Author Archives: shaunmiller

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About shaunmiller

I have just completed a visiting position as an assistant professor at Dalhousie University. My ideas are not associated with my employer; they are expressions of my own thoughts and ideas. Some of them are just musings while others could be serious discussions that could turn into a bigger project. Besides philosophy, I enjoy martial arts (Kuk Sool Won), playing my violin, enjoying coffee around town, and experimenting with new food.

Jefferson on Epicurus

Posted on September 25, 2008 by shaunmiller

Thomas Jefferson took his political writings from John Locke.  Locke said that we have natural rights to life, liberty, and property.  Well Jefferson liked that but he changed it to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Where did he … Continue reading →

Posted in Epicurus, Jefferson, Locke, Politics | 1 Comment

Contract vs. Communicative Sexuality

Posted on September 22, 2008 by shaunmiller

I’m re-reading Lois Pineau’s article entitled “Date Rape: A Feminist Analysis.”  It talks about date rape and the legalities of the procedure.  The thing that really interested me was the end of the article where Pineau describes the difference between … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Paper Topic, Sexuality | 9 Comments

On Discovering Nietzsche’s Values

Posted on September 22, 2008 by shaunmiller

One of my professors from Utah State University has come up with an interesting thought experiment of discovering Nietzsche’s values.  I think it’s pretty good.  If you want to read go to the site to see other comments made on … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Nietzsche, Values | 3 Comments

Compensating for Evil

Posted on September 22, 2008 by shaunmiller

An interesting article is at the Philosophers’ Carnival deals with compensating evil which you can read here.  The idea is this: if you’re working for an institution that makes you evil, are you aloud to get compensation because that institution … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Race | 6 Comments

Working out at the Office

Posted on September 18, 2008 by shaunmiller

It’s a desk that’s fitted onto a treadmill.  Interesting concept. You can see the article here.

Posted in Humor | Leave a comment

If only this advice could work. . .

Posted on September 14, 2008 by shaunmiller

Just STOP IT already!

Posted in Health | 1 Comment

Personal Morality and Public Morality

Posted on September 14, 2008 by shaunmiller

I am a demi-vegetarian.  If you want to know more about it, read my previous post here.  When I go out to eat, I try to find something that’s vegetarian or something as close as I can based on my … Continue reading →

Posted in Abortion, Ethics, Paper Topic, Politics, Religion, Vegetarianism | 12 Comments

Art and Wonder

Posted on September 10, 2008 by shaunmiller

It’s a beautiful waterfall in Hawaii. I went there for vacation last week and I saw some amazing waterfalls, lakes, the beach, the ocean, and other great pleasures. Throughout the trip, I learned a little about the history of Hawaii … Continue reading →

Posted in Aesthetics | 8 Comments

Are military drafts unethical or immoral?

Posted on August 28, 2008 by shaunmiller

Someone posed this question to askphilosophers.com. You can read the philosopher’s response here.  I thought the reply was interesting and I’m still pondering over it.  Basically, the philosopher replied saying that military drafts in democracies should be considered mandatory.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Experts, Soldiers, War | 4 Comments

Epicurus on Politics: So What?

Posted on August 23, 2008 by shaunmiller

Epicurus, known as the founder of Hedonism, says a lot about how the meaning of life is to aim for pleasure.  But this isn’t crude pleasure, these are the finest pleasures: music, intellectual creativity, food, friends and family.  When I … Continue reading →

Posted in 2008 Election, Epicurus, Ethics, Government, Politics | Tagged | 14 Comments