An Invitation to Take the Question of Secession SeriouslyPolitical philosophers should prioritize understanding the justice of secession, beyond historical biases.
The Old World Is Dying and the New One Is Struggling to Be BornGramsci's insights on political instability during transitional periods remain relevant, highlighting the dangers of extremism and the emergence of authoritarian figures.
How it became wrong for nations to conquer others | Aeon EssaysRespect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is a universally agreed principle among nations.
A Nation of Individuals?The notion of the sovereign individual challenges the very foundation of the nation-state, as established by America's founders.
How it became wrong for nations to conquer others | Aeon EssaysRespect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is a universally agreed principle among nations.
A Nation of Individuals?The notion of the sovereign individual challenges the very foundation of the nation-state, as established by America's founders.
Letters: Familiar leadership will continue Oakland's financial troubleOakland faces leadership challenges contributing to financial crisis in both the city and school district.Fremont's camping ban has been criticized for lack of outreach and potential displacement of the vulnerable.
Is Our System of Checks and Balances About to Collapse?Montesquieu's theory of separation of powers is essential for liberty and influenced democratic governance, notably in America.
Progress For All Humanity?The end of history signifies the triumph of liberal democracy over competing ideologies.
The Material Creation of FreedomThe concept of democracy being under threat is a recurring theme throughout history, reflecting longstanding anxieties rather than a recent phenomenon.
How to fix democracy? Ancient philosopher Plato may have an answerPlato's 'The Republic' critiques democracy, suggesting that majority rule can lead to irrational decisions and social injustice.
New Book: Chan, Towards Confucian RepublicanismChan advocates for a Confucian framework that counters authoritarianism by merging Confucianism with republican democracy.
Is Our System of Checks and Balances About to Collapse?Montesquieu's theory of separation of powers is essential for liberty and influenced democratic governance, notably in America.
Progress For All Humanity?The end of history signifies the triumph of liberal democracy over competing ideologies.
The Material Creation of FreedomThe concept of democracy being under threat is a recurring theme throughout history, reflecting longstanding anxieties rather than a recent phenomenon.
How to fix democracy? Ancient philosopher Plato may have an answerPlato's 'The Republic' critiques democracy, suggesting that majority rule can lead to irrational decisions and social injustice.
New Book: Chan, Towards Confucian RepublicanismChan advocates for a Confucian framework that counters authoritarianism by merging Confucianism with republican democracy.
Who sustains the rule of law? - Harvard GazetteCitizens play a vital role in upholding the rule of law, alongside government officials.
French history: Did Napoleon really say 'who saves his country is above the law'?The quote attributed to Napoleon about patriotism and law lacks direct evidence of his authorship.
Frederick Douglass's Words Ring True: "Power Concedes Nothing Without a Demand"Frederick Douglass's wisdom remains relevant today, emphasizing the need for demands against oppression.
InequalityThe Declaration of Independence advocates for equality and fundamental rights, yet these principles have been historically misinterpreted, especially concerning slavery.
New Medieval Books: On Niccolo Machiavelli - Medievalists.netMachiavelli's political philosophy innovatively prioritizes selfish interests over noble passions, shaping his enduring legacy in the evolution of political thought.
Philosophy & The CrownMachiavelli, Montaigne, and Descartes viewed hereditary monarchies as stable and legitimate, promoting security and public order over personal liberty.
New Medieval Books: On Niccolo Machiavelli - Medievalists.netMachiavelli's political philosophy innovatively prioritizes selfish interests over noble passions, shaping his enduring legacy in the evolution of political thought.
Philosophy & The CrownMachiavelli, Montaigne, and Descartes viewed hereditary monarchies as stable and legitimate, promoting security and public order over personal liberty.
Philosophers & Immigration ControlPhilosophers of immigration often neglect the moral implications of real-world immigration control practices.
We Need To TalkPlato's ideal society may appear neat, but it raises questions about freedom and enjoyment in governance.
Don't cancel Aristotle - we need his ideas to hone ours | Aeon EssaysAristotle remains a complex figure whose ideas can be misappropriated and distorted by both left and right, illustrating his relevance in modern politics.
We Need To TalkPlato's ideal society may appear neat, but it raises questions about freedom and enjoyment in governance.
Don't cancel Aristotle - we need his ideas to hone ours | Aeon EssaysAristotle remains a complex figure whose ideas can be misappropriated and distorted by both left and right, illustrating his relevance in modern politics.
Trust, Truth & Political ConversationsPolitical discourse intertwines trust and truth, shaping our understanding of humanity and influencing both individual and collective viewpoints.
Success & LuckSuccess should be shared because individual merit is often overrated, and systemic inequalities persist.
In 2025, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Economic Populism Is More Relevant Than EverPopulism is deeply rooted in Martin Luther King's vision, which emphasizes multiracial solidarity over the divisive narratives associated with Trump's MAGA movement.
Opinion | A Renewed Liberalism Can Meet the Populist ChallengeEstablishment liberalism is outdated; a new, more adaptable liberalism is needed to address current challenges.
In 2025, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Economic Populism Is More Relevant Than EverPopulism is deeply rooted in Martin Luther King's vision, which emphasizes multiracial solidarity over the divisive narratives associated with Trump's MAGA movement.
Opinion | A Renewed Liberalism Can Meet the Populist ChallengeEstablishment liberalism is outdated; a new, more adaptable liberalism is needed to address current challenges.
Abortion & RegulationThe article critiques how conservatives and liberals inconsistently apply principles of liberty and regulation, particularly regarding abortion and protective regulations.
Opinion | Two of the World's Leading Thinkers on How the Left Went AstrayPiketty and Sandel stress the need for the left to reclaim identity politics while addressing border issues and the moral limits of markets.
Do We Want a High-IQ President?Conservatives often prefer the wisdom of everyday people to intellectuals, while liberals celebrate perceived intelligence in their leaders.
I am a rational liberal, yet a question about the sanctity of life floored me | Sonia SodhaLiberalism's approach to personal autonomy is increasingly challenged by complex ethical issues requiring deeper societal consensus.
Do We Want a High-IQ President?Conservatives often prefer the wisdom of everyday people to intellectuals, while liberals celebrate perceived intelligence in their leaders.
I am a rational liberal, yet a question about the sanctity of life floored me | Sonia SodhaLiberalism's approach to personal autonomy is increasingly challenged by complex ethical issues requiring deeper societal consensus.
The New Tech Elite Needs New HistoriansMetternich's emphasis on politeness and detachment between ruling powers offers a valuable lesson amid today's social and political challenges.
Recently Published Book Spotlight: Global Justice and the Biodiversity CrisisThe book explores the intersection of biodiversity conservation and global justice, proposing fair approaches to addressing these interconnected crises.
Donald Trump and The Specter of Kurt Godel's ContradictionGödel's conjecture indicates a potential flaw in the US Constitution that could permit presidential dictatorship, a notion echoed in Trump's political rhetoric.
What is the 'way of the warrior'? Students investigate the arts of war and peace in this course about virtue and the ethics of violenceThe Way of the Warrior course links martial arts training with philosophical ethics, enhancing understanding of virtue and community values.
2018 Eastern Division Presidential Address: Is Capitalism Necessarily Racist?Capitalism is intertwined with racism, reflecting structural inequalities that require critical examination and action.
Ignorance and Bliss: On Wanting Not to Know by Mark Lilla review the enduring power of stupidityLilla explores the paradox of knowledge and ignorance, emphasizing how people often avoid confronting evident truths in favor of comforting delusions.
Opinion | The Democrats Are in Trouble. This Man Can Save Them.The left must articulate a transformative vision to counter Trump's influence, inspired by John Rawls' philosophy.Rawls' egalitarian views provide a framework for a more cooperative and fair progressive politics.
John Rawls, liberalism and what it means to live a good life | Aeon EssaysJohn Rawls was a profound thinker whose kindness and engaging personality influenced justice and democracy through his extensive academic career.
Opinion | The Democrats Are in Trouble. This Man Can Save Them.The left must articulate a transformative vision to counter Trump's influence, inspired by John Rawls' philosophy.Rawls' egalitarian views provide a framework for a more cooperative and fair progressive politics.
John Rawls, liberalism and what it means to live a good life | Aeon EssaysJohn Rawls was a profound thinker whose kindness and engaging personality influenced justice and democracy through his extensive academic career.
Utopia, Dystopia, and Democracy: Teaching Philosophy in Wartime UkrainePhilosophy plays a vital role in helping individuals navigate crises, such as wartime experiences, by fostering critical thinking and self-reflection.
Should kids get the right to vote?Children should have the right to vote as it aligns with the social contract theory of consent and legitimacy of political authority.
Lessons From a Bank-Robbing Guerrilla Turned PresidentMujica's legacy combines his colorful past with his plain-spoken advocacy for a better society, even as he battles serious health issues.
What Drives Kamala Harris: The Art of the PossibleKamala Harris advocates for gradual institutional change rather than sweeping policy reforms, aiming for long-lasting societal impacts through deliberate governance.