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Mark Holowchak

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Philosopher, historian, and Thomas Jefferson scholar, I am author/editor of some 65 books and of over 250 published essays--26 books and over 200 published essays on Thomas Jefferson. I am acknowledged by several to be the world’s foremost authorities on the thinking of Thomas Jefferson. I can be reached at my webpage, https://www.mholowchak.com, or at [email protected].
Phone: 434-616-4090
Address: Lynchburg, VA 24504

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University of Notre Dame

Université du Québec à Montréal

Antoine Arjakovsky

Collège des Bernardins

Raphael Johnson

Daniel H Lazare

Tomasz Kamusella

University of St Andrews

Mark D . McGarvie

Suffolk University Boston MA

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Papers by Mark Holowchak

Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Interview on the First Inaugural Address

Interview on Jefferson and Hemings Affair

In this interview, Dr. Holowchak explains why the notion that Jefferson fathered all of Sally Hem... more

Freud’s debt to stoicism? A critical response to Kirsner

Psychoanalytic Psychology, 2010

(2006a) writes of the neglect in the psychoanalytical literature of mention of "Freud's debt to s... more (2006a) writes of the neglect in the psychoanalytical literature of mention of "Freud's debt to stoicism". His essay, he adds, is an attempt to "develop the idea of Freud as a stoic still further". What does it mean to say that Freud is, at least to some degree, a Stoic and that he owes a debt to them? If a debt exists, it exists because there are numerous striking similarities that show a direct or significant influence of the Stoics on Freud. In this commentary, I show that the similarities Kirsner notes are indirect and, most importantly, insignificant. Freud is not in any meaningful sense a Stoic and, thus, he owes no debt to them.

Critical Reasoning and Science: Looking at Science with an Investigative Eye

Part 1 List of Figures Part 2 Preface Chapter 3 Introduction: Science & Critical Reasoning Chapte... more Part 1 List of Figures Part 2 Preface Chapter 3 Introduction: Science & Critical Reasoning Chapter 4 Philosophy of Science with an Investigative Eye: Science and Truth Chapter 5 Causation Chapter 6 Science and Progress Chapter 7 Scientific Practice with an Investigative Eye: Scientific Models Chapter 8 Statistical Hypotheses Chapter 9 Causal Hypotheses Chapter 10 Science & Its Pretenders: Science & Non-Science Part 11 Further Reading

Jefferson’s Moral Agrarianism

Encyclopedia of Food and Agricultural Ethics, 2014

Beyond the death drive: The future of “repetition” and “compulsion to repeat” in psychopathology

Psychoanalytic Psychology, 2015

Duty to God and Duty to Man: Jefferson on Religion, Natural and Sectarian

Sophia, 2015

Jefferson’s Platonic Republicanism

Polis: The Journal for Ancient Greek Political Thought, 2014

That Jefferson execrated Plato in an 1814 letter to friend John Adams. In it, he expresses an uns... more That Jefferson execrated Plato in an 1814 letter to friend John Adams. In it, he expresses an unsympathetic, hostile view of Plato’s Republic, and the reasons are several. Nonetheless, Plato’s views on what makes government fundamentally sound are, at base, remarkably similar to Jefferson’s both in substance and sentiment, so much so that it is inconceivable to think that Plato’s Republic had little effect on Jefferson’s political thinking. That makes his execration of Plato difficult to understand. This paper is an attempt to show that Jefferson, despite the tenor of his letter to Adams, had much more than a dilettante’s grasp of the political content of Plato’s major work. Jefferson was very likely quite familiar with the work, since his own political philosophy assimilates key substratal Platonic political principles of good, stable governing. His disavowal of the work and execration of Plato, then, is due to a constellation of other factors: Adams’s feelings toward Plato, Jeffer...

Aretism: An Ancient Sports Philosophy for the Modern Sports World, M. Andrew Holowchak and Heather L. Reid

Sport in Society, 2012

Aretism: An Ancient Sports Philosophy for the Modern Sports World is a valuable book for students... more Aretism: An Ancient Sports Philosophy for the Modern Sports World is a valuable book for students and academics interested in the philosophy and history of sport, but can also appeal to all those in sports professions, including coaches, trainers and athletes. The book, apart from offering a comprehensive historical review of the development of sport, presents a thoughtprovoking critique of the two traditional models identified in its history: the martial/commercial (MC) and the aesthetic/recreational (AR), while it further suggests that ‘Aretism’ shall be the idealmodel to be adopted. The authors proclaim that the book came as a result of their own interrogation of the discrepancies between the modern Olympic motto ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’ (Faster, Higher, Stronger) and the ancient Greek thought, which, among other issues (e.g. gambling, drugs and violence), reinforced their belief that the traditional competitive sport is in need of a considerable reform. The book is structured into fourmain parts. Part 1, ‘Brief History of Competitive Sport’, includes five chapters (Chapters 1–5) which present the historical evolution of competitive sports from its early roots (Sumerian, Greek and Roman) and its development through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries until its current form of commodification and commercialization. Part 2, ‘The MC Model of Competitive Sport’, comprises six chapters (Chapters 6–11) which start with a listing of the main features of today’s competitive sport and then provide a detailed critique of the failings of it. More specifically, the authors argue that theMCmodel of sport encourages deviant behaviours such as drug use, commitment to performance enhancement at all costs, aggression and violence, exclusion of women, dangerous individualism and obsession with quantification and scores. Thus this naturally leads the reader to the question asked in Part 3, ‘Why Can’t We Just Enjoy Sports?’ In this part, consisting of six chapters (Chapters 12–17), the authors present the counterpart to the MC model, the AR model, which is characterized by the love for fun and play, thus competition is simply a form of play, while rules and others are respected as a precondition of enjoyment. TheARmodel also places an emphasis on the community rather than the individual, as opposed to the MC model, while pleasure, gratification and an appreciation for beauty are greatly valued. In the last chapter of Part 3 (Chapter 17), the aesthetic link between economy and unity is underlined as a suitable cure for the commercially driven sensationalism in competitive sport using vivid examples from traditionally labelled ‘non-aesthetic’ sports such as rowing. Notwithstanding some significant traits attached to the AR model, the authors contend that both models, MC and AR, are too extreme to follow and therefore they suggest an alternative one, the ‘Aretic model’. The last section of this book, Part 4, is perhaps the most fundamental one as it exemplifies the authors’ recommendations for a reform of today’s sport following this new model. The title ‘How Should Sports Be Reformed?’ is rather explicit about the authors’ attempt to offer a different way of living and experiencing sport which they thoroughly

Philosophical Vignettes in Jefferson's Notes on Virginia

Philosophy and Literature, 2013

This paper is an examination of several of Thomas Jefferson's philosophical vignettes in his Note... more This paper is an examination of several of Thomas Jefferson's philosophical vignettes in his Notes on the state of Virginia. i begin with some thoughts on the structure of the book. i then turn to several of Jefferson's intriguing philosophical vignettes, concerning the aesthetic, natural explanation, indians, blacks, education, religion, husbandry, and war. i end with some thoughts on what those vignettes tell us about Jefferson's philosophical frame of mind at the writing of his Notes. Though the sides of this bridge [the natural Bridge] are provided in some parts with a parapet of fixed rocks, yet few men have resolution to walk to them and look over into the abyss. You involuntarily fall on your hands and feet, creep to the parapet and peep over it.. .. it is impossible for the emotions arising from the sublime, to be felt beyond what they are here.-Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the state of Virginia J efferson was a polymath and an avid writer, but his Notes on the state of Virginia was his only book. The book was begun in response to several questions concerning the American states sent indirectly to Jefferson by the secretary of the french legation, 1 françois Barbé-Marbois,

Radical Claims in Freudian Psychoanalysis: Point/Counterpoint

Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Part I: The Oedipus Complex Chapter 1: Freud's Oedipus C... more Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Part I: The Oedipus Complex Chapter 1: Freud's Oedipus Complex: Shibboleth or Canard?, by M. Andrew Holowchak Chapter 2: The Oedipus Complex: Then and Now, by Joel Kupfersmid Chapter 3: Reply to Dr. Holowchak Chapter 4: Reply to Dr. Kupfersmid Part II: Dreams as Wish-Fulfillments Chapter 5: The Puzzle of Dreams, by Michael Michael Chapter 6: The Unhappy Fate of Freud's Dream Theory, by Rosemary Sand Chapter 7: Reply to Dr. Michael Chapter 8: Reply to Dr. Sand Part III: Religion as Illusion Chapter 9: Freud's Critique of Religion, by John Cottingham Chapter 10: Freud and the Psychology of Atheism, by Paul Vitz Chapter 11: Reply to Dr. Cottingham Chapter 12: Reply to Dr. Vitz Part IV: Free Association Chapter 13: On Behalf of Free Association, by Michael Lavin Chapter 14: Epistemological Liabilities of Free Association, by Adolf Grunbaum Chapter 15: Reply to Dr. Lavin (M. Andrew Holowchak) Chapter 16: Reply to Dr. Grunbaum Part V: The U...

Winning table tennis

Five-time U.S. singles and 11-time doubles champion Dan Seemiller, possibly the best American tab... more Five-time U.S. singles and 11-time doubles champion Dan Seemiller, possibly the best American table tennis player ever, shares his secrets for top-level play in "Winning Table Tennis: Skills, Drills, and Strategies."Readers will learn the best table tennis techniques, strategies, and conditioning methods for success. The authors provide beginning through advanced players with practical tips that make a difference.The book features 29 drills for developing better shot-making skills. Seemiller's creative shot and grip innovations will give players an edge. The 124 photos and illustrations make it easy for players to learn the proper techniques and sharpen skills. Plus, the book offers drill variations designed to hone the skills of advanced players and professionals."Winning Table Tennis" shows players how to- choose the right equipment, - serve and return serves, - use proper footwork and get into position, - practice more efficiently, - prepare for competitio...

Aretism: An Ancient Sports Philosophy for the Modern Sports World

Thomas Jefferson and philosophy : essays on the philosophical cast of Jefferson's writings

Happiness and Greek ethical thought

Analysis of TJF's Narrative Concerning the Jefferson's Avowed Affair with Sally Hemings

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation claims that the hypothesis that Jefferson fathered all of Sally H... more The Thomas Jefferson Foundation claims that the hypothesis that Jefferson fathered all of Sally Hemings' children is so abundantly confirmed biologically and historically that it is factual. Analysis of that sentiment as a theoretical hypothesis shows that it is anything but abundantly confirmed. The biological fails to single out Jefferson as the father of the only child tested, Eston Hemings. The historical evidence they proffer is weak and insubstantial. The relevant and substantive evidence that has a bearing on Jefferson's avowed paternity favors alternative hypotheses. Is there a political motive behind their patronage of Jefferson's paternity?

What We Can Learn from One Sentence Excised from Jefferson's Draft of the Declaration of Independence

Jefferson: Religious Freedom or Religious Toleration

because of the passage of his Bill for the Establishment of Religious Freedom, is customarily vie... more because of the passage of his Bill for the Establishment of Religious Freedom, is customarily viewed by scholars as a paladin of religious freedom. Yet there is reason to question that view. To show why that is so, a distinction between advocacy of religious freedom and advocacy of religious tolerance is needed.

Strict Constructionist versus Loose Constructionist Tacks concerning Jeffersonian Scholarship

Jefferson, Yellow Fever, and Rethinking Urbanization

Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Interview on the First Inaugural Address

Interview on Jefferson and Hemings Affair

In this interview, Dr. Holowchak explains why the notion that Jefferson fathered all of Sally Hem... more

Freud’s debt to stoicism? A critical response to Kirsner

Psychoanalytic Psychology, 2010

(2006a) writes of the neglect in the psychoanalytical literature of mention of "Freud's debt to s... more (2006a) writes of the neglect in the psychoanalytical literature of mention of "Freud's debt to stoicism". His essay, he adds, is an attempt to "develop the idea of Freud as a stoic still further". What does it mean to say that Freud is, at least to some degree, a Stoic and that he owes a debt to them? If a debt exists, it exists because there are numerous striking similarities that show a direct or significant influence of the Stoics on Freud. In this commentary, I show that the similarities Kirsner notes are indirect and, most importantly, insignificant. Freud is not in any meaningful sense a Stoic and, thus, he owes no debt to them.

Critical Reasoning and Science: Looking at Science with an Investigative Eye

Part 1 List of Figures Part 2 Preface Chapter 3 Introduction: Science & Critical Reasoning Chapte... more Part 1 List of Figures Part 2 Preface Chapter 3 Introduction: Science & Critical Reasoning Chapter 4 Philosophy of Science with an Investigative Eye: Science and Truth Chapter 5 Causation Chapter 6 Science and Progress Chapter 7 Scientific Practice with an Investigative Eye: Scientific Models Chapter 8 Statistical Hypotheses Chapter 9 Causal Hypotheses Chapter 10 Science & Its Pretenders: Science & Non-Science Part 11 Further Reading

Jefferson’s Moral Agrarianism

Encyclopedia of Food and Agricultural Ethics, 2014

Beyond the death drive: The future of “repetition” and “compulsion to repeat” in psychopathology

Psychoanalytic Psychology, 2015

Duty to God and Duty to Man: Jefferson on Religion, Natural and Sectarian

Sophia, 2015

Jefferson’s Platonic Republicanism

Polis: The Journal for Ancient Greek Political Thought, 2014

That Jefferson execrated Plato in an 1814 letter to friend John Adams. In it, he expresses an uns... more That Jefferson execrated Plato in an 1814 letter to friend John Adams. In it, he expresses an unsympathetic, hostile view of Plato’s Republic, and the reasons are several. Nonetheless, Plato’s views on what makes government fundamentally sound are, at base, remarkably similar to Jefferson’s both in substance and sentiment, so much so that it is inconceivable to think that Plato’s Republic had little effect on Jefferson’s political thinking. That makes his execration of Plato difficult to understand. This paper is an attempt to show that Jefferson, despite the tenor of his letter to Adams, had much more than a dilettante’s grasp of the political content of Plato’s major work. Jefferson was very likely quite familiar with the work, since his own political philosophy assimilates key substratal Platonic political principles of good, stable governing. His disavowal of the work and execration of Plato, then, is due to a constellation of other factors: Adams’s feelings toward Plato, Jeffer...

Aretism: An Ancient Sports Philosophy for the Modern Sports World, M. Andrew Holowchak and Heather L. Reid

Sport in Society, 2012

Aretism: An Ancient Sports Philosophy for the Modern Sports World is a valuable book for students... more Aretism: An Ancient Sports Philosophy for the Modern Sports World is a valuable book for students and academics interested in the philosophy and history of sport, but can also appeal to all those in sports professions, including coaches, trainers and athletes. The book, apart from offering a comprehensive historical review of the development of sport, presents a thoughtprovoking critique of the two traditional models identified in its history: the martial/commercial (MC) and the aesthetic/recreational (AR), while it further suggests that ‘Aretism’ shall be the idealmodel to be adopted. The authors proclaim that the book came as a result of their own interrogation of the discrepancies between the modern Olympic motto ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius’ (Faster, Higher, Stronger) and the ancient Greek thought, which, among other issues (e.g. gambling, drugs and violence), reinforced their belief that the traditional competitive sport is in need of a considerable reform. The book is structured into fourmain parts. Part 1, ‘Brief History of Competitive Sport’, includes five chapters (Chapters 1–5) which present the historical evolution of competitive sports from its early roots (Sumerian, Greek and Roman) and its development through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries until its current form of commodification and commercialization. Part 2, ‘The MC Model of Competitive Sport’, comprises six chapters (Chapters 6–11) which start with a listing of the main features of today’s competitive sport and then provide a detailed critique of the failings of it. More specifically, the authors argue that theMCmodel of sport encourages deviant behaviours such as drug use, commitment to performance enhancement at all costs, aggression and violence, exclusion of women, dangerous individualism and obsession with quantification and scores. Thus this naturally leads the reader to the question asked in Part 3, ‘Why Can’t We Just Enjoy Sports?’ In this part, consisting of six chapters (Chapters 12–17), the authors present the counterpart to the MC model, the AR model, which is characterized by the love for fun and play, thus competition is simply a form of play, while rules and others are respected as a precondition of enjoyment. TheARmodel also places an emphasis on the community rather than the individual, as opposed to the MC model, while pleasure, gratification and an appreciation for beauty are greatly valued. In the last chapter of Part 3 (Chapter 17), the aesthetic link between economy and unity is underlined as a suitable cure for the commercially driven sensationalism in competitive sport using vivid examples from traditionally labelled ‘non-aesthetic’ sports such as rowing. Notwithstanding some significant traits attached to the AR model, the authors contend that both models, MC and AR, are too extreme to follow and therefore they suggest an alternative one, the ‘Aretic model’. The last section of this book, Part 4, is perhaps the most fundamental one as it exemplifies the authors’ recommendations for a reform of today’s sport following this new model. The title ‘How Should Sports Be Reformed?’ is rather explicit about the authors’ attempt to offer a different way of living and experiencing sport which they thoroughly

Philosophical Vignettes in Jefferson's Notes on Virginia

Philosophy and Literature, 2013

This paper is an examination of several of Thomas Jefferson's philosophical vignettes in his Note... more This paper is an examination of several of Thomas Jefferson's philosophical vignettes in his Notes on the state of Virginia. i begin with some thoughts on the structure of the book. i then turn to several of Jefferson's intriguing philosophical vignettes, concerning the aesthetic, natural explanation, indians, blacks, education, religion, husbandry, and war. i end with some thoughts on what those vignettes tell us about Jefferson's philosophical frame of mind at the writing of his Notes. Though the sides of this bridge [the natural Bridge] are provided in some parts with a parapet of fixed rocks, yet few men have resolution to walk to them and look over into the abyss. You involuntarily fall on your hands and feet, creep to the parapet and peep over it.. .. it is impossible for the emotions arising from the sublime, to be felt beyond what they are here.-Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the state of Virginia J efferson was a polymath and an avid writer, but his Notes on the state of Virginia was his only book. The book was begun in response to several questions concerning the American states sent indirectly to Jefferson by the secretary of the french legation, 1 françois Barbé-Marbois,

Radical Claims in Freudian Psychoanalysis: Point/Counterpoint

Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Part I: The Oedipus Complex Chapter 1: Freud's Oedipus C... more Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Part I: The Oedipus Complex Chapter 1: Freud's Oedipus Complex: Shibboleth or Canard?, by M. Andrew Holowchak Chapter 2: The Oedipus Complex: Then and Now, by Joel Kupfersmid Chapter 3: Reply to Dr. Holowchak Chapter 4: Reply to Dr. Kupfersmid Part II: Dreams as Wish-Fulfillments Chapter 5: The Puzzle of Dreams, by Michael Michael Chapter 6: The Unhappy Fate of Freud's Dream Theory, by Rosemary Sand Chapter 7: Reply to Dr. Michael Chapter 8: Reply to Dr. Sand Part III: Religion as Illusion Chapter 9: Freud's Critique of Religion, by John Cottingham Chapter 10: Freud and the Psychology of Atheism, by Paul Vitz Chapter 11: Reply to Dr. Cottingham Chapter 12: Reply to Dr. Vitz Part IV: Free Association Chapter 13: On Behalf of Free Association, by Michael Lavin Chapter 14: Epistemological Liabilities of Free Association, by Adolf Grunbaum Chapter 15: Reply to Dr. Lavin (M. Andrew Holowchak) Chapter 16: Reply to Dr. Grunbaum Part V: The U...

Winning table tennis

Five-time U.S. singles and 11-time doubles champion Dan Seemiller, possibly the best American tab... more Five-time U.S. singles and 11-time doubles champion Dan Seemiller, possibly the best American table tennis player ever, shares his secrets for top-level play in "Winning Table Tennis: Skills, Drills, and Strategies."Readers will learn the best table tennis techniques, strategies, and conditioning methods for success. The authors provide beginning through advanced players with practical tips that make a difference.The book features 29 drills for developing better shot-making skills. Seemiller's creative shot and grip innovations will give players an edge. The 124 photos and illustrations make it easy for players to learn the proper techniques and sharpen skills. Plus, the book offers drill variations designed to hone the skills of advanced players and professionals."Winning Table Tennis" shows players how to- choose the right equipment, - serve and return serves, - use proper footwork and get into position, - practice more efficiently, - prepare for competitio...

Aretism: An Ancient Sports Philosophy for the Modern Sports World

Thomas Jefferson and philosophy : essays on the philosophical cast of Jefferson's writings

Happiness and Greek ethical thought

Analysis of TJF's Narrative Concerning the Jefferson's Avowed Affair with Sally Hemings

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation claims that the hypothesis that Jefferson fathered all of Sally H... more The Thomas Jefferson Foundation claims that the hypothesis that Jefferson fathered all of Sally Hemings' children is so abundantly confirmed biologically and historically that it is factual. Analysis of that sentiment as a theoretical hypothesis shows that it is anything but abundantly confirmed. The biological fails to single out Jefferson as the father of the only child tested, Eston Hemings. The historical evidence they proffer is weak and insubstantial. The relevant and substantive evidence that has a bearing on Jefferson's avowed paternity favors alternative hypotheses. Is there a political motive behind their patronage of Jefferson's paternity?

What We Can Learn from One Sentence Excised from Jefferson's Draft of the Declaration of Independence

Jefferson: Religious Freedom or Religious Toleration

because of the passage of his Bill for the Establishment of Religious Freedom, is customarily vie... more because of the passage of his Bill for the Establishment of Religious Freedom, is customarily viewed by scholars as a paladin of religious freedom. Yet there is reason to question that view. To show why that is so, a distinction between advocacy of religious freedom and advocacy of religious tolerance is needed.

Strict Constructionist versus Loose Constructionist Tacks concerning Jeffersonian Scholarship

Jefferson, Yellow Fever, and Rethinking Urbanization

Why Ukrainians Are Fighting So Valiantly against the Russians A Jeffersonian Lesson for Complacent Americans

he brutal war between Ukraine and Russia incited by Russian forces on February 24, 2022-what Russ... more he brutal war between Ukraine and Russia incited by Russian forces on February 24, 2022-what Russia euphemistically calls its "Special Military Operation" with the twin aims of "de-Nazification" (change of Ukrainian regime) and "demilitarization" (loss of Ukrainian sovereignty)-has not thus far been going according to Vladimir Putin's plan, which according to U.S. intelligence sources was to seize quickly Kyiv and supplant President Volodymyr Zelenskyi with a pro-Russian puppet. Ukrainians, their Jewish president among them, were expected to throw down their arms when confronted by the vaunted Russian military machine and allow Russian soldiers to take control of Ukraine with few Russian casualties. Yet Ukrainian resistance, led by a president who willingly aims to lay down his life in service to his country, has been stout-Ukraine has as of this writing successfully conducted counteroffenses to Russian assaults-and the war today continues with no end in sight. Though thousands of Ukrainians, soldiers as well as innocents, have been killed, their bravery and resolve are unquestioned. Ukraine is performing amazingly well against an adversary that is prodigiously much more equipped. Why?

Jefferson's Racism or the Racism of Jeffersonian Scholars?

Socrates, and Jefferson, in the Classroom Today

ANY PROFESSORS AT HIGHER-LEVEL academic institutions profess to be practitioners of a Socratic me... more ANY PROFESSORS AT HIGHER-LEVEL academic institutions profess to be practitioners of a Socratic method of teaching. Many, if not most, of such practitioners presume that the method facilitates true learning. Socratic teaching and learning are not reducible, in John Dewey's words, to pouring information into the heads of students, but they are a matter of drawing out what is, in some sense, already there.

Jefferson's Affair with Betsy Walker

Was Jefferson a Moral Relativist?

Jefferson and Sally Hemings: The Myth Goes on

Did Jefferson Really Have an Affair with Sally Hemings? Holowchak argues cogently for its gross i... more