Groucho Marxism

Questions and answers on socialism, Marxism, and related topics

Category: Philosophy

  • Can a statement be true and false?

    In classical logic, statements or propositions are always either true or false. One of the justifications given for this rule is that contradictions – statements that are both true and false – entail everything. Which is to say that if you allow a single contradiction, you can prove any proposition you like. This feature is…

  • In search of the self

    The ‘self’ is a complex concept that refers to an individual’s unique sense of being, encompassing their thoughts, identity, and consciousness. Although it is difficult to pin down a precise definition of the self, most of us believe we have one. Or that we are one. Actually, which is it? Already we are starting to…

  • The problem(s) with utilitarianism

    In ethical philosophy, utilitarianism is a family of normative ethical theories that prescribe actions to maximize happiness and well-being, or ‘utility’, for the affected individuals. Utilitarianism is a version of consequentialism, which posits that the consequences of any action are the only standard of right and wrong. The idea that we should aim to maximize…

  • Materialism vs. idealism

    I mention materialism a lot on this blog. In fact materialism is a key theme that unites many of the topics I talk about. But what exactly do I mean by ‘materialism’? The word has two very different meanings. According to the first meaning, materialism refers to a tendency to consider material possessions and physical…

  • Ego is the enemy

    Some years ago I was on a work trip to Paris and found myself with some time to kill at St. Pancras station whilst waiting to board the Eurostar. I had no reading material with me, so I decided to buy a book to read to pass the time. Without paying too much attention I…

  • The evolution of consciousness

    Consciousness, at its simplest, is awareness of a state or object, either internal to oneself or in one’s external environment. In the philosophy of mind, the ‘hard problem of consciousness’ involves explaining why and how humans and other organisms are conscious. It is contrasted with the ‘easy problems’ of explaining why and how physical systems…

  • The illusion of free will

    There is a longstanding rift in the world of philosophy between those who think we have free will and those who think that we don’t. I have always been inclined to side with the latter group as I’ve never been able to see how free will can possibly be compatable with determinism – that is,…