Politics and Society
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The Freedom Convoy: Peckford’s Self-defeating Argument
Mr. Peckford and Mr. Trudeau advocate a happy individual who is ripe for manipulation… Continue reading
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Hannah Arendt: Labour and the Colonization of the Private Realm
This is the first lecture that lays the groundwork for connecting the moral ideal of Authenticity to the work of Hannah Arendt. This lecture was given on January 31, and it introduces some of the essential features of Hannah Arendt’s “The Human Condition”, and explores her concept of Labour in the private realm. It suggests… Continue reading
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Charles Taylor: The Malaise of Modernity in the 21 Century
he Malaise of Modernity also provides a deeper account of self-fulfillment: the true realization of our gifts demands that we escape the citadel of selfishness and recognize the ethical demands that give real depths to ourselves. In doing so, there is more than some reason for optimism. Continue reading
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Limitations on Rights: a Bicentennial Reminder from Hegel’s “Elements of the Philosophy of Right”
Among the books of the nineteenth century that have something important to say to us now Hegel’s Elements of the Philosophy of Right (1820) deserves a prominent place. It’s not the obvious contender for a popular read in the 21st century. He doesn’t make it easy for himself if getting readers was the aim as his… Continue reading
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Relationship
You (Thou) and I belong to the Kingdom of God. Thou and I are very different. Thou and I share much that is the same, Thou and I may be friends, acquaintances, or even enemies. I submit myself to you, especially Thou within you. I vow to live with Thou in peace, as Christ crucified.… Continue reading
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Afghanistan and Authenticity in the Context of War: A Response to Malala Yousafzi
In [educated Afghan women], we all see our own striving for authentic lives. We want to claim an authentic life that contributes to not only our own well-being but also to the well-being of our homes. Continue reading
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Afghanistan: Innocence is the Greatest Danger
Not only will the claim to innocence by Afghani collaborators be their greatest danger, but it will also be ours too. For out of seeming self-protection and a war of revenge, we have taken on moral obligations that we have no capability of meeting. Continue reading
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Game Theory, COVID and the Good Life
What I would like to consider today is what COVID has taught us about human flourishing. What should we learn from the experience of COVID, and how ought we do things differently next time? I want to expand on Malcolm Gladwell’s idea in his talk for Google Zeitgeist in June of 2020. And recently moving… Continue reading
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Social Mobility and Liberal Education
*image credit: https://www.davidklassenfineart.com/about In 2020 and 2021, the cross-pressures on undergraduate education were phenomenal, and they raised so many fears and anxieties that it seemed that we couldn’t be anything but in a CONSTANT state of fear. Individually, we have worn masks and washed hands because we have been afraid to catch and spread disease. … Continue reading
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A Christian Faith: False Church and False Authenticity
It is characteristic of pseudo-Christianity that, while claiming to be justified by God, by faith, or by the works of faith and love, it merely operates as a machine for excusing sin instead of confessing and pardoning it. In other words, the pseudo-Church has become a tool for producing a feeling that one is right… Continue reading
About me: I am a career educator and traveler at heart. My written work includes academic writing in philosophy and linguistics, English acquisition, and most intently in the areas of spiritual engagement with reality and what that means for our public lives.
My education is a mixture of formal study in philosophy, political theory, Biblical studies, and history, along with professional teaching certification in TESOL and in cognitive testing, and international teaching.
My travel experiences include a range of countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. I have lived in Canada, the United States, Germany, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Thailand. From those places I have traveled to many others besides.
I am a child of the 70’s and a “family man.” That means I have two wonderful kids who have been round the world with me.
Lastly, I am married to a wonderful woman since 2004. She is my partner, my friend, and my muse.
Thanks again for stopping by,
Raymond Klassen - Ideals and Identities 