To make a rare foray into popular culture, there is a genre of music, particular prevalent on YouTube, called "lo-fi hip hop". The significance of the term "lo-fi" is itself an interesting case study in the stipulated and conventional meaning of language. But, leaving that history to the side, we may say that today this …
Interest vs. Distraction
We are often pressed to describe our interests in life, whether on social media, dating websites, job applications, or in common conversation. All too often, however, I believe we have mistaken objects that in themselves function as distractions for genuine and fruitful interests. A distraction is something that takes you away from yourself. An interest …
Education as a Habit
Closing the Doors. When René Descartes proposed a new approach to the study of physics--intending to displace the traditional Aristotelian thinking--he did not cite Aristotle's work; indeed, he hardly acknowledged it, let alone any developments made in the intervening centuries. Rather, as he wrote in a letter to his friend Marin Mersenne, he hoped that …
Seminar: Thomistic Psychology – Action Theory
Beginning in the Fall of 2019, the Continuum Philosophical Insight Lyceum began a project of “Retrieving Thomistic Psychology” with an eight-week seminar that laid the foundations of an understanding that avoids the pitfalls of modern psychology. Now, in the Winter of 2020, a following “Thomistic Psychology - Action Theory” seminar will investigate the various operations …
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Seminar: Introduction to Philosophical Thinking
What is philosophy? Is it something we study—as subject, like biology or literature? Is it something each of us has, individually—as in, “my personal philosophy”? Is it a relic of history? An intellectual curiosity? A means to impress at cocktail parties and on social media? Or perhaps—as this seminar will attempt to demonstrate—philosophy is a …
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Classical Theism Podcast Interview
Dear readers, I recently did an interview with John DeRosa at ClassicalTheism.com, where we talked about my book, Introduction to Philosophical Principles, and a lot of other things besides! Head on over and give it a listen. John's a good interviewer and we had a good exchange. http://www.classicaltheism.com/kemple/
AI & Concept Formation [Part 3]
Today, on the hidden dangers of AI -- damaging our understanding, sense of purpose, and ability to connect with other human beings in a meaningful way; and more!
On Masculinity [15 Minute Insight]
The latest 15 Minute Insight, some quick thoughts of a philosophical understanding of masculinity, understood causally. The distinctive male physiology is, of course, very important. But there is a trap in thinking exclusively or primarily about masculinity from the biological perspective; namely, that it often leads to reductionism. That is, if we look for the …