The term “mad scientist” came from Frankenstein’s Monster and it is rather old school, yet it has stuck with people for generations. But what about “mad writer?” Even though this is not a popular term, or a term that has been used at all, I am deeming it to be true. Despite my rambling, I…
Author: Phoebe Pliakas-Smith
Welcome To Scorpio Season
The ocean is beautiful and dangerous. It’s beauty comes from its crashing waves and soothing sound. It’s danger comes from the mystery within that not even humans can fully discover. We are easily seduced by it even if we don’t submerge our bodies in it. The ocean has a way of reeling us in then…
So You Think Astrology Is Fake?
Upon Googling “why people don’t believe in astrology,” I came across this phenomenal article by QUARTZ titled “Astrology isn’t fake—it’s just been ruined by modern psychology” and I encourage you to take ten minutes out of your day to read it. That is, after you finish reading this article. https://qz.com/1170481/horoscopes-2018-astrology-isnt-fake-its-just-been-ruined-by-modern-psychology/ I am here to tell…
The Media Is Evil And Is Dividing Us
Abraham Lincoln would be rolling over in his grave if he could see how divided our country currently is. After all, he’s the one who said “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” I don’t expect to change anyone’s political views after reading this. Nor is that the goal. For I am a 23-year-old woman…
Our existence transcends our physical bodies.
Jean-Paul Sartre claims that existence precedes essence in his article Existentialism And Human Emotions. Even though things exist as essences, how they exist is more impactful than the things themselves. In other words, things do not have a purpose without some sort of function given to them by persons. I will agree with Sartre that…
What Is The Self? My Argument Against David Hume.
David Hume questions our idea of personal identity in the Treatise. We change constantly throughout our lives, yet we are said to remain the same due to the idea of self which is constant. Hume cannot seem to find this thing we call the self. I will reject Hume’s passing perceptions argument and argue that…
Are our minds and bodies connected? My opinion on dualism inspired by two exceptional philosophers.
I focus on mind-body connection, and more specifically, I reject Descartes’ theories and side with Spinoza’s arguments. Spinoza believes that the mind and body are the same entity, so one does not have control over the other. Descartes believes that the mind and body are separate and are able to function independently, which is more…
My Controversial Theory On Abortion From A Philosophical Perspective
Abortion is a controversial topic because there is an ongoing debate about whether or not it is morally permissible. In Don Marquis’s article, “Why Abortion Is Immoral,” he ultimately argues that it is immoral to kill fetuses for the same reason that it is wrong to kill adult humans. This reason is that ending any…
My Controversial Theory On Alcoholism From A Philosophical Perspective
In Alvin Moss’ and Mark Siegler’s article, “Should Alcoholics Compete Equally for Liver Transplantation?” they state that patients who develop end-stage liver disease (ESLD) should have higher priority for liver transplants than those who develop alcohol-related end-stage liver disease (ARESLD). I will reject Moss’ and Siegler’s view that alcoholism is a disease and explain why…
Welcome To Libra Season
Have you ever met someone who is kind but rude? Selfish but generous? Introverted but extroverted? Clean but messy? Patient but impatient? Then this person is probably a Libra. September 23rd marks the beginning of Libra season which is quite appropriate in many ways. Depending on where you live, this is the time of year…
God Is Not Free
I read Clarke’s theory of whether or not God can do evil as God choosing to not do evil which, in turn, means that He is not free. I believe that having the power to do something is not the same as having the freedom to do something. Samuel Clarke’s theory of whether or not…
The Hidden Treachery After Graduating College
What happens when you graduate from college? You get a job and then get an apartment, right? I am here to tell you that is an ill-conceived notion bestowed upon us by society. I recently graduated from Connecticut College in May 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy. Unfortunately, COVID-19 was at a…
What COVID-19 Is Like For A Taurus
My mom was recently on the phone with her brother (my uncle) just to catch up per usual. My uncle said to my mom, “Phoebe must be loving this pandemic. She’s so introverted. She must be in her room all the time staying nice and comfortable.” I have to admit that he is right, and…
Welcome To Virgo Season
This past spring in 2020, one of my best friends and I were at Taco Bell talking about how weird it was going to be after college graduation. That is, before we realized it was going to be canceled due to COVID-19. She said to me “This is going to sound crazy, but I love…
