philosophy
TagDiscussion Arcs for Topics and Philosophers (guest post)
When over the past 85 years have certain terms and persons been more or less frequently discussed in the philosophical literature? (more…)
An AI Analyzes Philosophers’ Discussion of AI
Last week I posted about PhilLit, a new AI research tool for philosophers that finds and summarizes philosophical writing. The post generated a lot of comments, which prompted one reader to run a little experiment. (more…)
On Philosophy’s Importance
“You want to know why philosophy matters? This is the true answer, and the one upon which we must plant our flag: philosophy is the most productive force ever discovered by human beings and we are responsible for modernity. Philosophy is the great gear deep in the heart of the world, and when that gear moves, the Earth trembles.” (more…)
Does the Size of the Universe Matter to Whether Anything Objectively Matters?
“The universe is old, big, and empty. In comparison, we are new and small.” (more…)
Philosophy to the Rescue of Science
The pessimistic meta-induction—the argument that since past scientific theories have been shown to be false, we should expect that today’s will turn out false, too—makes the New York Times. (more…)
Just What Exactly Does Santa Know, and How? (guest post)
He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows when you’re awake. What else does Santa Claus know, and how does he know it? (more…)
Frege and Philosophy at Home
When did analytic philosophy begin? Many who ask that question answer: 1879, the year Gottlob Frege’s Begriffsschrift was published. But how did Frege, a math professor whose studies originally focused on geometry, do it? Is it true that “Frege created logic and analytic philosophy out of nothing”? (more…)
On Social Metaphysics
“What do we want the theory for?” (more…)
What’s in a Name? “Philosophy” in Non-European Traditions (guest post)
If certain cultures didn’t have the word “philosophy,” or a word that can directly be translated with “philosophy,” is it illegitimate, maybe culturally imperialist, to impose it on them? (more…)
My Crystal Ball
At the end of October, 2015 I made five predictions about “the state of philosophy in ten years.” How was my forecasting? (more…)
Opposing Orthodoxy about Heterodoxy
“Whenever I see people engaged in philosophical debate or argument, I want to see people trying to win. I like my philosophy adversarial, aggressive, combative, and even hostile. I think there are some good reasons for this approach… but I also think it’s more fun that way. (more…)
“Pity the Poor Reader”
“Pity the poor reader” is one of philosopher Penelope Maddy‘s writing maxims. (more…)
The Personal Value of Conversations Across Serious Disagreement (guest post)
“I know that people are reluctant to voice objections to things I’ve said, not because I’ve given a convincing argument, but because I’m a person with a disability making claims about disability, and it just feels uncomfortable to voice hard objections… I get this… But for my work, it is poison.” (more…)
Against “Throwaway Culture” in Philosophy
Throwaway culture refers to a culture in which the consumption and production of many goods is based on the practice of discarding them after just one or a few uses. (more…)
Sullivan Wins Simon Award
Emily Sullivan, associate professor of philosophy at Utrecht University, is the winner of the 2025 Herbert A. Simon Award for Outstanding Research in Computing and Philosophy. (more…)
Müller Wins Covey Award
Vincent C. Müller, professor of philosophy and ethics of AI and director of the Centre for Philosophy and AI Research at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, is the winner of the 2025 Covey Award. (more…)
Philosophical Canon Expansion Gets Big Boost in Minnesota
Philosophers at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities have been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation to further support the work of their Center for Canon Expansion and Change. (more…)
Part of the Analytic Tradition, But Maybe Not Philosophers
“Are there people who are unambiguously part of the analytic movement, but it is an interesting question whether they are an analytic philosopher?” (more…)
While Tables Burn: On the (Non) Existence of Trans People and the Failure of Philosophy (guest post)
“There are indeed consequences when we punch down or pretend that what is, in fact, a hostile attack, is merely ‘inquiry for inquiry’s sake.’ Aside from the emotional wounds we inflict on actual people, philosophical discourse matters beyond that. It did matter in this case.” (more…)
Philosopher & Artist Couple’s Film Nominated for an Oscar
One of the Academy Award nominees for Best Live Action Short Film of 2024 was written and directed by Adam J. Graves, professor of philosophy at Metropolitan State University of Denver, and produced by his wife, artist Suchitra Mattai (among others). (more…)
The Philosophical Lexicon (updated)
A commenter the other day used “chisholm” as a verb, reminding me that it has been a while since The Philosophical Lexicon has made the rounds (or so it seems to me). (more…)
A Love Letter to Philosophy
“Philosophical enquiry makes the entire planet better than it would otherwise be. It helps constitute the awesomeness of Earth. Philosophy needs no further excuse.” (more…)
A Taxonomy of “Philosophy Moves” (updated)
There is joy, and sometimes perverse satisfaction, in the work of philosophy—a rush that can be difficult to relate to those not already bitten by the bug. Philosophers find reward in deducing surprises by revealing unforeseen entailments, deriving implications of views one already holds, and delighting in the buzzy squirms that come with the resulting cognitive d..
New 21st Century Monads Album & Video
The 21st Century Monads have released a new album, The World Soul. (more…)
“Gpt could easily get a PhD on any philosophical topic”
“If you do it right, talking with Gpt is like talking with someone who’s seriously studied and thought hard about philosophy. Gpt could easily get a PhD on any philosophical topic. More than that, I’ve had many philosophical discussions with professional philosophers that were much less philosophical than my recent chats with Gpt.” (more…)
Philosophy Departments Under Threat: Information, Pro-Active Strategies, Defense
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Many philosophy departments and programs have been targeted for cuts or elimination over the past several years, and many currently are undergoing reviews by administrators looking to make budget cuts or other changes that may end up negatively affecting philosophy departments. (more…)
Patriotism, etc.
In light of Donald Trump’s election victory, there are both substantive and strategic reasons to take up questions about what patriotism is and what it asks of us.
What Philosophical Idea Or Position Do You Find The Scariest?
It’s Halloween, and philosophers everywhere are dressing up as obscure ideas and concepts that they’ll have to spend too much time explaining. Costumes are fun, but let’s not forget the horror, shall we? (more…)