Philosophy of Lying

 

Tell all the truth but tell it slant, Emily Dickinson 

By LiveCanonPoetry on YouTube 

Please find notes on the Philosophy of Lying here.  This topic will be led by Maggie.

Daoism - an introduction

"Believing in Dào" - Chad Hansen 4-22-21 by Scripps College Humanities Institute

About the Speaker

Chad Hansen is Chair Professor of Chinese Philosophy, Emeritus at the University of Hong Kong. He has lived in Hong Kong off and on for almost three decades stretching back to the early 1960s. 

His research has focused on Chinese theory of language and logic (Language and Logic in Ancient China, 1983) and how the concepts used in understanding language and the 心 xīn heart-mind informed Classical Chinese ethical discourse (A Daoist Theory of Chinese Thought, 1992), and led to a reassessment of Daoism (Laozi’s Tao Te Ching: The Art of Harmony, 2009). 

He is past president of the Australasian Society of Asian and Comparative Philosophy, former Chair of the board of the Faculty of Arts and of the Department of Philosophy at HKU. Before coming to the University of Hong Kong in 1991, he was Professor and University Scholar at the University of Vermont. 

Throughout his professional career, he has been invited to visiting positions at major universities around the world, including Stanford, UCLA, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Hawaii and the National University of Singapore.

Chad Hansen's Chinese Philosophy Pages

Please see here: https://philosophy.hku.hk/ch/

Daoism on Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Please see here: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/daoism/

 

What is Truth?

 

The Nature of Truth - Epistemology | WIRELESS PHILOSOPHY

In philosophy, defining truth isn't just about playing with words—it’s about figuring out how our thoughts and language connect to reality. Because "truth" is so fundamental, philosophers have spent centuries trying to pin it down, resulting in a few heavy-hitting core theories.

Here is a breakdown of the major ways philosophy defines truth.

1. Correspondence Theory (The Classic View)

This is the most intuitive theory for most people. It states that a statement is true if it corresponds to an actual fact or reality.

• The Idea: If I say, "The cat is on the mat," my statement is only true if there is a physical cat, a physical mat, and the cat is currently sitting on it.

• The Catch: It requires a stable, objective reality that we can accurately perceive. It gets tricky when we talk about abstract things like morality or mathematics. (Is "murder is wrong" true in the same way "the cat is on the mat" is?)

• Can you think of other examples of where Correspondence Theory works well and examples of where the theory does not work well?

The following video gives a more detailed discussion of the theory:

The Correspondence Theory of Truth by Dr

Kane Baker

https://youtu.be/CXKHqeKI0K4?si=b_EA1LiyQpZpO4QS

Please see class discussion notes here.

2. Coherence Theory (The Network View)

Coherence theory argues that a statement is true if it fits logically into a larger, pre-existing system of beliefs.

• The Idea: Truth isn't about a single statement matching a physical object; it’s about how well that statement webs together with everything else we already know to be true. It's like a giant jigsaw puzzle.

• The Catch: A system of beliefs can be perfectly logical and consistent internally, but still completely detached from reality. (For example, a highly detailed fictional universe like Harry Potter is coherent, but it isn't "true.")

The following video gives a more detailed discussion of the theory:

The Coherence Theory of Truth by Dr

Kane Baker

https://youtu.be/kPr_e493Uqc?si=_AippPiutSKjmwjd

 Please see class discussion notes here.

3. Pragmatic Theory (The "What Works" View)

Championed by American philosophers like William James and Charles Sanders Peirce, pragmatism says that the truth of an idea is determined by its practical consequences.

• The Idea: An idea is "true" if it works, if it is useful to believe, or if it successfully guides our actions in the real world. Truth is dynamic and tested by experience.

• The Catch: Just because a belief is useful doesn't mean it's actually true. Believing you are invincible might give you the confidence to win a race, but it doesn't make you bulletproof.

The following video gives a more detailed discussion of the theory:

Pragmatic Theories of Truth by Dr

Kane Baker

https://youtu.be/uD3uRfDj_o4?si=y_BE41cTja2VMXjh

 

4. Deflationary Theories (The "Keep It Simple" View)

More modern philosophers argue that we over complicate things. Deflationism suggests that adding the words "is true" to a sentence doesn't actually add any new meaning.

• The Idea: Saying "It is true that it is raining" means exactly the same thing as simply saying, "It is raining." In this view, "truth" isn't a mysterious property or a deep metaphysical concept—it's just a linguistic tool we use for emphasis or agreement.

The following video gives a more detailed discussion of the theory:

Deflationary Theories of Truth by Dr Kane Baker

https://youtu.be/35QsV8mxMy0?si=i6AQS0pQY2h3OQJr

Summary: A Quick Analogy

Imagine you are a detective trying to solve a case:

• Correspondence: You look for physical fingerprints matching the suspect (direct evidence).

• Coherence: You check if the suspect's alibi aligns perfectly with the timelines of all the witnesses.

• Pragmatism: You follow the theory that successfully leads you to finding the missing money.

• Deflationism: You evaluate each piece of evidence by stripping away the abstraction of "truth" and looking strictly at the base-level claim. For more information, see here.

Which of these theories makes the most intuitive sense to you, or is there a specific type of truth (like scientific or moral truth) you are trying to untangle?

Epistemology

 

Wireless Philosophy: PHILOSOPHY - Epistemology: Introduction to Theory of Knowledge

Introduction

The above video gives an introduction to Epistemology or the Theory of Knowledge.  

Epistemology is a complex area of study and involves many sub-areas including those listed in the following Wikipedia page - Outline of epistemology.

We can only cover a small part of this complex subject which I believe is most relevant to us.  This spreadsheet diagram shows the areas that I plan to discuss.

Analysis of knowledge

The following videos give some analyses of the concept of knowledge. 

• PHILOSOPHY - Epistemology: Analyzing Knowledge #1 (The Gettier Problem)
• PHILOSOPHY - Epistemology: Analyzing Knowledge #3 (Causal and Reliabilist Theories)

Review Questions

1. What are the three types of knowledge?
2. What is the tripartite analysis of knowledge? Is it successful?

See answers here.

References

1. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Epistemology.
2. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Epistemology. 
3. Wikipedia -  Epistemology
4. Wikipedia - Outline of epistemology

Moral Philosophy / Ethics

 

Philosophy Bites - Janet Radcliffe Richards on What is Philosophy?

Janet Radcliffe Richards on What is Philosophy?

In term 1 on 18/3/26, Helen led a discussion on moral philosophy / ethics.  Please find below some notes on the subject prepared by Helen:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k3GGpaMT8YkLnUIQFnsK4w1yMKIopkQT/view?usp=sharing

We will listen to the above podcast and have further discussion on this interesting topic. 

Debate | Legalising the Sale of Human Organs

The following Youtube playlist lists videos of a debate on Sale of Human Organs at the Oxford Union Society on Thursday 29th October 2015. The motion was: This House Would Legalise the Sale of Human Organs.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOAFgXcJkZ2zAkdONvfZuUzx6aiflkTId&si=4mcAOAbYcS3sSHq3

Speakers in order of appearance:

Callum Tipple | Proposition

Naomi Barker | Opposition

Janet Radcliffe Richards | Proposition

Vivienne Parry | Opposition

John Harris | Proposition

Raanan Gillon | Opposition 

This coming Wednesday, 20/5/26, I plan to watch some of the videos in this playlist and discuss the arguments made by both the proposing and the opposing sides.

Arguments of the debate

Please find below my summary of the arguments of the human organ debate:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tn-t6PbyVzlJhvX_QgvC-Cg10LrgZ2gI/view?usp=sharing 

Kidney trade in Iran

Iran currently is the only country in the world that allows the sale of one's kidney for compensation (typically a payment); consequently, the country does not have either a waiting list or a shortage of available organs.  For more information, please see below:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kidney_trade_in_Iran

Organ trade - Wikipedia page

Please see below:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organ_trade

Zen aesthetics and Zen Buddhism philosophy

                            

Zen aesthetics are the sensory expression of Zen Buddhist philosophy, transforming abstract concepts of mindfulness, impermanence, and non-attachment into visual and experiential forms like wabi-sabi (beauty in Imperfection), tea ceremonies, and rock gardens. It emphasises simplicity, imperfection, and direct engagement with "suchness" (reality as it is), emphasising that everyday objects reveal deep spiritual truths. 

Core Philosophical Alignment: Zen Buddhism teaches that enlightenment is found in the present moment through direct experience rather than intellectualisation. Aesthetics reflect this through minimalist design (sumi-e (sumi means black ink, e means painting), Zen gardens) that removes distractions, fostering a direct, non-dualistic connection between the viewer and the art. 

Wabi-Sabi (wabi (subdued, austere beauty), sabi (rustic patina)): This is the heart of Zen aesthetics, directly stemming from the Buddhist concept of Anicca (impermanence). Wabi-sabi celebrates rustic simplicity, fragility, and the beauty of natural ageing (weathered materials, broken/repaired pottery), encouraging acceptance of the world as imperfect. 

Emptiness and Void: Zen philosophy emphasises "emptiness" (Mu), which is not nothingness, but the potential for all things to emerge. Aesthetics reflect this through the deliberate use of negative space (Ma), seen in sparse interiors and ink paintings, allowing the essence of a subject to emerge without being overwhelmed by clutter. 

Directness and Naturalness: Zen aesthetics value natural, unpretentious, and "honest" materials, reflecting the philosophy of being present and unattached. 

Examples in Practice:

Tea Ceremony: A choreographed, mindful interaction emphasising harmony and simplicity.

Rock Garden: A space for meditation, using stones and sand to represent a larger, abstract reality. 

Ultimately, Zen aesthetics allow one to encounter the fundamental truths of Zen Buddhism—impermanence, emptiness, and the beauty of the present—through visual or sensory experience. 

Class materials by Mr Victor Byrdy

We sincerely thank Mr. Victor Byrdy for giving two insightful presentations on Bonsai and Zen Philosophy to our PPPD class, which took place on 22 and 29 April 2026. 

Please find below some information provided by Victor.

The Power of Zen in Bonsai styling presentation:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gcUIB3q4aO4WBgDehCEdJfCMaI4dKCid/view?usp=sharing

Introduction to Mr Victor Byrdy and a brief description of Bonsai: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1duAz1ZNtvUyjShb_CdmN4qRIzFYB7yJM/view?usp=sharing

The seven principles of Zen:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AlLsgDh3pDEhDMsaUjmT8Ckl1hRP7D9V/view?usp=sharing

Zen Bonsai design: structural insights:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P_btDElk8ekEMzCBS0kGroyx8JZd8-bp/view?usp=sharing

Some questions for discussion

1. How does Zen aesthetics compare to Plato's aesthetics? 
2. How do the Zen aesthetics and Bonsai art culture relate to and contrast with the western capitalism culture?
3. Is Bonsai unnatural? 
4. How do Bonsai art and Zen aesthetics relate to Japanese city and housing design and culture?
5. As an art form,  how does Bonsai compare to other art forms like painting, sculpture, poetry, play, ballet etc.
6. Bonsai is a Japanese traditional art.  Is art and tradition important?  If so, why?
7. Can the art of Bonsai be educational?  Does the art have any practical benefit?
8. Is the plant, being a living thing, a coauthor in the creative process? 

Further Information

1. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Japanese Aesthetics:

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/japanese-aesthetics/

2. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Japanese Zen Buddhist Philosophy

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/japanese-zen/

Branches of Philosophy

 

The Map of Philosophy - by Carneades.org

What are the branches of Philosophy?

The above Map of Philosophy picture is a screenshot of the YouTube video The Map of Philosophy - by Carneades.org: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxBShJU_CKs&list=PPSV

The Carneades.org YouTube channel has playlists of videos covering particular topics of philosophy:
https://www.youtube.com/@CarneadesOfCyrene/playlists

Philosophy page on Wikipedia

Let's have a look at the following Wikipedia pages:

Portal: Philosophy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Philosophy

Outline of Philosophy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_philosophy