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These texts are primarily papers originally done for course
work. Some texts remain as drafts or brief notes, but other
texts are polished enough that they have been used or quoted by
others. They have been posted here primarily to give some
indication of my interests and the areas of philosophy I have
been exposed to. The papers on Dretske and Nagarjuna are probably the best
ones. The paper on Nagarjuna has been cited and copied on several other sites
devoted to Buddhism.
Click here for
information on citing these works.
Note: Some texts below are ASCII versions of WordPerfect
originals, so underlinings or other formatting may not be
identical to the original paper.
Time and Enlightenment
Investigates the Buddhist concept of time as developed by
Nagarjuna and relates it to the understanding of enlightenment.
Text of paper as delivered at FIU, November, 2001.
Zen Koans Have Answers
Explains the thesis of Yoel Hoffmann's translation of a Japanese
book, originally published in 1916, that purports to give the
secret answers to traditional Zen Koans. Information only, not a
paper.
Reflections on The Great Learning
Examines individual and systems approaches to political
philosophy. Analyzes the structure of Confucius' The Great
Learning. Suggests advantages and disadvantages for all forms of
political arrangements and indicates the nature of the
intellectual struggle faced by China in the future.
On Dretske's Explaining Behavior
Argues that Dretske's description of how reasons for action both
explain and cause motion does not maintain internal consistency
and does not adequately address learning and desire in human
beings.
Waismann's Critique of Wittgenstein
Shows that Friedrich Waismann, a little-known mathematician and
onetime student of Wittgenstein's, provides answers to problems
that vexed Wittgenstein. Waismann argues in favor of mathematical
intuition and the reality of infinity with a Wittgensteinian
twist. I support Waismann's arguments and comment that
Wittgenstein's problems are caused because his notion of a
practice does not seem to include the practice of experts.
Heidegger on Death
Shows the essential structure of Heidegger's understanding of
death comes from the extraction of an authentic way of being from
everyday life. Argues that critics of Heidegger make the very
mistake he warns against (covering over death in logic and/or
language of the everyday). Contains a useful diagram for
understanding Heidegger's notion of fundamental ontology and the
difference between his terms 'existential' and 'existentiell.'
Physics Meets Metaphysics: Bohm and Baseball
Excerpt from a presented paper on philosophy of David Bohm. Serves as an introduction to
his thought. Useful for students and professional philosophers who may not be familiar with
this important figure. Areas of relevance: history of 20th century quantum mechanics; philosophy of science;
influence of Eastern mysticism on the Western understanding of its own discoveries.
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