To defend the Catholic Church’s kidnapping of a six year old child is certainly a brave move; ridiculous, but certainly brave. But hey, what else would you do when a Jewish child is baptized in secret by his Christian nanny when he was sick (for fear of eternal damnation should he have died)? Why, knock on the parent’s door, and take him of course. This is precisely what Pope Pius IX and the Catholic Church did in the case of Edgardo... Read more
It’s an interesting existential perspective, that “beliefs” are actually “becoming”. In many cases, it makes sense to consider “beliefs” as impersonal propositions, like believing your dog will fetch a ball based on previous experience. Perhaps it can be defined as a degree of trust, whether or not well deserved, or an inclination towards a given truth. At the same time, depending on the proposition, the word belief, without an existential commitment or way of life, is completely deficient. Does one truly believe, for example,... Read more
We’re all metaphysicians (on the ultimate nature of reality, how could we be anything but?), some are just better than others. Read more
As a follow up to my book release announcement, I’m happy to announce that Meta is now on available on Kindle. The foreword was written by William Jaworski, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University and author of Structure and Metaphysics of Mind. The book celebrates an exchange of the big questions (among myself and Adam Lee) and 20% of the profits go towards ending human trafficking. A number of live events are in the works for Adam and I in the... Read more
I wrote earlier on different domains of truth, on MLK Jr’s eloquence on science and religion, on methodological naturalism and metaphysical naturalism, and Jordan Peterson’s views on the Logos. As a continuation of each of these themes, Peterson had a fascinating discussion with Joe Rogan, a large portion of the interview on how Peterson reconciles his religious views with science. Peterson begins by differentiating scientific truth as empirical facts and religious truth as modes of being. “What scientific truth tells you is what... Read more
I don’t think anyone can imagine the feeling of losing their freedom, but for those who have, one theme I constantly read from victims is that breaking someone is simply the task of taking away their humanity. To make someone a slave, you simply treat them below the status of an animal. Like breaking a horse, with enough repetition and brutality, all will eventually succumb to the realization they are no longer free (that or they simply face their death at the hands... Read more
What is the mark of a “holy curiosity”? As Einstein described, it was a spirit of humility, an open-minded search for truth, and a transcendental wonder. Einstein was by no means traditionally religious, so perhaps “metaphysical curiosity” is a more accurate phrase, but let’s unpack his perspective, starting via negativa, with what such a curiosity isn’t. What it certainly is not is a religious myopicness blind to science, nor a scientism blind to philosophy. On that theme, I’ve done some previous posts on MLK... Read more
It’s a fascinating topic, one touching on both ontology and epistemology. What is the nature of mathematical, philosophical, scientific, and theological truth? And what are their specific epistemologies or methods of truth seeking? Growing up Catholic, natural theology was part of the picture, even if a subtle theme in the background. For both believers and non-believers, the intersection of faith and reason can occupy two specific themes: intimate connection or total disconnection. Fideism is the view that reason and faith are disconnected (at least... Read more
I was urged to read this book by my wife’s friend. The title was somewhat vaguely familiar, but in all honesty I was somewhat resistant to read it. Just a few pages in, however, I began to understand why this book is hailed as one of the most influential books of all time. In no uncertain terms,Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning is one of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. Dating back to 1946, this short text is an incredibly gripping... Read more
We’re all scientists and philosophers, to some degree. We’re also all naturalists, at least in methodology, to some degree, though these statements demand some important epistemological and metaphysical distinctions. By way of example, to return to a previous post on MLK Jr on science and religion, in his words: “This had also led to a widespread belief that there is a conflict between science and religion. But this is not true. There may be a conflict between soft-minded religionists and tough-minded scientists,... Read more
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