Philosophy

The Proximity of Pain: The Role of Pleasure in Suffering

Leave a Comment / Culture, Philosophy, Reflection / David Chang

The premise of classic utilitarian philosophy rests on the fundamental status of pleasure and pain, each denoted as the countervailing opposites of experience. Pain is inherently bad and pleasure inherently good; the course of moral conduct aims to maximize pleasure and minimize pain for the greatest number of sentient subjects. Modern proponents of act utilitarianism […]

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When I Practice, I Practice for All

Leave a Comment / Contemplation, Philosophy, Reflection / David Chang

“I am human, and therefore nothing human can be foreign to me.” This quote from Terence, ancient Roman poet and playwright, crystalizes the unity of human experience. In a world of diversity and intersectionality, to ponder universality is to tread on dangerous ground. One cannot easily generalize personal experience, and there are many lived

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Is Critical-Mindedness Good for Mental Health?

Leave a Comment / Culture, Mental Health, Philosophy / David Chang

Is Critical Mindedness Good for Mental Health? Being a curmudgeon is more than a matter of disposition: it is a practiced art. Every social gathering bound by pleasantries and blandishments can do with a spicy dose of disruption. Is this the menacing habit of self-appointed contrarians, who cannot feel their own weight and

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Crazy, but not Rich: Some Thoughts on Crazy Rich Asians

Philosophy, Reflection / David Chang

I refused to watch the movie when it splashed onto silver screens in 2018. My disdain was met with dismissal by friends and family, who thought I took too seriously a movie that was nothing more than frivolous fun. “Crazy Rich Asians” (CRA) might be fun, but its blockbuster status transcended mere entertainment. Asian American

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A Pandemic of Affluenza

Philosophy, Reflection / David Chang

When I am irked by the excesses of mainstream culture and the pernicious beliefs that corrupt shared life, my wife likes to say in jest: why don’t you get back on your mountain so you can look down on everyone else? So up to the summit I shall go. The view from this lofty peak

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