Category: Philosophy

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

Guest Post: Does Religion Influence Our Decisions?

This post is the first in a series that was written by students in my introduction to philosophy course as an extra credit assignment. Today’s guest author is James Purvis.  Everyday millions and millions of people interact with each other, socially, physically, and mentally. To some extent, the choices and decisions we make on a day-to-day basis… Continue reading Guest Post: Does Religion Influence Our Decisions?

#Winning: Thought-Priming to Influence Behavior

  Merry Monday! JustHeath likes games.  In fact, he is the co-sponsor for an Analog Gaming Club—get it?…non-digital.  We recently had our last meeting for the semester (a  tournament), and I recalled a famous psychological study involving a classic game.  Today, I’m going to share with you Dijksterhuis and van Knippenberg’s (1998) research about a… Continue reading #Winning: Thought-Priming to Influence Behavior

The Epicurean Problem with YOLO: Short Term vs. Long Term Happiness

You’re 16 years old, your hormones are raging, and you’re finally making out with that hot girl from 4th period, hoping to push things to the next level. The last thing on your mind is the possible long-term consequences of that next level. Instead of pausing to think about sexually transmitted infections or the responsibilities… Continue reading The Epicurean Problem with YOLO: Short Term vs. Long Term Happiness

We’re Number One?!?!?: Sports and Psychology

Merry Monday! JustHeath likes sports and athletic events.  JustHeath also places a huge value on loyalty.  Thus, you may be thinking that I am one of those diehard fans of one’s alma mater(s)…you would be in error.  I enjoy close games between skilled opponents and not blowouts regardless of whether or not “my” team is… Continue reading We’re Number One?!?!?: Sports and Psychology

Are you a scientist? On Citizen Science and Experimental Philosophy

Are you a scientist? Interdisciplinary research brings in collaborators from different backgrounds. Each scientist approaches a problem with a different toolkit of experience and a different perspective. When we think of scientists we tend to think of a solitary activity – one person in a lab pipetting some sort of liquid from one container to… Continue reading Are you a scientist? On Citizen Science and Experimental Philosophy