philosophy

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#education

Ancient texts depict all kinds of people, not just straight and cis ones - this college course looks at LGBTQ sexuality and gender in Egypt, Greece and Rome

The course 'LGBTQ Antiquity' reveals ancient Mediterranean literary texts depicting sexual and gender diversity, promoting understanding beyond modern labels.

Poverty & the Brain

Poverty significantly hinders success in America, challenging the myth of the 'self-made' individual.

Kids should be encouraged to talk back - 5 tips for teaching them critical thinking skills

Teaching kids critical thinking helps them navigate life effectively.

What is resilience? A psychologist explains the main ingredients that help people manage stress

Resilience is an ability that can be developed through practice, rather than being an innate quality or simple choice.

What are We (Not) Doing When We Struggle to Ask Good Questions?

Encouraging question formulation in students is essential for their learning process, highlighting the pedagogical challenge faced by educators.

Introduction to Ethics, Steph Butera

The educational deficit in Memphis necessitates innovative and equitable teaching strategies that enhance student learning and engagement.

Ancient texts depict all kinds of people, not just straight and cis ones - this college course looks at LGBTQ sexuality and gender in Egypt, Greece and Rome

The course 'LGBTQ Antiquity' reveals ancient Mediterranean literary texts depicting sexual and gender diversity, promoting understanding beyond modern labels.

Poverty & the Brain

Poverty significantly hinders success in America, challenging the myth of the 'self-made' individual.

Kids should be encouraged to talk back - 5 tips for teaching them critical thinking skills

Teaching kids critical thinking helps them navigate life effectively.

What is resilience? A psychologist explains the main ingredients that help people manage stress

Resilience is an ability that can be developed through practice, rather than being an innate quality or simple choice.

What are We (Not) Doing When We Struggle to Ask Good Questions?

Encouraging question formulation in students is essential for their learning process, highlighting the pedagogical challenge faced by educators.

Introduction to Ethics, Steph Butera

The educational deficit in Memphis necessitates innovative and equitable teaching strategies that enhance student learning and engagement.
moreeducation
#democracy

Why trying to protect freedom may work better than campaigning to protect democracy

Kamala Harris focuses on protecting freedom rather than just saving democracy, indicating a shift in campaign messaging.

Police Militarization

The militarization of police poses ethical questions about their role in a democracy.

Why trying to protect freedom may work better than campaigning to protect democracy

Kamala Harris focuses on protecting freedom rather than just saving democracy, indicating a shift in campaign messaging.

Police Militarization

The militarization of police poses ethical questions about their role in a democracy.
moredemocracy

Unthanksgiving Day: A celebration of Indigenous resistance to colonialism, held yearly at Alcatraz

The Indigenous People's Thanksgiving Sunrise Ceremony highlights Indigenous resistance and activism since the impact of colonialism.

The story of Ohio's ancient Native complex and its long journey for recognition as a World Heritage site

The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks in Ohio exemplify notable Native American achievements in science and astronomy, earning UNESCO World Heritage status.
#mindfulness

What the ancient Indian text Bhagavad Gita can teach about not putting too much of our identity and emotions into work

Mindfulness techniques from the Bhagavad Gita may help address contemporary workplace dissatisfaction.

Mindfulness is about 'remembering' a practice of coming back to the now

Mindfulness is increasingly adopted as a secular practice for improving quality of life and reducing stress.

What the ancient Indian text Bhagavad Gita can teach about not putting too much of our identity and emotions into work

Mindfulness techniques from the Bhagavad Gita may help address contemporary workplace dissatisfaction.

Mindfulness is about 'remembering' a practice of coming back to the now

Mindfulness is increasingly adopted as a secular practice for improving quality of life and reducing stress.
moremindfulness
#cultural-history

The Christmas tree is a tradition older than Christmas

Many people endure Christmas tree hassles to participate in an ancient ritual symbolizing life, despite the modern inconveniences involved.

Santa, maybe? Why we have different names for who 'hurries down the chimney' on Christmas

Santa Claus, a name derived from Sinter Klaas, became widely recognized in the U.S. only in the late 18th century, influenced by Dutch heritage.

ToC: Journal of Chinese Studies 79

The latest volume of the Journal of Chinese Studies explores diverse themes across history, literature, and culture over a span of 210 pages.

The Christmas tree is a tradition older than Christmas

Many people endure Christmas tree hassles to participate in an ancient ritual symbolizing life, despite the modern inconveniences involved.

Santa, maybe? Why we have different names for who 'hurries down the chimney' on Christmas

Santa Claus, a name derived from Sinter Klaas, became widely recognized in the U.S. only in the late 18th century, influenced by Dutch heritage.

ToC: Journal of Chinese Studies 79

The latest volume of the Journal of Chinese Studies explores diverse themes across history, literature, and culture over a span of 210 pages.
morecultural-history

How an American magazine helped launch one of Britain's favorite Christmas carols

'In the Bleak Midwinter' evolved from a poem to a beloved carol, illustrating the transformative power of music on poetic works.
#ethics

Technology will never be a god - but has it become a religion?

Anthony Levandowski's Way of the Future proposed early worship of AI to avoid future repercussions from a technological god.

Health Care & Moral Objections II: Patients

Health care workers should retain moral autonomy, but the implications of a right to refuse treatment based on personal values merit careful consideration and caution.

Art & Ethics: Money for the Wicked

The ethical conduct of artists like Diddy can significantly impact audience perceptions and enjoyment of their work.

Virtual Cheating IV: Sexbots

Engaging with a sexbot, currently viewed as an object, does not constitute cheating, unlike interactions with an actual person.

Consider The Turkey: philosopher's new book might put you off your festive bird - and that's exactly what he would want

Peter Singer argues animal suffering is equal to human suffering, urging ethical treatment and consideration of animals in society.

3 things to learn about patience and impatience from al-Ghazali, a medieval Islamic scholar

Patience enriches both personal development and social engagement, extending its importance beyond simple endurance to encompass ethical living.

Technology will never be a god - but has it become a religion?

Anthony Levandowski's Way of the Future proposed early worship of AI to avoid future repercussions from a technological god.

Health Care & Moral Objections II: Patients

Health care workers should retain moral autonomy, but the implications of a right to refuse treatment based on personal values merit careful consideration and caution.

Art & Ethics: Money for the Wicked

The ethical conduct of artists like Diddy can significantly impact audience perceptions and enjoyment of their work.

Virtual Cheating IV: Sexbots

Engaging with a sexbot, currently viewed as an object, does not constitute cheating, unlike interactions with an actual person.

Consider The Turkey: philosopher's new book might put you off your festive bird - and that's exactly what he would want

Peter Singer argues animal suffering is equal to human suffering, urging ethical treatment and consideration of animals in society.

3 things to learn about patience and impatience from al-Ghazali, a medieval Islamic scholar

Patience enriches both personal development and social engagement, extending its importance beyond simple endurance to encompass ethical living.
moreethics
#donald-trump

How Christian nationalism played a role in incorporating the phrase 'so help me God' in the presidential oath of office

The phrase 'so help me God' has become a mythic component of the presidential oath, linked to American national memory and Christian nationalism.

Donald Trump and The Specter of Kurt Godel's Contradiction

Gödel's conjecture indicates a potential flaw in the US Constitution that could permit presidential dictatorship, a notion echoed in Trump's political rhetoric.

How Christian nationalism played a role in incorporating the phrase 'so help me God' in the presidential oath of office

The phrase 'so help me God' has become a mythic component of the presidential oath, linked to American national memory and Christian nationalism.

Donald Trump and The Specter of Kurt Godel's Contradiction

Gödel's conjecture indicates a potential flaw in the US Constitution that could permit presidential dictatorship, a notion echoed in Trump's political rhetoric.
moredonald-trump
#public-health

Are Anti-Vaxxers Stupid?

Critics should avoid calling anti-vaxxers stupid, as this may entrench their views and overlook valid concerns surrounding scientific research.

Alternative AI Doomsday: Crassus

The Crassus scenario presents a more probable AI doomsday, focusing on profit maximization at the expense of public health and welfare.

Texas, Abstinence and Teen Pregnancy

Texas has the slowest decline in teen pregnancy rates in the U.S., largely due to inadequate sex education and limited access to contraception.

Are Anti-Vaxxers Stupid?

Critics should avoid calling anti-vaxxers stupid, as this may entrench their views and overlook valid concerns surrounding scientific research.

Alternative AI Doomsday: Crassus

The Crassus scenario presents a more probable AI doomsday, focusing on profit maximization at the expense of public health and welfare.

Texas, Abstinence and Teen Pregnancy

Texas has the slowest decline in teen pregnancy rates in the U.S., largely due to inadequate sex education and limited access to contraception.
morepublic-health

When women's needlework becomes an act of subversive protest | Aeon Essays

The article discusses the evolution of women's needlework from Victorian ideals of femininity to modern 'craftivism' as a form of protest.

Life leads us to death

Death can guide us to live fully rather than fearfully.
The fragility of faith in the face of loss is a critical reflection.
Ancient perspectives on the afterlife reveal deep human fears and desires.

From Afghanistan to Virginia - the Muslims who fought in the American Civil War | Aeon Videos

The series highlights the significant roles Muslims played in shaping U.S. history, particularly during the Civil War.

Health Care & Moral Objections: Workers

Health care professionals face ethical dilemmas between personal beliefs and professional responsibilities, prompting questions about moral rights to refuse treatment.
#chinese-philosophy

CFP: Confucian Contemplation

Call for papers on 'Confucian Contemplation' for the Journal of Contemplative Studies is open until February 15, 2025.

Chinese Philosophy MA Program at Beijing Normal University

Beijing Normal University launches an MA in Chinese Philosophy in spring 2025, offering full scholarships and top-ranked education.

"Collaborative Learning" Lecture by Fabian Heubel

The Collaborative Learning Project features a lecture on transcultural philosophy by Professor Fabian Heubel.

CFP: Confucian Contemplation

Call for papers on 'Confucian Contemplation' for the Journal of Contemplative Studies is open until February 15, 2025.

Chinese Philosophy MA Program at Beijing Normal University

Beijing Normal University launches an MA in Chinese Philosophy in spring 2025, offering full scholarships and top-ranked education.

"Collaborative Learning" Lecture by Fabian Heubel

The Collaborative Learning Project features a lecture on transcultural philosophy by Professor Fabian Heubel.
morechinese-philosophy
#existentialism

Philip Goff's Pan-Optimism

Philip Goff advocates for panpsychism as a vital philosophy that addresses humanity's existential crises and provides a sense of connection in a fragmented world.

Bluey and Philosophy

Terrance Malick and Bluey's 'Flat Pack' both explore existential themes through the lens of ordinary family life.

Philip Goff's Pan-Optimism

Philip Goff advocates for panpsychism as a vital philosophy that addresses humanity's existential crises and provides a sense of connection in a fragmented world.

Bluey and Philosophy

Terrance Malick and Bluey's 'Flat Pack' both explore existential themes through the lens of ordinary family life.
moreexistentialism

AI and Art III: Content

The focus of art discussion is shifting from defining art to understanding its economic value, especially between named art and content art.

Episode 15 of "This Is the Way": Ritual in the Analects

Rituals are essential in Confucianism as they embody social values and the moral landscape of human life.
#art-theory

AI and Art II: The Work

Art can be appreciated based on its own qualities rather than the identity of the creator.

AI and Art I: The Creator

The question of whether AI-generated images qualify as art hinges on the subjective definition of "art" and the creator's role in its creation.

AI and Art II: The Work

Art can be appreciated based on its own qualities rather than the identity of the creator.

AI and Art I: The Creator

The question of whether AI-generated images qualify as art hinges on the subjective definition of "art" and the creator's role in its creation.
moreart-theory

Celebrity boxing matches and 'doping-legal Olympics': the increasingly blurred line between sports and entertainment

Modern sports are influenced by cultural trends and profit motives, leading to an evolving definition of what constitutes a sport.
#critical-race-theory

Florida's $15 Million Censorship Machine

Florida's educational spending priorities may undermine true educational improvements by enriching outside firms instead of supporting local teachers.

What is Critical Mixed Race Philosophy?

Critical race studies critically engage with race, rejecting unexamined assumptions, particularly in understanding mixed race identity and its political implications.

Florida's $15 Million Censorship Machine

Florida's educational spending priorities may undermine true educational improvements by enriching outside firms instead of supporting local teachers.

What is Critical Mixed Race Philosophy?

Critical race studies critically engage with race, rejecting unexamined assumptions, particularly in understanding mixed race identity and its political implications.
morecritical-race-theory

The Power of Ahimsic Communication

Ahimsic communication (AC) achieves superior outcomes through moral power, contrasting with ineffective forms of violent communication.

Gun Toting Drones

Small armed drones like Tikad enhance military efficiency but also increase risks of misuse by malicious entities due to their low cost and accessibility.
#political-theory

History is always political, and contest over it is a good thing | Aeon Essays

Historians are increasingly seen as political actors, but this perception can undermine historical accuracy and critical thinking.

New Book: Angle and Jin, eds., Progressive Confucianism and Its Critics

The book discusses contemporary Confucianism through dialogues with Chinese Confucians.
It serves as a critical examination of Progressive Confucianism and its critiques.

History is always political, and contest over it is a good thing | Aeon Essays

Historians are increasingly seen as political actors, but this perception can undermine historical accuracy and critical thinking.

New Book: Angle and Jin, eds., Progressive Confucianism and Its Critics

The book discusses contemporary Confucianism through dialogues with Chinese Confucians.
It serves as a critical examination of Progressive Confucianism and its critiques.
morepolitical-theory

Call for applications: Way and Being Seminar-workshop

The seminar-workshop focuses on the intersection of Daoist and Pre-Socratic philosophies, offering students a platform for research and discussion.

Of Dice & Chance

Real-world factors complicate the expected outcomes of rolling a d20, deviating from probability predictions.
#slavery

Confederates and Nazis

The Confederacy's primary motivation for succession was slavery, not state's rights, reflecting a fundamental moral rejection of equality.
The alt-right's values today echo the Confederacy, marked by a continuing legacy of white supremacy and economic exploitation.

What Makes Slavery Evil?

Slavery is morally wrong because it denies a person's personhood and transforms them into objects that can be owned.

Can Machines be Slaves?

The article examines the philosophical implications of defining slavery in relation to robots and machines.
It highlights the complexities of slavery, ownership, and compensation that challenge traditional definitions.

Confederates and Nazis

The Confederacy's primary motivation for succession was slavery, not state's rights, reflecting a fundamental moral rejection of equality.
The alt-right's values today echo the Confederacy, marked by a continuing legacy of white supremacy and economic exploitation.

What Makes Slavery Evil?

Slavery is morally wrong because it denies a person's personhood and transforms them into objects that can be owned.

Can Machines be Slaves?

The article examines the philosophical implications of defining slavery in relation to robots and machines.
It highlights the complexities of slavery, ownership, and compensation that challenge traditional definitions.
moreslavery

Recently Published Book Spotlight: Global Justice and the Biodiversity Crisis

The book explores the intersection of biodiversity conservation and global justice, proposing fair approaches to addressing these interconnected crises.

Tyla, Coloureds, Color, and Culture-Part II

Tyla's self-identification as a South African Coloured highlights the complexity of racial identities and the challenges of cultural context in global discussions.
#medical-ethics

Right to Try

Right-to-try laws enable terminally ill patients to access experimental treatments without FDA approval, raising ethical and safety concerns.

What (else) do Students Want from Medical Ethics?

Focusing medical ethics education on real-world healthcare problems engages students more meaningfully than traditional theoretical approaches.

Right to Try

Right-to-try laws enable terminally ill patients to access experimental treatments without FDA approval, raising ethical and safety concerns.

What (else) do Students Want from Medical Ethics?

Focusing medical ethics education on real-world healthcare problems engages students more meaningfully than traditional theoretical approaches.
moremedical-ethics
#psychology

How to Save Honesty in Human Subject Research

Deception in human subject research can yield unbiased data, but ethical concerns call for greater honesty and respect for participants' rights.

Transform the daily grind to make life more interesting - a philosopher shares 3 strategies to help you attain the good life

Psychological richness enhances cognitive engagement and is a crucial aspect of the good life, valued alongside happiness and meaning.

How to Save Honesty in Human Subject Research

Deception in human subject research can yield unbiased data, but ethical concerns call for greater honesty and respect for participants' rights.

Transform the daily grind to make life more interesting - a philosopher shares 3 strategies to help you attain the good life

Psychological richness enhances cognitive engagement and is a crucial aspect of the good life, valued alongside happiness and meaning.
morepsychology

Music for Mice

Eva Meijer emphasizes the importance of understanding and experimenting with interspecies relationships through music and companionship.
Her approach to multi-species interaction challenges traditional notions of human-animal connections.

New Year's Eve celebrates St. Silvester - the 4th-century pope whose legend shaped ideas of church and state

St. Silvester's feast day on Dec. 31 highlights his key role during a transformative era for Christianity.
#cultural-practices

What Can be Owned?

The philosophical problem of property examines what can and cannot be owned, emphasizing the need to understand ownership beyond legal frameworks.

Dance was ubiquitous in ancient Rome. What was its meaning? | Aeon Essays

Dance was integral to Roman society, influencing enterprises and expressing cultural identity.

What Can be Owned?

The philosophical problem of property examines what can and cannot be owned, emphasizing the need to understand ownership beyond legal frameworks.

Dance was ubiquitous in ancient Rome. What was its meaning? | Aeon Essays

Dance was integral to Roman society, influencing enterprises and expressing cultural identity.
morecultural-practices
#moral-philosophy

Everyday Contempt

Contempt is a severe, judgmental emotion that often reflects a perceived failure of character in others.
Understanding contempt through everyday interactions helps illuminate its emotional and interpersonal triggers.

Virtual Cheating I: The Wrongness of Cheating

The ethics of traditional cheating do not directly apply to virtual cheating, requiring new moral discussions.
Different moral theories such as divine command theory and legalism approach the ethics of cheating from diverse perspectives.

Slavery: Consequences & Status

Utilitarianism emphasizes happiness outcomes while Kant's ethics focuses on moral rules, contrasting in their approaches to moral status and treatment of beings.

Everyday Contempt

Contempt is a severe, judgmental emotion that often reflects a perceived failure of character in others.
Understanding contempt through everyday interactions helps illuminate its emotional and interpersonal triggers.

Virtual Cheating I: The Wrongness of Cheating

The ethics of traditional cheating do not directly apply to virtual cheating, requiring new moral discussions.
Different moral theories such as divine command theory and legalism approach the ethics of cheating from diverse perspectives.

Slavery: Consequences & Status

Utilitarianism emphasizes happiness outcomes while Kant's ethics focuses on moral rules, contrasting in their approaches to moral status and treatment of beings.
moremoral-philosophy

Weight Loss, Philosophy & Science

Scientific reasoning is inductive, which means conclusions based on evidence may still be false; this affects nutrition and exercise recommendations.

APA announces Fall 2024 prize winners

The APA recognizes outstanding contributions to philosophy with 16 awards for various career stages, emphasizing teaching and public philosophy.

The moral dimension to America's flawed health care system

The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson prompts reflection on America's broken health care system and the inequality it perpetuates.
#student-engagement

AI Can't Replace Teachers (Entirely)

AI-powered education at Alpha School focuses on efficiency and skills but raises concerns about the loss of human interaction and inquiry in learning.

Metamorphic rocks go on deep journeys we never can | Aeon Essays

Metamorphic rocks serve as portals into Earth's interior, revealing transformative journeys through heat and pressure, connecting students to geological stories.

AI Can't Replace Teachers (Entirely)

AI-powered education at Alpha School focuses on efficiency and skills but raises concerns about the loss of human interaction and inquiry in learning.

Metamorphic rocks go on deep journeys we never can | Aeon Essays

Metamorphic rocks serve as portals into Earth's interior, revealing transformative journeys through heat and pressure, connecting students to geological stories.
morestudent-engagement

How the novel became a laboratory for experimental physics | Aeon Essays

Feynman claimed that the essence of science lies in experimental validation, which continues to influence generations of physicists.

Enslaved by the Machine

Emma Goldman's critique illustrates a persistent fear of humanity's servitude to machines, highlighting both historical and contemporary implications of automation.

One family's harrowing escape from postwar Vietnam, told in a poignant metaphor | Aeon Videos

The short film 'Boat People' uses metaphor to depict the resilience and journey of Vietnamese refugees, highlighting the sacrifices made by families.

Anecdotal Evidence, Fallacy Of

Anecdotal Evidence is a fallacy where conclusions about larger populations are inaccurately based on individual stories rather than broader statistical evidence.

Why Syria's reconstruction may depend on the fate of its minorities

The treatment of minorities in Syria is vital for the nation's reconstruction and social healing post-conflict.

Visit the small Texas community that lives in the shadow of SpaceX launches | Aeon Videos

SpaceX's advancements raise concerns among Brownsville residents regarding environmental and cultural impacts.

Letting Go of the Prime Mover: Interpreting Aristotle's Metaphysics

Ancient philosophical texts, particularly Aristotle's Metaphysics, reveal timeless insights that continue to influence modern metaphysical discussions.

At 88, Pope Francis dances the tango with the global Catholic Church amid its culture wars

Pope Francis's calling to priesthood at 17 highlights a blend of faith and cultural experience via tango.

At Hanukkah, a celebration of eternal light from the desert tabernacle to synagogues today

The Ner Tamid symbolizes God's eternal presence, reflecting the idea that divine connection remains alive despite human fears of impermanence.

More than 60 years later, Langston Hughes' 'Black Nativity' is still a pillar of African American theater

'Black Nativity' reflects diverse cultural expressions within African American communities, shaped by historical movements and the evolution of artistic intent.

Loneliness and Philosophy: On Loneliness and Obligation

Loneliness has evolved into a significant societal issue, particularly impacting youth, with dangerous implications for social cohesion and individual well-being.

The rule of law and racial difference in the British Empire | Aeon Essays

British colonial law was utilized to exploit colonised lands and dismiss Indigenous political structures, claiming superiority and enforcing terra nullius.

Our world has very different contours when a millimetre is blown up to a full screen | Aeon Videos

The video creatively illustrates how everyday objects can transform through close-up exploration, altering our perception of familiar materials.

How nostalgia led to the invention of the first Christmas card

Christmas traditions evolve over time; nostalgia often accompanies changes and declining practices, such as Christmas cards.

Virtual Cheating II: Sexting & Virtual Worlds

Cheating involves a breach of commitment in a relationship through sexual activity with someone outside that relationship, emphasizing the importance of exclusivity.

Book of Interest: Ethical Theory in Global Perspective

The book provides a comprehensive introduction to ethical theories from a global perspective, including both Western and non-Western philosophies.

"On Cancelling and Repair": An essay by Mary Peterson (Keywords: Sexual Harassment; Restorative Justice; Carceral Feminism; himpathy; Trauma; Universities)

McGinn's reflections highlight concerns about professional cancellation and its impact on the legacy of philosophy, particularly regarding the treatment of accused philosophers.

CFP: SACP Annual Conference

Conference on intercultural philosophy at Leiden University from July 9-11, 2025.
Encouragement for diverse Asian and comparative philosophical approaches in submissions.
Deadline for proposals is January 10, 2025, with awards for graduate students.

Why 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' almost didn't air and why it endures

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" became a classic despite initial doubts due to its sincerity and heartfelt storytelling.

GoFundMe(dical Expenses)

The U.S. health care system crisis stems from intentional policies causing millions to be uninsured or burdened with medical debt.

'As real as it ever gets': Dennett's conception of the mind | Aeon Essays

Daniel C. Dennett transformed philosophy of mind by shifting its focus from ordinary language to scientific methods, particularly influenced by neuroscience.

Vaccines and values: When you're having a tough conversation about medicine, don't just pile on evidence listen to someone's 'moral foundations'

Vaccine hesitancy can stem from emotional and value-based reasons rather than logical ones.

Virtual Cheating V: Virtual People

Virtual beings exist within digital memory but lack traditional physicality, leading to debates about emotional attachment and the nature of cheating.

The Ethics and Character of Creating Personhood

Concerns about AI ethics should focus on human treatment of machines, as well as issues like privacy and accountability, rather than just machine behavior.

Why the religious beliefs of Trump defense pick Pete Hegseth matter

Pete Hegseth faces serious allegations, but claims a transformation due to his Christian faith.

A frontline soldier's moving account of the fabled 'Christmas truce' of 1914 | Aeon Videos

The Christmas truce of 1914 showcased an extraordinary moment of humanity and peace amidst the brutality of World War I.
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