Is there a good time to die? If so, how much has to do with luck and how much has to do with choice? Morgan Rempel, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern Mississippi, examines these very questions in his review of Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Charles Krauthammer’s Time…
The ability to think clearly and logically is an asset for humans from all walks of life. This is especially the case for those who are recovering from an addiction. Why? Gut feelings and (oft) irrational beliefs are frequently the “weapon of choice” for addicts and important factors in what…
Sure…we all know people who are jerks. Maybe we’re even a jerk at times. But what exactly does it mean to be a jerk? Professor of philosophy, Eric Schwitzgebel discusses his “Theory of Jerkitude” in detail and claims that one of the great benefits of such a theory: in addition…
A healthy amount of doubt and skepticism (in its generic sense) is a good thing. But what happens when skepticism goes radically awry or turns into cynicism? According to George Carlin, “Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist.” Put in context…yes! However, one could also argue that idealism…
Almost everyone experiences anxiety and depression — some more debilitating in form than others. What do some of the more extreme versions feel like? Can therapy help? Is there some sort of value or existential significance to such conditions? According to Scott Stossel, editor of The Atlantic and author of…
Numerous studies on aging show that the progress of cognitive decline (an inevitable part of aging) can be slowed not only by healthy dietary choices and exercise, but also by introducing critical thinking exercises into our daily routines. According to a Canadian medical journal study, mental exercise showed benefits in…
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“What Say You?” is a fun and casual internet-based philosophy in the community activity inspired by our belief that physical distancing need not mean social distancing. Each week philosopher Dr. Barry Ferst will share some of his philosophical musings on our Merlin Facebook page and invite readers to comment and discuss. Think SNL’s “Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy”….only with somewhat more gravity (maybe). Learn more here!
We deeply regret to announce that we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s fundraiser block party due to the challenges we are all facing with COVID-19. Please read our letter to the community here!
In the past weeks, COVID-19 has taken our communities by storm, forcing the closure of schools, businesses, restaurants, libraries, transport, and more. In other words….a real time, real world Twilight Zone. In response to this, our young philosophers at Cottonwood ALC have opted to take on COVID-19 in a manner that would make Rod Serling & Socrates proud. Their adaptability, creativity, and resilience is inspiring! Check out what they have planned!
In our March Philosophy Workshop led by 2019-2020 Student Scholar Fellow Henry Kramer we investigated the connections between wonder, nature, imagination, and play through lecture, discussion, and exercises. Access resources and photos here!
“Real wisdom does not merely cause us to know; it makes us ‘be’ in a different way.” (Pierre Hadot) Learn more about philosophy as a way of life.
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