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Author: Matthew Downhour

Garry Gergich is the true Stoic on Parks and Rec, exemplifying Stoicism.
Parks and Rec expounds a great deal upon the teachings of Stoicism, but it is Garry Gergich—not Ron Swanson—who embodies the Stoic ideals. (Image: NBC)
Culture Essays 

Garry Gergich the Stoic

June 28, 2021January 1, 2022 15 min read Matthew Downhour Ancient Wisdom, Friendship, Stoicism

Parks and Rec expounds a great deal upon the teachings of Stoicism, but it is Garry Gergich—not Ron Swanson—who embodies the Stoic ideals.

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Political Trust Polarized Age Revolutionaries Reactionaries Liberalism
(Jeffrey Howard)
Essays Society 

Trust in an Age of Reactionaries and Revolutionaries

January 28, 2021December 23, 2022 18 min read Matthew Downhour Liberalism, Politics

Rather than view recent political failings as flaws inherent to liberalism, we might be better served by focusing on the decline in trust.

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Existentialism in Children's Film Erraticus Jean-Paul Sartre Batman Begins Lego Movie Babe
(Jeffrey Howard)
Culture Essays 

Existentialism in Children’s Film

May 6, 2020April 28, 2021 12 min read Matthew Downhour Essential Reading, Existentialism, Film

Children’s films tend to emphasize the role of destiny or chance, but existential themes can be found in a few that highlight the importance of agency and defining the meaning of one’s own life.

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A Land Value Tax Fosters Stronger Communities Erraticus
(Pixabay)
Essays Society 

A Land Value Tax Fosters Stronger Communities

January 10, 2020October 22, 2020 15 min read Matthew Downhour Community, Land Use, Tax Policy, Urbanism

Not only is a land value tax economically efficient, it offers a development pattern and taxation philosophy that nurtures vibrant communities.

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The Dude Abides Pragmatism Nihilism Deontology 3
(Universal Pictures)
Culture Essays 

The Dude Abides: Pragmatism as an Alternative to Deontology and Nihilism

November 14, 2019April 22, 2021 16 min read Matthew Downhour Deontology, Essential Reading, Film, Friedrich Nietzsche, Judaism, Nihilism, Pragmatism

Stuck in the conflict between two worldviews, the Dude offers a pragmatic third way forward for the postmodern world.

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A Pragmatic Approach to Ideas

An online publication focused on human flourishing, taking a pragmatic approach to ideas. We care about ideas that help us to live well together, focusing on their practical consequences.

 

“Pragmatism, on the other hand, asks its usual question. ‘Grant an idea or belief to be true,’ it says, ‘what concrete difference will its being true make in anyone’s actual life? How will the truth be realized? What experiences will be different from those which would obtain if the belief were false? What, in short, is the truth’s cash-value in experiential terms?'” — William James

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