• The Purpose of Art, in Response to Oscar Wilde

    The Purpose of Art, in Response to Oscar Wilde

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    Fay’s Christmas Painting, 1958John Altoon (American, 1925-1969) In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde famously ends his preface with the line, “All art is quite useless.” At first glance, this may suggest that art has no place in practical life. After all, it’s food and water we survive on. But art is not about…

  • The Different Types of Unreliable Narrators

    The Different Types of Unreliable Narrators

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    Truth is slippery. One thing we can be sure of is that when someone tells us a story, we are not dealing with reality itself. It doesn’t mean we are dealing with a lie. It just means that, at that moment, we are being given access to their version of reality, which is a completely…

  • The Quest for Autonomy: Philosophical Insights into Modern Freedom and Purpose

    The Quest for Autonomy: Philosophical Insights into Modern Freedom and Purpose

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    Introduction In an age where connectivity promises liberation yet often fosters new forms of constraint, the pursuit of personal autonomy has become a central theme in modern discourse. The notion of autonomy, deeply rooted in philosophical thought, challenges us to navigate the intricate balance between freedom and purpose in our lives. This exploration delves into…

  • The Scales of Suffering: Weighing Justice in a Utilitarian World

    The Scales of Suffering: Weighing Justice in a Utilitarian World

    Life, much like the scales of justice, teeters between opposing forces—right and wrong, virtue and vice—hovering delicately on either side. Yet, the scales I envision are not the precise instruments of a scientist or chef, but the figurine of Lady Justice: blindfolded, holding the weight of moral dichotomy in her hands, symbolising balance amidst chaos.…