Philosophy Bites Daily

A.C. Grayling Debunks John Gray (again)

Anthony Grayling's and John Gray's books probably nestle side by side in the bookshop. But they're authors aren't so cosily ensconced. Read more...

Philosophers Do It Because They Can't Help It

Feet of clay, perhaps, but accusing some philosophers of hypocrisy won't stop them philosophizing. Read more...

Machiavelli and Predicting Fame

Niccolò Machiavelli wasn't famous in his lifetime, but is now. But did you know he had a formula for predicting who might be famous in the future? Read more...

Philosophers Who Failed in Love

Althusser killed his wife, Sartre adopted his mistress as a daughter, Seneca was sent into exile for an affair. Why should we trust these characters? Read more...

Did Nietzsche Have Syphilis?

There is a widespread belief that Friedrich Nietzsche's dementia stemmed from syphilis contracted from a prostitute in a Leipzig brothel. But that might be a smear put about by anti-Nazis, according to this 2003 article. Read more...

Philosophers' Sex Lives from A to Z

Is it better to be a sad Socrates or a happy pig? Mutual spouse hate, celibacy, promiscuity, BDSM, castration (and presumably the occasional satisfactory relationship). Read more...