New Project

I have recently begun some preliminary work on a new project tracing the link between effective ethical theories and the philosophy of love. Drawing on sources as diverse as Scotus, Scheler, Levinas, Sartre, Wojtyla, Aristotle, Kierkegaard, and religious traditions, I hope to put together some type of initial presentation soon. Thinking of working some process philosophy into the discussion as well. This well could turn into an enormous project.

Santorum and the Catholic Vote

The latest piece from Mark Shea highlights Santorum's politically expedient persona.

Mr. Catholic

Shea's following quote sums up the problem.

"Santorum is in the groove on the things that *really* matter to the GOP leadership–pre-emptive war, preserving the precious legacy of Bush era torture, and the sacred pre-eminence of corporate profits over the needs of human beings. So his private fetish about being semi-prolife is fine, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the real agenda."

Critical Theory

I've begun to be very intrigued with some of the ideas in critical theory, specifically Adorno's and Horkheimer's later works. It could be really interesting to see how their works might help us as we continue to be mired in our volatile political climate right now.

Foundations of Logic

Yesterday I began my first day of teaching three sections of Foundations of Logical Reasoning at Bridgewater State University. Hopefully the students take what I am teaching them to heart so they will be better prepared for their upper level classes.

Batman and Heidegger

 I have always been greatly interested in the connection between pop culture and philosophy, a recent addition to the many sub-fields of philosophy in North America thanks to Bill Irwin, Aeon Skoble, and Mark Conard with their original series of "Pop Culture and Philosophy" beginning with Seinfeld and Philosophy and The Simpsons and Philosophy. With many movies containing references to philosophy (whether explicitly in movies such as I Heart Huckabees and Fight Club, or more implicitly in many sci fi and superhero films), it is interesting anytime the media pays attention to the philosophical ideas found in pop culture. In this latest piece from Slate, the focus turns to some potential philosophical elements in the upcoming Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises. According to the article, in the new movie Bruce Wayne reads aloud from some of Heiddeger's work. I guess we'll just have to wait for the July release of DKR, but in the meantime, enjoy the article. The Dark Knight Philosophizes?

Phenomenology Conference

Since taking part in the Early Phenomenology conference at Franciscan University last April, I have been interested in the work of the North American Society for Early Phenomenology. The CFP for their conference to be held in Toronto in late May of this year has just been posted. If anyone is interested in any of the work pertaining to the early phenomenologists (Husserl, Pfander, Scheler, Reinach, Stein, Von Hildebrand, etc.) I would highly recommend checking out the conference. CFP: NASEP

My Latest Book Review

My review of Human Rights and the Ethics of Globalization by Daniel and Elizabeth Lee is now posted over at the Marx and Philosophy Review of Books site. http://marxandphilosophy.org.uk/reviewofbooks/reviews/2012/449