Modus vivendi

The world of fantasy as we know it, lies in tatters. Heroes are dead whilst crows are feasting on their corpses. George R. R. Martin stepped over every possible line that demarcated what had been known as the genre of fantasy. Is it possible to save the world of fantasy from ever-pervading irony? Is it possible for the world of fantasy to reborn? Martin deliberately began with Eddard Stark, a typical high-fantasy character, who was cast in a medieval-like setting typical for the genre. Unfortunately for Eddard, a lot had changed in the world of fantasy. Virtuous characters like Aragorn, Ged or Conan are not rewarded for their deeds anymore - their virtue is the cause of their downfall. Eddard’s devotion to the old ways not only caused his death but also brought war and unstability to the Seven Kingdoms. Sure, you may say that Eddard acted like a true hero and followed his fantastical-categorical imperative. Yet can you see the consequences? Not only Martin changed our perceptio...

Are you interested in philosophy and you do not know how and where to begin? There is a book I can recommend you. It is Bryan Magee’s Confessions of a Philosopher published in 1999. Given the fact that the name of the book refers to classical books on the field of philosophy - St. Augustine’s or Rousseau’s  Confessions  -, the name of Magee’s book might sound conceited a bit. Although it surely does not match the former’s ingenuity or the latter’s innovative character, it is still a book worth reading. Magee’s book is a very good choice for anyone willing to penetrate the field of philosophy. It can introduce readers in the philosophical way of asking questions and it can offer some basic insights in the works of major Western philosophers beginning with pre-Socratics and ending with twentieth-century philosophy. The biggest weakness of the book is its unbalanced focus. There are two chapters devoted to Schopenhauer, one lengthy chapter dedicated to a thor...

It was a situation that is well-known to any sociocultural anthropologist in my country. Someone asks you what you do. You answer: “anthropology.” The inquirer replies: “that is bones, ain’t it?” Your response goes something like: “can be, but I do the sociocultural one.” The inquirer nods but you can read from his face that he is perplexed: “what exactly is that,” he asks. You attempt to dispel his impression that sociocultural anthropology is some kind of pseudo-mystical science that approaches human beings from a holistic point of view: “a combination of philosophy, sociology and history.” This time I did not expect the climax: “I see! So what do you think about our society at large today?” I suppose that among professionals would this question cause a lively amusement. But among general public is this question considered as real as is the fact that the Sun sets every evening. To borrow C. P. Snow’s expression - there are two cultures - one is represented by the profess...