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Maybe It's Just Me, But...

Musings of a mildly mad multi-disciplinarian

Mania
Do People Lose Their Autonomy During Manic Episodes?

Mark D. White Ph.D. on September 30, 2024

People experiencing manic episodes may exhibit behavior that seems impulsive, but does this mean they lack all autonomy? One philosopher says no.

People experiencing manic episodes may exhibit behavior that seems impulsive, but does this mean they lack all autonomy? One philosopher says no.

Ethics and Morality
Is It Wrong to Remain Silent After Hearing a Slur?

Mark D. White Ph.D. on September 29, 2024

What do you do when someone you're talking to makes a slur against a marginalized group? Must we say something, or is it enough to stay silent? Let's see what philosophers say.

What do you do when someone you're talking to makes a slur against a marginalized group? Must we say something, or is it enough to stay silent? Let's see what philosophers say.

Philosophy
What Can Superhero Comics Teach Us About Fascism?

Mark D. White Ph.D. on September 25, 2024

Novels like '1984' and 'The Handmaid's Tale' teach valuable lessons about fascism, but can superhero comics do the same? Yes, as a disturbing story starring Captain America shows.

Novels like '1984' and 'The Handmaid's Tale' teach valuable lessons about fascism, but can superhero comics do the same? Yes, as a disturbing story starring Captain America shows.

Authenticity
Finding Your Purpose in Life 'The Bear' Way

Mark D. White Ph.D. on June 24, 2024

On "The Bear," Richie struggles with a lack of purpose until he is sent to work at another restaurant, where he starts out polishing forks. But it works—let's see how!

On "The Bear," Richie struggles with a lack of purpose until he is sent to work at another restaurant, where he starts out polishing forks. But it works—let's see how!

Emotions
Even a Superhero Can Cycle Between Delirium and Despair

Mark D. White Ph.D. on December 26, 2023

Everybody has periods of happiness and sadness, but if those shifts are extreme and repeating, it suggests a deeper problem—as we see with Daredevil in this post.

Everybody has periods of happiness and sadness, but if those shifts are extreme and repeating, it suggests a deeper problem—as we see with Daredevil in this post.

Philosophy
Why You Should Be Careful How Much Responsibility You Take

Mark D. White Ph.D. on December 17, 2023

We should all take responsibility for actions and outcomes that are legitimately our fault, but not things that are out of our control. Somebody should tell Daredevil that.

We should all take responsibility for actions and outcomes that are legitimately our fault, but not things that are out of our control. Somebody should tell Daredevil that.

Authenticity
Who Should Decide What Worth Means—and If You're Worthy?

Mark D. White Ph.D. on August 16, 2022

Thor derives his sense of worthiness solely from his hammer—and the father who enchanted it—so it takes a new Thor to show us what it means to truly know your own worth.

Thor derives his sense of worthiness solely from his hammer—and the father who enchanted it—so it takes a new Thor to show us what it means to truly know your own worth.

Philosophy
What Makes Thor Worthy?

Mark D. White Ph.D. on August 11, 2022

Everyone knows the mighty Thor must be found worthy to lift his hammer Mjolnir, but what exactly does this mean?

Everyone knows the mighty Thor must be found worthy to lift his hammer Mjolnir, but what exactly does this mean?

Health
Should You Be Able to Give Your Heart Away—Literally?

Mark D. White Ph.D. on October 6, 2021

We admire those who sacrifice their lives in a crisis to save others, but are we willing to let healthy people sacrifice vital organs and their lives for the same reason?

We admire those who sacrifice their lives in a crisis to save others, but are we willing to let healthy people sacrifice vital organs and their lives for the same reason?