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Index for this page...
All The Following Items Were Posted On September 1, 2008 Progress: The word "progress" is a modern word. It was not used in the ancient and medieval world. But what the word signifies did have some bearing on the philosophy of history that developed in antiquity and in the Middle Ages. In the ancient world, one view of the pattern of human history was that it was cyclical -- an everlastingly recurrent pattern of growth and decline. Another ancient view was that the golden age of mankind was in the far distant past. Since then there has been a steady decline. In his City of God, Augustine tells us that divine providence operates in the opposite direction. Man's relation to God will have a brighter future. For both Aristotle and Aquinas, no individual thinker contributes to improvements in thought -- improvements in science and philosophy. By the collaboration of many, advances are made. With regard to progress itself, as that is discussed in modern times, certain questions should be in everyone's mind. One is the question of whether there is any progress in human nature -- whether in the course of historical time, human beings are improved in the traits that all human beings, as members of the same species, share. Another basic question is whether such progress as has been achieved is entirely in human institutions. If so, the next question to be considered is whether this institutional progress is quantitative or meliorative -- whether the institutional improvements are in the direction of more and more or in the direction of better and better. The facts of history in the last 3,000 years, and certainly in the last 600, contain many examples of quantitative progress: the human population has increased in size; with advances in medicine, human beings live longer than they once did; and as scientific knowledge has grown from century to century, its technological applications have showered on us more and more instruments that have been immensely useful. In this century, there are more scientists alive and working together than in any previous period. But the question remains whether the more is also the better -- whether the progress is meliorative as well as quantitative. To answer this question, we must appeal to the fundamental principles of ethics for the standards of evaluation. (I recommend a book by Charles Van Doren entitled The Idea of Progress [New York: Frederick A. Praeger, Publishers, 1967], especially Book Two, Part II, and Appendix, pp. 317-475.) Source: Adler's Philosophical Dictionary: 125 Key Terms for the Philosopher's Lexicon. Have you a copy of this book in your personal library? If not, consider getting one. Read Max Weismann's review of this book by Clicking Here.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1819-1892), American Transcendentalist philosopher Emerson was a widely-read essayist and poet as well as an influential philosopher in the American transcendentalist movement. He had settled in Concord, Massachusetts, which he made into a center of transcendentalism, and wrote Nature (1836) which states the movement's main principles, emphasizing the value of self-reliance and the God-like nature of human souls. His two volumes of Essays (1841, 1844) made his reputation. Emerson will be long remembered, partly for his thoughts, but mainly for his style. These are illustrated by the following excerpts:
Source: Excepted from The Method of Nature and Intellect, by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Read more about Ralph Waldo Emerson in The Radical Academy.
FOR THE RECORD 1. Happiness Is Key To Longer Life Keep humming "Don't Worry Be Happy." The 1980s New Age-inspired hit got it right. New research shows being happy can add several years to life. "Happiness does not heal, but happiness protects against falling ill," says Ruut Veenhoven of Rotterdam's Erasmus University in a study to be published this month. After reviewing 30 studies carried out worldwide over periods ranging from one to 60 years, the Dutch professor said the effects of happiness on longevity were "comparable to that of smoking or not." That special flair for feeling good, he said, could lengthen life by between 7.5 and 10 years. The finding brings a vital new piece to a puzzle currently being assembled by researchers worldwide on just what makes us happy -- and on the related question of why people blessed with material wealth in developed nations no longer seem satisfied with their lives. Once the province of poets or philosophers, the notions of happiness and satisfaction have been taken on and dissected, quantified and analyzed in the last few years by a growing number of highly serious and respected economists -- some of whom dub the new field "hedonics," or the study of what makes life pleasant, or otherwise. "The idea that there is a state called happiness, and that we can dependably figure out what it feels like and how to measure it, is extremely subversive," says Bill McKibben in his 2007 book Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future. "It allows economists to start thinking about life in richer terms, to stop asking 'What did you buy?' and to start asking 'Is your life good?'." Growth in material wealth adds little to happiness once buying power hits 10,000 dollars a year per head, according to such research. But happiness can be bolstered by friendship and human community, as well as larger social factors such as freedom, democracy, effective government institutions and rule of law. In Veenhoven's findings, published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, a scientific publication founded in 2000, the strongest effect on longevity was found among a group of US nuns followed through their adult life -- perhaps reflecting the feel-good factor from belonging to a close-knit stress-free community with a sense of purpose. Happiness itself, according to the specialists, is generally accepted as "the overall appreciation of one's life as a whole," in other words a state of mind best defined by the person questioned. Happy people were more inclined to watch their weight, were more perceptive of symptoms of illness, tended to be more moderate with smoking and drinking and generally lived healthier lives. They were also more active, more open to the world, more self-confident, made better choices and built more social networks. [Plagnol, Anke C. and Richard A. Easterlin, "Aspirations, Attainments, and Satisfaction: Life Cycle Differences Between American Women and Men." Journal of Happiness Studies; DOI: 10.1007/s10902-008-9106-5.] Source: Science Daily 2. Cost Of Government Day Comes At Last, by James W. Harris You've been working hard all year -- for the State, according to Americans for Tax Reform (ATR). "Cost of Government Day" is the name ATR gives to "the date of the calendar year on which the average American worker has earned enough gross income to pay off his or her share of spending and regulatory burdens imposed by government on the federal, state and local levels." This year, Cost of Government Day arrived -- finally -- on July 16. Congratulations -- you can start working for yourself now. According to ATR: "Working people must toil on average 197 days out of the year just to meet all costs imposed by government. "In other words, the cost of government consumes 53.9 percent of national income." This has been a bad year for taxpayers. 2008's Cost of Government Day falls four days later than last year. And it's an excruciating 17 days longer than 2000, when the COGD came on June 29. Even worse, since 1977, it's the fifth-latest date ever. Only four times -- in 1982, 1983, 1992, and 1993 -- has Cost of Government Day fallen later than July 16. According to ATR, the reasons why Cost of Government Day is so late is simple: "The driving factor for this development is the fact that all components of the cost of government -- federal spending, state and local spending, and regulation -- are now increasing faster than national income." Here's a breakdown:
Unfortunately, these expenses continue to grow faster than the economy. Until advocates of liberty and small government become effective enough to change the country's directions, spend-crazy politicians will continue to bring us ever- later Cost of Government Days. The best comment on this mess comes from Dr. Mark J. Perry in his excellent blog Carpe Diem: "Isn't it ironic that we celebrate Independence Day on July 4 to recognize our rejection of oppressive British regulation, mercantilism and taxation, and yet the typical American now works until the middle of July to pay for Big Government? In other words, we celebrate our declaration of independence from the British government in early July before we are even free from the burden of our current government!" Source: Americans for Tax Reform study James W. Harris is the editor of Liberator Online, a publication of Advocates for Self-Government. His articles have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers, and he has been a Finalist for the Mencken Award, given by the Free Press Association for "Outstanding Journalism in Support of Liberty." A Warning For American Citizens: If you live in a state bordering Canada or Mexico, you may soon be given an opportunity to carry a very high tech item: a remotely readable driver's license. Designed to identify U.S. citizens as they approach the nation's borders, the cards are being promoted by the Department of Homeland Security as a way to save time and simplify border crossings. But if you care about your safety and privacy as much as convenience, you might want to think twice before signing up. Concerned? Read "How RFID Tags Could Be Used to Track Unsuspecting People" in the online version of Scientific American magazine. Republicans Prefer Their Drinks Straight Up: Bartenders in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area preparing for the GOP convention there in September might take note of a new survey of the drinking habits of Republicans and Democrats. Among the findings of the survey of about 100 bartenders in the Washington, D.C., area, which were reported by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune: Asked who is more likely to order a drink straight up, 82 percent of respondents said Republicans, and 14 percent said Democrats; Democrats are more likely to order a fruity (pink) drink -- they were chosen by 58 percent of the bartenders, compared to 34 percent for the Republicans; 74 percent of bartenders said Democrats have the best pick-up lines, and just 14 percent chose Republicans; Republicans are more likely to arrive first for happy hour -- but Democrats are more likely to be the last to go home. The survey was commissioned by Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc., whose beverages include Jim Beam bourbon and Canadian Club whisky, in collaboration with Clarus Research Group. Source: NewsMax Insider Report 4. Quote For The Month: Intoxicating Capitalism "The richness of the experience with regards to how capitalism can really make a difference to address social issues is almost intoxicating." -- David Murphy, CEO of the for-profit, socially and environmentally conscious Better World Books company, which sells used books and battles illiteracy worldwide. Source: an interview in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. [Editor's Note: The Radical Academy is affiliated with Better World Books -- it is a part of the Academy Bookstore. Used Books, Free Shipping -- Starting from $3.48, 2 Million Used Books in stock, Free Shipping in USA, $2.97 Worldwide.]
COUNSELING CORNER: Be tolerant of those just learning English . . . Why? Because English is not easy to learn. Just consider: 1) The bandage was wound around the wound. 2) The farm was used to produce produce. 3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse. 4) We must polish the Polish furniture. 5) He could lead if he would get the lead out. 6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert. 7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present. 8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. 9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes. 10) I did not object to the object. 11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid. 12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row. 13) They were too close to the door to close it. 14) The buck does funny things when the does are present. 15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line. 16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow. 17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail. 18) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear. 19) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests. 20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend? . . . And, by the way, Why doesn't "Buick" rhyme with "quick"?
A LITTLE OF THIS & A LITTLE OF THAT A Little Wisdom: "The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly." -- Marcus Aurelius A Little Advice: Try not to let your mind wander. It is too small to be out by itself. A Little Quip: If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip! A Little Proverb: Patience will come to those who wait for it. A Little Question: Why aren't there ever any GUILTY bystanders? A Little Reflection: "A friend who cannot in a pinch remember a thing or two that never happened is as bad as one who does not know how to forget." -- Samuel Butler A Little Admission: My mind is like lightning. One brilliant flash and it's gone! A Little Observation: Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings; they did it by killing all those who opposed them. A Little Warning: Beware - The probability of someone watching you is proportional to the stupidity of your action. A Little Definition: An authority - someone who knows lots of things you couldn't care less about. A Little Quote: "When women are depressed they either eat or go shopping. Men invade another country." -- Elayne Boosler A Little Put-Down: Judging from the behavior of some people...not all jackasses have tails.
Some interesting & provocative articles on other websites: The Pope's quest to save Western civilization, by Fred Hutchison: Pope Benedict XVI has identified several causes for the intellectual, moral, cultural, and spiritual decline of the European civilization. I was thrilled to learn about this because I have independently come to some of the same conclusions. Allow me to recapitulate his conclusions as five theses: . . . The State in Denial - Can Scientism Recover Our Moral Memory?, by Mark Sunwall: Now ever since the time of Destutt de Tracy (oddly enough, one of Thomas Jefferson's boon companions) a movement has been afoot to make science an "ideology" of the state. Today the process is virtually complete, unnoticed apart from a few curmudgeons who insist on the distinction between science and scientism. Fortunately scientism has not lived up to the promises of its ideological founders, who were loath to put any limit on the promises of empirical research. Does evil exist? Galileo, Science, and the Smirking Chimp, by Thomas E. Woods Jr.: Not long ago, someone at a Web site called "The Smirking Chimp" saw an episode of my EWTN series "The Catholic Church: Builder of Civilization" (based on my book How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization) and took me to task for my comments about Galileo. According to the Chimpster, my argument was: "Galileo had only a theory, and not 'ironclad proof' of anything." In the quest for 'the God particle,' mystics get a new machine, by Marty Kaplan: If you listen to what cosmologists say about the origin of the universe, you have to put your mind in a place where mystics also dwell. Just try this on for size: At the beginning of time, 14 billion years ago, every single thing that exists in the universe today was compressed into one single point a zillion times smaller than the period at the end of this sentence. All About Science, by Alex Bob: Well into the eighteenth century, science and natural philosophy were not quite synonymous, but only became so later with the direct use of what would become known formally as the scientific method, which was earlier developed during the Middle Ages and early modern period in Europe and the Middle East (see History of scientific method). Prior to the 18th century, however, the preferred term for the study of nature was natural philosophy, while English speakers most typically referred to the study of the human mind as moral philosophy. How to Answer Your Kids' Existential Questions, by Matt Blum: Thoughtful "Mommy, Daddy...Are we real?" my daughter asked from the back seat of the car, as we made our way home. She's nearly six, and she asked this as if it were a perfectly ordinary question. "Um..." My wife and I glanced at each other and shrugged. "What do you mean, sweetheart?" I asked. She clarified: "Could we just be characters in a story?" My son, seven-and-a-half, piped up and reiterated the original question: "Yeah, are we real?" And so began a deep philosophical discussion, the first I've ever been in with participants under the age of eight. Berlinski Answers the New Atheists: "The attack on traditional religious thought," writes David Berlinski in The Devil's Delusion, "marks the consolidation in our time of science as the single system of belief in which rational men and women might place their faith, and if not their faith, then certainly their devotion." David Berlinski, mathematician and philosopher, skeptic and iconoclast, in his latest book The Devil's Delusion provides a counterpoint to the several New Atheists authors that have published works in the past few years, Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens most notably. Berlinski, a secular Jew, has no quarrel with scientific pursuits but is skeptical of the claim by many scientists that they can answer, with authority, essentially scientifically unanswerable questions. 'Experimental philosophy' takes new approach, by Matt Dees: The fledgling academic movement known as "experimental philosophy" has a fitting symbol: an armchair in flames. Sitting around mulling the human condition lacks relevance, say adherents to the movement, which has taken root in just the past few years. Experimental philosophy revitalizes the notion that understanding how people think is as important as pondering what people should think. Wilfred Sellars and Marxism, by Thomas Riggins: Briefly, Sellars was an analytic philosopher, a member of a school stemming back over a hundred years, that grew out of the rejection of the European philosophical tradition growing out of German Idealism, especially Kant and Hegel. Marxism also grew out of this German tradition. Recently some analytic philosophers have come to believe that the wholesale rejection of Hegel and others in the classical tradition has been a mistake and was based on a faulty understanding of their works by some of the founders of the analytic movement, especially Bertrand Russell. 'Moral anarchy', by GH Arinday Jr.: In his "Critique of Pure Reason", German philosopher Immanuel Kant, whose transcendental philosophy has tremendously recast the whole legal philosophy particularly those in the teleological realm, posited the view that "the righteous man can attain freedom" if he liberates himself "from the arbitrary power of his senses and from enslavement to his emotions". Simply put, the free will of the individual must blend or agree with the free will of the majority. "Philosophy begins in wonder": Plato's position as the father of Western philosophy is unchallenged. AN Whitehead called European philosophy "a series of footnotes to Plato", while Hegel claimed that Plato constituted an "epoch in philosophical history". Though he was not the first to grapple with questions such as 'what is the world?', 'how do we know about the world?', 'how ought we to live?' and 'how should society be organised?', he tackled them in such a powerful way that he could almost be said to have invented the subject.
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