Researchers say the average woman speaks 20,000 words a day, and the average man speaks 7,000. Apparently, the Foxp2 protein is implicated. So we may now have an answer to this wry question from Austin O’Malley: “Why is the word tongue feminine in Greek, Latin, Italian, Spanish, French and German?” And this intriguing study of […]
Noam Chomsky is a mixed bag intellectually, but I like this quotation forwarded to me by Edward Fox: “There are lots of things I don’t understand — say, the latest debates over whether neutrinos have mass or the way that Fermat’s last theorem was (apparently) proven recently. But from 50 years in this game, I
Chomsky on postmodernism Read More »
From this week: ‘MOSCOW – An argument in southern Russia over philosopher Immanuel Kant, the author of “Critique of Pure Reason,” devolved into pure mayhem when one debater shot the other.’ But note this from 2009: So in preparation for your next philosophy conference in Russia, be sure to sharpen your arguments — as well
Russian-style philosophy: fisticuffs and guns Read More »
Revising “The Twelve Days of Christmas” for your inner math geek. Vi Hart’s clever Gaussian “Christmath” song doodle:
Fun “Christmath” song Read More »
Philosophers are noted for their stylish prose as well as their profound insights. Or, to put that point in another, perhaps more felicitous, formulation, they are justly celebrated for their abilities in the words-putting-togetherness department. Earlier I presented some 100-plus word monster sentences from philosophers — Mill, Kant, Aristotle, Locke. But now, via Stuart Hayashi,
Philosophy’s longest sentences — Bentham edition Read More »
A perfect send up from the Onion: “Pre-Game Coin Toss Makes Jaguars Realize Randomness Of Life. After comprehending the capricious nature of fate, the Jacksonville Jaguars could not go through with the charade of playing a meaningless football game.” (Thanks to E.F. for the link.)
Football and continental philosophy Read More »
Kant’s dictum Ought implies can is true — except when you’re drunk.
Deep thought on Kant’s “Ought implies can” Read More »
Our Love is Like a Bowling Ball Our love is like a bowling ball Like a brand new Brunswick Red Zone, It rolls and rolls down the alley of desire And rolls and rolls and rolls. I will keep you out of the gutters, my love And put my fingers in your holes Every kiss
The worst love poem ever? Read More »