This post examines the metaphysics or philosophy of nature behind the Stoic views on community and detachment described in Part 1, and how this metaphysics changed in the later centuries of the school's history. Before going into detail, it will be helpful to contextualize the Stoics' metaphysics within their broader tradition of philosophy. Despite preferring their porticoes Continue Reading …
What to Do About Behaving Badly
This is an obvious cross-reference for this group—indeed, many of you likely already read it. Peter Singer and Agata Sagan have an column in NYTimes' "The Stone" today called "Are We Ready for a Morality Pill?" They present the conundrum of the how to factor in our growing understanding of the effect of brain chemistry not just on our mood and temperment, but also our Continue Reading …
More Fun Debating Free Will (and Bashing Dan Dennett)
Pop science journalists / authors Bob Wright and John Horgan have an interesting debate on free will from a, well, pop science point of view. Nothing gets resolved, as always, but I like hearing well-informed middle-aged guys argue the same debate we've been hearing since the university dorm room. Highlights include Wright's assessment of Daniel Dennett's Freedom Continue Reading …
It’s in: most philosophers accept or lean towards compatibilism
From a poll of 438 "professional" philosophers. (The idea of philosophy as a profession still amuses me). Of course, that leaves the question of whether one can "lean towards" freely. Continue Reading …