Tag Archives: philosophy

Discourse Ethics, and a possible solution to the Paradox of Tolerance

Posted on December 2, 2017 by Brendan

Discussions, debates, and arguments, are among the most ancient and most useful ways in which people sharpen their intellectual skills and learn from each other. Yet many debates quickly become useless shouting matches or festivals of hate. Online debates are … Continue reading →

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An expedition to the lake, and thoughts along the way

Posted on June 3, 2017 by Brendan

As often as I can, I like to walk from my house to Pink Lake and back; my usual route is about 12kms long, and I love every inch of it as much as I love my library and my … Continue reading →

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The Centre and the Distance of Civilization: Some Research Questions. Please Help!

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Brendan

In May of last year I began researching a book about the philosophy of civilization. I’m almost done; but I’m asking for your help. I would like to hear from people who, one way or another, have moved “out” of … Continue reading →

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Impressions of Bohemia

Posted on July 25, 2015 by Brendan

I spent most of the month of July this year in Bohemia, Czech Republic, the guest of friends who invited me to look after their house and their dogs while they went on a holiday of their own. I shot … Continue reading →

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Spiritual Negations: Ten Ideas in Religion and Spirituality Which I’m Very Sure Are False.

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Brendan

“People don’t care about knowledge and enlightenment. What they want is validation.” –Heathcliff Weatherby, “Hallowstone“. People in many religious communities are fond of “affirmations”: proverbs, wisdom teachings, “laws of magic”, and the like, usually in the form of only one … Continue reading →

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A Straight White Male Writer Grapples With His Privilege

Posted on March 22, 2014 by Brendan

There are a lot of fantasy and sci-fi writers in my FB and Twitter feeds. And a lot of those writers are feminists, of one degree or another. So, I’ve been seeing a lot of discussion about white male privilege … Continue reading →

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How I Teach Philosophy Using Games

Posted on February 20, 2014 by Brendan

There are lots of ways in which the success of education cannot, and should not, be measured in a student’s final grade. But for various reasons, schools and colleges and the political establishments that fund them want to see a … Continue reading →

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Politics is theatre

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Brendan

A selection from the novel that I’m currently writing. (Although I might edit this, when the manuscript is complete.) I’ve been studying history for a few years now, and one of the things you learn by studying history is that … Continue reading →

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The worship of the gods is not what matters

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Brendan

“The sacred, I shall say, is that which acts as your partner in the search for the highest and deepest things: the real, the true, the good, and the beautiful.” — Circles of Meaning, Labyrinths of Fear I don’t normally … Continue reading →

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Q of the Week: Cliches, Catch-Phrases and Slogans

Posted on June 21, 2009 by Brendan

A very merry and magical Midsummer to all of you! Yesterday was drizzly and miserable here in Elora (so I feel less bad about missing WiccanFest) but today is gloriously shiny and clear and warm and wonderful. I really ought … Continue reading →

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