Philosophical Notions-Drew Califano

Introduction and Supplemental Material   In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the fomentation of justice for individuals who, to no fault of their own, suffer the negative consequences of environmental degradation or inequity. Some have argued that when harm is done to a person or population, one of the steps necessary to equity is achieved through a form of compensation to these groups or individuals. While many tend to associate reparations with monetary payments, there are other manners in which they may come to fruition. For instance, reparations can include restitution, or returning the harmed population to its initial standing. Other examples may include rehabilitation, satisfaction or even guarantees of non-repetition. While many may not consider these actions to be included in the broad category of reparations, the modern philosopher should not seek to exclude them from his or her analysis of the morality of reparations. It is under this set of circumstance...

  Background Information and Supplemental Material      Among the most complex topics which philosophers and researchers discuss is that of how time is measured and the standards associated with such quantifications. Before addressing the Tal article that was assigned for this week’s blog, it is first beneficial to discuss some of the frequent challenges that arise in quantifying an entity that cannot be visualized nor accurately measured without significant difficulty. The supplemental material provided for this week does an excellent job in bringing some of these issues to light.       One of the sources that is very thorough pertaining to this matter of time’s complexities is entitled “Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge” by WiPhi. In this video, Professor Nagel introduces the concept of knowledge and how something can truly be “known” as opposed to “thought.” She gives the example of a girl who is outside in the rain. A...

  Background and Supplemental Connections        The concept of time’s reality has long been studied by an array of scientists and philosophers. However, the modern distinction between these two groups of individuals has not always been present. Long ago, philosophy and science were generally viewed as one concrete area of research, in which aspects of both major fields functioned as one to foster a profound understanding of the world in which he or she lives. Such a sector of research led to an array of interesting prospects and questions, including how one’s comprehension and perceptions of time may not be equal to reality. The plausibility of such a situation was studied thoroughly by Albert Einstein in his “Relativity of Simultaneity.” Before addressing the ideas surrounding this concept and their implications, however, it is first important to consider the multiple manners in which time may be characterized.      One of the vid...

Background and Supplemental Connection      In philosophical studies, a common theme is the concept of time and how we, as human beings and individuals, perceive and understand its various intricacies. Perhaps there is no conversation more central to this discussion than the existence of time itself. While most individuals accept as a given that time exists and is a tool that has become a common essential for completing tasks and getting through the challenges of everyday life, some well-known philosophers have argued against its very existence. Such is the case with famous philosopher J. Ellis McTaggart and his revolutionary piece entitled “The Unreality of Time.”       In this journal article, McTaggart argues that time itself cannot be real because one’s conceptions of it are nonsensical or contradictory in nature. For instance, McTaggart makes this argument through first explaining how time can be viewed by the individual. It is...