Philosophy

Published on: August 8, 2019

Learning How to Lie: a Lesson Well Taught (Washington Post article)

By Laura Orr

“DNA Tests Show Southern Members of Congress and Constituents are 65% Mexican (and 20% French): Results Surpass Congressional Dining Hall Chef’s Prediction Based on the Popularity of “French Fries with Salsa” Side Dish”

“Members of Congress Fail American History Test: Only 13% Earn a Barely Passing Grade (60% or better).”

Hmmm. Telling lies, making up part-truths, or simple obfuscation is clearly very difficult for some of us, but a piece of cake for others, e.g. Onion writers, Andy Borowitz, advertisement authors, drug and tobacco company CEOs, etc., etc., etc.

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Published on: June 17, 2019

Too Much Law, Too Little Politics: Reith Lectures, 2019

By Laura Orr

If you haven’t discovered Reith Lectures (BBC, Radio 4), here is your chance. Topics vary and this year’s (2019) lecturer was Jonathan Sumption. The lectures and Q&A that follow are enlightening and entertaining. (It’s a 5-part series.)

“2019: Jonathan Sumption

The Reith Lectures

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Published on: January 16, 2018

Despair, Nihilism, and Getting Back Your Groove

By Laura Orr

The 12/29/17 episode of On the Media was magnificent. It’s almost always a fabulous radio program / podcast, but they outdid themselves with this year-end episode titled: The Feelings Show. You will listen, brighten, roll your eyes, breathe, laugh, wonder, frown, groan, and then head off for that proverbial beer. (It’s a meme, apparently, that beer with friends thing, or maybe a trope? Who knows? I’m not complaining; it’s also a kind of hyyge.)

So, tune in, not out, and be prepared to want to play the episode again, and even again. It’s that good – and good for you. From Rebecca Solnit, to the worst meditator ever (but the nicest and funniest), to one of our two beloved Radio Lab hosts, Jad Abumrad – and our equally beloved On the Media hosts. [Link to The Feelings Show episode.] Groovy, man.