public philosophy
Mini-Heap
Recent additions to the Heap of Links… (more…)
Utilitas Becomes Open Access
At the end of October, Utilitas, one of the leading journals in moral philosophy, converted to an open-access publication. (more…)
David Gauthier (1932–2023)
David Gauthier, professor emeritus of philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh, has died. (more…)
There Is No Military Objective In Gaza (guest post)
“There is no feasible or achievable military goal, legitimate or otherwise, for Israel’s bloody campaign in Gaza.” (more…)
Philosopher Appointed to Advisory Group on UK Digital Currency
Alex Voorhoeve, Professor and Head of the Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method Department at the London School of Economics, has been appointed to the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Academic Advisory Group, run by the Bank of England and the UK Treasury. (more…)
Israel & Hamas: Another Letter, Another Critical Response (updated)
As mentioned in an update to this post, a group of philosophers posted an open letter, dated November 1, 2023, under the heading “Philosophy for Palestine.” (more…)
SUNY Potsdam Cuts: Further Details / Update: What You Can Do to Help (updated)
Last month we saw that the Philosophy program at SUNY Potsdam is once again under threat.
In the meanwhile, an unofficial philosophy site has been updated with some further information about the cuts.
Mini-Heap
Recent additions to the Heap… (more…)
Proportionality and Responsibility in the Israel-Hamas Conflict (guest post)
What do the “moral constraints that apply to defensive force” imply in a situation as complicated as the conflict between Israel and Hamas? (more…)
Justin Donhauser (1981-2023)
Justin Donhauser, assistant teaching professor at Bowling Green State University, has died. (more…)
What Can Philosophers Contribute to Space Exploration?
A new report from NASA considers the ethical, legal, and societal implications of its Artemis project.
Inaugural Anita Silvers Prize Awarded
Kevin Mintz, a postdoctoral scholar at the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, is the winner of the first Anita Silvers Prize. (more…)
New Resource: Database of Philosophical Research on Policing (guest post)
Ben Jones (Penn State) and some of his colleagues have launched a Policing, Policy, and Philosophy Initiative. (more…)
Philosophies of the City
The inaugural issue of the Philosophy of the City Journal was published recently. (more…)
Is Someone Selling Your Dissertation Without Your Permission?
A lecturer in philosophy at a UK university discovered that a company has been selling his recent dissertation as a book online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, and Blackwell’s, complete with a cover.
ACU, Despite Citing University Finances as Reason for Cuts to Dianoia, Funds New Hires and Centers
Australian Catholic University (ACU) recently announced a plan that involves closing its Dianoia Institute of Philosophy and making 14 of its existing faculty compete through a re-application process for only 4 positions, as well as cutting faculty in history, political science, theology, and religious studies. (more…)
Not-Very-Mini-Heap & The Subscription Problem
I didn’t publish any “Mini-Heap” posts over the summer for two reasons.
Philosopher’s Annual – 2022 Edition
The new Philosopher’s Annual has been compiled.
Journal Articles: Quantity & Quality
“Considering my own area of philosophy of language and mind, I don’t think there is all that much difference between most of what gets published in the ‘top’ journals, and most of what gets published in the ‘tier 2 ‘journals. My sense is that there is rather too much good work to keep track of, not that the difference between the top tier and the tier 2 journals is ..
$2.97 Million Grant for Course on Human Flourishing
Meghan Sullivan, professor of philosophy and director of the Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Study (NDIAS) at the University of Notre Dame, has received a $2.97 million grant to lead a project developing courses on human flourishing. (more…)
How to Tell Whether an AI Is Conscious (guest post)
“We can apply scientific rigor to the assessment of AI consciousness, in part because… we can identify fairly clear indicators associated with leading theories of consciousness, and show how to assess whether AI systems satisfy them.” (more…)
Professors’ Lawsuit Says Idaho Anti-Abortion Law Violates Free Speech Rights
A group of professors, including two philosophy professors, along with the Idaho Federation of Teachers and the University of Idaho Faculty Federation, have filed a lawsuit challenging a 2021 state law that prevents state funds from being used to “procure, counsel in favor, refer to or perform an abortion”. (more…)
Catherine Hundleby (1966-2023)
Catherine Hundleby, professor of philosophy at the University of Windsor, has died. (more…)
Guess Which Philosopher Got Booted From Twitter/X (Multiple Updates)
A philosopher recently got banned from Twitter/X. Can you guess who it is?
Here’s a hint: just remember that Twitter/X is currently our best known approximation of Bizarro World. (more…)
That’s Not How Layoffs/Redundancies Work, Sussex
The University of Sussex is reportedly attempting to lay off a philosophy lecturer while at the same time advertising a new position to teach the very same courses he does. (more…)
Academic Freedom & Violence: The Kershnar Case Continues
Lawyers for Steven Kershnar argued, in a hearing earlier this month, that the philosophy professor should be allowed back on the SUNY Fredonia campus, where he has long been employed. (more…)
NEH Grants Recently Awarded to Philosophers
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) recently announced its latest grant awards.
Recipients include several philosophy faculty. (more…)
Faculty Sue University for Wrongful Termination & Retaliation
Philosophy professor Charles Emmer and 10 other employees have filed a federal lawsuit against Emporia State University, who terminated their employment last September. (more…)