The chapter anchors of 30 philosophers.
12 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 27: Hume and Skeptical Empiricism Touchstones: Skeptical Empiricism, The Problem of Induction, and Hume’s Fork The Scottish Enlightenment philosopher and historian Hume was a leading exponent of empiricism. The belief that all human knowledge derives solely from experience. Some of my favorite Hume quotes: “A wise man proportions his […]
David Hume (1711-1776) Read More »
16 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 25: Spinoza and Monism Touchstones: Monism and the Material-Spiritual Framework The Dutch philosopher Spinoza was a lens grinder by profession, a proponent of Rationalism, and an early founder of Enlightenment. My favorite concept of Spinoza’s is that God is nature, and nature is God. For me, whenever I read
Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677, aged 44) Read More »
67 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 15: Augustine, Time, and War Touchstones: Chronoception and Eternity Augustine is known as the father of Western religious scholarship. He reconciled the science and philosophy of Aristotle with church beliefs. My favorite quotes:Â The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. Right
Augustine of Hippo (354-430 CE) Read More »
12 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 28: Kant and Kantianism Touchstones: Transcendental Idealism and Categorical Imperative The German philosopher Immanuel Kant (22 April 1724 – 12 February 1804) was a central figure of the Enlightenment which put reason as the tool of choice when discussing God, nature, and humanity. Some of my favorite translated quotes
Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) Read More »
94 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 11: Epicurus and Epicureanism Touchstones: Agnosticism and Pleasure Epicurus founded Epicureanism in 307 BCE. The goal of Epicureanism is to help people attain a happy (eudaimonic), tranquil life characterized by ataraxia (free from fear) and aponia (free from pain). He authored over 300 books, scrolls, none of which survived the
Epicurus (341-270 BCE) Read More »
95 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 10: Pyrrho of Elis and Skepticism  Touchstones: Skepticism and Social Constructs Pyrrho, the skeptic, believed no one knows anything. Everything can be questioned. The best approach is to keep an open mind. Like Socrates, Pyrrho himself left no writings. We know of his teachings through his students and later
Pyrrho (360-270 BCE) Read More »
96 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 9: Aristotle and Empiricism Touchstones: Syllogisms, Rationalism, Empiricism, Logic, Logical Fallacies, & Eudaimonia Aristotle was the greatest Greek philosopher and covered nearly all subjects including physics, biology, zoology, metaphysics, logic, ethics, aesthetics, poetry, theatre, music, rhetoric, psychology, linguistics, economics, politics, meteorology, geology, and government. His Aristotelian philosophy characterized by
Aristotle (384 – 322 BCE) Read More »
98 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 8: Plato and Rationalism Touchstones: Reflective Inquiry and Ignorance is Bliss Plato was a Greek philosopher born in Athens. He was a student of Socrates and a teacher of Aristotle. Plato’s Theory of Forms asserts that the reality is only a shadow, or image, of the true reality of
Plato (428-347 BCE) Read More »
76 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 13: Marcus Aurelius and Stoicism Touchstones: Cognitive Reframing, Negative Visualization, and Cognitive Distancing Some of my favorite translated meditations include: Learn to be indifferent to what makes no difference. The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.
Marcus Aurelius (121 – 180 CE) Read More »
103 Generations Ago 30 Phil, Chapter 5: Confucius and Confucianism Touchstones: Normalcy and Schemas Confucius is remembered for his practical applied philosophy. His sayings are a reflection of many centuries of common sense sayings making his philosophy deeply Chinese. My favorite sayings: The man who knows he can, and the man who knows he cannot,
Confucius (551-479 BCE, died age 72) Read More »
Explore insights into science, philosophy, and history. This community features the writings of Mike Prestwood, a natural philosopher. This throwback title signifies his dedication to weaving together science, philosophy, and history. Engage in insightful discussions in a moderated, safe space where the realms of the irrational and unknowable are respectfully acknowledged but left at the doorway. Ready to connect with like-minded thinkers?
