Philosophy in the News
- Being Pythagoras’s +1
An interview with philosopher Phil Horky.
- Rinrigaku and Our Broken Web of Trust
The relations of trust between us are so foundational to everyday life that they remain largely invisible until they begin to break down.
- Making Choices, Living Differences
We're all keen on diversity these days—as long as it stays within proper boundaries. When it comes to moral values though, diverse perspectives can make us uncomfortable. As globalisation brings people ever closer together, human societies have become more accommodating—so how do we manage it, and how can we do better? (audio)
- Statement on Liberal Arts Education
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) has issued a statement on the value of liberal arts education and urgingr resistance to moves which would revision college as narrowly vocational or restrict liberal arts education to those with privilege.
- What’s Your (Epistemic) Relationship to Science?
Research on public understanding of science often conflates knowledge and understanding.
- Moral Injury in War
Moral injury is trauma which results from being ordered to do something in a "high-stakes situation" that violates an individual's deeply held beliefs about what is right. In the heat of battle, soldiers are often ordered to do things that are unspeakable in civil society and suffer the psychological consequences. When you have a physical injury, go to the doctor. A psychological injury? Get thee to a psychiatrist. But what can be done if you suffer from a “moral injury?
- Genealogical Anxiety
An Interview with philosopher Amia Srinivasan, author of Geneological Anxiety.
- The Ethics of Health Care Rationing
An interview with philosopher Greg Bognar.
- Philosophers Gone Wildly Wrong
Four philosophers who realized they were completely wrong about things.
- The Justification of Refugee Policies
This essay pertains in the first instance to Australian policies of detention of asylum seekers, but the discussion by Australian philosopher Tony Coady can be a starting point for thinking about what does or does not justify any state's policies about refugees.
- Martin Luther King: Political Philosopher
We don't routinely think of political figures as philosophers, but when but comes to Martin Luther King—maybe we should. More than a civil rights leader, more than a great orator, King was a deep thinker with a remarkably coherent vision of the moral life and a bracing take on some of the fundamental questions of political philosophy. (audio)
- Why Watching Westworld Matters.
The pleasure of entertainment aside, the makers of the series have produced a powerful work of philosophy. But not because of any theorizing. Actually watching “Westworld” matters.
- The Myth of Perfect Rationality
"There is more to be said for stupidity than people imagine. Personally I have great admiration for stupidity." –Oscar Wilde
- Just How Many Pet Monkeys Did Thomas Kuhn Have?
And then Walker remarks 'while feeding his pet monkeys in Princeton, Thomas Kuhn remarked how social scientists regularly misappropriated his idea of paradigms.' Pet monkeys? I had to know: How many pet monkeys did Kuhn have?
- Techno-wisdom Now!
Technology isn't value-neutral. Unless we understand the ethical assumptions behind our technology, we can't trust the solutions it offers.
- Further Challenges to Incentivization
William Butchard & Robert D'Amico (UF). "Reply to Further Defenses of Incentivization". Philosophy of the Social Sciences 47 (6):463-471 (2017).
- Philosopher Runs for Congress
"My philosophical investigations have established the theoretical basis of my campaign."
- Is Muffins Your Friend?
The philosophy of animals has traditionally focussed on rights: asking whether they have property rights over habitats, or rights to not be killed for food. Animal ethicist John Hadley investigates a new frontier: can you be "friends" with your pet? If the philosophy of friendship can't make room for animals, where does that leave some humans we know? (audio)
- The Virtue of Frugality
Philosopher Emrys Westacott discusses the virtues of simple living in a complex time (audio)
- How the Light Goes to London
The 2018 How the Light Gets In festival of philosophy and music has just wrapped up, but festival organizers have announced, the event is also going to London this Fall!