Philosophy, Justice, and the Meaning of Life
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum explains that Greek philosophers tried to convince people to consult them with their problems, rather than going to astrologers and magicians. Professor Nussbaum notes that philosophy can play an important role in society...
Aristotle and Social Democracy
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum talks about Aristotle's efforts to map out the basis for "...a very rich political approach for the contemporary world." Professor Nussbaum observes that Aristotle believed it was the job of political planning to give peo...
Aristotle and Social Justice
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum talks about Aristotle, whom she credits for inspiring modern day perspectives about what constitutes the quality of life in a country.
What is Justice?: What is Justice?
From the day they are born, people's chances in life differ. Some inherit money, social status, and good health; others are given far less. Justice, for some, is about redistributing the benefits and burdens, and providing an equality of opportunity...
Virtue Ethics
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum explains what appeals to her about virtue ethics, as opposed to other ways of looking at moral choice. She mentions that it looks at human life as a whole, rather in terms of narrow moral parts. Professor Nussbaum also ap...
What Is Philosophy?
Philosopher John Searle provides an overview of philosophy, noting that it doesn't have a clear definition. As part of the discussion, Professor Searle contrasts philosophical questions and scientific questions.
Global Justice
Focusing on the nation-state as the prism through which major theories of justice are generally considered, Philosopher Martha Nussbaum discusses what she calls the "...accident of birth into one nation rather than another..." and how that introduce...
What is Philosophy?: Socrates on Trial
Socrates, accused of impiety, undermining faith in the traditional gods, and corrupting the youth of Athens, is tried before a jury of 500 Athenians. He describes how he became involved in philosophy and challenges Thrasymachus who claims that justi...
John Rawls and Justice
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum laments what she calls the misunderstanding and misrepresentation of late philosopher John Rawls by communitarians and "anti-liberals of all sorts."
Justice: From Aristotle to Rawls
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum observes that, at first glance, it's difficult to find similarities between the views of justice expressed by Aristotle and John Rawls. Aristotle's perspective is based on what's good, while Rawls looks at what's procedur...