Two ways of seeing

I've been playing around with a few metaphysical thoughts ... ideas on a grand scale—ways of seeing all that is.
I put together a diagram. In both ways of seeing the smaller circle is epiphenomenal of the larger. 
The green circles reflect my current thinking, a synthesis of my understanding of the mystical traditions east and west. The orange circles a materialist view. Make of it what you will!

The Way of Chuang Tzu

I discovered a wonderful version of the book of Zhuangzi by Thomas Merton. Merton's insights are amazing. The book is worth it for his introductory article alone.

Link below is to Amazon.com.

Enjoy!


Thomas Merton The Way of Chuang Tzu

New semester beckons ...

Grandson Kieran and the pugs!

The new semester beckons and I'm looking forward to meeting new students and renewing contact with others. I have posted the new syllabi (under the teaching philosophy tab).

PHI 129 Philosophical Meditations
PHI 135 Introduction to Ethics
PHI 329 Asian Philosophy
PHI 331 War and Terrorism

The adventure continues!

Magnificent Magnolia

The magnolia tree is always wonderful. The blossom is so short lived, but beautiful. Very nice this year, and very welcome.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Latest Publications

Two new books chapters just out. In Call to Compassion: Religious Perspectives on Animal Advocacy, edited by Anthony J. Nocella II, Lisa Kemmerer I have a chapter on Christian mysticism and animal advocacy. This is a great book with contributions by scholars from 18 different spiritual traditions.

In Rembrance and Reconciliation, edited by Dennis Rothermel and Rob Gildert, I have a chapter on René Girard and perpetual violence. Another great book to check out.

A Sonnet

There is in human hearts a desire so

Profound, yet goes by but one name. A sage

Long gone said, “Our hearts are restless,” (we know)

“Until they find their rest in you.” Old age

May tell its truth; yet, with no words to form

A meaningful account. A gaping hole

Too vast to fill. Religion, to perform

A function necessary, a good role,

Tries its best. It fails; the labor too great.

A chasm filled with child’s bucket and spade!

No wonder, tender souls soon learn to hate

Its pretences. A game so badly played

Is abandoned as futile. The end of

Longing is still to long in hope for love.

Andy Fitz-Gibbon, December 3 2008.

Syllabi on line for Spring 2011

I have just posted syllabi for Introduction to Ethics and Virtue Ethics, courses I am teaching spring 2011.

I am also teaching Philosophical Meditations Tue 11:30-12:30. Meditation techniques, somaesthetics, body consciousness, basic taiji. Couple of spaces left.

Also, Taiji Club Mon 4:00-6:00 Moffett Gym.

Looking forward to the classes!