If Theosophy is taken as a synthesis of science, philosophy and theology, together with its stated objectives of open dialogue, comparative investigation and experimentation, there will be a lot of room to overcome its own articles of faith, which in spite of its professed anti-dogmatic, free-thinking, non-partisan persona, are quite prevalent. For example there are … Continue reading “The Operative Assumptions in Theosophy”
Author: Govert Schuller
The Tacit Dimension Operative in Phenomenology
Abstract This paper tries to assess the tacit dimension operative in the doing of phenomenology itself. The pre-phenomenological, pre-thematic naive skills of everyday abstraction and reflection comprise the tacit basis upon which phenomenology draws to do its work. In the natural attitude we are always already using these skills in daily life, and in the … Continue reading “The Tacit Dimension Operative in Phenomenology”
The Possibility Conditions of Narrative Identity
Each of us constructs and lives a ‘narrative’ . . . this narrative is us, our identities — Oliver Sacks. This dissertation is the fruit of my research on the concept of narrative identity, i.e. the claim that our sense of self is structured like a story. While investigating this concept it became clear that … Continue reading “The Possibility Conditions of Narrative Identity”
Bibracte: Last Center of Celtic Occultism?
The other day I visited David Reigle’s excellent web site of the Eastern Tradition Research Institute and found again his paper on “The Centennial Cycle.” In this paper he discusses the origin of the policy by the Brotherhood of Mahatmas of enlightening the “western barbarians” on a centennial basis. Here I read that the very last of … Continue reading “Bibracte: Last Center of Celtic Occultism?”
Nietzsche’s Reluctant Acceptance of Liberal Democracy (and later Rejection)
Introduction. The questions to be addressed in this essay are 1) whether we can extract from Nietzsche’s book Human, All Too Human, which was written in his more moderate science-oriented middle period, something of a political view; 2) whether this view can be construed, with some hedging here and there, as supporting modern liberal democracy; … Continue reading “Nietzsche’s Reluctant Acceptance of Liberal Democracy (and later Rejection)”
Darwinian Conservatism and the Liberal Welfare State
§1. Introduction. In his book Darwinian Conservatism the political scientist Larry Arnhart makes the case that traditional conservatism is the right political philosophy for humanity to follow because “it rests on a view of human nature that is supported by Darwinian biology” (Arnhart, 10). Arnhart developed his case by way of defending five propositions, each … Continue reading “Darwinian Conservatism and the Liberal Welfare State”
Krishnamurti Bibliography
. A. By Jiddu Krishnamurti (Selection) B. Academic & Expository Studies (Exhaustive) C. Biographical (Extensive) D. Philosophical Background (Initial) E. Theosophical Perceptions (Initial) F. Videos on Krishnamurti G. Books read by Krishnamurti (forthcoming) H. Miscellaneous =============== A. By Jiddu Krishnamurti (Selection) Landmark Speeches and Publications Krishnamurti, Jiddu. 1929. “The Dissolution of the Order of the … Continue reading “Krishnamurti Bibliography”
Foucault’s Concept Discipline: A Systematic Analysis
Introduction. In this essay I will primarily focus on the pivotal Foucauldian concept of discipline as developed in his influential 1975 study Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison (hereafter DP). The plan of the paper is to first connect the concept with its immediate neighboring terms, especially punishment and surveillance. Then I will … Continue reading “Foucault’s Concept Discipline: A Systematic Analysis”
The Mechanics of Epistemic Contextualism
§1.0. General introduction. A few years ago I happened to participate in a class on DeRose’s recent monograph The Case for Contextualism: Knowledge, Skepticism, and Context (vol. 1). We picked the text apart and read also papers by Moore, Unger, Lewis, Kaplan, Perry, Schiffer and a few more. In his monograph DeRose was mainly concerned … Continue reading “The Mechanics of Epistemic Contextualism”
The Dialectical Gyrations in and between Hegel and Marx
Introduction. This paper initially intended to address discussions regarding the importance and scope of an alleged break between the early, philosophical articles of the revolutionary theoretician Karl Marx (1818-1883) and his later, mature historical-materialist socioeconomic investigations. But, because Marx in his early years dealt predominantly with the grand and influential philosophy of the German idealist … Continue reading “The Dialectical Gyrations in and between Hegel and Marx”