First Things recently posted the remarks which Peter Leithart shared for the Epiphany Feast at the Theopolis Institute. In his brief, yet rhetorically powerful homily, Leithart points to the truth Christianity teaches that physical life is not the greatest good, and that real life is about more than biological survival. He articulates well some of…
Mitigating Reality: Is the Whole Truth Always Necessary?
Any notion of justice entails some jurisdiction over the information we give to others. At the very least, it will include the principle that we are duty-bound to others to keep our promises. Machiavelli may argue that it is useful, but I don't believe one can argue it is just to make intentionally deceitful arrangements…
Implicit Notions of Happiness
Eudamonia is the Greek word Aristotle uses to refer to well-being, happiness, or flourishing. If you imagine a flower with optimal soil, sufficient water supply, and the ideal weather climate for its nature, you might see it stretching toward the sun with all vibrance and joy. This is eudamonia. It is when something, having all…
Philosophy is for Everyone
In Plato's Apology, Socrates states that "The unexamined life is not worth living." Now, I realize that in our current intellectual climate, we consider ancient thought to hold about as much water as ancient pottery. But I would like to argue that Socrates' value of philosophical reflection was not only appropriate for the Greek philosophers…
“Men invent new ideals because they dare not attempt old ideals. They look forward with enthusiasm, because they are afraid to look back.” - G.K. Chesterton
every.day.philosophy 