Recent additions to the Heap…

1. Wittgenstein’s Tractatus turns 100 — 10 philosophers provide brief remarks on the book
2. The year in physics — a review at Quanta Magazine
3. Are you worried about the development of “robots single-mindedly intent on pursuing their own goals without any regard for the collateral damage”? — they–or something relevantly similar to them–are already here, argues Gabriele Contessa (Carleton)
4. The two iron laws of college reading — from Harry Brighouse (Wisconsin)
5. “If the opposition is attacked, undermined, disorganised and divided to the point where it becomes unelectable or incapable of forming an alternative government, we are no longer in a situation where unpopular leaders can be voted out” — Jonathan Wolff (Oxford) on the importance to a democracy of “treating opponents as legitimate adversaries, not treasonous enemies”
6. “What should we, then, think of such a dogmatic person’s dogmatism? How should we evaluate this character trait from an epistemic perspective?” — Mandi Astola (Eindhoven) on the value of distinguishing between the epistemic traits of individuals and those of the groups of which they’re a part
7. “It is far better never to contemplate investigating the truth about any matter than to do so without a method” — Richard Marshall interviews Rene Descartes at 3:16AM

Mini-Heap posts usually appear when 7 or so new items accumulate in the Heap of Links, a collection of items from around the web that may be of interest to philosophers. Discussion welcome.

The Heap of Links consists partly of suggestions from readers; if you find something online that you think would be of interest to the philosophical community, please send it in for consideration for the Heap. Thanks!