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The Philosopher's Diaries

Thoughts on persons and things.

Philosophy
Do We Matter?

Iskra Fileva Ph.D. on August 28, 2023

It is often suggested that given how vast the universe is, only hubris can lead us to think that we, humans, matter. But is that right?

It is often suggested that given how vast the universe is, only hubris can lead us to think that we, humans, matter. But is that right?

Forgiveness
Why Some Parents Will Never Apologize

Iskra Fileva Ph.D. on June 19, 2023

Many report that their parents never apologized to them for anything. Why do some parents find it so difficult to admit fault?

Many report that their parents never apologized to them for anything. Why do some parents find it so difficult to admit fault?

Relationships
The Unfulfilled Promise of Love

Iskra Fileva Ph.D. on April 1, 2023

It is often said that love promises more than it delivers. But does it? What exactly is this unfulfilled promise of love?

It is often said that love promises more than it delivers. But does it? What exactly is this unfulfilled promise of love?

Addiction
How We Enable Self-Destruction Out of Love

Iskra Fileva Ph.D. on March 29, 2023

When a loved one with an addiction asks for money, we often respond to the plea, enabling the addiction. We know that we shouldn't, but we do it anyway. Why?

When a loved one with an addiction asks for money, we often respond to the plea, enabling the addiction. We know that we shouldn't, but we do it anyway. Why?

Mating
Did Queen Elizabeth’s Lady-In-Waiting Show Bad Manners?

Iskra Fileva Ph.D. on December 20, 2022

A Personal Perspective: A woman who served as Queen Elizabeth's lady-in-waiting behaved rudely toward a stranger. Was this courtier bad, or did she lack manners?

A Personal Perspective: A woman who served as Queen Elizabeth's lady-in-waiting behaved rudely toward a stranger. Was this courtier bad, or did she lack manners?

Catastrophizing
Why Some People Can't Stop Imagining the Worst

Iskra Fileva Ph.D. on August 15, 2022

Focusing on the worst possible outcome can be psychologically protective, but it can also increase anxiety. Protective pessimism can be explained. What about catastrophizing?

Focusing on the worst possible outcome can be psychologically protective, but it can also increase anxiety. Protective pessimism can be explained. What about catastrophizing?

Philosophy
Stoicism as a Fad and a Philosophy

Iskra Fileva Ph.D. on August 4, 2022

Popularizers of Stoicism are said to sell the teaching "as a life hack, without apology." Is Stoicism a life hack? If not, why is it trending?

Popularizers of Stoicism are said to sell the teaching "as a life hack, without apology." Is Stoicism a life hack? If not, why is it trending?

Therapy
When Therapy Is Unsuccessful

Iskra Fileva Ph.D. on July 7, 2022

Many who try therapy say that the process does nothing for them. What leads to therapy failures, and how can a client find success?

Many who try therapy say that the process does nothing for them. What leads to therapy failures, and how can a client find success?

Media
Is Social Media Validation an Illusion?

Iskra Fileva Ph.D. on July 5, 2022

When you are looking for social validation, the reactions of two thousand strangers online may have more weight than those of the two friends you are having coffee with.

When you are looking for social validation, the reactions of two thousand strangers online may have more weight than those of the two friends you are having coffee with.

Neuroscience
Can You Split the Mind by Splitting the Brain?

Iskra Fileva Ph.D. on October 5, 2021

Nobel Prize-winning research has purported to show that when you split a person's brain in two, you split the mind. New research casts doubt on those findings.

Nobel Prize-winning research has purported to show that when you split a person's brain in two, you split the mind. New research casts doubt on those findings.

Environment
Is the Meaning of Life an Illusion?

Iskra Fileva Ph.D. on October 3, 2021

Jean-Paul Sartre once suggested that the moment we realize we are not immortal, we see the meaning of life as an illusion. But perhaps, that's not quite right.

Jean-Paul Sartre once suggested that the moment we realize we are not immortal, we see the meaning of life as an illusion. But perhaps, that's not quite right.

Deception
The Need to Be Always Right

Iskra Fileva Ph.D. on September 19, 2021

Some people need to be right always. They won’t admit defeat even in the face of compelling contrary evidence. But what does a person achieve by insisting on being always right?

Some people need to be right always. They won’t admit defeat even in the face of compelling contrary evidence. But what does a person achieve by insisting on being always right?

Resilience
After Failure

Iskra Fileva Ph.D. on September 4, 2021

Some people find failure so painful and unpleasant that they never undertake a project when failure is a probable outcome. Why?

Some people find failure so painful and unpleasant that they never undertake a project when failure is a probable outcome. Why?