David Hume stands as a monumental figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, a period of intellectual flourishing in 18th-century Scotland. His multifaceted contributions span philosophy, history, economics, and literature, leaving an indelible mark on Western thought. Hume’s legacy endures today, celebrated for his pioneering work in philosophical empiricism, skepticism, and naturalism. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in…
John Locke was born on August 29, 1632, in Wrington, Somerset, England, into a relatively affluent Puritan family. His father, also named John Locke, was a country lawyer and small landowner, while his mother, Agnes Keene, came from a distinguished family. Locke received his early education at the Westminster School in London, where he studied…
In the annals of history, certain figures stand out not only for their intellectual prowess but also for their courage to challenge the norms of their time. Hypatia of Alexandria, a luminary of the ancient world, epitomizes such a figure. A Neoplatonist philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician, Hypatia resided in Alexandria, Egypt, during a time when…
Ludwig Josef Johann Wittgenstein was born on April 26, 1889, into one of the wealthiest families in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His father, Karl Wittgenstein, was a successful industrialist who made his fortune in the iron and steel industry. Ludwig’s mother, Leopoldine, came from a respected Viennese family. Despite his privileged upbringing, Wittgenstein’s family life was…
Dame Jocelyn Barbara Hepworth DBE remains a towering figure in the annals of art history, revered for her groundbreaking contributions to modern sculpture. Born in Wakefield, England, in 1903, Hepworth’s artistic journey spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of 20th-century art. Hepworth’s work epitomizes the essence of Modernism, characterized by a departure…
John Dewey stands as a towering figure in American philosophy and education, revered for his groundbreaking contributions to both fields. As a leading proponent of pragmatism, Dewey rejected the dualistic epistemology and metaphysics of traditional philosophy, instead championing a naturalistic approach that emphasized the dynamic relationship between humans and their environment. This article explores Dewey’s…
Al-Murabitun, also known as The Sentinels, is a militant group formed from the merger of the al-Mulathamun Battalion and Tawhid Wal Jihad in West Africa (TWJWA) in August 2013. Led by veteran extremist Mokhtar Belmokhtar, the group aims to unite Muslims across North and West Africa in jihad against Westerners and to liberate Mali from…
Since its inception in 2007, Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has emerged as a formidable force challenging the stability and security of Pakistan and the wider region. Born out of an alliance of militant networks, TTP’s objectives are rooted in a fervent opposition to the Pakistani government and a desire to impose its strict interpretation of…
The Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C) and the Kurdistan People’s Congress (Kongra-Gel or KGK) have been two prominent actors in the landscape of Turkish domestic terrorism, each with its distinct ideologies, tactics, and objectives. DHKP/C, born out of factional infighting in 1994, holds a Marxist-Leninist stance, vehemently opposing US and NATO presence in Turkey alongside…
Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LJ), a militant organization rooted in anti-Shia ideology, has been a significant force in Pakistan’s landscape since its inception in 1996. Founded as a splinter group of Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan, LJ has espoused a Deobandi interpretation of Sunni Islam, seeking to establish a Deobandi-dominated state in Pakistan. This has led to a relentless campaign of…
