Neville Birdi

Our 'House'

Contentious relationships, misanthropy, self-hatred, and a flaunting of medical ethics…differential diagnosis, people. SPOILERS AHEAD. Imitating the words of Dr. House, himself, don’t be a moron, don’t be an idiot – go watch the show! ‘House’: if you haven’t already had the pleasure to watch, or have heard of, it, it is a TV Series starringContinue reading “Our 'House'”

Whistle-Stop Tour of Shakespeare’s Power

“Which shall to all our nights and days to comeGive solely sovereign sway and masterdom.That’s it: sovereign sway and masterdom” Macbeth, Act I, Scene V What a beautiful quote: the whole of the Scottish Play is summarised by those four words by Lady Macbeth: ‘sovereign sway and masterdom’. For those hell-bent on power, these fourContinue reading “Whistle-Stop Tour of Shakespeare’s Power”

The Comforting Brutality of Existence

Introduction & First Stimulus “To be, or not to be, that is the question:Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to sufferThe slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,Or to take arms against a sea of troublesAnd by opposing end them. To die—to sleep,No more; and by a sleep to say we endThe heart-ache and the thousandContinue reading “The Comforting Brutality of Existence”

The Case for Philosophers in the City

“I often think that knowledge of the law is a bit of a handicap to a barrister.” – Horace Rumpole [from Rumpole of the Bailey] Be upstanding! There’s no way around this: I’m sure this article is bound to upset some students, either in Philosophy or Law. However, this article does not serve to snatchContinue reading “The Case for Philosophers in the City”

Pipping Philosophy to the Post – Preparation for Pressure

‘Twas the night before the exams, when all through the flat,Not a creature was stirring, not even Rolf the cat;The bags were packed by the doors with care,In hopes that the holidays would soon be there;The students were hidden all tight in their beds;While visions of failing and resits were in their heads… Every student,Continue reading “Pipping Philosophy to the Post – Preparation for Pressure”