Author: Huenemann

Here is an interesting essay by Raymond Geuss on the philosopher Richard Rorty. It is interesting because of his more general reflections on philosophy, its history, and the choices professors make in teaching it.

An interesting case described here. Man confesses to lawyer that he acted alone in a murder. Man + other man both get life sentences. Man dies. Should lawyer now reveal Man’s confession, in order to get other man out of jail?

Paul Graham is a computer programmer and author and thinker about the world iof the web. He wrote an interesting essay, “How to do Philosophy,” about his own interest in philosophy, philosophy’s history as he sees it, and its possibilities. He has some harsh things to say about a lot of traditional philosophy, but they’re worth mulling over. His proposal for philosophy:

I propose we try again, but that we use that heretofore despised criterion, applicability, as a guide to keep us from wondering off into a swamp of abstractions. Instead of trying to answer the question:

What are the most general truths?

let’s try to answer the question

Of all the useful things we can say, which are the most general?

The test of utility I propose is whether we cause people who read what we’ve written to do anything differently afterward. Knowing we have to give definite (if implicit) advice will keep us from straying beyond the resolution of the words we’re using.

If you saw a long line and a short line, and a whole crowd of people called the short line longer, what would you say? See the results, and other humiliating ones, here.

The philosophy community at USU is shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of Peggy Sherlock, Richard’s wife. Peggy was vibrant and big-hearted, with a quick wit, ready laugh, and warm soul. Our heartfelt condolences go to to the Sherlock family.

UPDATE: Peggy’s obituary.