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.
“Properly Basic” Belief in God: Believing in God Without An Argument
It’s often thought that religious beliefs—such as belief in God—require supporting arguments to be reasonable. Some philosophers have argued, however, that arguments are not needed for belief in God to be reasonable. This essay examines their case.
Philosophy of Time: Time’s Arrow
Here we consider philosophers’ attempts to explain "time’s arrow," which typically identify its source in one of three places: the laws of nature, the initial conditions of our universe, or the nature of time itself.
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.
Epistemic Justification: What is Rational Belief?
Rational or reasonable beliefs are often described by philosophers as "epistemically justified." This is an introduction to the concept of epistemic justification.
The Doctrine of Double Effect: Do Intentions Matter to Ethics?
An introduction to the Doctrine of Double Effect, which claims that it is permissible to harm someone if it will also result in good consequences that outweigh the harm and the harm is just a “side-effect” of your action, rather than something you intend to make happen.
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.
Self-Knowledge: Knowing Your Own Mind
We usually know our own mental states better than others know them. And we usually come to know them in different ways than how others come to know them. How do we come to possess self-knowledge?