By Spencer Case Categories: Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy Word Count: 1,000 When, if ever, is it right to sacrifice someone for the greater good? Ursula K. Le Guin’s (1929-2018) fantasy short story, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas,” raises this question, among others.[1] This essay introduces her story and explores its philosophical implications. … Continue reading Ursula Le Guin’s “The Ones who Walk Away from Omelas”: Would You Walk Away?
Category: Social & Political
Philosophy of Law: An Overview
There are many topics related to law that philosophers study. This essay provides an overview of common topics in philosophy of law.
Why be Moral? Plato’s ‘Ring of Gyges’ Thought Experiment
Author: Spencer Case Categories: Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy, Historical Philosophy Word count: 995 What if you could steal, cheat, and violate any other moral norm without fear of punishment? Would you still have reason to do what’s right? The ancient Greek philosopher Plato (427—347 B.C.E.) considered this question in his dialogue, the Republic, which … Continue reading Why be Moral? Plato’s ‘Ring of Gyges’ Thought Experiment
Indoctrination: What is it to Indoctrinate Someone?
An introduction to the concept of indoctrination or what it is to indoctrinate someone, and whether that's problematic or bad or not.
George Orwell’s Philosophical Views
An introduction to the philosophical views of Animal Farm and 1984 author George Orwell.
Rousseau on Human Nature: “Amour de soi” and “Amour propre”
An introduction to Jean-Jacques's Rousseau views on human nature: and the concepts of “Amour de soi” and “Amour propre.”
“Nasty, Brutish, and Short”: Hobbes on Life in the State of Nature
An introduction to Thomas Hobbes and his views on life in the State of nature, including his quote that life in that state would be “Solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”
Ethics and Absolute Poverty: Peter Singer and Effective Altruism
An introduction to the ethical arguments from Peter Singer on absolute poverty and effective altruism.
Free Speech
An examination of what free speech is, its limits and its justification.
Distributive Justice: How Should Resources be Allocated?
Authors: Dick Timmer and Tim Meijers Category: Social and Political Philosophy, Ethics Word Count: 994 As we write this, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is worth $188 billion.[1] That is about $1 billion more than the day before. And $1 billion is more money than you would have had you earned $1,000 a day, every day, … Continue reading Distributive Justice: How Should Resources be Allocated?