The Race is on : Why the Greek Hero Hercules Can Never Beat a Tortoise in a Race – Zenos Paradox
Philosophy is full of perplexing paradoxical thought experiments and Zeno’s paradox is a real brain bender. It is about a race between the fleet-footed hero of the Trojan War Achilles and a tortoise.
Mysteries of History : Troy – Was it Real? Did it Exist?
HISTORY RECORDS ACTUAL EVENTS whereas myths spin tales that help explain a culture’s worldview. It’s where history and myth intersect that we find some of the most enduring legends. In this particular article we look at Troy.
A History of the Atom : Theories and Models
How have our ideas about atoms changed over the years? In this article we look at how our atomic models have developed over time. It is entirely probable that we aren’t there yet and our understanding of the strange world, that is the realm of sub-atomic particle, will change again at some time in the future. Although our article starts in the 1800s, the idea of atoms was around long before that. It is in Ancient Greece that we...
Socrates’ Antidote to Gossip – The Three Filters
As the saying goes “There’s nothing new under the sun”. And nothing is truer than when it comes to people gossiping, even in ancient Greece over 2,000 years ago. Here’s how the great Socrates dealt with it, his three filters.
Who Invented the Vending Machine ?
The Vending Machine is a lot older than you might think. It was actually invented by Greek inventor ‘Hero of Alexandria’ who came up with the first known vending machine design around AD 60.
Origins of Some English Eponyms : Juggernaut, Lynching, Malapropism, Maverick & Tantalise
Eponyms are one of the most fascinating examples of how the English language gains new words. In this article we take a colourful look at the phenomenon some eponyms like : Juggernaut, Lynching, Malapropism, Maverick & Tantalise.
Who ‘discovered’ the Atom ?
The simplest of experiences can hatch eureka moments. Legend has it that despite all his inherited wealth and global travels, the ancient Greek philosopher Democritus hit upon one of the most fundamental of ideas in physics while sitting in the comfort of his own home.
Origins of Some English Eponyms : Chauvinist , Draconoian, Hooligan, John Hancock & Mentor
Eponyms are one of the most fascinating examples of how the English language gains new words. In this article we take a colourful look at the phenomenon some eponyms like : Chauvinist , Draconoian, Hooligan, John Hancock & Mentor.
Origin of the Months and Days of the Year
We use them everyday to order our lives to record, analyse and make sense of things. We’re talking about the days and months of the year. What are their origins ? You may be surprised in that they all have origins deep within our pagan past.