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Philosophy

The systematic investigation of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, aesthetics, and political philosophy

8 papers

Papers

The Crystallization of the Impossible: Derrida and Merleau-Ponty at the Threshold of Phenomenology

This essay compares Derrida's and Merleau-Ponty's differing interpretations of Husserl's phenomenology, particularly their views on the concept of the "crystallization of the impossible." It argues that while both criticize Husserl, Merleau-Ponty's approach, emphasizing "chiasm" and "flesh," allows for a more nuanced view of perception and the relationship between self and world. Derrida's focus on alterity and impossibility, the essay suggests, makes him less receptive to the intimacy and interweaving Merleau-Ponty explores.

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Philosophy Aug 16, 11:17 AM

THE PRAGMATICS OF CHAOS: PARSING BOLSONARO'S UNDEMOCRATIC LANGUAGE

This paper analyzes Jair Bolsonaro's communication style, arguing that it constitutes a "pragmatics of chaos" aimed at creating social division and disorder. It examines Bolsonaro's persona, text/talk, and audience engagement, arguing that his disregard for truth and reliance on incendiary framing, smoke screens, and avoidance of debate contribute to a fractured and polarized political landscape.

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Philosophy Jul 14, 07:00 AM

The French language: monocentric or pluricentric? Standard language ideology and attitudes towards the French language in 20th-century language columns in Quebec.

The study reveals a shift in standard language ideology among Québécois language columnists over the 20th century, moving from a strongly monocentric view focused on the French of France towards a more pluricentric acceptance of Québécois French. This shift is linked less to regional linguistic features and more to a growing concern about the influence of English on French, suggesting that 'ideal' French is now defined more by its resistance to anglicisms than by its proximity to Parisian norms.

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Philosophy Jul 14, 06:59 AM

An organization- and category-level comparison of diagnostic requirements for mental disorders in ICD-11 and DSM-5

This paper compares the ICD-11 and DSM-5 classifications of mental disorders, finding substantial similarity overall, especially compared to previous versions. Key differences are driven by the differing priorities of the WHO (public health) and APA (diagnostic precision), leading to variations in disorder inclusion, diagnostic criteria, and operationalization. Despite these differences, the authors argue that the divergence promotes research and can improve the validity of diagnostic concepts.

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Philosophy Jul 14, 06:59 AM

Incremental pragmatic interpretation of gradable adjectives: The role of standards of comparison

The study found that context, specifically the presence of a contrasting object, influences how people interpret relative adjectives (like "warm") but not minimum-standard absolute adjectives (like "breezy"). This suggests that the brain uses different strategies to process these two types of adjectives, relying on visual context for relative adjectives but not for absolute adjectives.

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Philosophy Jul 14, 06:59 AM