Philosophy

nickbostrom

3 Problems That Inhibit Humanity

Have you ever considered what life would be like if you could overcome your limitations? Nick Bostrom, an Oxford philosopher and transhumanist, speaks about humanity’s biggest problems. In Bostrom’s appearance on TEDTalks, he explains the different factors that inhibit mankind. He also explains what might be done to alter humanity’s future.

ian hacking

Proof, Truth, Hands, and Mind

Professor Ian Hacking explores how our innate sense of symmetry has enabled us to probe the hidden secrets of nature and also get along with each other. He presents a new development in his philosophy; one that remains in the spirit of what has established his reputation as a “Philosopher of the Particular Case.”

Patricia Churchland, Morality and the Mammilian Brain

Morality and the Mammalian Brain

While believers say morality comes from the big guy in the sky, neurophilosophers offers a different perspective. Patricia Churchland says it turns out that the way we look out for each other comes from a self-preservation system based on rewards and punishments.

Chip Conley

Measuring What Makes Life Worthwhile

How do you feel about how you spend your time each day? Can you find happiness in any job? How can you provide an environment for happiness in you business? In business we tend to measure our success based on tangibles, like profits, because how do you really measure intangible things we value, such as happiness?

Shelly Kagan

26-Lecture Course: The Philosophy of Death

Death is the only thing certain in life. But how do we begin to comprehend that fact? This course attempts to guide you through that process. When thinking about death, a number of issues arise.

Justice Michael Sandel

12-Lecture Course: Justice — What’s the Right Thing to do?

In this course, Michael Sandel challenges students with difficult moral dilemmas and asks their opinion about the right thing to do. He then asks them to examine their answers in the light of new scenarios. The results are often surprising, revealing that answers to important moral questions are never black and white.

democratic-debate-sandel

The Lost Art of Democratic Debate

Has democratic debate lost its way? Michael Sandel says it has. He is a professor of philosophy at Harvard University and teaches one of the institution’s most popular courses, Justice. His book, Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do, discusses some of the most pressing debates of our time.

Jean-Pierre Changeux

Art, Science and the Mind

Jean-Pierre Changeux is a renowned French neurobiologist who proposes a new look at the Age of Enlightenment. He states that science usually follows the times, but in the case of the Age of Enlightenment, he says science did the opposite, and laid the foundation for change.

Adora Svitak

Adora Svitak: What adults can learn from kids

Adora Svitak, child prodigy and author, says that maybe adults should stop demonizing the term “childish” and start embracing its positive aspects. Adora says children dream of perfection without boundaries, while adults often halt themselves from embracing grand schemes because of their cynical “adult” outlooks.

Matthieu Ricard

Matthieu Ricard on The Habits of Happiness

Do you admire those who can keep their serenity, inner strength and confidence in tough times? Do you wonder why you can’t attain that same happiness while others can? Buddhist monk, photographer and author, Matthieu Ricard, argues that this can be obtained by anyone through mind training.

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