Philosophy in the News
- Philosophizing with Guns
Philosophy graduate student Simone Gubler wonders if it is possible to learn freely in the presence of firearms. Fifty years after a massacre at her home institution UT Austin, we are about to find out.
- Philosophical Portraits
Graduate philosophy student Renee Jorgensen Bolinger paints portraits of renowned philosophers in era- or thematically-appropriate painting styles.
- The Logic of Paradox
An interview with philosopher Bruno Whittle.
- Is Voting Out of Self-interest Wrong?
In fact we do. And in some cases it can be ethically justified, says philosopher Gary Gutting.
- Bigger Than Chaos
An interview with philosopher of science Michael Strevens.
- Moral Diversity
Why do we have disagreements? Not the garden variety types, but the heavier moral stuff—which divides families, neighbours, even entire communities. Moral diversity might indicate that some are right and others wrong—or could hint at our own perceptions. In a world where the fault-lines are cracking open, what is useful about moral diversity? (audio)
- On Faith and Doubt
Philosopher William Irwin argues that belief without doubt would not be required by an all-loving God, and it should not be worn as a badge of honor.
- The Philosopher and the World Bank
What happened when the World Bank asked a philosophy professor to consider its policies?
- Image and Mind
Philosopher Greg Currie talks about the nature of film, addressing questions about perception and time in relation to the movies. (audio)
- Ontology of Colour
An interview with philosopher of mind and colour Jonathan Cohen.
- Should Borders Be Abolished?
Countries have the right to restrict immigration, at least in theory. The question is whether they should have this right, and, if so, on what basis. (This is the first in the BBC's new series The Global Philosopher featuring Michael Sandel in discussion with people from around the world.) (video)
- Double Consciousness
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy has a new entry on the conept of double consciousness. Double-consciousness is a concept in social philosophy referring, originally, to a source of inward “twoness” putatively experienced by African-Americans because of their racialized oppression and disvaluation in a white-dominated society. The concept is often associated with William Edward Burghardt Du Bois. In our day it continues to be used and discussed by numerous commentators—philosophical and otherwise—on racialized cultures, societies, and literatures, by cultural and literary theorists, and by students and investigators of Africana Philosophy. Recent philosophical debates center on the significance of the concept for Du Bois's thought overall, its theoretical coherence, and its relevance for current social conditions.
- Language from the Inside Out
According to Noam Chomsky language did not emerge because we had to talk to each other to get things done; rather, for an adequate explanation we need to look inward rather than outward; a task that might exceed our physical limits. Is understanding the kind of creatures we are even possible? A discussion with Noam Chomsky on the origins of language. (audio)
- Transhumans vs Body Hackers
Philosopher Alva Noë dicusses transhumanism, body hacking and whether there is anything new under the sun.
- Firstness, Secondness and Thirdness
Philosopher Cathy Legg discusses Pierce's three modes of being and how they position philosophy's fundamental contribution to our knowledge of reality. (audio)
- The Philosophical Child
Tech Insider talks to Jana Mohr Lone, author of The Philosophical Child, about what it is like teaching philosophy to kids of all ages.
- Philosopher Wins Largest Research Grant in the Humanities Ever (Probably)
Philosopher Michael Lynch and historian Brendan Kane have been awarded a $5.75 million grant for The Public Discourse Project: Balancing Humility and Conviction in Public Life.
- Social Science and the Ant Trap
The social sciences are about social entities – things like corporations and traffic jams, mobs and money, parents and war criminals. But what counts as a social entity? Philosopher Brian Epstein argues that traditional views are untenably anthropocentric and pursues the implications of this fact. (audio)
- Get a Conscience (Click Here Now)
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy has a new entry on conscience. Through our individual conscience, we become aware of our deeply held moral principles, we are motivated to act upon them, and we assess our character, our behavior and ultimately our self against those principles. Different philosophical, religious and common sense approaches to conscience have emphasized different aspects of this broad characterization.
- A Noble Paradigm
Hilary Putnam (1926-2016) believed that philosophy was for all human beings, a wake-up call to the humanity in us all. Philosopher Matha Nussbaum reflects on Putnam's exemplary life in philosophy.