Philosophy Bites Daily

Adam Smith on Wall Street bonuses

What would Adam Smith say about extravagant rewards on Wall Street? Vanity keeps the wheels of capitalism turning, and increased goods don't do much for us. Read more...

Hobbes for Today

Thomas Hobbes is rarely cited or extolled by present day politicians, perhaps because he was at the authoritarian end of the spectrum. Is there anything in Leviathan for today's world? Read more...

Alexander McCall Smith on Forgiveness

The novelist Alexander McCall Smith, a former professor of medical law, suggests that forgiveness of the right kind and at the right time can be an important social emollient. Read more...

Thomas Hobbes and Tax

Did you know that Thomas Hobbes is the patron saint of tax geeks? Apparently he is. Read more...

Can Political Philosophy Change the World?

Phillip Pettit's book Republicanism has had an impact on Spanish democracy thanks to Prime Minister Zapatero. Read more...

Genetic Tests and Designer-Baby Fears in Germany

Although Angela Merkel has expressed her own opposition to preimplantation genetic testing, a recent scientific report strongly recommends such testing for parents with a known genetic risk of incurable disease. The report's conclusion: the state shouldn't interfere in this sort of personal decision. Read more...

Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc?

Is reading Nietzsche dangerous? Disturbed young men read about doing philosophy with a hammer, and then what happens? Read more...

Free Speech, Incitement, and the First Amendment

We can't and shouldn't use the law to censor irresponsible political speech, but we should express our contempt for violent rhetoric, says Aryeh Neier. Read more...

Dangerous Logic

True premises and valid form give a sound argument. But what happens when someone of unsound mind studies logic? Jared Lee Loughner's logic professor reflects. Read more...