Philosophy

Protagoras (c. 490–420 BCE) was one of the most celebrated Sophists of ancient Greece.

Protagoras: Man as the Measure of All Things

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Protagoras, one of ancient Greece’s most famous Sophists, boldly declared that “man is the measure of all things.” Unlike Plato or Aristotle, who sought universal truths, Protagoras argued that truth and morality depend on human perception. His agnostic stance on the gods and his reputation as a master of rhetoric made him both influential and controversial in democratic Athens. Seen by critics as dangerously relativistic, and by supporters as a practical guide to civic life, his ideas continue to resonate today in debates about cultural relativism, human rights, and the shifting nature of truth.

Xunzi - The Realist of Confucianism

Xunzi (c. 310-220 BCE): The Realist of Confucianism?

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Xunzi argued that while people are naturally selfish, civilisation can be built through ritual, law, and discipline. Rituals, from mourning to music, were not empty gestures but tools for reshaping human desires, teaching restraint, and harmonising society. Unlike the Legalists who ruled through fear, Xunzi believed culture and tradition could bend human nature like wood shaped by steam — disciplined, refined, and made fit for order.

Mencius spoke with rulers such as King Xuan of Qi, King Hui of Liang, and King Xiang of Song

Mencius (c. 371–289 BCE): The Advocate of Innate Goodness

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Mencius 孟子, also known as Mengzi, described as the Second Sage (亞聖), stands as one of the great interpreters of Confucian thought. Living during the Warring States period, he built upon Confucius’ teachings while adding his own distinctive voice, most notably his belief in the innate goodness of human nature.

Laozi: The Way of Simplicity

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Discover the timeless wisdom of Confucius, a revered philosopher whose teachings on moral rectitude, social harmony, and ethical leadership continue to resonate today. Explore his profound insights into the human condition and how they can guide us in addressing pressing contemporary issues like social inequality and global cooperation.

image inspired by the article on Confucius. It visually captures the essence of his teachings and the serene wisdom he is known for. This image, with its blend of traditional Chinese elements and philosophical depth

Navigating Life with Confucius: Timeless Teachings, Enduring Wisdom

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Discover the timeless wisdom of Confucius, a revered philosopher whose teachings on moral rectitude, social harmony, and ethical leadership continue to resonate today. Explore his profound insights into the human condition and how they can guide us in addressing pressing contemporary issues like social inequality and global cooperation.

Is the Turing test still relevant?

Is the Turing Test Still Relevant?

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When Alan Turing proposed his now-famous test in 1950, it was a daring thought experiment: if a human could converse with a machine and not tell the difference, the machine could be said to “think.” For decades, the Turing Test was a beacon — a clear, almost cinematic benchmark for artificial intelligence. But in 2025, …

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