Category: ethics

• June 7, 2012

  Aristotle, Book II, Nicomachean Ethics

  In Book II of the Nichomachean Ethics, Aristotle discusses the nature of the virtues. I am rereading the book for something like the umpteenth time. Three excerpts left strong impressions on me, but first I would like to make some comments. On Pleasure and Pain. The appeal of the first excerpt is that Aristotle makes…
• June 6, 2012

  Walking… philosophy… waking: A reverie

  My personal essay on Daoism and philosophical practice can now be read at The Dark Mountain Project. In terms of genre, it embodies the form of a gift. It also serves as a companion piece for my intellectual history, “Following Nature’s Course,” Dark Mountain Project: Book 3, which is forthcoming.
• May 29, 2012

  On having needs and making requests – Part 1

  I As social animals, we have needs and desires. Part of growing up involves learning how to fulfill more of our needs and desires without the aid of others. The other part involves learning that some of our needs can only be fulfilled by others. Here is where social life gets interesting and quite often…
• May 24, 2012

  A philosophical guide to transitions: 2nd draft

  First off, Dark Mountain is now seeking funding for the publication of its third book. Paul Kingsnorth speaks well about the project in this 3 min. video. Second off, I am including a second draft below on making the transition into philosophical life. Conversation partners: I hope you find the revision useful. More soon. — 1.…
• May 17, 2012

  Tree cutting

  Socrates’ greatness was to be able to play with children, and to consider that his time was thus well spent…. Socrates lives a human life simply and humbly. –Pierre Hadot, The Present Alone * Yesterday I bought bananas for Joan. She said she had plenty. Now I have four bananas to eat. The rain from the…