Philosophy Archives

The Fine-Tuned Universe Explained by Science

Why is the universe seem as though it was fine-tuned for us to exist? How do the parameters of the universe happen to be calibrated just right to make life possible? One could just go the theological route to answer these questions about the perfect, seemingly fine-tuned universe. Maybe God just created these conditions for unknowable reasons we can never uncover. However, according to Stephen Hawking, this explanation isn’t consistent with the history of science. Here’s why the universe appears fine-tuned for life to exist.

How to Develop a Stoic Mind in Just 5 Steps

What is a stoic person like? What is the Stoic secret to staying calm and imperturbable in times of adversity? Stoic people show fortitude and imperturbability to extreme emotions. According to Marcus Aurelius, there are three characteristics of a stoic mind: 1) sanity, 2) cooperation, and 3) disinterest. When your mind has these characteristics, you’ll never suffer from anger or anxiety. Here’s how cultivating a stoic mind can help you develop a sense of perspective and become saner and more dispassionate.

Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations—Book Overview

Is Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations worth reading? What was the emperor’s intention in writing this text? Meditations is a series of Marcus Aurelius’ personal writings about the practical applications of Stoicism. Many scholars consider Meditations to be one of the definitive Stoic texts. Below is a brief overview of the key themes and ideas discussed in Marcus Aurelius’ book Meditations.

Cosmic Impossibility: Can Time Go Backwards?

Can time go backwards? Or can it only move in the forward, linear direction? One of the fundamental properties of the universe is that it moves from the state of order to the state of disorder or entropy. We can’t reverse this state of affairs which is why it’s highly unlikely that time can ever go backward. Here is why it’s likely impossible to run the clock backwards.

The Theory of Relativity: Explained in Simple Terms

What is the theory of relativity? What phenomena does the theory attempt to explain? How has it revolutionized our understanding of the workings of our universe? Within Einstein’s theory of relativity, there are actually two theories: special theory and general theory. The former applies to all physical phenomena discounting gravity, and the latter explains the gravitational force in relation to the other forces of the universe. Learn about Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity, explained in simple terms in Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time.

Stoicism and Death: Don’t Fear the Inevitable

What does Stoicism have to say about death? Is there a Stoic way to face death? Stoics see death not as something to brush under the carpet, but rather as a reality to confront and make peace with. Stoic philosophers even kept a human skull on their desk as a reminder of mortality. Here’s what Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor and a distinguished Stoic philosopher, had to stay on Stoicism and death.

The Importance of Memory in Reaching the Flow State

What does memory have to do with the flow state? What are some common memory-dependent activities? Why does today’s society devalue memory? The importance of memory shouldn’t be overlooked. Although it’s been determined that memorization isn’t the most optimal learning device, it’s still important for other reasons. Memory activities such as recounting your ancestry, repeating riddles and sayings, and creating ordered systems can promote flow. Keep reading to learn about the link between memory and flow.

Marcus Aurelius: Meditations Quotes

Looking for Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations quotes? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth revisiting? Many scholars consider Meditations, written by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, to be one of the definitive texts on Stoicism. Stoicism is a philosophy that originated in ancient Greece and its central idea is that rational thinking can guide you through any hardship and allow you to endure any pain. Below are some quotes and passages that highlight some of the key Stoicism concepts and ideas discussed in the book.

Uniting General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics

Why are general relativity and quantum mechanics incompatible with each other? Is it possible to unite the four forces with the subatomic particles? The predictions of relativity, which deal with phenomena on the massive, universal scale, break down when applied to the subatomic level of quantum mechanics. Uniting quantum mechanics and relativity is one of the great challenges to establishing a complete theory of the universe. Keep reading to learn about the general relativity vs. quantum mechanics dilemma.

Theory Vs Practice: Here’s Why Action Is Critical

What’s the difference between theory vs practice? Why is it so important to understand this difference when trying to build antifragile systems? When it comes to theory vs practice, the bottom line is that talk is cheap. Many people have good ideas, or at least know how to sell them. But when there’s no action, it’s meaningless, and just contributes to more fragility. Read more about theory vs practice below.