Abortion Rights and Slavery
Philosopher Michael Sandel criticizes those who contend the Supreme Court should be neutral on the question of when life begins (the position that led to the Roe v. Wade decision). He is also critical of those who though..
Ancient Philosophers
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum talks about Aristotle and other ancient Greek philosophers, arguing that philosophy at that time provided an alternative approach to problem-solving that offered more than magic and astrology.
Ancient Philosophers and the Meaning of Life
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum talks about Socrates' belief that the unexamined life is not worth living. Professor Nussbaum adds that Plato and Aristotle urged those who were running society and making the rules to see thi..
Ancient Views of the Self
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum talks about the split among the ancient Greeks between those, like Aristotle, who thought the body was an essential part of the self, and those like Plato, who believed that the body was merel..
Are Humans Unique?
Philosopher Daniel Dennett talks about ways in which we are similar to other primates, as well as ways in which we are different. One major difference is that our brains are capable of performing operations that result i..
Are Interpretations True?: Hermeneutics
The branch of philosophy that deals with interpretation is called hermeneutics, a field that today is applied to many parts of life. Not too long ago its primary focus was on language and methods that assist us in gettin..
Are We Social Beings?: Identity and Culture
"Are We Social Beings?" looks at the relationship between personality and culture while contrasting the atomistic and societal views of the self represented by Descartes and Hegel. Using the endangered culture of the Lap..
Aristotle and Ancient Ethics
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum explores Aristotelian and ancient ethics, explaining what she feels are some of the drawbacks to virtue ethics.
Aristotle and Ethics
Philosopher Stephen Toulmin talks about Aristotle's perspective on ethics. Professor Toulmin explains that Aristotle didn't believe it was possible to develop an ethical formula that could fit all situations. Instead, he..
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 p..