Western Philosophy

Continentally liberal Phenomenology explores the world created by the mind, while conservative Structuralism studies the philosophy of history, language, and culture.

Dec 15, 2009 - Alison Lyke

Existentialism and Continental philosophy dominated the beginning of the Twentieth century. The tradition created a stark reality with no room for god or metaphysics.

Dec 15, 2009 - Alison Lyke

Sometimes it is necessary to rely on an expert. It is vital to choose an expert who is fully qualified in the correct field.

Nov 26, 2009 - John Bartels

Hegel's Theory of Knowing is in the context of space and time, where many philosophers feel it should have always been. As part of humanity, time and space are necessary.

Nov 24, 2009 - Michielle Beck

Thales of Miletus was the first man, on record, in ancient Greece to suggest that perhaps humans were not the creation of the gods; perhaps all came from water.

Nov 21, 2009 - Joshua Mark

The Pre-Socratic philosopher Xenophanes affirmed the existence of a single god but denied that humans could ever fully articulate who that god was.

Nov 21, 2009 - Joshua Mark

Protagoras' Paradox, also known as The Paradox of the Court, is still debated in law schools today - as it has been for over two thousand years.

Nov 20, 2009 - Joshua Mark

The ideas of John Locke can be found in the United States Declaration of Independence as well as in the modern political views of government.

Oct 27, 2009 - Phillip Burghgraef

Logic has its roots in Ancient Greece, but took its modern form in the mid-19th century. This VSI covers the basics of logic, a philosophical discipline.

Oct 23, 2009 - Linda Gentile

In the dark ages, alchemists were known for trying to transform lead into gold. What people didn't know is that they were also great thinkers hiding from inquisition

Oct 19, 2009 - Thais Campos

Russell's paradox came about as a result of his concern with set theory's unrestricted comprehension axiom, and it's an important philosophical concept.

Oct 2, 2009 - Michielle Beck

Bertrand Russell is a large part of the world of philosophy through his work in mathematics. Plato is valued in philosophical circles more for his work with allegory.

Sep 30, 2009 - Michielle Beck

Plato believed that some people did wrong because they could get away with it, while others avoided wrongdoing because they felt unable to handle the consequences.

Sep 30, 2009 - Michielle Beck

Bertrand Russell accomplished much over his long and varied career, primarily in philosophy and mathematics, but he completely rejected the idea of Christianity.

Sep 29, 2009 - Michielle Beck

Jean-Paul Sartre describes humans as beings whose existence precedes their essence; in other words, in the human condition, we first exist and only then define ourselves.

Sep 25, 2009 - David Jacobs

Descartes wanted to be absolutely sure of something that he couldn't doubt, so he said, "I think therefore I am." David Hume replied with a model to undo Descartes doubt.

Sep 21, 2009 - George Garza

The late 18th century philosopher Jeremy Bentham is best known for his thoughts on utilitarianism but he also advanced a number of thoughts on morals and society.

Sep 18, 2009 - Phillip Burghgraef

For Plato education was of paramount importance and he clearly sketched out the various stages of an excellent preparation for the members of the Republic.

Aug 3, 2009 - Arash Farzaneh

Kierkegaard discusses the features and the mindset of Ancient Greek Tragedy and the importance of fate and compares them with the modern understanding of freedom.

Jun 11, 2009 - Arash Farzaneh

While many are resigned to a life of "bad luck", the fact remains that hundreds of people create their own luck by following as few simple steps.

May 9, 2009 - Mario Carini

Many secular humanists name Aristotle as one of the central proponants of non-theist morality. But it seems there's more to Aristotle's ethics than meets the eye.

Apr 18, 2009 - Andrew Haines

Worried about mankind wasting its potential, Nietzsche (1844 - 1900) unveils the fearful conclusion of the "last man" in his seminal book "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" (1885).

Mar 31, 2009 - Phillip Johnston

Hypatia, the much loved pagan philosopher of Alexandria, Egypt, has long been acknowledged as the symbol of the passing of the old ways and the triumph of the new.

Mar 17, 2009 - Joshua Mark

Contrary to religious skepticism, Paley argues that the world and human existence is too perfectly constructed to have happened by mere chance; it is all God's design.

Mar 17, 2009 - Joshua Mark

If there is a personal, loving God, who is able to prevent suffering, why does he not do so? William Rowe suggests that perhaps it is because he does not exist.

Mar 17, 2009 - Joshua Mark