Monthly Archives: January 2020

Understanding Freedom: Freedom and Politics (Part 2)

© Robert Orwell Hand – (Reprinted with Permission) https://understandingthings.net/2019/11/01/understanding-freedom-part-v-freedom-and-politics-cont

Unlike the former Soviet Union, which allowed just one political party—the Communist Party—which was indistinguishable from its government, the United States possesses all of two political parties: the Republican and the Democratic parties. Continue reading Understanding Freedom: Freedom and Politics (Part 2)

Can Stoicism Help Us Live Well? Forthcoming

Bust of Seneca

I have written about Stoicism previously but lately, I’ve been researching it extensively. The goal of my research is to distill the essence of Stoic wisdom as it pertains to helping people live well—primarily by achieving inner peace and equanimity. Then I’ll share these insights in easy to understand language. In other words, I will write a short essay that someone can read and say, “I understand Stoic wisdom and I see how it will help me to experience more peace of mind and happiness.” Continue reading Can Stoicism Help Us Live Well? Forthcoming

Richard Carrier on the Dark Ages

Below is an excerpt from Richard Carrier’s essay, “Yes, the Dark Ages Really Were a Thing.” It resonates with me because while teaching philosophy, especially at Catholic universities, I often encountered the (mistaken) view that the Dark Ages weren’t really that bad. Continue reading Richard Carrier on the Dark Ages

Understanding Freedom: Freedom and Politics (Part 1)

© Robert Orwell Hand – (Reprinted with Permission)
https://understandingthings.net/2019/10/01/understanding-freedom-part-iv-freedom-and-politics/

In the United States, the political world is superficially divided in terms of the two-party system: Republicans (ostensibly, the defenders of “freedom”) vs. Democrats (ostensibly, the defenders of “equality”). Continue reading Understanding Freedom: Freedom and Politics (Part 1)