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Overlooked Philosophy

Peter Adamson’s Philosophy in the Hellenistic and Roman Worlds accepts a noble challenge announced in the book’s subtitle: A History of Philosophy without any gaps. It’s an impossible objective, of course. Adamson knows this, but admirably proceeds to outline three areas of philosophy that are often overlooked in the hustle of contemporary academic discourse: “Hellenistic philosophy” (the inheritance of Plato and Aristotle), “late antique philosophy among pagans, and ancient Christian philosophy.”

Secular Sundays in a Common Europe

Last week was a momentous one for the European project. On Monday, the Greek Parliament passed an austerity package that other Eurozone members, especially Germany, had demanded as a condition for considering Greece’s request for an €86 bailout. Negotiations will now begin. How they will end is . . . . Continue Reading »

Waiting On A Greek Disaster

Since the beginning of the fiscal crisis in 2009, Greek politics has alternated periods of collapse with periods of decay.  We are in one of the latter periods now.  The bad news comes so often that it gets boring.  Here is the latest batch: 1.  Greece wants to renegotiate its . . . . Continue Reading »

Just A Really Quick Greece Note

If you want another reason to be pessimistic about Greece, take a look at the shameful wrangling over cabinet post during an emergency.  Do you think these petty, disgusting people will be able to stick to reforms in the face of resistance from entrenched interests and the loathing of a . . . . Continue Reading »

Apocalypse Later

Yesterday’s election result in Greece was about the best that could have been realistically hoped for. And that might be the most depressing thing.  Let’s recap:  Greece is broke.  Greece’s government needs loans to pay salaries and pensions, but only a lunatic . . . . Continue Reading »

The Sociopath and the Man-Child

Quick summary of Andreas Papandreou.  He was the son of Greek Prime Minster George Papandreou.  He was the founder of Greece’s socialist PASOK party that dominated Greek politics from 1981 until last year.  He was Prime Minister of Greece from 1981-1989 and 1990-1993.  The . . . . Continue Reading »

Obama and the Euromess

I agree with Peter Lawler that the election is shaping up to be very close   if one projects from present circumstances (with only modest changes up or down to unemployment and job creation numbers.)  The most likely event that could crack open the election would be a crisis in . . . . Continue Reading »

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