In our discussion of epistemology, we look at empiricism through the lens of three empiricists: John Locke, Bishop Berkeley, and David Hume:
Author: JJ Sylvia IV
J.J. Sylvia IV attended Mississippi State University where he received B.A. degrees in philosophy and communications. He later received a philosophy M.A. from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Philosophy and Food
Discuss homework answers. Philosophy and Food: Point 1: Branding drives our food preferences more than anything else. Show Lights, Action, Burger! Video: An emotional connection to branded food. “Gastroporn” phenomenon – show food ads that air on TV, including Hootie and the Blowfish BK commercial and truth in advertising fast food images. Review studies found… Continue reading Philosophy and Food
Descartes’ Meditations
Check out the discussion below on Descartes’ Meditations:
Philosophy of Globalization: Media and Happiness
Open class with different versions of “Here Comes the Sun” to lead into happiness discussion. Discuss homework responses. Brief discussion of happiness and eudaimonia drawn from . Emphasis on research responses from the E-Media fast assignment. Difference between long term and short term happiness. E-media fast quotes from students: “Basically it seems that if I… Continue reading Philosophy of Globalization: Media and Happiness
Philosophy of Globalization: Day 3
The above image is from the Philosophy of Death and Dying course I taught at MGS in 2011. Quote of the day on board: “Don’t look forward to the day you stop suffering, because when it comes, you’ll know you’re dead.” – Tennessee Williams Have scholars develop their own definition of happiness based on homework.… Continue reading Philosophy of Globalization: Day 3
Philosophy of Globalization: Day 2
Weather permitting, the first 2/3s of class will take place outside, with the trial occurring inside. Discuss homework answers. Brief overview of the Apology : Apology Miletus brings Socrates to trial. Accuses him of: i. Corrupting the youth ii. Teaching about supernatural beings, not believing in the gods. Corruption? i. … Continue reading Philosophy of Globalization: Day 2
Philosophy of Globalization: Day 1
This summer I will be teaching a course titled “The Philosophy of Globalization” for Mississippi Governor’s School. As I work on finalizing the lesson plans, I plan to share them here, both to offer ideas to others and to solicit input and ideas for improvement. Each day is a 3 hour class. NOTE: Many of… Continue reading Philosophy of Globalization: Day 1
The Slippery Slope – A Political Divide?
Watching the recent political debates on gun control, and more importantly, how to handle the Boston marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev after his capture, I had a thought. Let me say right off the bat that I’m making some generalizations, and I am confident that there are many exceptions to these generalizations. However, I still want to… Continue reading The Slippery Slope – A Political Divide?
Montessori Inspired Toys
If you’re a regular reader of the Philosophy Matters blog, you’ll know that I’ve recently become very interested in Montessori educational philosophy, and written a few book reviews about some Montessori related works. Recently the interest changed from professional to personal when I found out my significant other was pregnant with our first child! After… Continue reading Montessori Inspired Toys
Atheist Week
It’s a small and entirely symbolic gesture, but each week for the past few years I’ve participated in A-Week, a cause which consists of changing one’s Facebook profile photo to support the movement and show that one is an atheist. Why bother? Atheists are more discriminated against in the U.S. than any other group. First,… Continue reading Atheist Week