For anyone who follows the contemporary philosophical scene – and has not decided they know enough to not want to know any more – the debates concerning Martin Heidegger’s Nazism are pretty unhappy fare. Yet the decision to publish Heidegger’s notebooks, the so-called Black Books in 2014, the 100th anniversary of the first world war, means that conferences are still to be held, and that the debate will continue.
The best of the philosophical internet featuring the non-story that became the Covington brouhaha; a forgotten philosopher for our atomized age; ancient thinkers who tidied up well before Marie Kondo; and today's performative workaholism.
Altruism: The practice and principle of using actions to benefit others, expecting nothing in return.
If, like many, you are searching for your calling in life – perhaps you are still unsure which profession aligns with what you most care about – here are five recent research findings worth taking into consideration.
Valizadeh, aka “Roosh V.” is one of the more visible “Pick Up Artist” (PUA) figures, and one of the most overtly sexist. He’s written a series of books on how to sleep with women in various countries such as Brazil, (“Poor favela chicks are very easy, but quality is a serious problem”) but advises his readers to avoid Denmark as Nordic social democracy has made Danish women too independent. He cites Arthur Schopenhauer to argue that women are less rational than men and so should be controlled by them. He insists “no” usually doesn’t mean no, and anyway women should understand that men just can’t stop themselves (so much for all that rational decision making…).
The best of the philosophical internet featuring Žižek on 'toxic masculinity'; the fallout from the 'grievance studies' hoax; the ethics of bristly facial hair; and worst-case-scenario thinking.
Absolutism: The position that within a particular school of though, all different perspectives are either absolutely true or absolutely false.
For almost two years now, Americans have been confronted daily by ominous tidings. We are living through stressful times. Reading the news feels awful; ignoring it doesn’t feel right either.
Feral Philosophy 