China, the World Bank, and the truth about global poverty | Aeon EssaysGlobal poverty has significantly decreased, but flawed measurements hide ongoing struggles faced by those just above the poverty line.
Jane Rawson moved to 'unspoiled' Tasmania to outrun climate change, but the fearful questions followedJane Rawson's book 'Human/Nature' reveals the contradiction of self-deprecation while addressing the existential challenge of climate change.
Philosophers on SmilesPhilosophers expand their inquiries beyond traditional themes, addressing unexpected topics like buildings and food, revealing a broader perspective on human experience.
Lao Tzu only wrote a single sentence about Yin and Yang, but it changed philosophy foreverLife is complex, intertwining different traits, much like the Yin and Yang symbol.
Jane Rawson moved to 'unspoiled' Tasmania to outrun climate change, but the fearful questions followedJane Rawson's book 'Human/Nature' reveals the contradiction of self-deprecation while addressing the existential challenge of climate change.
Philosophers on SmilesPhilosophers expand their inquiries beyond traditional themes, addressing unexpected topics like buildings and food, revealing a broader perspective on human experience.
Lao Tzu only wrote a single sentence about Yin and Yang, but it changed philosophy foreverLife is complex, intertwining different traits, much like the Yin and Yang symbol.
The Crisis of Academic Freedom at Columbia UniversityThe crisis at Columbia University stems from the Trump administration's retaliation for student protests, severely impacting academic freedom.
Opportunity Hoarding I: MobilityOpportunity hoarding leads to unfair advantages in college admissions, raising moral questions about economic mobility.
Opportunity Hoarding II: What Should Be a Competition?Opportunity hoarding impacts children's access to opportunities, raising ethical questions about competition.
Opportunity Hoarding I: MobilityOpportunity hoarding leads to unfair advantages in college admissions, raising moral questions about economic mobility.
Opportunity Hoarding II: What Should Be a Competition?Opportunity hoarding impacts children's access to opportunities, raising ethical questions about competition.
Sex, life and Oscar Wilde: 'rarely pure and never simple' | Aeon EssaysOscar Wilde's life and legacy are intricately tied to themes of identity and societal prejudice, complicating his status as an LGBTQ icon.
An artist traces her choices under Putin's Russia - from resistance to retreat to exile - one mural at a timeVictoria Lomasko's art captures the rise of authoritarianism in Russia and highlights the voices of marginalized groups fighting for visibility and agency.
California's landscapes provide endless inspiration for a woodcut printmaker | Aeon VideosUS artist Tom Killion creates nature-inspired woodcut prints, blending California landscapes with traditional Japanese techniques.
Butterflies become unrecognisable landscapes when viewed under electron microscopes | Aeon VideosKristina Dutton's film series showcases the intricate beauty of butterfly and moth wings through innovative animation and microscopic imagery.
Sex, life and Oscar Wilde: 'rarely pure and never simple' | Aeon EssaysOscar Wilde's life and legacy are intricately tied to themes of identity and societal prejudice, complicating his status as an LGBTQ icon.
An artist traces her choices under Putin's Russia - from resistance to retreat to exile - one mural at a timeVictoria Lomasko's art captures the rise of authoritarianism in Russia and highlights the voices of marginalized groups fighting for visibility and agency.
California's landscapes provide endless inspiration for a woodcut printmaker | Aeon VideosUS artist Tom Killion creates nature-inspired woodcut prints, blending California landscapes with traditional Japanese techniques.
Butterflies become unrecognisable landscapes when viewed under electron microscopes | Aeon VideosKristina Dutton's film series showcases the intricate beauty of butterfly and moth wings through innovative animation and microscopic imagery.
Ten Years at the Pacific DivisionProgram diversity was a key focus during my tenure as Secretary-Treasurer of the Pacific Division, aligning with broader trends in academia.
America the secular? What a changing religious landscape means for US politicsThe percentage of nonreligious Americans has stabilized, but their political influence is likely to increase.
Christian Zionism hasn't always been a conservative evangelical creed - churches' views of Israel have evolved over decadesHuckabee prioritizes representing Trump's views over his own while emphasizing a spiritual connection to Israel.Christian Zionism has historical roots beyond the political landscape, evolving through significant theological developments.
America the secular? What a changing religious landscape means for US politicsThe percentage of nonreligious Americans has stabilized, but their political influence is likely to increase.
Christian Zionism hasn't always been a conservative evangelical creed - churches' views of Israel have evolved over decadesHuckabee prioritizes representing Trump's views over his own while emphasizing a spiritual connection to Israel.Christian Zionism has historical roots beyond the political landscape, evolving through significant theological developments.
Recently Published Book Spotlight: Contemplation: The Movements of the SoulContemplation involves active engagement rather than mere stillness of the soul.The book bridges classical concepts of contemplation with modern interpretations, emphasizing its relevance in Christianity.
How Japanese anime draws on religious traditions to explore themes of destiny, sacrifice and the struggle between desire and dutyAnime creatively explores cultural and spiritual themes, enriching narratives with moral depth and social critique through its unique storytelling.'Demon Slayer: Mugen Train' illustrates traditional values and ethical struggles pertinent to Japanese spiritual beliefs.
Recently Published Book Spotlight: Contemplation: The Movements of the SoulContemplation involves active engagement rather than mere stillness of the soul.The book bridges classical concepts of contemplation with modern interpretations, emphasizing its relevance in Christianity.
How Japanese anime draws on religious traditions to explore themes of destiny, sacrifice and the struggle between desire and dutyAnime creatively explores cultural and spiritual themes, enriching narratives with moral depth and social critique through its unique storytelling.'Demon Slayer: Mugen Train' illustrates traditional values and ethical struggles pertinent to Japanese spiritual beliefs.
Research shows that a majority of Christian religious leaders accept the reality of climate change but have never mentioned it to their congregationsNearly 90% of U.S. Christian leaders believe humans are driving climate change, yet many do not discuss it with their congregations.
Join seabirds as they migrate, encountering human communities along the way | Aeon VideosThe film illustrates the interconnectedness of coastal communities and migratory seabirds, highlighting cultural practices and environmental challenges.
Research shows that a majority of Christian religious leaders accept the reality of climate change but have never mentioned it to their congregationsNearly 90% of U.S. Christian leaders believe humans are driving climate change, yet many do not discuss it with their congregations.
Join seabirds as they migrate, encountering human communities along the way | Aeon VideosThe film illustrates the interconnectedness of coastal communities and migratory seabirds, highlighting cultural practices and environmental challenges.
Two Ukrainian boys' summer unfolds just miles from the frontlines | Aeon VideosThe film 'Clear Sky' juxtaposes the carefree days of two boys with the harsh realities of life in a warzone.Marcin Kundera's work explores themes of freedom within the chaotic context of a summer amidst war.
Philosophy and Race, Cody GomezThe 'Philosophy and Race' course is designed to equip students with tools to engage meaningfully in discussions about race.
Mere Conservationism, Concurrentism, and Occasionalism in TeachingLeibniz's Concurrentism provides a nuanced understanding of the relationship between God and created beings, balancing agency with divine sovereignty.
Philosophy and Race, Cody GomezThe 'Philosophy and Race' course is designed to equip students with tools to engage meaningfully in discussions about race.
Mere Conservationism, Concurrentism, and Occasionalism in TeachingLeibniz's Concurrentism provides a nuanced understanding of the relationship between God and created beings, balancing agency with divine sovereignty.
The missing women of autism are differently different | Aeon EssaysGender bias in autism diagnosis leads to overlooked cases in girls, hindering proper support and understanding.
The solution to workplace isolation might be in the gap the generation gapWidespread loneliness in the U.S. has become a major public health issue, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The missing women of autism are differently different | Aeon EssaysGender bias in autism diagnosis leads to overlooked cases in girls, hindering proper support and understanding.
The solution to workplace isolation might be in the gap the generation gapWidespread loneliness in the U.S. has become a major public health issue, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As 'right to die' gains more acceptance, a scholar of Catholicism explains the position of the Catholic ChurchThe 'right to die' is increasingly accepted globally, with increasing legal access to euthanasia and assisted suicide.Most Americans support allowing medical assistance in dying, reflecting changing societal attitudes towards end-of-life care.
The Mobile HomelessThe rise of car-dwelling homeless represents a serious issue linked to income inequality and insufficient compassionate leadership.
State-Mediated Structural InjusticeIris Marion Young's account highlights the complexities of structural injustice faced by individuals like Sandy, where systemic issues overshadow individual responsibility.
The Mobile HomelessThe rise of car-dwelling homeless represents a serious issue linked to income inequality and insufficient compassionate leadership.
State-Mediated Structural InjusticeIris Marion Young's account highlights the complexities of structural injustice faced by individuals like Sandy, where systemic issues overshadow individual responsibility.
New Book: Radice, Ritual Performance in Early Chinese ThoughtRitual performance was foundational in early Chinese thought, intertwining politics and religion through a dramaturgical lens.
This Is the Way: Live Show in San Francisco (Pacific Division meeting of the APA)The podcast episode will feature a live audience discussing Confucianism vs Buddhism at the American Philosophical Association.
New Article: Brys, "Action-based Benevolence"Brys challenges the conventional view in Confucianism that benevolence requires affective disposition, promoting action-based benevolence instead.
New Book: Radice, Ritual Performance in Early Chinese ThoughtRitual performance was foundational in early Chinese thought, intertwining politics and religion through a dramaturgical lens.
This Is the Way: Live Show in San Francisco (Pacific Division meeting of the APA)The podcast episode will feature a live audience discussing Confucianism vs Buddhism at the American Philosophical Association.
New Article: Brys, "Action-based Benevolence"Brys challenges the conventional view in Confucianism that benevolence requires affective disposition, promoting action-based benevolence instead.
The Logic of Conspiracy Theories V: Best ExplanationThe effectiveness of an explanation can be assessed through objective standards, despite inherent subjectivity.
The Logic of Conspiracy Theories III: Argument by ExampleConspiracy theorists can construct logical arguments, but careful scrutiny is needed to avoid accepting fallacies.
The Logic of Conspiracy Theories IV: Best ExplanationConspiracy theorists often misuse critical thinking methods, like inference to the best explanation, to defend their theories.
The Logic of Conspiracy Theories V: Best ExplanationThe effectiveness of an explanation can be assessed through objective standards, despite inherent subjectivity.
The Logic of Conspiracy Theories III: Argument by ExampleConspiracy theorists can construct logical arguments, but careful scrutiny is needed to avoid accepting fallacies.
The Logic of Conspiracy Theories IV: Best ExplanationConspiracy theorists often misuse critical thinking methods, like inference to the best explanation, to defend their theories.
Felix Varela: A Latino Defender of Modern Philosophy without Neglecting his FaithFélix Varela y Morales significantly contributed to American culture through his support for the Irish community and his philosophical insights.
Why the hunt for reality is an impossible burden for physics | Aeon EssaysThe quest for a final, unified physics may be an impossible burden on modern physicists.
Causal understanding is not a point of view, it's a point of do | Aeon EssaysCausal understanding is essential for comprehending interactions and influences in the world.
Why the hunt for reality is an impossible burden for physics | Aeon EssaysThe quest for a final, unified physics may be an impossible burden on modern physicists.
Causal understanding is not a point of view, it's a point of do | Aeon EssaysCausal understanding is essential for comprehending interactions and influences in the world.
The Ugly Fight Over Ayn Rand's EstateLeonard Peikoff's deep loyalty to Ayn Rand contrasted with his later romantic involvement with his caregiver after her death.
From censorship to curiosity: Pope Francis' appreciation for the power of history and booksPope Francis emphasizes peace and humanitarian concerns amidst global conflicts during his Sunday prayers.
Is it Wrong to Provide Water to Migrants?No More Deaths aims to support migrants in deadly desert areas but faces legal challenges for their humanitarian actions.
From censorship to curiosity: Pope Francis' appreciation for the power of history and booksPope Francis emphasizes peace and humanitarian concerns amidst global conflicts during his Sunday prayers.
Is it Wrong to Provide Water to Migrants?No More Deaths aims to support migrants in deadly desert areas but faces legal challenges for their humanitarian actions.
History, Hospitals, and Health DisparitiesCOVID-19 highlighted existing health disparities, particularly among Black, Hispanic, and Native American populations, due to comorbidities and unequal access to healthcare.
The Philosophical Import of Where We EatFood and space are interlinked, affecting individual and community identities.COVID-19 highlighted the sociopolitical significance of dining environments.Changes in dining practices due to the pandemic reveal underlying cultural values.
A father forgets his child's name for the first time in this poetic reflection on memory | Aeon VideosThe film By the Time I Reach Him depicts the emotional impact of memory loss experienced by a loved one during the pandemic.
History, Hospitals, and Health DisparitiesCOVID-19 highlighted existing health disparities, particularly among Black, Hispanic, and Native American populations, due to comorbidities and unequal access to healthcare.
The Philosophical Import of Where We EatFood and space are interlinked, affecting individual and community identities.COVID-19 highlighted the sociopolitical significance of dining environments.Changes in dining practices due to the pandemic reveal underlying cultural values.
A father forgets his child's name for the first time in this poetic reflection on memory | Aeon VideosThe film By the Time I Reach Him depicts the emotional impact of memory loss experienced by a loved one during the pandemic.
The Logic of Conspiracy Theories II: Analogical ArgumentConspiracy theorists leverage analogical reasoning, drawing seemingly logical comparisons to support their claims, though this can lead to false conclusions.
How evolution favoured costly and frivolous animal play | Aeon EssaysAnimal play is widespread and puzzling, lacking immediate survival benefits yet prevalent across species.
Why Lie if the Truth Would Suffice?The question interrogates the motivations behind lying when truth could suffice.
How evolution favoured costly and frivolous animal play | Aeon EssaysAnimal play is widespread and puzzling, lacking immediate survival benefits yet prevalent across species.
Why Lie if the Truth Would Suffice?The question interrogates the motivations behind lying when truth could suffice.
When psychical research and analytic philosophy shared Cambridge | Aeon EssaysAlan Turing regarded extrasensory perception, particularly telepathy, as a serious concern for the validity of his Turing test.
APA Member Interview, Zhiwei YangYang is developing a theory that challenges naïve realism in his dissertation.
When psychical research and analytic philosophy shared Cambridge | Aeon EssaysAlan Turing regarded extrasensory perception, particularly telepathy, as a serious concern for the validity of his Turing test.
APA Member Interview, Zhiwei YangYang is developing a theory that challenges naïve realism in his dissertation.
Considering Black Intelligibility and Generosity Through Mills and WildersonDialogue between Afropessimists and others requires mutual understanding and recognition of suffering.
The Unfairness of College AdmissionsCollege admissions reveal systemic unfairness, where both legal and illegal advantages favor the wealthy over the underprivileged.
The hidden power of unanswerable questionsQuestions are powerful tools for discovery and understanding that often go underappreciated in our quest for quick answers.
George Santos and the Cunning of ReasonGeorge Santos' 'Jew-ish' identity claim highlights deeper issues in modern political language and identity, transcending mere lies or humor.
Why Bennie tried to disappear, and what happened when he was found decades later | Aeon VideosBennie Wint transformed his life by escaping his past identity during a storm, seeking recovery and a fresh start.
George Santos and the Cunning of ReasonGeorge Santos' 'Jew-ish' identity claim highlights deeper issues in modern political language and identity, transcending mere lies or humor.
Why Bennie tried to disappear, and what happened when he was found decades later | Aeon VideosBennie Wint transformed his life by escaping his past identity during a storm, seeking recovery and a fresh start.
2019 Eastern Division Presidential Address: The Philosophy of Privacy and Digital LifePrivacy is a fundamental human right that requires careful philosophical and legal consideration in the digital age.
The FDA: Patients or Companies?The FDA must prioritize public health over the interests of pharmaceutical companies.
2019 Eastern Division Presidential Address: The Philosophy of Privacy and Digital LifePrivacy is a fundamental human right that requires careful philosophical and legal consideration in the digital age.
The FDA: Patients or Companies?The FDA must prioritize public health over the interests of pharmaceutical companies.
Politics & Public EducatorsPublic educators have restrictions on expressing political views while performing their duties due to their role as representatives of public institutions.
Logic and Critical Thinking, Daniel AllenThe course teaches logic as a historical analysis rather than a technical skill, incorporating diverse traditions for a broader understanding.
Politics & Public EducatorsPublic educators have restrictions on expressing political views while performing their duties due to their role as representatives of public institutions.
Logic and Critical Thinking, Daniel AllenThe course teaches logic as a historical analysis rather than a technical skill, incorporating diverse traditions for a broader understanding.
The Birth of a JournalThe American Philosophical Association’s journal project faced potential inefficiencies and conflicts due to its editorial structure prioritizing diversity over quality.
Migration & RacismEarly U.S. immigration laws were explicitly racist, aiming to restrict non-white immigration.
Is Criticizing Israel Antisemitic?Conservatives exploit accusations of racism against Democrats to deflect attention from their own internal issues with racism.
Migration & DiseaseMigration restrictions base on disease fears are unfounded; migrants are integral to healthcare and do not pose significant health threats.
Blackface RevistedBlackface is universally viewed as racist, especially problematic for public figures.Many argue for leniency based on past ignorance or drunkenness, complicating views on accountability.
Migration & RacismEarly U.S. immigration laws were explicitly racist, aiming to restrict non-white immigration.
Is Criticizing Israel Antisemitic?Conservatives exploit accusations of racism against Democrats to deflect attention from their own internal issues with racism.
Migration & DiseaseMigration restrictions base on disease fears are unfounded; migrants are integral to healthcare and do not pose significant health threats.
Blackface RevistedBlackface is universally viewed as racist, especially problematic for public figures.Many argue for leniency based on past ignorance or drunkenness, complicating views on accountability.
Rape by Fraud RevisitedRape by fraud should be legally punished as it involves significant deception for sexual access.
The "Nietzsche Thesis": Why we don't really care about truthHerman Melville's 'The Confidence-Man' illustrates human naivety through a steamboat allegory, emphasizing that gullibility often leads to financial ruin.
Rape by Fraud RevisitedRape by fraud should be legally punished as it involves significant deception for sexual access.
The "Nietzsche Thesis": Why we don't really care about truthHerman Melville's 'The Confidence-Man' illustrates human naivety through a steamboat allegory, emphasizing that gullibility often leads to financial ruin.
Avoiding your neighbor because of how they voted? Democracy needs to you talk to them insteadPolitical anger is a widespread issue that disrupts social relationships and daily life decisions.
Why the words in your job posting may attract rule-bending narcissistsLanguage in job postings can influence the type of candidates attracted, potentially leading to the hiring of more narcissistic individuals.
Critical Thinking & Pandemics II: CredibilityAssessing source credibility will be crucial in the upcoming pandemic, impacting survival and well-being.
Hybrid Workshop on Interpersonal HarmonyThe workshop explores interpersonal harmony in early Chinese and Greek thought, featuring prominent scholars and offering both in-person and virtual attendance options.
The "Rock star" Rape DefenseThe 'rock star' defense misuses logic, falsely equating social status with immunity from sexual coercion.
How it became wrong for nations to conquer others | Aeon EssaysRespect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is a universally agreed principle among nations.
An Invitation to Take the Question of Secession SeriouslyPolitical philosophers should prioritize understanding the justice of secession, beyond historical biases.
How it became wrong for nations to conquer others | Aeon EssaysRespect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is a universally agreed principle among nations.
An Invitation to Take the Question of Secession SeriouslyPolitical philosophers should prioritize understanding the justice of secession, beyond historical biases.
Would you eat a cockroach? What if it was sterilised? Why not? | Aeon EssaysContemporary diets need to shift for moral and ecological reasons, but many find alternatives to traditional meat unappealing.
Curious singles and tech sceptics - what 'computer dating' looked like in 1966 | Aeon VideosOnline dating's evolution shows it has roots dating back to early computer use, revealing persistent challenges and methodologies.The early computer dating scene mirrors contemporary dating apps in various ways, such as questionnaires and match quality.
Long before debates over 'wokeness', Epicurus built a philosophy that welcomed slaves, women and outsidersEpicureanism offers a rich philosophical framework that extends beyond pleasure, emphasizing community, equality, and a holistic approach to happiness.
Staving Off and Serving Up InventionsThe article reflects on a mother's sacrifices as a home attendant while encouraging her daughter to pursue a better path.
Can animals make art?Satin bowerbirds create intricate structures that may bridge the gap between nature and art, challenging definitions of art.The debate on whether animal creations can be deemed art raises philosophical questions about emotion and intention in art.
Collecting Nuts and Bolts: Reintroducing the Teaching and Learning Video SeriesReading philosophy requires a unique, active strategy similar to dismantling and reconstructing machinery.
Call for Applications - Social Ontology in Wuhan: A Summer SchoolWuhan University's 2025 Social Ontology Summer School invites applications for study in social ontology from undergraduate and graduate students.
Blackface Objects: Intentions & PerceptionsDesigns accused of cultural appropriation require careful consideration of the creator's intent before labeling them as racist.
Why physics today stands on the wings of angels and demons | Aeon EssaysAngels have historically influenced the understanding of natural phenomena, including the movement of celestial bodies and physical forces.
Can the unregulated extract kratom help fight the opioid crisis? | Aeon EssaysKratom, a herbal supplement, emerges as a controversial alternative for opioid dependence, attracting millions of users seeking relief.
Remembering China's Empress Dowager Ling, a Buddhist who paved the way for future female rulersEmpress Dowager Ling's rule is essential in understanding the evolution of female power in medieval East Asia.
Medicare for AllExpanding Medicare could provide universal health coverage, but it faces significant cost and industry impact challenges.
An artificial heart may save your life. But it can also change you in surprising waysAn Australian man became the first patient to leave the hospital with an artificial heart while waiting for a transplant.
"Extremism and the Allure of Science": A Conversation with Tracy Llanera and Louise Richardson-Self (Keywords: White Supremacy; Conspiracy Theories; Nationalism; Gender; Essentialism; Objectivity)Extremism's definition varies but often relates to intolerance and rigidity, with scientific arguments frequently exploited by extremist groups.
See you in the funny papers: How superhero comics tell the story of Jewish AmericaSuperman's story serves as a powerful allegory for immigration and the American dream.The character's origin reflects the experiences of Jewish American writers in the comic industry.
The Multiverse May Not Remove the Need for a Personal CreatorThe universe's expansion and flatness lead to the development of inflationary theory, proposing a multiverse and questioning the need for a prime mover.
Learning from AI's BullshitModern AI, including LLMs, often provide unreliable outputs due to their indifference to truth, leading to philosophical discussions about their nature.