that our mo... Read More
Beyond Post-racialism
Article first published as Beyond Post-Racialism on Blogcritics. I recently watched a video of Ruha Benjamin, a Professor of Sociology and African American Studies at Boston University. In this video,... Read More
“Balancing Judgment: The Effects of Religion in U.S. Courtrooms,” By Eve Turow
On December 14, 2004 Alabama Judge Ashley McKathan stepped into court adorned by a judicial robe embroidered with the Ten Commandments. Stitched in large print, the Biblical statements were legible ... Read More
Svaha: On Giving Up My Father
I am not this, consumed by flame; I am not that, washed in water; I am not that which drew air, nor am I that which walked upon the earth. I am the earth, I am the air and I am the water. I am the fir... Read More
Sitting at the Buddha with the Tanna’im
This paper examines the parallels between two ancient ethical texts, the BuddhistDhammapada, and the Jewish,Pirke Avot. Both of these texts offer the reader insights into what is necessary for maintai... Read More
Privilege vs. Pluralism: On A.C. Grayling’s New College of the Humanities
Prominent atheist A.C. Grayling and some other well-known academics (including Richard Dawkins) have recently announced plans to set up a private college in London called the New College of the Humani... Read More