Philosophy in the News
- What Is Space?
In 1717, a battle was waged over this question. Exactly 300 years later, it continues.
- Knowing a Person
Philosophers often talk about 'knowing that', and 'knowing how'. But what is involved in knowing another person? Philosopher Katalin Farkas discusses this question. (audio)
- How Philosophy Makes Progress
Does philosophy make progress? Philosopher Daniel Stoljar thinks it does, and he defends that idea in his new book, Philosophical Progress: In Defence of a Reasonable Optimism.
- Radical Dimensions
Relativity says we live in four dimensions. String theory says it's 10. What are ‘dimensions' and how do they affect reality?
- Is Moral Responsibility a Boondoggle?
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy has a new entry on skepticism about moral responsibility. This refers to a view that human beings are never morally responsible for their actions. Some think moral responsibility is incoherent or impossible. Others maintain that our best philosophical and scientific theories about the world provide strong and compelling reasons for adopting skepticism about moral responsibility.
- Peter Simons, For the Most Part
An interview with Peter Simons.
- How Socio-ancestry Might Replace the Concept of Race
It's an idea at the heart of civil rights and revolution—but if we turn a philosophical eye to the concept of race, what do we find? Not much according Professor Lionel McPherson. A more useful concept, he believes, might be one grounded in socio-ancestry. We discuss how that might work—and how this alternative conception would affect the philosophy of race? (audio)
- Onora O’neill Wins $1 Million Philosophy Prize
Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture recognises lifetime achievement in philosophy and public service.
- What Is Philosophy?
A few answers from philosophers.
- Philosophy Majors Step in to Fill Tech Talent Gap
Tech is facing a talent gap and the type of logical thinking taught in philosophy can be just the ticket.
- How to Take Pascal’s Wager
Suppose an unbeliever like you took Pascal's wager — were convinced that believing in god was a no-lose proposition. How would you go about doing it? Just pretending until it sticks sounds vaguely wrong. Popping a conversion pill (if it existed) sounds wrong too. So, how might an aspirant learn to believe in god?
- Martin Luther King’s Philosophy Class
As a visiting professor, Martin Luther King, Jr. taught a seminar in social and political philosophy at Morehouse College. What was on the syllabus?
- Fuel for the Will
Alfred Mele spent four years and four million dollars trying to get to the bottom of free will. So, how did that work out? His mega project attempted to understand free will in philosophy, science, and religion. One view he holds is that free will is a bit like fuel: it comes in grades, depending on what you think free will actually is. And he's certain that science has some way to go if it wants to debunk free will. (audio)
- Presentism
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy has a new entry on presentism. Presentism is the view that only present things exist (as opposed to past or future things). While that may sound like commonsense to you, it is in fact controversial and fantastically hard to maintain!
- Angels of Medieval Philosophy
Be surprised by how many philosophical problems arise in connection with angels (how many can dance on the head of a pin is not one of them). (audio)
- Autonomy, Self, and Substance Abuse
Immanuel Kant held that rights, responsibilities, and the special status of ‘person' stem from someone's capacity to use reason in directing their behaviour. So what happens when we don't use it? From grabbing the last piece of chocolate cake to compulsive substance use—self-destructive decisions can add layers of meaning to Kant's idea of the rationally autonomous self. (audio)
- A Well-ordered Universe of One’s Own
An interview with philosopher MArcy Lascano who works in 17th and 18th century philosophy – mainly metaphysics and with an emphasis on women philosophers.
- Husserl’s Legacy
An interview with philosopher Dan Zahavi.
- Philosophy of Trees
Socrates' once said, 'the trees teach me nothing'. It seems as though no one ever had another thought about it.
- What Machines Can’t Do
Will computers ever match human intelligence? (video)