This essay provides an overview of the main claims and basic motivations for hylomorphism, the view that all material objects consist of both matter and form.
Form and Matter: Hylomorphism
Category: Historical Philosophy
Kant’s Theory of the Sublime
Some of the most memorable experiences in life—like these—fill us with a profound sense of wonder and awe. Philosophers consider these experiences examples of the sublime. This essay summarizes Kant’s theory of the sublime.
On Karl Marx’s Slogan “From Each According to their Ability, To Each According to their Need”
The slogan “From each according to their ability, to each according to their needs” is one of German philosopher Karl Marx’s (1818-1883) few explicit descriptions of communism. This essay describes the origins of the slogan and its meaning.
Ancient Cynicism: Rejecting Civilization and Returning to Nature
For Diogenes and the Cynics, philosophy was not about conjuring hypothetical scenarios or pondering ancient mysteries. Rather, Cynics argued that philosophy studies the lives of actual people and teaches us to live well and prepares us for any fortune. And it does so through training both the body and mind to live as simply as possible. This essay summarizes the main values in ancient Cynicism, especially those present in the life of Diogenes of Sinope.
W.D. Ross’s Ethics of “Prima Facie” Duties
W.D. Ross believed that there are multiple fundamental moral principles. He called them "prima facie" duties. This essay introduces Ross’s theory, which is often called intuitionism.
Aristotle on Friendship: What Does It Take to Be a Good Friend?
What is it to be a friend, especially a good friend? Aristotle’s claims about friendship began debates that continue today. This essay presents his views on friendship and a contemporary debate he inspired.
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave: the Journey Out of Ignorance
Plato’s book The Republic is a dialogue about justice. It contains the “Allegory of the Cave”, a fanciful story that illustrates some of Plato’s ideas about education and the distinction between appearance and reality. This essay introduces the Allegory and explains its meaning.
The Buddhist Theory of No-Self (Anātman/Anattā)
The Buddhist denial of the existence of the self is known as anātman (or anattā). This essay explores some of the basics of anātman/anattā.
The Philosophy of Humor: What Makes Something Funny?
What makes something funny? This essay reviews some theories of what it is for something to be funny.
Karl Marx’s Theory of History
An introduction to Karl Marx's theory of history, known as historical materialism.