I get a kick out of you

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I found this article an amusing and intriguing study on why or how we may fall in love.

Whereas the article is from 2004, I learned something new. : )

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I think a topic that rarely gets attention in the concerns of the average philosopher is language, and specifically the importance and consequences of semantics. "The importance of semantics" might be interpreted as some sort of oxymoron, ironically due to the semantic debate on how "semantics" is perceived in the vernacular. When one says "semantics", usually one thinks of an endless debate of futility and triviality. On the contrary I think semantics, that is, the study of linguistic development and the changes of the meaning of words, is an omnirelative factor in the establishment of true understanding. How we define words inevitably sets the tone of debate, and is an omnirelative factor in the shaping of public policy.

One such mainstream semantic debate is over the word "marriage",...

A conversation with Ego

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How shooting people in the back becomes self-defense

by Jonathan Kingsbury

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I believe the question, “What can we know and how we know” can be supported by both the rationalist view and the empiricist view. Indeed there is conflict between rationalism and empiricism, of which I will discuss later, but that does not mean that you have to support only one view. First I will be observing the readings of Descartes, Locke, Berkeley, and Hume to get a better understanding of the rationalist view and the empiricist view. I will then discuss the conflict between Rationalism and Empiricism based off of the readings. Lastly, I will explain how the rationalists view and the empiricist view can both be used to answer, “What can we know and how we know it”.

René Descartes main argument in his reading is to express that sense and empiricism can be deceiving. His method of...

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Strictly speaking, this is not directly related to a political issue, but its social significance does, in my eyes, reflect certain problems with the way our country approaches its problems. It is especially a critique on the way we overreact to certain perceived threats, such as the dangers of the much demonized heavy metal music scene. I think it is a necessity that a voice from our culture, especially someone such as I who had the opportunity to attend the event in Holmdel, is heard, if only to shed some light on how we view the incident.

On August 16th at the PNC Bank & Arts Center, a music venue in Holmdel, NJ, Ozzfest went down in full force. Unfortunately, it did not go on without incident. Two men died of drug and/or alcohol related incidents in the parking lot during the show,...

What is it to become?

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In my second class on western civ, I was introduced to the idea of imperialism. Though the origins of imperialism and its goals leave much to be desired, I believe there are lessons that can be learned from this historical practice that can improve the world for the future.

Katherine Poythress

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The most dangerous domestic terrorists in the United States may have nothing to do with Islam or Iraq but may be little-known extremists who regard violence against animals as akin to violence against people, according to FBI officials.

By Jeff Golimowski

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As soon as somebody starts talking about fighting back and using force or violence in self-defense on animals' behalf ... then all of a sudden, they're quick to apply this terrorism label."

By Kevin McCandless

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Are the reasons given for birth control of families a real concern? Why is this being proposed?

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Science and religion have seemingly always been at odds with each other. From the theories posed by Galileo to arguments regarding medical ethics today, science and religion have taken two opposing sides. The debate on whether or not creationism and intelligent design should be taught in schools is one such example. These theories with no basis in reality are being forced onto schools as a strategy of “teaching the controversy.” In this essay, it will be demonstrated that creationist thought runs not only counter to scientific theory, but also to the legal and educational standards of the public school system.

Many creationists and evolutionists alike argue for “teaching the controversy” simply for the reason of a fair and balanced education, but in concept this argument is flawed. For...