“There are as many definitions of philosophy as there are philosophers – perhaps there are even more. After three millennia of philosophical activity and disagreement, it is unlikely that we’ll reach consensus … What I’d like to do in the opening column in this new venture – The Stone – is to kick things off by asking a slightly different question: what is a philosopher?”
Tag: 05.16.10
Jorge Mester Walks Away From Troubled Pasadena Symphony
After 25 years as the orchestra’s music director, Mester abruptly decided last week to resign over what management described as unsuccessful contract negotiations. The organization is operating on an austerity budget following a financial crisis last year.
How We Misunderstand Our Proverbs
Take Nietzsche’s “What does not kill me, makes me stronger,” for instance. “What’s been mistaken here is a resolution for a fact. As a simple statement of fact, that is not true … Unfortunately, a lot of people are made much weaker by their misfortunes.” And lightning does strike the same place twice, and so on.
South Korea Launches Its First Opera Festival
“The inaugural edition of the event is aimed at introducing the country’s top opera ensembles and bringing the genre closer to the general public. … Organized by the [Korean National Opera] and the Opera Society of Korea, the festival features the state-backed ensemble and four civilian troupes that were chosen among the 85 that are part of the Opera Society.”
On Judging Art ‘By The Standards Of The Circus’
“In terms of culture and meaning, Tate Modern’s influence has probably been a disaster. Not because there is anything wrong with having fun looking at art — there isn’t — but because the greatest art is only rarely fun to look at. The Sistine ceiling is not fun. Guernica is not fun. Rembrandt’s Blinding of Samson is not fun.”
As The Arts Embrace Live Broadcasts, Is 3-D Next?
“Extravagant creations such as Avatar might seem to have nothing to do with the performing arts, but 3D technology can work for dance, opera and theatre, too.”
Dan Savage Takes The Fam To The Musical Based On Them
The sex columnist’s husband and 12-year-old son, DJ, seemed to be taking the performance in stride. “And then, during a reenacted visit from the adoption counselor, a dildo fell out of the couch. DJ flung his head back, covered his eyes, and groaned. Savage leaned over and insisted loudly, slowly: ‘That. Did. Not. Happen.'”
Nigerian Movie Blockbusters Top Hollywood
“As cinemas close across Africa, homegrown blockbusters are actually eclipsing Hollywood on the African market as for the first time in 13 years an African feature competes for the top award at Cannes.”
The New Graphic Arts – Blowing Up Illustration
“Graphic design used to be this robust thing where designers wore red spectacles and talked about business. But now there’s been this extraordinary explosion where they are speaking the language of self-expression and personal projects.”
An ENORMOUS Battle Of Britain Memorial?
“The 116 metre tall landmark building is planned for The Royal Air Force Museum in Hendon, north west London, and would be almost 10 metres taller than the famous clock tower at the Palace of Westminster.”