What it means to be a Man

What I mean by the title of this posting is an investigation into the identity of Man. The characteristics, pursuits, conceptual frameworks and philosophies that wedge the divide between boys and men. However, to further find that which defines Man, the noble dispositions that qualify a man to be a Man. And further still, how anti-establishment evolved into "sticking it to the Man". Through a thorough investigation, the conclusion may be reached that much that defines a man, does so only in the context of the dichotomy Woman/Man. This dichotomy being primarily a social construct, there is something also to be said about biological constructs. I argue that there is more to being a Man that the answer shaped through culture. There is something which fundamentally and chemically divides males and females which, regardless of gender roles, plays a formative role in the definition of Man.

Analytical Philosophy

My course The Analytic Tradition has pushed me into the world of Frege and his work "Sense and Reference." His pondering here has sprouted from a study of logic, which can also be understood as the laws of truth, and brought him to a place where the traditional correspondence theory of truth must be torn down and revealed as invalid.

I find it remarkable that when I study a philosopher who makes sense his business, I feel as though I am reading more nonsense than I can find in Lewis Carroll. However, after three weeks of mildly extensive study on the writings of Frege, I have realized that Frege's work structurally resembles that of Lewis Carroll. I feel I have broken the code and can begin to decipher.

Plans for May

There is news update involving my brother's wedding date. I may be leaving from Green Bay on the 19th of May. This would be excellent in that I would not have to edit my finals week and might deal with the last days stress-free. Unfortunately this places me in De Pere for Marty's 21st birthday. No matter what comes of my departure date and time, the reality remains the same; I AM GOING TO TURKEY!

I don't remember being more excited about a trip. I know I was out of my pants with anticipation for London/Scotland but this is something of another sorts. My oldest brother is getting married and my whole family will be there along with some cousins and the like. I'm simple beside myself.

Why Nonsense?

I'm not entirely sure who may (or may not) care, but the subject of nonsense has interested me for as long as I have been aware of the remarkable Lewis Carroll. This author brought to my mind the concept of communicating grand notions and humble opinions without saying much that anyone could understand (on the surface). Text taken from his novels and poems speaks volumes about the genius and idiocy of humanity. My personal preferences:

"Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end; then stop"
-The King of Hearts, in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

"Contrariwise, if it was so, it might be; and if it were so, it would be; but as it isn't, it ain't. That's Logic"
-Tweedledee, in Through the Looking-Glass

"It's poor sort of memory that only works backward."
-Lewis Carroll

Perhaps you get the point, perhaps not. Whichever, my point is this: there is something significant in the re-structuring of traditional communication. At the very least, it is fascinating.