Author: Huenemann

Per Clay’s request: a search function for this blog, on the bottom, right.

Since Christopher Hitchens regularly pops up in discussion on this blog, I thought readers might be interested in this account of a recent “altercation” in Beirut. Short story: Hitchens acts to take down a swastika in a public square, gets attacked by some serious thugs, and stands up for what he believes (but has to retreat before getting killed). Scary stuff, really.

Philosophical question: is Hitchens right to say that, when you see a swastika, you are obligated to deface it or tear it down?

“The Examined Life.” Get more info and see the trailer here. Watch out for my hero, Cornel West: “I’m a blues man in the life of the mind.”

(Thanks to Sohrab for the link!)

The “God doesn’t exist” brownies were delicious!

Discovered here at Strange Doctrines. The post links to another blog, featuring a blow-by-blow account of a stiff debate between Alvin Plantinga and Daniel Dennett at the Central APA last week. I started reading through it, but then lost interest. I’m disappointed that the reporter came away with the very strong feeling that Dennett behaved jerkishly. I’ve never gotten that impression when I’ve seen Dennett, but then again I’m a convert, I suppose. I’ve also seen Plantinga on occasion, and have always found his demeanor quite kind (pastoral, almost), but his arguments absolutely uncompelling — to the point of being … well, obtuse. Oops! Am I being jerkish?