This post is meant to be the first in a set of posts to come—posts I have certainly not written. I merely put this as a preamble for anyone interested in the topic(s) I hope to continue discussing, both to help give a slight backdrop to said posts and explain how I see these intellectualContinue reading “Idealism and the Unfolding of Experience”
Author Archives: qvperalta
The Folly in a Standard of Autonomy
The issues of vaccination and abortion have been at the forefront of recent cultural dialogue, at least in the US and Canada. In connection with both issues, there has been a continual emphasis on “autonomy” in one form or another. Both issues have seen many people focusing upon ‘bodily’ autonomy, though I must admit thatContinue reading “The Folly in a Standard of Autonomy”
A Problem of History
Modern German terminology holds a distinction between two different words that can both be translated into English as ‘history.’ Historie, evidently connected with our own English term, means the formal study of the past by historians; Geschichte, on the other hand, is a term that usually means ‘story’ or ‘fable’ but can also mean history,Continue reading “A Problem of History”
The Gathering
How opinion flows with a touch of drink; Say your mind, let’s adventure what you think! Some say there are subjects not to invoke: Sex, religion, politics—to provoke. Yet there is a chance here for us to find What may in fact be common to our kind. Oh, just take a jab, I’ll handle aContinue reading “The Gathering”
A Concern with Teleology
A common trope among many people who are ‘traditionally’ minded is to invoke a conception of human ‘purpose’ or ‘end.’ In philosophical jargon, this is typically called Teleology (from Greek τέλος (tel-os), often translated into English as ‘end,’ ‘purpose,’ or ‘goal’), a notion in which things have an inherent meaning that must be pursued. WeContinue reading “A Concern with Teleology”
The Familiar
“A mind not to be changed by place or time.The mind is its own place, and in itselfCan make a Heav’n of Hell, a Hell of Heav’n.” I believe that it is fair to call our age one that is deeply ‘rationalistic.’ I realize that such a word may offer so many definitions as toContinue reading “The Familiar”
Directed Steps
Why now, has he reason?Inclined, he is, to say,“No pleasure? ‘Tis treason! A man’s mind plans his way.” All else, seen as bondage,This his long-held reflex.How could he acknowledge: His steps—the Lord directs? Yet knowing that his seed,He did not, himself, lay.It must be false, indeed: A man’s mind plans his way? From within, comes no aim;What isContinue reading “Directed Steps”
A Skeptical View
A common theme within my rambling attempts at philosophy is that of a profound and thorough skepticism. This is made clear by simply looking to my most beloved influences: Plato, St. Augustine, Michel de Montaigne, and Michael Oakeshott. Labeling some of these thinkers as ‘skeptics’ will, I imagine, jar some readers. Take just Plato: thisContinue reading “A Skeptical View”
A Techne of the Self
A supposed ‘problem’ that has presented itself within the last few years is that of ‘cancel culture.’ I am inclined to think that this issue is rather overstated. A recent example is that of J.K. Rowling being ‘canceled’ for her comments regarding trans-rights issues. Some social commentators believed this represented the issue of ‘online mobContinue reading “A Techne of the Self”
Freedom and Determinacy
“Call it, he said.She looked at him, at his outheld wrist. What? She said.Call it.I wont do it.Yes you will. Call it.God would not want me to do that.Of course he would. You should try to save yourself. Call it. This is your last chance.Heads, she said.He lifted his hand away. The coin was tails.I’mContinue reading “Freedom and Determinacy”
Hoping for Clarity 