Category: Mississippi Governor’s School

Philosophy of Globalization: Day 3

The above image is from the Philosophy of Death and Dying course I taught at MGS in 2011. Quote of the day on board: “Don’t look forward to the day you stop suffering, because when it comes, you’ll know you’re dead.” – Tennessee Williams Have scholars develop their own definition of happiness based on homework.… Continue reading Philosophy of Globalization: Day 3

Philosophy of Globalization: Day 2

Weather permitting, the first 2/3s of class will take place outside, with the trial occurring inside. Discuss homework answers. Brief overview of the Apology :                Apology Miletus brings Socrates to trial. Accuses him of:  i.     Corrupting the youth ii.     Teaching about supernatural beings, not believing in the gods. Corruption? i.    … Continue reading Philosophy of Globalization: Day 2

Behaviorism

Merry Earth Day!  I really hope everyone takes some time today to ponder protecting the planet.  Better yet, just go recycle something or plant a tree…or both!  . In my first posting ever on Philosophy Matters, I discussed the interrelatedness of psychology and philosophy, and I mentioned some major schools of thought.  Today, I want… Continue reading Behaviorism

Phineas Gage

Merry Monday! It’s no secret that JustHeath likes both psychology and biology—heck, he even majored in both of ‘em.  Whereas psychology can been conceptualized as the study of human behavior, biology can be understood as the infrastructure of said behavior.  Today, I’m going to tell readers a little bit about the curious case of Phineas… Continue reading Phineas Gage

Thanks-for-Giving: The Gifted

  Merry Thanks-for-Giving Week! JustHeath has often been described as “mysterious,” “private,” “esoteric,” etc.  This criticism is fair.  However, I’m going to divulge some things today, so pay attention! (Revelation #1:  JustHeath very much dislikes unnecessarily repeating himself.)  Firstly, I admit that I am somewhat resistant to anything resembling a fad (Revelation #2), so that… Continue reading Thanks-for-Giving: The Gifted

Chronic What? Cles of Jernia: More on Play

I’m not entirely sure that there is any way to put into words the magic, transformative experience that was this year’s Mississippi Governor’s School (MGS) session, but if there is a way, it must be through getting to know Jernia, the blue elephant. Jernia first appeared while me and another faculty member, Lea, were preparing… Continue reading Chronic What? Cles of Jernia: More on Play

Radiohead and Philosophy: On Rhetoric

To get started, check out the music video below, done by Radiohead in collaboration with Project EXIT: In  I wrote about the way that this video utilizes rhetoric – a combination of logos (logic), pathos (passion), and ethos (ethics, or reputation). Let’s dig a little deeper into ways we could analyze the argument against child… Continue reading Radiohead and Philosophy: On Rhetoric

Umberto Eco’s History of Beauty

An important piece of preparing for my upcoming aesthetic’s course is  Eco claims to take a look at beauty historically with no preconceived notions. As far as that task goes, it’s a huge success, and I was personally introduced to a wide variety of artistic styles with which I wasn’t previously familiar. The biggest weakness is that… Continue reading Umberto Eco’s History of Beauty

2BR02B: Day 2

Day Two Topics: Introduction to the Socratic Method, which is a dialectic questioning. What is a philosophic question? Why is it important to question? What is a universal definition and why does Socrates seek one for so many things? How can we apply this method to our every day lives? Socrates insisted that we use… Continue reading 2BR02B: Day 2