https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/5612 2026-04-14T05:08:07Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/11200 Title: Overcoming objectlessness in today’s society of surveillance Abstract: In a culture that holds efficiency as an ethos, electronic surveillance has become a prominent feature of today’s society. The encounter with the human individual within such a state is one that reduces him to data; in its attempt to keep track of him within the virtual world that he inhabits, the system constructs a digital profile of the individual and categorises him accordingly. The resultant state, where man is no longer primarily met on a human dimension, is possibly one where objectlessness prevails. The question of who man essentially is, is superseded by that which is solely concerned with what he does. Bringing Heidegger’s critique of technology to an analysis of the rise of electronic surveillance, this paper explores the extent to which the condition of objectlessness can be considered a characteristic of the surveillance society. It seeks to determine the possibility of responsibility in such a scenario by drawing on a parallelism between Levinas’s face of the Other and Blanchot’s space of literature, as the place where transcendence of this perceived objectlessness could occur. This is succeeded by an analysis of the assumed implications underlying the development of the argument, whereby the discussion links back to Heidegger’s philosophy and to the conclusion that objectlessness is not, indeed, to be taken as the defining feature of the surveillance society. Thus, the space for responsibility within today’s society is retained. Description: M.A.CONTEMPORARY WEST.PHIL. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/5972 Title: On chance Abstract: In this dissertation I analyse problems regarding the ontology of chance and conclude that the possibility or impossibility of ontic chance is only a matter of belief, and that we have no way of knowing whether the universe is deterministic or not. This is firstly done by looking at the status of chance in two different physics systems: classical mechanics and quantum mechanics. In both cases I attempt to show that the question, of whether these theories are deterministic or not, has no clear cut answer. Finally, I approach the problem metaphysically. I propose that ontic chance and determinism are not compossible; it is only epistemic chance that is possible in a deterministic universe. The concept of determinism employed is that of unique evolution and ontic chance is taken to be its exact opposite. The question of the possibility of ontic chance in the universe still remains unanswered; however, I propose, that in the process of understanding phenomena, determinism is worth assuming. Description: B.A.(HONS)PHIL. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/5850 Title: Linga : a philosophical inquiry of gender in Sanskrit Abstract: This dissertation focuses on the notion of linga in the Sanskrit language, and is a reflection on the grammar of the language. There is a particular emphasis on the philosophical significance that linga carries within the grammatical structures of Sanskrit. Linga is also considered within the sphere of Sanskrit mythology so that it may also be approached from a cultural perspective. The relationship between the deities in mythology is examined in light of the notion linga. Following this, the influence of mythology on social practices will be considered such that one may begin to view what the notion linga retains within this more recent context. The argument that follows consists in viewing the Sanskrit gender construction in the light of Wittgenstein's surface and depth grammar. Finally, Pierre Hadot's perspective of philosophy is taken in relation to the primary question of this dissertation, i.e. whether the notion of linga could be seen as having philosophical implications, or whether it could even be seen as a philosophy. Description: B.A.(HONS)PHIL. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/5835 Title: Philosophical notions in the Chronicles of Narnia Abstract: This dissertation will be discussing three central philosophical themes found in C.S Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia. I will give a general outline of the seven novels in this paper in order to further elucidate my opinions on the subject being investigated. I shall explain how I believe that The Chronicles of Narnia may be understood in light of philosophy instead of religion as has been the case for many past years. Although the religious sentiment cannot be overlooked, it is my belief that the philosophical notions within The Chronicles substantiate the argument that the books may be read without resorting to religion thus making their message all the more accessible. The themes investigated are Plato’s Allegory of the Cave and its relation to Narnia, the Narnian Deity and its Aristotelan/Platonic origin and the existence of Evil in Narnia by virtue of its rulers. All care has been taken in order to make this paper accessible to any of those unfamiliar with the texts. Description: B.A.(HONS)PHIL. 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z