Coherence in the Sciences
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin talks about coherence and science, observing that, while people generally assume that coherence is a virtue in the sciences, there are some problems with this position. The primary difficulty,..
Community and Individual Identity, The
Philosopher Charles Taylor talks about individual identity, particularly as reflected in moral positions of individuals. Professor Taylor explains that what often seems to be the position of the individual alone is actua..
Computer Simulations
Philosopher John Searle points out the difference between computer simulations--be they of the brain or a weather event or an explosion--and the real thing. According to Professor Searle, however closely the simulation c..
Computers, Consciousness and the Brain
Philosopher Daniel Dennett compares computers, which perform billions of operations sequentially, with the human brain, which Dennett calls a staggeringly complex structure capable of performing enormous numbers of opera..
Connecting Different Fields of Philosophy
Philosopher Hilary Putnam makes the case for connecting the different fields of philosophy. As an example, he cites ethics and epistemology, arguing that looking at these together would enable us to see things in a diffe..
Consciousness
Philosopher John Searle talks about consciousness, noting that for consciousness to exist, there must be behavior in a causal structure--not simply behavior alone. As an example, Professor Searle talks about his radio wh..
Cultural Identity
Philosopher Charles Taylor talks about the role that social and cultural groups play in the formation of one's identity.
Darwin and Human Nature
Philosopher Hubert Dreyfus talks about Charles Darwin, who wrote at about the same time as Kierkegaard, but wasn't drawn in by the same existentialist concerns. Darwin believed there is something like a human nature, eve..
Darwin's Dangerous Idea
Philosopher Daniel Dennett discusses the impact of Charles Darwin on not only modern views of biological evolution and nature, but on the evolution of thought and ideas, culture and science. According to Professor Dennet..
Descartes and the Greeks (Part 3)
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin concludes his discussion of the contrasting origins of philosophy, focusing here on Aristotle. Professor Toulmin notes that Aristotle had grown up in a medical family and was more impressed by..