BBKahuna
04-22-2004, 12:25 PM
If I were to pick just one it would be Hume for his analysis of the myth of reliably contiguous events as causal.
However, I greatly appreciate
Mill for Utilitarianism which is probably the most readable, sensible piece written regarding the human experience and transitioning from tranquility to excitement.
If you contrast Mill's utilitarian ethic against a Kantian code of ethic, you'll see the classic dilemma of protection of the individual and thus the group through the individual or the protection of the group and thus the individual through the group (which has enormous modern implications in issues such as individual freedom vs. perceived national security)
Huxley and Berkeley for their writings on perception. Ironically, although Berekeley is a Christian idealist, I think I appreciate his writing far more as an atheist than I would if I were religious.
of contemporary philosophers, Daniel Dennett, for actually writing something interesting and new in the debate on determinism.
Of the philosophers I cannot stand Aristotle, Ayn Rand, and Evelyn Underhill top the list.
However, I greatly appreciate
Mill for Utilitarianism which is probably the most readable, sensible piece written regarding the human experience and transitioning from tranquility to excitement.
If you contrast Mill's utilitarian ethic against a Kantian code of ethic, you'll see the classic dilemma of protection of the individual and thus the group through the individual or the protection of the group and thus the individual through the group (which has enormous modern implications in issues such as individual freedom vs. perceived national security)
Huxley and Berkeley for their writings on perception. Ironically, although Berekeley is a Christian idealist, I think I appreciate his writing far more as an atheist than I would if I were religious.
of contemporary philosophers, Daniel Dennett, for actually writing something interesting and new in the debate on determinism.
Of the philosophers I cannot stand Aristotle, Ayn Rand, and Evelyn Underhill top the list.