In the United States of America, we already know the common limits placed upon the ‘right to free speech’, though their breadth and scope leave much ambiguity. For instance, we cannot yell fire (falsely) in a theatre, cannot incite a riot or other specific acts of violence, and the formerly rarely enforced but soon to […]

Among the texts we pick up to read, some few will shape our thoughts and therefore our beliefs in ways much more profound than others. “No one opens a book on algebra with anxiety”, writes Brand Blanshard in his Philosophical Style, “as to whether the author is going to treat the binomial theorem roughly, or […]

The principle of subsidiarity—perhaps longest known for its role in Catholic social teaching though also described as “fundamental to the functioning of the European Union”—has an undeniable allure for all serious persons. Succinctly described, subsidiarity holds that governing decisions ought to be made at the lowest level of competence. In a concrete example, decisions about […]

Ask most people today what we mean by “science” and the answers will vary, but commonly include that it is: empirical, experimental, authoritative, highly specialized, the result of intensive training, and concerned with discoveries that are precise, accurate, and actionable. One also finds the word frequently paired with “technology”—as well as “engineering” and “mathematics” (STEM). […]

Much has been said in the past decade about the “elite”—those with significant wealth, power, influence, and education (or, rather, the reputation garnered from attending specific schools, regardless of education actually attained)—and little of it positive. In our culture of political polarization and populism, to be “elite” is to be painted with two black marks: first, […]

Will we lose our humanity by trying to improve it? On Monday, 29 January 2024, Elon Musk posted on X.com that “The first human received an implant from @Neuralink yesterday and is recovering well. Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.” The Neuralink project jumps off the pages of science fiction, right alongside the development of […]

What is dogma? Frequently, in modernity one will hear people mocking the idea of dogma: seen as some arbitrary rule that detains free intellectual pursuit. Dogma is also often seen as something exclusively religious—but this seems dubious. From my understanding a dogma properly speaking is something that usually comes after deliberation of some sort, as a […]

What is history—and how do we study it?  The answers to these questions—to be asked at this week’s Philosophical Happy Hour (17 January 2024: details below!)—though they might seem simple, perhaps even elementary, not only prove difficult and controversial but elusive.  And given different answers, the practice of historical inquiry will be greatly changed. History […]

“The potency of ideas lies in their ability to influence thinking, motivate action, shape cultures, and alter the course of history.” Why do we care so much about our ideas? What is an idea? What is power? Three questions that are familiar to human history, but, perhaps, too-little examined today. That ideas are important seems, no doubt, widely accepted […]

In a famous set of scenes in the 2004 classic movie Mean Girls one of the main protagonists, Gretchen Wieners, attempts to introduce a novel expression into the discourse with her friends, insisting upon ending every conversation with the exclamation, “That is so fetch!” After failing to have the terminology catch on for so long, […]