Philosophical Dictionary

Join us as we explore Descartes's philosophical revolution which is listed amongst the likes of Newton and Copernicus. Descartes, a Rationalist, sought to rebuild knowledge on the foundation of reason alone, famously using his method of Cartesian Doubt to discard uncertain beliefs making him an extremist Socratic reincarnation. We delve into his Meditations 6, particularly his exploration of the mind-body problem, where he argued for the distinct, yet interacting, substances of mind (res cogitans) and body (res extensa). We also look at criticisms of Descartes’ Dualism by figures like Princess Elizabeth and Gilbert Ryle, who mockingly called it the “Dogma of the Ghost in the Machine.” 

Discover why Buddha never actually said 'life is suffering' and how this famous misquote led to the ultimate philosophical showdown with Schopenhauer. Learn the real difference between Buddhist wisdom and Western pessimism through this hilarious office meme explanation.

We ask the tough questions here: what if Sisyphus is just asymptomatic and his happiness is not at all transferable to us "normal" people? Is Camus' assertion more than the "it is what it is" for educated people, even if it is repeated like a mantra in some places?

Kant proposed that our perception of the world is shaped by our senses and mental faculties, filtering reality into a comprehensible form. The "Thing-in-Itself," however, represents the elusive reality that lies beyond our perceptual limitations. By grasping this concept, you can challenge the boundaries of your own understanding and explore what lies beneath the surface of appearances.

Unlock Hegel's challenging philosophy with this beginner's guide. Learn why his works are difficult, discover effective reading strategies, and understand his enduring relevance. From secondary sources to deliberate reading methods, this article provides practical tools to navigate Hegelian thought and appreciate its profound insights.

Explore Kierkegaard's profound analysis of despair as an existential condition rather than mere emotion. Learn how balancing your finite and infinite selves can overcome both forms of despair, and discover why the "leap of faith" offers a path to authentic existence in modern life.