By any reckoning, Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778) is one of the most influential Western philosophers in history. No account of the modern era—not just modern thought—could ignore him. Few courses in political or social theory would think to omit him. It is therefore worth coming to grips with his thought and its legacy. But like any… Continue reading The philosophy of Jean-Jacques Rousseau is profoundly contemporary
At a time when humans are threatening the extinction of so many other species, some people think that the extinction of our own species would be of benefit. Take, for example, the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement, whose founder believes that our extinction would put an end to the damage we inflict on each other and… Continue reading Solve suffering by blowing up the universe? The dubious philosophy of human extinction
Have you ever wondered if you’re just a character in some elaborate simulation? You shake the thought off because you’re a real person, living a real life, in a concrete reality. But can you be certain that you are? Isn’t it at least possible that your body and the world around you are nothing but… Continue reading The philosophy of the film Free Guy – could we just be lines of code in a grand simulation?
It is often said that we live in a “post-truth” era. It is unclear at times what role, if any, truth plays in politics. During the pandemic, world leaders dismissed the advice of experts and acted against empirical data. Democracies have felt precarious — in the US, during the Trump presidency, and in countries like… Continue reading Five lessons on bringing truth back to politics from Britain’s first female philosophy professor — Susan Stebbing
In 1845, Karl Marx declared: “philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to change it”. Change it he did. Political movements representing masses of new industrial workers, many inspired by his thought, reshaped the world in the 19th and 20th centuries through revolution and reform. His work influenced unions, labour… Continue reading Karl Marx’s philosophy explained
The ancient philosophers had a lot to say back in the day, and even now they’re still communicating with us. It’s one thing to have your parents and grandparents lecture you about your dating life, but when the long-dead philosophers start with the judgement, time to roll your eyes and say “alright, let’s have it”.… Continue reading Ancient philosophers talk modern technological dating
