Steve P Brady

Enneads: On Virtue

Plotinus examines the relationship between the soul and virtue. He contends that virtue stems from the soul's innate connection to the divine, aligning with the cosmic order. The highest form of virtue, akin to wisdom, involves transcending the material world and understanding the unity of all things. Plotinus also addresses evil as a distortion of the Good and vice as a result of the soul's misalignment. Happiness, he argues, arises from aligning the soul with virtue and the divine, contrasting it with fleeting material pleasures. Ultimately, the treatise delves into how the pursuit of virtue and alignment with higher principles lead to the realization of the soul's potential.


Enneads Tractate 1

Plotinus's Enneads is a collection of writings that constitute the foundation of Neoplatonism, a philosophical system developed in the 3rd century CE. The first tractate of the Enneads explores various metaphysical concepts, focusing on the nature of reality, existence, and the relationship between the material world and the higher spiritual realms. Plotinus introduces the idea of "the One" as the ultimate source of all existence, a transcendent and ineffable principle that gives rise to the hierarchical structure of reality. He emphasizes the notion of emanation, where everything emanates from the One, creating a cascade of progressively lesser realities. Plotinus also discusses the soul's journey back to its divine origin through a process of self-contemplation and self-realization, ultimately seeking unity with the One and attaining a state of transcendent enlightenment. This tractate lays the groundwork for the intricate metaphysical framework that characterizes the subsequent Enneads.  


Notes on Pyrrhonic Skepticism

 Pyrrhonic Skepticism revolves around the idea of suspending judgment and embracing uncertainty in all matters. This philosophy advocates for withholding definitive conclusions in the face of conflicting opinions, asserting that opposing arguments hold equal force, leading to an inconclusive decision-making process. Pyrrhonic Skeptics practice the suspension of belief, maintaining a state of open-mindedness while avoiding both dogmatic certainty and disbelief. The ultimate goal of this approach is to attain ataraxia, a state of mental tranquility, achieved by recognizing the limitations of human knowledge and releasing the stress that comes with rigid beliefs. While engaging in philosophical inquiry, Pyrrhonic Skeptics adopt alternative viewpoints without accepting them as personal beliefs. This philosophical stance is rooted in practicality and pragmatism, suggesting that embracing doubt can lead to a more peaceful and equanimous life. By critiquing dogmatism, the philosophy challenges the rigidity of unwavering convictions and encourages a more open and humble exploration of various perspectives.  


Notes on Epicurus

He is associated with a philosophy focused on happiness, pleasure, and a tranquil life. Central to his teachings is the concept of ethical hedonism, where the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain are seen as the ultimate aims. However, he emphasizes that not all pleasures are equal; intellectual and moderate physical pleasures are more lasting and profound sources of happiness than fleeting or excessive ones. 

Epicurus introduces the idea of ataraxia, a state of tranquility and freedom from anxiety, achieved through intellectual pleasures, the minimization of desires, and the elimination of irrational fears related to the divine and death. His materialistic worldview, influenced by atomism, explains the universe through eternal, indivisible particles interacting in a void, avoiding supernatural explanations. Epicurus also stresses aponia, the absence of pain, and suggests that by satisfying necessary desires while limiting unnecessary ones, individuals can maintain contentment. Friendship and human relationships are also essential to Epicurean philosophy, as genuine friendships contribute to pleasure and emotional support. 

He challenges conventional religious beliefs, asserting that gods are not concerned with human affairs, and addresses the fear of death by explaining it as the cessation of consciousness and pain. Overall, Epicurus' philosophy emphasizes the pursuit of intellectual and moderate pleasures for a serene life, while promoting rationality, meaningful relationships, and a balanced approach to desires and fears.  


Notes on Plato's Parmenides

Plato's dialogue "Parmenides" delves into complex metaphysical and epistemological concepts, centering on Parmenides' philosophy. Through a conversation between a young Socrates and the elder Parmenides, the dialogue challenges Parmenides' monistic theory that reality is unchanging and singular. Instead, Plato reexamines his own theory of forms, positing a higher realm of perfect and unchanging forms that influence the physical world. The dialogue wrestles with the problem of participation, questioning how particular things relate to these forms without falling into an infinite regress. It showcases Plato's dialectical method of philosophical inquiry, employing the Socratic technique of questioning and discussion to deepen understanding. In doing so, the dialogue demonstrates the intricacies of metaphysical thinking and its potential challenges, bridging abstract concepts with tangible reality. In effect, Plato has successfully critiqued his own theory. 


Armchair Academia

There is something so appealing about those people who are not professional academics who pursue a particular intellectual hobby horse. One of the more well know of this type would be Keith Houston whose blog Shady Characters is all about punctuation- it's history, use and development.  It's a fascinating little niche topic that in his case spurred a multi book deal. But what I find particularly charming (romantic, odd?) about this, is that by trade he's a software developer.

This type of armchair academia brings things back to an almost medieval era of how intellectual progress was made. Not by credentialed experts, but by people toiling away in their spare time on topics that uniquely interest them.

I have recently come across another example of this, James Colton. His hobby pursuit?  Studying and writing about historical sword fighting systems. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to use a longsword or rapier his site is worth a look. His interests are fairly diverse too, as he is also a self published horror and fantasy author who has literally created his own fantasy language for his books. Now that's a spare time intellectual hobby!

Links

Shady Characters- [shadycharacters.co.uk](https://shadycharacters.co.uk/)

James Colton- [www.jamescolton.com](https://www.jamescolton.com/)


Been a busy couple days on our year-long kitchen remodel. Finally got it painted and put in most of the flooring yesterday. I'll finish that today and move on to molding and trim. Light at the end of this loooong tunnel. 


Notes on Phaedo

 In Plato's dialogue "Phaedo," the main takeaways revolve around the themes of death and the immortality of the soul. The dialogue recounts the final moments of Socrates' life as he awaits execution by drinking hemlock. Socrates presents various arguments for the immortality of the soul, including the theory of recollection, the theory of forms, and the cyclical argument. He suggests that learning is a process of recollecting knowledge that the soul already possesses from a realm of perfect forms before birth, supporting the idea of the soul's immortality. Socrates argues that the soul and body are distinct entities, with the soul being immortal and belonging to the realm of forms, while the body is mortal and belongs to the material world. Death, for Socrates, is the separation of the soul from the body, and the philosopher should not fear it but should embrace it as the liberation of the soul from physical constraints. He believes that philosophy is a lifelong practice of preparing for death and detachment from the material world. Through philosophical contemplation, the soul frees itself from bodily desires and attachments, attaining pure knowledge of the forms and the truth. Socrates' calm demeanor and lack of fear in the face of death demonstrate his conviction in the immortality of the soul, providing comfort and inspiration to his followers, encouraging them to seek wisdom and lead a virtuous life. 


Updated my site with the grid bookshelf and a huge import from Good Reads. Looking for something to read? blog.stevepbrady.me/reading/


One of the most revolutionary paintings was done in the 1500s by Dutch and Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Why? According to this [video](https://aeon.co/videos/why-european-artists-shifted-their-focus-from-power-to-peasants-in-the-16th-century) it's because it was the first popular painting to use regular people, just being themselves as it's subject matter. Super interesting 5 minute clip.


After being down and out for 2 full days (from a shingles vaccine shot of all things!) I am full of energy and plans this morning. Time to get caught back up.


So it turns out my body just hates vaccines. The Covid jab hit me harder than actual Covid, and yesterday I got the shingles vaccine (yay 50s!) and this morning I feel like I got run over by a truck.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 


Found myself nodding in agreement to just about everything in @ayjay ’s latest. blog.ayjay.org/on-techno…


After a good experience recording a video for a friend's job seeker website on ATS myths I'm thinking about experimenting with some video of my own. Looking into phone app teleprompters, ring lights and Microsoft ClipChamp as a basic way to get started.


  90% of what I worry about never actually happens, and yet...  


“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” - Marcus Aurelius  

Something to keep in mind as we head into the silly season of elections. (Not to mention AI and UFOs and conspiracy theories and...)


Notes on Plato's Republic

One of the main takeaways from this dialogue is Plato's theory of the ideal state. He presents a vision of an ideal society governed by philosopher-kings, individuals possessing wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the ideal forms. Plato argues that the best society is one where people are assigned to occupations based on their natural abilities, with a strict division of labor and a hierarchical structure of rulers, soldiers, and producers. 

Another significant concept in the "Republic" is Plato's allegory of the cave. He emphasizes the importance of education and philosophical enlightenment to liberate individuals from the shadows of the cave and lead them to perceive the true reality of the forms. Plato's theory of forms, which details the existence of a realm of perfect and unchanging forms beyond the imperfect and changing physical world, is another crucial aspect of the dialogue. 

Overall, the "Republic" addresses various themes such as political philosophy, ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and the nature of justice, making it a foundational text in philosophical discussions about the ideal state, the pursuit of knowledge, and human society.  


Notes on Plato's Meno

Socrates and Meno attempt to define virtue and whether it can be taught. The dialogue begins with Meno asking whether virtue can be taught or if it is acquired through practice or nature. Socrates proceeds to challenge Meno's beliefs and attempts to guide him toward a deeper understanding of virtue. Throughout the dialogue, Socrates employs his famous method of inquiry, known as the Socratic method, to lead Meno to his own realizations. Socrates introduces the idea that learning is not the acquisition of new knowledge, but rather the recollection of knowledge that the soul possessed before birth. While no definitive answer to the question of virtue is reached in the dialogue, Plato prompts the readers to engage in their own philosophical reflections about the nature of morality, knowledge, and the relationship between virtue and knowledge.


One of my favorite accounts to follow on Bandcamp is CRQ Editions. They specialize in unusual, out-of-copyright, classical recordings which are of interest to collectors. It's a fun way to get exposed to some excellent older recordings. 

This morning I am working to Carlos Kleiber: The Chicago Debut 1978: Weber Freischutz Ov, Schubert 3 and Beethoven 5.

Link -- [crqeditions.bandcamp.com](https://crqeditions.bandcamp.com/)


Notes on Plato's Euthyphro

The dialogue centers around the concept of piety and features a conversation between Socrates and Euthyphro. Euthyphro claims to know what piety is and is prosecuting his father for murder based on religious grounds. However, Socrates challenges Euthyphro to provide a clear definition of piety, leading to the famous Euthyphro Dilemma. 

The dilemma raises the question of whether something is pious because the gods love it or whether the gods love it because it is pious. This challenges the notion that moral goodness is solely determined by the will of the gods. Socrates seeks a universal and objective definition of piety that applies consistently to all cases, but Euthyphro's attempts fall short, revealing the complexity of the subject. 

The dialogue highlights Socrates' humility in recognizing his own ignorance while probing the depths of philosophical questions. Overall, "Euthyphro" delves into the examination of piety, ethical considerations, and the pursuit of knowledge and truth. 

It's a good introduction to how Plato will structure many of his dialogues. 


Reminder to self:  The most meaningful things in life will never feel “productive”.

Related: Been itching to get into slow cinema lately. Need to seek out some recommendations of where to start.

Notes on The Pluralists and The Sophists

The Pluralists, represented by philosophers like Anaxagoras and Empedocles, believed that the fundamental reality of the universe was composed of multiple elements or principles. They proposed that these elements could combine and separate to create the diversity and complexity observed in the world. Anaxagoras introduced the concept of "Nous" as the organizing principle responsible for setting the elements in motion and arranging them to form the world, representing an early notion of a rational and intelligent force behind natural processes. 

The Sophists emphasized the subjective nature of truth and knowledge. They argued that truth was relative to individual perceptions and opinions, challenging the idea of objective truth. The Sophists were known for teaching persuasive speaking and rhetoric, emphasizing the art of persuasion and debate. Their focus on practical knowledge and rhetorical skills challenged traditional beliefs and moral values, leading to criticism from other philosophers like Socrates and Plato, who believed in the existence of objective truth and virtue. 


Notes on The Eleatic Monists

Parmenides and Zeno were influential Pre-Socratic philosophers who had distinctive views on the nature of reality. 

Parmenides proposed a monistic perspective, asserting that only "being" or existence is real, while non-being is illusory. He argued that change, multiplicity, and the sensory world were deceptive and unreliable. Parmenides believed in the power of reason and logical thinking to uncover truth. 

On the other hand, Zeno of Elea is renowned for his paradoxes, which aimed to challenge the concept of motion and change. His paradoxes explored the idea that motion might be an illusion or that infinity could be problematic. Zeno's paradoxes were also intended to defend Parmenides' ideas, showing the contradictions inherent in the belief of a changing, sensory world, while advocating for Parmenides' concept of a single, unchanging reality. Moreover, Zeno's contributions significantly impacted the philosophy of mathematics, especially regarding the concept of infinity. 


Notes on Xenophanes and Heraclitus.

Xenophanes was a Pre-Socratic philosopher who criticized the human-like portrayal of gods in Greek mythology and proposed a more abstract, monotheistic view of divinity. He emphasized skepticism and the limitations of human knowledge. Heraclitus, another Pre-Socratic philosopher, introduced the idea of constant change or "everything flows." He believed that opposing forces were necessary for maintaining harmony and that a rational principle called "logos" governed the universe. Heraclitus also explored questions about the nature of knowledge and reality. Their ideas greatly influenced ancient Greek philosophy and subsequent philosophical thought  


Spent the afternoon playing around with categories on my website. Trying to make this blog more user friendly for myself. I want to be able to easily look up notes and reviews of things. It's a work in progress, but I'm liking it so far.