Category Archives: Political Psychology

Adam, Eve, and Unconditional Love

Posted on October 22, 2011 by hessd

I am beginning today a set of thought experiments bearing on the notion of “unconditional” or “non-contingent” love.  I am beginning with the position that it is a bad idea.  It asks more discernment of us than we can reliably … Continue reading →

Posted in Biblical Studies, Political Psychology | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Obama’s Policy on Israel and Palestine

Posted on September 23, 2011 by hessd

How shall we approach the decades-long standoff between Israel and Palestine?  In our rush to establish one position or another, we blow right by the general questions which the positions purportedly address.  Any set of comparable positions lines up on … Continue reading →

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Love and Savvy

Posted on September 17, 2011 by hessd

I haven’t actually read the book Women Who Love Too Much, but when I saw it on the shelf, I knew I didn’t want to.  The person who made up that title—I understand that it might not have been the … Continue reading →

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Is It Just Will Power?

Posted on August 26, 2011 by hessd

So how do you feel about “will power?”  Old fashioned? Crucially necessary?  Both?  John Tierney wrote a really wonderful piece about will power in the New York Times recently.  You can see the full article here.  I’m going to reflect … Continue reading →

Posted in Political Psychology | Tagged , | 83 Comments

“Attractive Older Women”

Posted on August 11, 2011 by hessd

Somehow, I have gotten a reputation for being narrow-minded.  Even some of my friends think that.  Of course, I don’t think so.  I do have some liabilities—well, THOSE, sure, but I was thinking of something relevant to today’s topic—and it … Continue reading →

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Where Does This Issue Belong?

Posted on August 6, 2011 by hessd

It’s an “issue,” as we say.  It concerns a lot of people.  Something ought to be done about it. Let’s imagine the easiest possible resolution.  There are three leaders in this societal constellation: one of the polity, one for the … Continue reading →

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