Master Plans? In light of JustHeath’s post on some psychological studies to help live the good life in the new year, I thought I would follow-up with some suggestions from classical philosophy, mixed in with some of the experiences I’ve had over the past year, in order to think about how to make the best… Continue reading How To Make The Best New Year’s Resolutions
Psychology of Effectiveness: Starting the New Year Well
Merry New Year (tomorrow)! If you were expecting JustHeath to talk about New Year’s resolutions, then I’m afraid that I’m going to have to disappoint you. You see, I do not make them…never have, never plan on doing so in the future. I’m certainly not against them or the concept, but my personal decision is… Continue reading Psychology of Effectiveness: Starting the New Year Well
Meme Analysis: Columbine Student’s Father 12 Years Later !!
Facebook Memes, Information Overload, and Religion in the Classroom Normally, I just don’t pay much attention to ridiculous memes on Facebook, and scroll past them with a “to each his own” attitude. However, a recent meme, in combination with a discussion that I had with fellow Philosophy Matters author, b0t, has gotten me thinking a… Continue reading Meme Analysis: Columbine Student’s Father 12 Years Later !!
The Ethics of Santa Claus
First, I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. It’s been quite the first year for Philosophy Matters, and today I’m thankful for the wonderful co-authors who contribute to this blog, the new friends we’ve made along the way, and the interesting discussion that we’ve been able to have! I’m also excited about what’s in… Continue reading The Ethics of Santa Claus
Jesus Weeps at Death and So Should We
The trite: ‘She’s in a better place” or “It’s part of God’s plan” isn’t just bothersome to an atheist, it’s troubling to a theist as well. At times these sentiments serve not to comfort but rather serve only to keep one from entering into another’s pain or loss. These sentiments may end up simply deflecting… Continue reading Jesus Weeps at Death and So Should We
5 Ways To Comfort an Atheist
In September, my grandmother passed away. Although I lost a grandfather when I was very young, this is the closest relative I’ve lost in my adult life. Although I’ve thought, read, and even taught about death, this was a stark refresher course on what it’s like to experience the grieving process a little more closely,… Continue reading 5 Ways To Comfort an Atheist
Guest Post: Snow White and Philosophy
This post is the second in a series that was written by students in my introduction to philosophy course as an extra credit assignment. Today’s guest author is Kaley White. Disney Movies: Still Teaching the Young at Heart I grew up in a house were we didn’t watch much television, that is until it came down to… Continue reading Guest Post: Snow White and Philosophy
6 Healthy Holiday Comforts and Traditions
Rather unintentionally, there has been a lot of talk about holiday traditions and comforts here at Philosophy Matters. It began with a discussion of Black Friday shopping, and was recently followed by discussions on comfort food and comfort TV. Talking to LKAwesome, we realized that these comforts, while comforting and certainly interesting to think about, all focused… Continue reading 6 Healthy Holiday Comforts and Traditions
Holiday Comfort: TV Edition
Aloha! LKAwesome recently posed readers a series of related questions: “So tell us over here at Philosophy Matters what brings you comfort when the weather gets colder. Is it family? Friends? A lucky sweatshirt or a favorite meal? How do you know when it is time to reach for that comfort?” Today, I’m going to… Continue reading Holiday Comfort: TV Edition
The Philosophy of Comfort Food
What is it about a warm, familiar meal that brings peace to our lives? For some it is ice cream and hot fudge, lasagna or mashed potatoes; for me – it’s Matzo ball soup. I didn’t grow up in a Jewish household, nor did I ever consume this type of soup as a child, but as… Continue reading The Philosophy of Comfort Food