Blogmaster Emeritus, Mark Jensen, recently posted a series of videos of philosopher Alvin Plantinga on his blog, Dining With the Queen. I have been watching through them and enjoying them immensely. This clip below is on properly basic beliefs. Plantinga suggests that it is proper to assume God just as we assume that there are other minds or that the past really happened. I hope you enjoy this thoughtful video.
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Showing posts with label Philosophy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philosophy. Show all posts
Trends in Christian Philosophy Books
This month Zondervan is publishing Four Views on Divine Providence. It is the most recent book in their growing "Counterpoints" series. If you're not familiar with this series, it consists of books on various important topics in philosophy and theology, with several authors of differing viewpoints each contributing a chapter. These books are designed to give readers an overview of the various Christian perspectives on an issue, and allow them to make up their own mind on which is the best position. (Brazos Press has also recently published a book in a similar vein, entitled Christianity and the Postmodern Turn: Six Views.) The Counterpoints series has three sub-series:I confess that I like these kind of "multi-perspective" books because they feature top-notch scholarship and promote civil dialogue amongst Christians. They teach us how to disagree, and how to consider opposing views instead of dogmatically ignoring a view you don't agree with. They help avoid the straw person fallacy, foster critical thinking, and demonstrate that Christian unity doesn't require uniformity on every topic.
Still, it's interesting to think about what the popularity of these kind of books signals about Christianity in the 21st century. After all, it's hard to imagine the Counterpoints series being published one hundred years ago. Is it possible to interpret the success of these books as a result of the pluralistic contemporary culture that Western Christianity exists within, a culture that loves "perspectives"? Or to see them as an example of the fractured or branched nature of the church?
I guess what I'm trying to say is that while I'm looking forward to reading some of these books, I'm also curious about the changes within the Western Christian subculture, and in the larger Western culture, that led to a desire for these kind of books.
Thoughts?
Caffeine Ergo Sum
Is it just me or is there a mysterious link between philosophy and hot beverages? Perhaps hot drinks are inherently stimulating (hence the phrase "steeped in thought," perhaps). I certainly drink much more tea and coffee since I began studying philosophy at Providence. I'm even willing to assert that the development and spread of Western philosophy bears an uncanny resemblance to the expanding global trade of coffee and tea in centuries past (I think this would make for a research great paper next time Dr. V teaches History of Philosophy). Socrates was known to meditate all day in the snow, though he probably came inside for some hot chocolate from time to time. Descartes couldn't have stayed holed up in that Bavarian cabin for very long without a nice relaxing cup of piping hot tea at the end of each day. Legend has it that Aquinas strode the damp, chilly streets of medieval Paris with a travel mug in hand. Schopenhauer was probably so gloomy because nobody ever brewed the poor guy a decent cup of coffee. And Sartre certainly didn't hang out in that coffee shop for the free wireless internet.
This phenomenon continues on in modern times. In fact, Christopher Hitchens has recently written a brief (and thoroughly English) article entitled "How To Make a Decent Cup of Tea." Providence's own Dr. V has been known to frequent Lecoka in Steinbach, as has yours truly (I recommend their vanilla bean cappuccino). Yes indeed, it certainly seems that hot beverages are conducive to philosophical thought.
Continuing this long and fruitful relationship between philosophy and hot drinks, this semester the Philosophy Foosball Club will be meeting on odd-dated Wednesdays in the Providence cafeteria at noon, beginning January 19th. The cafeteria has a fine array of Lipton teas, and surprisingly decent coffee (they also serve lunch). Hope to see you there!
ALL PHILOSOPHY FOOSBALLERS RESPOND
So at the last Philosophy Foosball Club meeting there was discussion about presenting papers next year. This idea soon evolved into an idea of starting a semi-serious journal/collection of the papers which would be created at the end of each semester. Of course foosballers would get free copies. So there is an invite for all of you to write papers. I'm not sure what the requirements should be yet. I guess as long as the paper deals with an issue slightly philosophical in nature. So think about that over the summer.Also, during this discussion I took the initiative to make a coverpage for the journal/collection. I initially thought of Anselm's maxim "Faith Seeking Understanding" was suitable but Dr. V had his own suggestion. So taking into account his suggestion I have made a rival cover page. Each will compete for supremacy, until a third and more excellent coverpage arises.
But seriously, I would like it if you foosballers gave suggestions of how to make the coverpage better. Or just vote on one of the two. Hope to see a plethora of excellent and stimulating philosophy papers in the fall. Happy studying!
My Initial Cover
Dr. V's Suggestion (I just realized the Latin spelling of philosophy is "philosophie")
Some Good Philosophy Podcasts To Listen To
Want something nice and educational to listen to in the evening? Well check out these podcasts on itunes from our friends across the ocean. Search the name of the podcasts on itunes or just check out their website.
Philosophy Bites
The Philosophy Podcast
Philosophy: The Classics
Enjoy!
Philosophy Bites
The Philosophy Podcast
Philosophy: The Classics
Enjoy!
Open Theism and Its Critics
A Discussion on Open Theism with John Sanders, John Culp, Richard Rice, David Basinger, Karen Winslow, Clark Pinnock, Alan Rhoda, David Woodruff, Brint Montgomery, Dean Blevins, Dean Zimmerman, Anna Case-Winters, Craig Boyd, Alan Padgett, Jeff Koperski, Robin Collins, Tom Oord, and Richard Rice.
William Lane Craig in Canada
William Lane Craig was recently in Canada and starred on the Michael Coren Show. Some might complain that the debate was slanted (Michael Coren is a Christian), but it was still a stimulating discussion. Craig's opponent was fairly respectful which made the discussion much more easier to get through. Enjoy!
... and leave some comments!
... and leave some comments!
Want to waste an hour or more?
I have found many fun BBC documentaries on philosophers. Just go to googlevideo and search "philosophy" and you will be met by a multiplicity of excellent videos. I watched the one Nietzche, Sartre, Heidegger, and one on mathematics and infinity. I highly recommend all these.
Science and Religion
A debate between Alvin Plantinga and William Lane Craig versus Quentin Smith and Ricahrd Gale.
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