Starry-Eyed Illusion Hunting

It is the duty of philosophy to destroy the illusions which originate in misconceptions, whatever darling hopes and valued expectations may be ruined by its explanations.


Adapted from Immanuel Kant, Critique of Pure Reason, 1781

Behind The Curtain

To try to disguise oneself by assuming a popular style will not prevent one from falling into universal statements which were supposed to be impossible.

Adapted from Imannuel Kant, Critique of Pure Reason, 1781

Pride Before Destruction

"I remain incredulous that any Democrat who professes liberal values would give a moment's thought to supporting a return of the Fairness Doctrine to muzzle conservative shows. (My latest manifesto on this subject appeared in my last column.) The failure of liberals to master the vibrant medium of talk radio remains puzzling. To reach the radio audience (whether the topic is sports, politics or car repair), a host must have populist instincts and use the robust common voice. Too many Democrats have become arrogant elitists, speaking down in snide, condescending tones toward tradition-minded middle Americans whom they stereotype as rubes and buffoons. But the bottom line is that government surveillance of the ideological content of talk radio is a shocking first step toward totalitarianism."

Camille Paglia
"A rocky first few weeks"
Salon, Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Perfect Practice Is Perfect Performance

I truly know only what I have in memory.

Loitering Ghosts of Truth

A popular ethics wants to suppress bad expressions of character to protect the general welfare, which is strikingly similar to the police.

But the notion of general welfare is hardly a standard of truth. And truth forces its own expression even if it's ugly and unethical.