|
a7971e5
|
justice hath no meaning lest it be tempered with mercy."26" --
|
|
|
William Irwin |
|
7a80554
|
The computer-simulated dreamworld of the Matrix trilogy is a technological version of Descartes's evil demon. In essence it represents the idea of a mind (the Architect) more powerful than our own that is intent on deceiving us whenever, and however, it sees fit.
|
|
matrix
|
William Irwin |
|
8cd3dd5
|
Usually we think a person is obligated to do something that would benefit many people, but what if that "something" is committing murder? Which is more important, doing good--or not doing wrong?"
|
|
|
William Irwin |
|
688cb55
|
Luckily, literature--and by "literature" I mean comic books--provides us a way to discuss issues like these without having to experience them. We don't have to trick people into standing in front of a runaway trolley, and we don't have to have a real-life Batman and Joker. That's what thought experiments are for--they let us play through an imaginary scenario and imagine what we should or shouldn't do."
|
|
|
William Irwin |
|
6e99f6d
|
Superman's cosmopolitan decision could be interpreted simply as DC Comics attempting to appeal to the global market for Superman stuff. Less cynically, though, one blogger said, "It's refreshing to see an alien refugee tell the United States that it's as important to him as any other country on Earth--which, in turn, is as important to Superman as any other planet in the multiverse."
|
|
|
William Irwin |
|
98d2840
|
Honor Is Like the Hawk . . . For my own part, regret nothing. Have lived life, free from compromise . . . and step into the shadow now without complaint. --Rorschach's journal,
|
|
|
William Irwin |
|
d4b3343
|
Rorschach did not seek death; he didn't commit suicide by Manhattan. But he understood what the others did not. "It is better to sacrifice life than to forfeit morality. It is not necessary to live, but it is necessary that, so long as we live, we do so honourably."18"
|
|
|
William Irwin |
|
d2bdb49
|
a famous quote by Nietzsche, "Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster."
|
|
|
William Irwin |
|
99a36b3
|
Atrocitus: You believe fear to be the most powerful force in the universe? Fear is inaction. Fear is hiding away. Fear is cowering and begging. Rage is action. Rage is spilling blood. Sinestro: Rage is uncontrollable.
|
|
|
William Irwin |
|
4f24930
|
two of the most fascinating yet troublesome topics in moral philosophy--forgiveness and redemption--issues that must be dealt with together. Without forgiveness there can be no redemption, and forgiveness that does not grant redemption is hollow.
|
|
|
William Irwin |
|
8d23b12
|
Kant stated simply enough, "[Punishment] must always be inflicted upon [the criminal] only because he has committed a crime."7 Punishment shouldn't be meted out for the criminal's own good, for example, for reformation or rehabilitation. This would be treating him like an animal, like a dog. Also, punishment shouldn't be handed out for the good of society, such as for security, deterrence, or crime prevention or any other desirable end. The..
|
|
|
William Irwin |
|
f1f15d6
|
Why, Mr. Anderson?, Why, why?. Why do you do it? Why, why get up?. Why keep fighting?. Do you believe you're fighting...for something?. For more than your survival?. Can you tell me what it is?. Do you even know?; Is it freedom?, Or truth?. Perhaps peace?. Could it be for love? Illusions, Mr. Anderson. Vagaries of perception. Temporary constructs of a feeble human intellect trying desperately to justify an existence that is withou..
|
|
existence
passion
freedom
persistence
love
truth
why-we-live
illusions
matrix
why
perception
human-beings
survival
survival-instinct
win
fight
|
William Irwin |
|
29ec916
|
As Rorschach so poetically put it, "This rudderless world is not shaped by vague metaphysical forces. It is not god who kills the children. Not fate that butchers them or destiny that feeds them to the dogs. It's us. Only us."12"
|
|
|
William Irwin |
|
7a12a1f
|
Alice's message for today--in Wonderland and the world at large--is that young women can do anything they like.
|
|
|
William Irwin |
|
67869e1
|
when I see an author on this week's talk show promoting his Secret to Happiness, I can't help wondering what happened to last week's Secret on the same show.
|
|
|
William Irwin |
|
09deaea
|
People who fight for a country just because they are paid to do so are mercenaries, and they have no problem switching sides if it serves their interests (Lex Luthor is a classic example).
|
|
|
William Irwin |