History of Scientific Ideas, The
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin talks about the ways in which terminology and meaning change over time in the sciences. He gives the example of Leibniz insisting that "...the processes of the physical world should be mechanical." Professor Toulmin conte...
Mathematics and Change
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin explains that contrary to what many believe, mathematics and mathematical assumptions can change "deeply" over time. Professor Toulmin notes that, "...you will find that, beyond a certain point, the link with what we had ...
The Discovery of Time
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin explains that people in different parts of the world who have lived at different times have often had very different conceptions of time. He mentions several, including the notion that processes of time operate in a kind ...
Philosophy of Ethics (Part Two), The
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin elaborates on his thoughts regarding Kant, Bentham and ethics. Professor Toulmin points out that when Kant wrote general treatises on the philosophy of ethics, his intent was not to provide axioms, but to simply explain "...
Philosophy of Ethics (Part One), The
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin argues that neither Immanuel Kant nor Jeremy Bentham believed that there's an absolute moral formula that can be applied in all cases.
Can Rules Define Morality?: Kantian Ethics
"Can Rules Define Morality?" addresses Immanuel Kant's rights-based theories of ethics, the categorical imperative. What was new about Kant's moral philosophy is that a superhuman authority is not necessary to determine morality. Our own reason, he ...
Wittgenstein and Language (Part Two)
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin continues his exploration of language and Ludwig Wittgenstein. Professor Toulmin explains that Wittgenstein worked throughout his career to understand, "...how it is possible at all that there should be such a thing as a ...
Wittgenstein and Language (Part One)
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin notes that Immanuel Kant first dealt with the problem of the intrinsic limits of human reason and how we can deceive ourselves if we don't pay proper attention to them. By the time that question reached Ludwig Wittgenstei...
What is Philosophy?: Lure of Philosophy, The
Five philosophers share their rationale for becoming philosophers. Their motivations range widely. One philosopher uses their profession to find answers regarding the existence of God while another simply wants to construct logical arguments in resp...
Science and Myths
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin talks about the tendency to mock past scientists for their ideas. Professor Toulmin argues that "...people are always doing the best they can, from where they stand, with the material that's available." He adds that the c...