Humane Arts: Recent Episodes
Wesley Cecil
I am a student of language and literature. I have been reading, writing, and studying for most of my life. I received a B.A. in English from Fresno State and then went on to receive an M.A. and Ph.D. in English at Indiana University. I am interested in literature, philosophy, history and gardening. For the last 16 years, I have been a teacher at Peninsula College and, when not working, reading, or writing, spend much of my time in my garden.
Note-Content belongs to Wes Cecil, this podcast mirrors his youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ff15w4ufviWfv9UfIuByA
A world filled with abstractions works to undermine our sense of self and community. This lectures explores the problem and offers a vague and likely unhelpful suggestion to look for the visceral whenever possible.
www.wescecil.com
This lecture explores the necessity of controlling what occupies our attention in a world the tends to undermine any sense of identity.
This lecture explores how the marketing industry exploits our insecurities and essentially makes a bad situation much worse.
The sixth part of the identity series explores how our sense of where we are and when we are has been disrupted.
ww.wescecil.com
In an attempt to solve the complexities of the modern world we often look to abstractions to simplify the vast complexity we face. Understandable, but not really that helpful. For more information on the class head to: www.wescecil.com
This lecture explores some of the challenges that are persented when one enters urban spaces and encounters large groups of strangers. www.wescecil.com
The third part of the identity series explores the transition to the modern world which was given form and impetus by the thinkers of the enlightenment.
Part two of my series on identity explores the notion that identity has not really been a problem for almost anyone in the last 200,000 years. It truly is a modern problem.
www.wescecil.com for information about the class
First lecture in a new series exploring the structure, meaning, and challenges facing our experience of identity. Presented by Wesley Cecil PhD. www.wescecil.com https://www.instagram.com/humanearts/
The fifth and final section of commentary on the book one of Nietzsche's Thus Spake Zarathustra. By Wesley Cecil PhD.
Commentary on the next four chapters of Nietzsche's Thus Spake Zarathustra Book One. Includes the chapter on the Pale Criminal which really is quite confusing.
A Rough draft of the commentary that will accompany my translation of Thus Spake Zarathustra Book One. Hope this is helpful and enjoyable.
The final part of the first book of Thus Spake Zarathustra. Commentary to accompany the book will begin posting soon
The fifth installment of the rough draft of my translation of Thus Spake Zarathustra. One section to go, then I'll start a chapter by chapter commentary.
The fourth installment of the audio version of my translation of TSZ. This is a rough draft. Will be followed by a chapter by chapter commentary.
The next installment of the rough draft of my translation of Thus Spake Zarathustra Book One. I'll record the commentary after completing the entire book and then on to Book Two!
A supplementary lecture for my American Lit class as we can't be together in the classroom. Not sure how coherent this will be for folks not in the class.
This short lecture covers a few aspects of Religion in America and how it has influenced our literature. I also have a brief overview of Indigenous culture on indigenous people's day. I'm not sure this will make that much sense for people not in the class.
The second lecture in my American Literature course explores the three great migrations taking place simultaneously in American history between 1900 and 1950.
This is a cultural background to American Literature that I usually present in class but, alas, we are not allowed in class at the moment so I thought I would make this available for my students and anyone who might be interested.
This lecture explores how we think about he worth of other people and how we perceive our own value. And the link to my friends novel Benghazi is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlhMb...
A reflection on the vexed relationship between diversity and identity and how it impacts institutions and concepts like cultural appropriation.
The second part of my translation of Thus Spake Zarathustra. Illustrations by Axel Void.
An audio book version of my translation of Nietzsche's Thus Spake Zarathustra. I'm translating all four books and working with illustrator Axel Void. This is reading is from the rough draft version of the translation, so the final version will be a little different. I'll try an post a section a week of Book I.
I ponder the common refrain that global warming is going to lead to the end of civilization. The article that prompted these reflections is here: https://www.resilience.org/stories/20... but there are many others. The sailing La Vagabonde folks are here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl35t...
A short consideration of the definition of Feminism. Too often, so called 'discussions' amount to nothing because of the lack of a shared definition. Let me know if you think there are other important features of feminism as a concept that I forgot.
A selection of works that are accessible, important, and mind expanding. I chose these to help folks who find many of the 'classics' of philosophy unintelligible - think Kant and Heidegger. The works I mention and recommended translator:
Ecce Homo by Nietzsche Kaufmann or Hollingsdale Meditation my Marcus Aurelius George Long Lives of Imminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laertius Charles Yonge Readings in Classical Chinese Philosophy Van Norden and Ivanhoe Plato Symposium and Phaedrus Jowett Schopenhauer Essay and Aphorisms Penguin edition Plutarch's Essays Penguin Classics William James Pragmatism and Other Writings Penguin Descartes Discourse on Method and Other Writings Penguin
A brief overview of the definition and complexities of Capitalism. Delivered as an attempt to address the all too common occurrence of arguments that have no grounding in an actual definition of capitalism or the real world complexities of economies as we experience them in our lives.
A few thoughts of difficulty of not knowing during a time of stress and fear and how that creates tension in the social contract.
A quick overview of the Frankfurt school and a response to this odd theory I encountered while researching for the Germans series. There seems to be an idea that this school has had some incredibly powerful influence on contemporary culture. Spoiler alert, no evidence for this. The picture is Herbert Marcuse, likely the best known member of this school in the United States.
This lecture explores the unique history of Germany and how it helped produce three centuries of artistic, intellectual and scientific excellence that continues to influence the world today. Presented by Wesley Cecil PhD.
he original introduction to the Humane Arts series failed to record so, unless you were live at the series, it has been unavailable. So I thought I would do a new introduction for the series as a means of giving a background for the other lectures. Presented by Wesley Cecil, PhD.
A brief consideration of the history and present of women's contributions to Science, Philosophy and the intellectual world in general. Presented by Wesley Cecil PhD. The image is mathematician Emmy Noether
A couple of more fallacies and a possible analogy for our current interesting situation
Interesting developments as our society moves through these uncharted waters. The next couple of weeks will be quite telling about the evolution of our response to a pandemic and an economic collapse.
A couple of more fallacies and a possible analogy for our current interesting situation.
Interesting developments as our society moves through these uncharted waters. The next couple of weeks will be quite telling about the evolution of our response to a pandemic and an economic collapse.
This lecture explores the common fallacy "Texas Sharpshooter" and our almost irresistible desire to select for data that supports our idea.
A few more logical fallacies to ponder as thinking about our world has grown so much more challenging. This conversation introduces the idea of the fallacy of the Average or Middle Ground, Appeal to Ignorance and Appeal to Fear.
A quick reflection on the difficulties we face when we try to think when feeling fear and faced with unknowns.
A brief exploration of the logical fallacy False Dichotomy. When we break things into two we more or less stop ourselves from thinking. The world is subtle, odd, and multivariant and rarely reduces a simple interaction or choice between two things.
The Link to the North Indian Classical Music Show: https://crosscut.com/podcast/crosscut...
An attempt to explain the different histories of these two ideas which are often used as synonyms.
A brief consideration of the question of our social contract in a time of national and international stress brought on by the Coronavirus. Some things to ponder and look forward as together we set off into uncharted lands. Presented by Wesley Cecil PhD
This lecture explores the common fallacy "Texas Sharpshooter" and our almost irresistible desire to select for data that supports our idea.
A few more logical fallacies to ponder as thinking about our world has grown so much more challenging. This conversation introduces the idea of the fallacy of the Average or Middle Ground, Appeal to Ignorance and Appeal to Fear.
A quick reflection on the difficulties we face when we try to think when feeling fear and faced with unknowns.
A brief exploration of the logical fallacy False Dichotomy. When we break things into two we more or less stop ourselves from thinking. The world is subtle, odd, and multivariant and rarely reduces a simple interaction or choice between two things.
The Link to the North Indian Classical Music Show: https://crosscut.com/podcast/crosscut...
An attempt to explain the different histories of these two ideas which are often used as synonyms.
This lecture explores the life and thinking of one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century. Presented by Wesley Cecil PhD but not at Peninsula College because, alas, all gathering have been temporarily suspended. Hopefully the lectures, with audience, will return in the not too distant future. For more lectures and information check out www.wescecil.com
A lecture exploring the life and work of the under-appreciated German thinker Karl Jaspers. Delivered by Wesley Cecil PhD. at Peninsula College.
www.wescecil.com for more information and a copy of the handout with the quotes.
A review of the work and life of this unique thinker who has exerted an amazing influence on modern philosophy. Delivered by Wesley Cecil PhD. at Peninsula College
An exploration of the life, philosophy and influence of Schopenhauer. This lecture, the third in my series covering German thinkers, was presented by Wesley Cecil PhD at Peninsula College.
The second in my series of lectures on great German thinkers explores the life, work and influence of Hegel. Presented by Wesley Cecil PhD at Peninsula College
The first lecture in a series on German Philosophers features Immanuel Kant and his influence on the history of philosophy. Presented by Wesley Cecil PhD. at Peninsula College.
Handout and other lectures available at www.wescecil.com
A speculative consideration of the environmental question as a philosophical issue relative to our values. Presented by Wesley Cecil Phd. at Finnriver Cidery in Chimacum Washington.
An exploration of the development and influence of nihilism on contemporary thought and the many responses to the nihilistic impulse. Presented by Wesley Cecil PhD. at Finnriver cidery in Chimacum Wa.
The handout and more lectures available at www.wescecil.com
The lecture explores the impact of the enlightenment and other cultural changes on undermining our ability to believe in TRUTH. Presented by Wesley Cecil PhD. at Finnriver Cidery in Chimacum Washington.
flyer and more information available at www.wescecil.com
An exploration of the scientific revolution presented by Wesley Cecil PhD. at Finnriver cidery in Chimacum, Washington.
The flyer and more videos are available at www.wescecil.com
This lecture explores the Enlightenment, it's origins and continuing influence on Western culture. Presented by Wesley Cecil PhD. at Finnriver Cidery in Chimacum Washington.
Handout available at www.wescecil.com
This lecture explores the Renaissance as a cultural and philosophical event. Presented by Wesley Cecil, PhD. at Finnriver cidery in Chimacum Washington.
The lecture handout is available at www.wescecil.com
This lecture explores the Islamic Golden Age, it's origins, some key figures, and it's legacy. Presented by Wesley Cecil PhD. at Finnriver cidery in Chimacum Washington.
This lecture explores the history of the Catholic church and the many Heresies the church repressed. Delivered by Wesley Cecil PhD. at Finnriver cidery in Chimacum Washington.
Lecture handouts available at Wescecil.com
An exploration of Maya and Aztec philosophy within the context of the amazing advances made in meso-american studies over the last decade. Presented by Wesley Cecil PhD. at FinnRiver cidery in Chimacum Washington. The handout is available at https://www.wescecil.com
This lecture explores the original impulse at the foundation of Buddhism to overcome human suffering by eliminating the causes of that suffering. Delivered by Wesley Cecil PhD. at FinnRiver Cidery in Chimacum Washington. The Lecture handout and more information available at https://wescecil.com
This lecture explores the foundation of Hinduism and the Brahmanism that underwrites the key philosophical outlook of Indian culture. Delivered by Wesley Cecil PhD. at FinnRiver Cidery in Chimacum, Washington. More information and the lecture handout available at https://wescecil.com
This lectures explores Taoism by focusing on the central role nature plays as a guideline to clear thinking and correct living. Delivered by Wesley Cecil PhD. at FinnRiver Cidery in Chimacum Washington. The flyer is available at https://www.instagram.com/humanearts/ and more information at https://www.wescecil.com/
An exploration of Confucianism and the Chinese philosophical tradition that focuses on the respect for history within the context of a coherent geo-political environment. Delivered by Wesley Cecil Ph.D. at FinnRiver cidery in Chimacum Washington. Note: The sound is a little weird because the rain was so loud I had to heavily compress/eq the recording to make it listenable. The flyer is available at https://www.instagram.com/humanearts/ and more information at https://www.wescecil.com/
An exploration of the birth of ethics in the Ancient Greek world and how this has created a series of problems that we face in our everyday lives. Presented by Wesley Cecil, PhD. at FinnRiver Cidery in Chimacum Washington. The flyer is available at https://www.instagram.com/humanearts/ and more information at https://www.wescecil.com/
This lecture by Wesley Cecil PhD. explores the intellectual changes represented by the work of the early Greek Materialists like Thales, Democritus, Epicurus and finally Euclid. Also explores the shift from a Mytho-poetic outlook to one based on reason. the flyer is available at https://www.instagram.com/humanearts/ and more information at https://www.wescecil.com/
The history of philosophy is explored in a series of core questions that have shaped human reflection for the last 5,000 years. Delivered by Wesley Cecil PhD. at FinnRiver in Chimacum Washington. The handouts are available on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/humanearts/ and more information and other stuff at https://www.wescecil.com/
The final lecture in an exploration of the changing values we face in our world and how we should respond. Presented by Wesley Cecil, Phd. at Peninsula College. The handout with the quotes read during the lecture are up at https://www.instagram.com/humanearts/ more information available at www.wescecil.com
The seventh lecture in the transvaluation series explores the importance of generating our values and conception of the world from the inside out - becoming the arbiter of all values. Delivered by Wesley Cecil Phd. at Peninsula College. For the flyer on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humanearts/
More lectures and flyers up at https://www.wescecil.com/
Course information at https://www.wescecil.com/ The seventh lecture in the Transvaluation series explores the impact and possibilities of the African American culture and the West African roots that influence it. Presented by Wesley Cecil PhD. at Peninsula College. Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/humanearts/
This lecture was delivered by Wesley Cecil PhD. at Peninsula College in Port Townsend. It is the first of two parts exploring the important cultural influence of Western African communities enslaved in the Colonies. More information on the course and other lectures available at https://www.wescecil.com/
The fifth lecture in the Transvaluation series explores the nature of fear, joy and how we are culturally conditioned to respond to them. Presented by Wesley Cecil PhD at Peninsula College.
This lecture explores the concept of work and play arguing Play is a better way to think about how we approach our jobs. Delivered by Wesley Cecil PhD. at Peninsula College. Note: The last minute of the recording was cut off so it ends abruptly. The final bit announces that next months lecture is entitled Joy Not Fear.
The third lecture in the Transvaluation series explores the thought patterns we have inherited from our culture that cause us to think like we are slaves even though we are not. Presented at Peninsula College by Wesely Cecil PhD.
The second lecture in the Transvaluation series delivered by Wesley Cecil PhD. at Peninsula College. This lecture explores the place of the individual within the contemporary world.
The first lecture in a series that will explore the misfit between the cultural values we have inherited and the world we actually inhabit. This lecture presented at Peninsula College by Wesley Cecil PhD.
Visit my new website https://www.wescecil.com A lecture delivered by Wesley Cecil PhD. on the life, work and influence of Goethe. Often overlooked in intellectual history, Goethe was an influential writer and thinker for his entire adult life. Several generations of European thinkers and artists looked to him as a role model and mentor.
Visit my new website www.wescecil.com A lecture delivered by Wesley Cecil PhD. exploring the life and work of translator, mathematician, essayist, critic and belles letterist Emilie du Chatelet. Delivered at Peninsula College
Visit my new website https://www.wescecil.com A lecture delivered by Wesley Cecil PhD. exploring the work of two of the most significant thinkers from the Islamic Golden Age. Delivered at Peninsula College.
Visit my new website https://www.wescecil.com A lecture delivered by Wesley Cecil PhD. at Peninsula College exploring the life, work, and influence of Walter Kaufmann.
For More Information and lecture handouts: https://www.wescecil.com A lecture delivered by Wesely Cecil PhD. on Max Stirner as part of a series on significant thinkers who have been largely forgotten today.
Visit my new website: http://www.wescecil.com Lecture by Wesley Cecil PhD. on the life and work of Max Stirner. Delivered at Peninsula College.
Download the lecture handout at http://www.wescecil.com/max-stirner
Visit my new website www.wescecil.com The lecture explores the immense influence and recent return of Mencius' interpretation of the Confucius' legacy.
A review of the life and influence of Roman philosopher Cicero. This lecture focuses on the impact and fading attention paid to one of the most influential thinkers in Western civilization.
Milo Redwood and Wes Cecil discuss some more or less random thoughts on philosophy and contemporary culture with our host Tim at KPTZ radio.
A reflection on some of the factors that form our thought processes and why, on average, we find thinking so difficult.
The final essay in the Myths of the American Mind series exploring some of the underlying aspects of American worldview.
This talk explores the history and influence of the idea of American Exceptionalism on the American world view.
This lecture explores the power and problems associated with education and institutions throughout history and in America today.
The Lecture explores the history, development and influence of America's peculiar relationship with religion.
This lecture explores the the psychological and emotional influence money has on our lives and the unique historical background of America that contributes to our emphasis on money in our culture.
Visit my new website https://www.wescecil.com This lecture explores the way science has shaped our thinking and led to the peculiar and peculiarly misleading take on the world called "scientism".
This lecture explores the origins, development and influence of commonly held, but often factually suspect, American beliefs.
The final lecture that discusses some of the wider issues surrounding the nature of language.
A lecture that explores the development, spread, and influence of a variety of languages.
A lecture exploring the history, development and influence of the English language.
The Poems read in the lecture:
When the English tongue we speak. Why is break not rhymed with freak? Will you tell me why it's true We say sew but likewise few? And the maker of the verse, Cannot rhyme his horse with worse? Beard is not the same as heard Cord is different from word. Cow is cow but low is low Shoe is never rhymed with foe. Think of hose, dose,and lose And think of goose and yet with choose Think of comb, tomb and bomb, Doll and roll or home and some. Since pay is rhymed with say Why not paid with said I pray? Think of blood, food and good. Mould is not pronounced like could. Wherefore done, but gone and lone - Is there any reason known? To sum up all, it seems to me Sound and letters don't agree.
We must polish the Polish furniture. He could lead if he would get the lead out. The farm was used to produce produce. The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse. The soldier decided to desert in the desert. This was a good time to present the present. A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum. When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes. I did not object to the object. The insurance was invalid for the invalid. The bandage was wound around the wound. There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row. They were too close to the door to close it. The buck does funny things when the does are present. They sent a sewer down to stitch the tear in the sewer line. To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow. The wind was too strong to wind the sail. After a number of injections my jaw got number. Upon seeing the tear in my clothes I shed a tear. I had to subject the subject to a series of tests. How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend? I read it once and will read it agent I learned much from this learned treatise. I was content to note the content of the message. The Blessed Virgin blessed her. Blessed her richly. It's a bit wicked to over-trim a short wicked candle. If he will absent himself we mark him absent. I incline toward bypassing the incline.
An exploration of the cultural and linguistic history of Japan.Note, I misspoke and said prior to WWII there were only about 60 non-Japanese speakers of Japanese in the US, that estimate is for prior the Russo-Japanese war - 1905.
This lecture explores the development and influence of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.
A lecture on the history and development of the German language and culture.Covers the astonishing cultural coherence and influence of the German language and its influence on the modern world.
This lecture covers the origins and development of the Russian language and associated culture.
A lecture on the history and development of the Persian language and associated literature.
This lecture reviews the origins, development and continuing influence of French and French culture.
The lecture covers the origins, development, and influence of the Greek language and related civilization.
I explore the incredible history of Chinese civilization and language and the current cultural challenges in China.
Two Notes: I referred to the age of Old Testament texts early in the lecture - I meant New Testament texts. The earliest NT texts date from around 200 AD most are later.
The Tale of the Marshes or Water Margins was set in the Song Dynasty.
This is what happens when you have so many dates and names and you lecture without notes.
This lecture focuses on the still thriving tradition of Sanskrit, its development and widespread influence.
This lecture explores the 3,000 year history of Egypt, focusing on the development of Hieroglyphics and the lasting influence of Egyptian ideas. NOTE: In the lecture I erroneously state that Jean-François Champollion was in Egypt with Napoleon. He did not go to Egypt until a later archaeological expedition. This is what happens when you lecture without notes.
The first in the Languages and Literatures lecture series, this lecture presents the history and development of Cuneiform; the oldest known style of writing. Explores Sumerian, Babylonian and Akkadian literature and civilizations.
Radio interview for an upcoming Dinner/Lecture to be presented in Port Townsend March 27th.
This lecture was delivered to our local AAUW chapter on the question of the current status of women. The recording has a bit of echo because the hall is very large.
A lecture on the aspects of society that contribute to advancement in the arts and sciences.
This lecture presents the history and significance of the Salon and Cafe as a contributor to a humane existence.
This lecture explores the importance of conversation in the humanist tradition. Discussion includes the nature, history, influence and current state of the art of conversation.
A lecture that explores the importance of leisure as an element of artistic and scientific creativity.