History of Virtue Ethics
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum briefly traces the history of virtue ethics, from Aristotle through Kant. She notes that the major theories of virtue have all included strong criticism of traditional social norms, and rejects the notion that virtue ethi...
Inner Self and External World
Philosopher Hubert Dreyfus talks about the views of multiple philosophers concerning how the inner self encounters the every day reality of the external world.
Republicanism and Freedom
Philosopher Michael Sandel talks about the republican conception of freedom, which he characterizes as one that emphasizes the importance of citizens sharing in self-government. Professor Sandel adds that this notion of freedom also emphasizes that ...
How Old Is The Mind? (Part 1)
Philosopher Hilary Putnam talks about the concept of the mind, and how it's changed since the time of the early Greeks. He notes that Descartes was the first to say intellect, soul and mind are one and the same thing.
Plato, Artistotle and Scientific Theory
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin talks about Plato's preference for theories that take a mathematical form. Professor Toulmin adds that this preference was carried over to modern times, so that a discipline like psychology might be deemed inferior to the...
Is Ethics Based on Character?: Virtue Ethics--A Learned Skill
In ancient philosophy, virtues are often compared to skills. Each of the basic parts of human nature has its own special virtue or standard of how people ought to be. As a guideline Aristotle recommends seeking the mean or middle course between extr...
Aristotle
In this program, the far-reaching philosophical ideas of Plato’s star pupil are examined by world-renowned author and professor Bryan Magee and noted Brown University professor Martha Nussbaum. Aristotle overcomes Plato’s dualism of the intellig...
Scientific Method, The
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin touches on another aspect of philosophy in which there are very different perspectives. In this case, Professor Toulmin notes, it is scientific method which comes into question. He notes that while some believe there is a...
Republicanism: Aristotle and Hegel
Philosopher Michael Sandel talks about the sources of contemporary Republican theory. He briefly discusses Aristotle, who emphasized the importance for a full human life of sharing in self-rule. Professor Sandel also discusses Hegel, who contributed...
Individual and the Community, The
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum discusses the relationship between the individual self and the community. She maintains that even with a spirit of altruism at work, even with an awareness of and concern for the community and the family unit, it is very ...