The ability to think clearly and logically is an asset for humans from all walks of life. This is especially the case for those who are recovering from an addiction. Why? Gut feelings and (oft) irrational beliefs are frequently the “weapon of choice” for addicts and important factors in what…
A presentation held at the Institute for Philosophy & Social Theory (Belgrade) by Professor J. Angelo Corlett in 2012. Corlett argues that given the plausibility of some of the basic tenants of just war theories, the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq is morally wrong and that those most directly…
This graph depicts some of the most influential thinkers of western philosophy. It was created by Simon Raper (of Drunks & Lampposts) and maps various philosophers’ direct lines of influence with one another over time. Based on this model, each philosopher is a node in the network and the lines…
Philosopher Stephen Cave begins with a dark but compelling question: When did you first realize you were going to die? And even more interesting: Why do we humans so often resist the inevitability of death? Cave explores four (largely western) narratives that we tell ourselves in order to help us…
Sure…we all know people who are jerks. Maybe we’re even a jerk at times. But what exactly does it mean to be a jerk? Professor of philosophy, Eric Schwitzgebel discusses his “Theory of Jerkitude” in detail and claims that one of the great benefits of such a theory: in addition…
Have you ever wondered what it takes to think like a philosopher? According to many, the capacity for reflective equilibrium is imperative. According to Massimo Pigliucci, Professor of Philosophy at City College of New York, it is a fundamental tool in the philosopher’s toolbox. But what exactly is reflective equilibrium…
A healthy amount of doubt and skepticism (in its generic sense) is a good thing. But what happens when skepticism goes radically awry or turns into cynicism? According to George Carlin, “Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist.” Put in context…yes! However, one could also argue that idealism…
We can’t control if we’ll die, but we can “occupy death,” in the words of Peter Saul, an emergency doctor. He asks us to think about the end of our lives — and to question against the modern model of slow, intubated death in hospitals. Two big questions can help…
