Rationalism
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin talks about rationalism, concluding that there have always been two driving forces behind it. On one hand, Professor Toulmin says, it comes from the desire to make theories as elegant as possi..
Reason, Reflection and Language
Philosopher Daniel Dennett talks about the power of language. He observes that it is language that gives humans the ability to look into the future, as well as to reflect and reason in ways other organisms cannot.
Recognition in the Formation of Self
Philosopher Charles Taylor talks about ways in which one's identity is worked out with other people. He discusses the paramount importance of recognition, by which he means acceptance for what you are by people that real..
Reductive Theories of the Self
Philosopher Charles Taylor discusses his ideas about what he calls "reductive theories of human beings." Professor Taylor explains that, by reductive, he means simplifying explanations and ideas that normally require "ri..
Replication
Philosopher Daniel Dennett talks about the importance of self-reproduction. When conditions are just right, he observes, collections of molecules can make copies of themselves. According to Professor Dennett, this starts..
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 ..
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 dis..
Science and Human Life
Philosopher Hubert Dreyfus argues that even if scientists come to a clear cosmological understanding of the universe, science can't teach us what kind of thing a human being is or what constitutes a good life.
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 a..
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 ..