Man is a social animal, directed by others, but his sociability does not lead him into a peaceful civil society, because at the root of sociability is conflict. In trying to unmask the root of conflict and desire, I have drawn from the ideas of Rene Girard, Hegel, and Fukuyama. See “Mimetic Theory: The Origin … Read more
Before discussing Kant’s philosophy, Russell gives an overview of 18th century philosophy. British empiricists like Hume and Berkeley dominated philosophy in that century. But there was a conflict in these men, between their temper of mind and the tendency of their doctrines. They were socially minded, urbane and friendly. But their theoretical philosophy led to … Read more
There are two kinds of virtues: intellectual and moral, corresponding to the two parts of the soul. Intellectual virtues result from teaching, moral virtues from habit. To create a virtuous society, you must create laws that cause citizens to acquire good habits. With time, pleasure comes from performing these good habits. The Golden Mean The … Read more