Philosophy Archives - The Intrepid Blogger

In Theory, Rap is Poetry
But in reality, it shouldn't be

We have inherited, through no fault of our own, a misconception of the poet. He is always sophisticated, highly educated, and initiated into the western tradition of thought. Bluntly put, a rich white man.

Because of this, we overlook an ancient and expressive poetic tradition, a modern cultural powerhouse, simply because it does not align with the white conception of poetry. This tradition we call rap, and label ‘low culture’.

Leisure and Oppression
How being useless makes us human

This article is about the power of leisure – to dignify and uplift the oppressed. But further than that, it is an exploration of what makes us human, why our humanity is currently under threat, and what we may do to resist.

Why Socrates Refused to Write
Examining the role of discussion in philosophy

Writing is the medium of most intellectual enquiry. But is it the most apt? Perhaps not. Perhaps it is time we reconsider the role of discussion in philosophy…

Why Mortality Is Meaningless
And Where We Can Find Consolation

It has frequently struck me that everything I do is meaningless. For what is the purpose of doing something, only for it to be lost?

A Tale of Two Philosophies

There exists in philosophy a fundamental divide, between practice and theory. Only by reconciling this schism, through philosophy as a way of life, can the discipline hope to…

Zen and the Art of Writing

The principles of Taoism applied to writing: How we can write more harmoniously, and live a fuller life through the craft.

The Future of Philosophy; Is It Still Relevant?

Philosophy has lost much of its traditional prestige. Is it still important? What role should philosophy play in our future?

Have Humans Made Progress? Or Were We Better Off Before?

We tend to assume that humans have made steady progress over the course of history. But have we advanced in what matters?

The Hidden Power of Language In Shaping Thought

Language has power, to incite war and quell rebellion. We know this. What you might not know is the power of language over our subconscious.

How Plato Can Help Us Cultivate Better Leaders

Nations always seek capable, selfless leaders, but people such as this seem to be in short supply. Now more than ever this is essential, as we sit on the cusp of great change, where a single slip may leave us plummeting towards the void, where a single decision may allow us to soar. The rapidly …

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Taoism, An Ancient Guide to Living Well

An ancient school of thought that challenges the idea that we need to strive for happiness: living well by doing nothing.

Why Philosophy is a Great Way to Spend Your Time

My journey into philosophy has begun quite recently, but already I see a host of pronounced benefits, and a panoply of others have begun to take root. What follows is my exploratory ideas into the importance of philosophy to the individual, namely: It promotes a dynamic intellect, allows us to think differently, gives our lives …

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Philosophy, the shepherd and guide of knowledge

Philosophy’s relationship with science, how it may guide human advancement, and why it is more important than ever.

How philosophy can make you happier

The Hellenistic period. Alexander the Great has just died, leaving behind a nation ripe for the taking. Now warlords and tyrants do battle, killing innocent civilians in the process, seeking to carve out an empire. The people live in fear, and comfort comes only in the embrace of philosophy. Similar to these ancient denizens we …

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