Philosophy Archives

Dharma in The Bhagavad Gita: Fulfilling Purpose

What is dharma in The Bhagavad Gita? How does the text define dharma, and what does it mean in terms of spirituality? Dharma in The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most important lessons. In the text, dharma is similar to destiny. Your dharma helps you fulfill your higher purpose, rather than be concerned with material things. Krishna introduces dharma to Arjuna, and they continue to refer to it throughout the book. Read more about dharma in The Bhagavad Gita.

Karl Popper’s Falsification Theory: Bye, Pseudoscience

What is Karl Popper’s falsification theory? What contribution did Popper make to the philosophy of science? Karl Popper was a philosopher who is mostly known for his falsification principle. According to Karl Popper’s falsification theory, tests for verification of scientific theories should be designed with the purpose of disproving or falsifying them, not confirming them. Learn about Karl Popper’s falsification theory.

Thomas Kuhn’s Philosophy of Science Explained

What is Thomas Kuhn’s philosophy of science? How did his ideas revolutionize the way scientists think about the development of science? The central tenet of Kuhn’s philosophy of science is the distinction between normal and revolutionary science. Normal science is a progressively cumulative compendium of knowledge within the established paradigms. Revolutionary science happens when there is a shift from the set paradigm. Read more to learn about Thomas Kuhn’s philosophy of science.

Loss Aversion Bias: Serving the Glass Half-Empty

What is the loss aversion bias? How can it help you secure a stronger position in a negotiation? The loss aversion bias is a type of framing effect. In the context of negotiating, it involves framing your offer in such a way that emphasizes loss as opposed to gain. Read more to lean how to use the loss aversion bias in a negotiation.

Richard Dawkins: Evolution and Cellular Bottlenecking

What is Richard Dawkins say about evolution? How does The Selfish Gene reframe evolution? In The Selfish Gene, Richard Dawkins addresses evolution. He argues that current perspectives are too narrow and life should be viewed from the genetic level. But with evolution, Richard Dawkins identifies a phenomenon known as cellular bottlenecking. Read on for more about Richard Dawkins, evolution, and cellular bottlenecking.

Group Selection: Groups Survive or Die Together

What is group selection? Is it the same as natural selection or is it a unique concept? Group selection is a type of natural selection that applies to groups. Individuals may be altruistic towards one another, but it is for the good of a group of animals surviving and passing on their genes. Read more about group selection and what it looks like.

The Selfish Gene Theory: How Does It Work?

What is the selfish gene theory? How does it depart from traditional biologists’ views of organisms and evolution? The selfish gene theory, developed by evolutionary biologist and author Richard Dawkins, contradicts traditional perspectives in biology and evolution. He argues that life is best understood from the genetic perspective as opposed to the organismal perspective. Read on for more about the selfish gene theory.

Stable Populations and Behavioral Strategies

How do animals maintain stable populations? Why is ensuring stability important for evolution? Populations with uncontrolled growth or insignificant growth are not stable populations. Certain behavioral strategies help promote stability through reproduction and choosing when to compete with others. Read more about stable populations and the behavioral strategies that can help protect stability.

The Development of Consciousness: How it Begins

A little boy with a surprised look holding a book

Where does consciousness come from? Is there any evidence to explain the development of consciousness? The development of consciousness is a topic considered in The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins. Evolution and consciousness are arguably a natural pairing because animals are able to learn and develop over time. Read more about the development of consciousness according to Richard Dawkins.

Are You a Survival Machine? Evolution Says Yes

What does it mean to be a survival machine? How are animals, including humans, designed for survival? A survival machine is a term Richard Dawkins uses to describe the way organisms function. In The Selfish Gene, the perspective of the universe focuses on how everything can be explained by the goal of replicating genes. Keep reading to understand the concept of a survival machine and what that means in the context of genetics.