As an undergrad I had the privilege to be president of a philosophy club. A few months back, one of the members showed me this beautiful comic about questions and answers. To me, it captures some of the spirit that I associate with philosophy: an open mind and a yearning to explore doubt. I actually thought of it this past Sunday.
Backyard Philosophy
Brett Keegan | Composition and Rhetoric
Enjoyed the cartoon…loved the questions. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks fro coming by, Dalo!
I loved the expression on the eyeball guy…and the pet goldfish on a leash!
Haha, I agree. I think part of the charm is the quirky aesthetic feel.
Thanks for posting this, Brett.
At first I was ready to be somewhat dismissive of the comic as another (paradoxical?) argument for uncertainty, or relativism, or what-have-you. Too often, I think, I see people claiming (with great conviction!) that convictions are bad or dangerous, when really I take it that they’re just saying someone *else’s* convictions are [fill in the blank].
But there’s a great attitude to this, especially that last couple of panels. What a worthy outlook to try and cultivate!
Yes, I felt the same way entirely.The story somehow has the ability to sidestep the usual pitfalls, like a self-assured relativity. I think that’s why I like it so much. It keeps the better part of that care, self-reflection, and doubt without the nasty baggage.