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Philosophical Dictionary

  • An antique table containing an array of playing cards in a moody style.

    The Other Pascal and His Wager: How a 17th Century Polymath Gambled on the Existence of God

    By Caroline Black

    Explore Pascal's Wager, the famous philosophical argument where 17th-century mathematician Blaise Pascal used probability theory to argue for believing in God. Discover how this thought experiment combines mathematics with theology, influencing existentialism and modern ethical thinking. A timeless gamble on faith versus reason.
  • Dreams, Mirrors, and Invisible Coffee: Discover the Truth

    Dreams, Mirrors, and Invisible Coffee: Discover the Truth

    By Caroline Black

    The final par of the "Philosophy Carol" series. Meeting the Ghost of Philosophy in an eternal cafe brings you to an epiphany.
  • Painting of Ludwig Wittgenstein on the balcony of his hut in Norway

    How Language Shapes Thought: Exploring Wittgenstein's Philosophy and the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

    By Markus Uehleke

    Discover how your language might be shaping—or limiting—your thoughts. Explore Wittgenstein's revolutionary "language games" concept and the truth behind the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. Learn why linguists believe the words we use influence but don't determine our perception of reality.
  • Is Sisyphus truly happy?

    Sisyphus: The Absurd Hero or Asymptomatic Case?

    By Markus Uehleke

    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 Meme: The Unknowable Thing-in-Itself

    Kant's Thing-in-Itself: The Reality Behind the Curtain

    By Markus Uehleke

    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.
  • A four-panel meme showing a chocolate figurine melting in milk with captions suggesting that understanding Hegel's philosophy is like trying to catch wisdom from a rapidly dissolving chocolate figure.

    Navigating the Labyrinth: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Hegel's Philosophy

    By Markus Uehleke

    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.