Illustration of a balancing scale with gears and a dove, symbolizing the debate on free will versus determinism.

Does Free Will Exist?

by PhilosophySelf-Helps

⚫Scientific experiments suggest brain activity precedes conscious decisions, challenging the traditional notion of free will.
⚫Compatibilism argues that free will and determinism can coexist, allowing for choice within constraints.
⚫Incompatibilism claims true free will requires freedom from all causal chains, rejecting determinism.
⚫Quantum physics introduces uncertainty and probabilistic events, complicating deterministic interpretations and supporting potential free will.
⚫Various religious philosophies affirm the existence of free will despite acknowledging divine foreknowledge and predestination.

A comic book sketch featuring an antique desk with a quill pen, lit candle, and parchments of the Magna Carta, U.S. Constitution, and French Declaration of Rights. In the background, diverse peaceful protest marches with people holding signs advocating for human rights, democracy, and equality.

10 Greatest Political Founding Works on Human Rights and Social Contracts

by Politics

⚫The works of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Locke, and Thomas Hobbes laid the foundation for social contracts and the concept of a just society.
⚫John Stuart Mill and Mary Wollstonecraft’s works focused on individual liberty and civil liberties, emphasising the importance of personal freedoms and equal rights for women.
⚫Alexis De Tocqueville, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels explored democracy and equality, offering different perspectives on the nature of these concepts.
⚫James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay’s ‘The Federalist Papers’ and Friedrich Hayek’s ‘The Constitution of Liberty’ contributed to American political thought and governance, providing insights into the principles and structure of the United States government.

Illustration of "The Nicomachean Man" in a modern cityscape, holding a scroll with "Ethics" written on it, surrounded by symbols of ethics like scales of justice, a heart, and a brain.

Top 5 Philosophy Books on Ethics and Morality for Beginners

by PhilosophySelf-Helps

⚫’Nicomachean Ethics’ by Aristotle explores ethical virtue through habit and the importance of moral self-improvement.
⚫’Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals’ by Immanuel Kant introduces rule-based ethics and the concept of moral autonomy.
⚫’The Ethics of Ambiguity’ by Simone De Beauvoir offers an existentialist view on ethics, emphasizing freedom and the role of societal roles.
⚫’Utilitarianism’ by John Stuart Mill discusses maximizing utility for collective happiness, differentiating between higher and lower pleasures.
⚫’After Virtue’ by Alasdair MacIntyre critiques modern moral philosophy and advocates for a return to virtue ethics and moral traditions.

A visual pencil sketch of Plato with a pensive expression of his face. and Aristotle his student.

Aristotle Vs Plato: A Critique of Their Philosophies

by PhilosophyThinkersWestern Philosophy

⚫Plato’s Theory of Forms suggests a perfect, abstract realm, criticised for its detachment from observable reality.
⚫Aristotle grounds knowledge in empirical observation, critiquing Plato’s abstract idealism.
⚫Plato idealises a rigid class-based society in ‘The Republic’, which some view as impractical and authoritarian.
⚫Aristotle’s focus on practical ethics and politics contrasts with Plato’s emphasis on abstract, ideal forms of governance.
⚫Aristotle’s methodologies in science, emphasising observation and categorization, laid groundwork for modern empirical research, challenging Plato’s metaphysical focus.

Portrait of Thomas Hobbes with Leviathan concept - illustrating social contract theory and the foundation of state sovereignty.

Thomas Hobbes: Political Sovereignty and Social Contracts

by History of Western philosophyPhilosophyPolitics

⚫ Hobbes advocated for a strong central authority to maintain social order.
⚫ His philosophy emphasized the inherent selfishness and aggressiveness of individuals.
⚫ He proposed the social contract theory as a solution for governance.
⚫ Hobbes believed in the necessity of state sovereignty and absolute authority.
⚫Critiques include concerns about tyranny under absolute sovereign power and the suppression of freedoms.

Comic illustration depicting the evolution of moral thought from ancient Greek philosophy, through medieval religious teachings, the Enlightenment era, to modern digital challenges with symbols like justice scales, a globalisation globe, and technology icons.

The Decline of Ethics in the Digital Era

by FeaturedHandpickedPhilosophy

⚫Moral decay in modern times is influenced by various factors such as erosion of family structures, reliance on state institutions, and the rise of corporate greed and media portrayals.

⚫Technological advancements and the digital age have introduced new ethical concerns, including online privacy, machine morality, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and virtual reality.

⚫Social media plays a significant role in shaping morality, with concerns about privacy invasion, cyberbullying, online addiction, and the manipulation of perceptions and beliefs by influencers.

⚫Cultural shifts and modernization have challenged traditional norms and brought about tensions between religious traditions and human rights, as well as the prioritization of material wealth over ethical standards.

Illustration of a thoughtful person standing in a crowded room, where everyone else is absorbed in their smartphones or shallow conversations, highlighting the contrast between contemplation and digital distraction in contemporary society.

Bonhoeffer’s Theory of Stupidity Explained

by PhilosophySelf-Helps

⚫Stupidity encompasses a wilful disregard for critical thinking and a refusal to learn from experience.
⚫Cognitive biases contribute to the perpetuation of foolish actions and beliefs.
⚫Bonhoeffer’s theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding individual psychology and cognitive biases.
⚫The prevalence of stupidity in modern society is influenced by social media, echo chambers, and information manipulation.

"Plato: The Philosopher's Gaze in the Style of Artemisia Gentileschi" by Midjourney/abjuniormnea

Plato’s Philosophy: An Empowering Voyage from Shadows to Enlightenment

by History of Western philosophyPhilosophyWestern Philosophy

⚫Plato’s philosophy is deeply rooted in his belief in the existence of a perfect, eternal world of Forms.
⚫The Allegory of the Cave is a metaphor for human perception, illustrating our struggle to reach understanding and enlightenment.
⚫Plato’s Theory of Forms argues that non-physical forms represent the most accurate reality.
⚫The philosopher king, according to Plato, is the ideal ruler, as he possesses knowledge of the good and the just.

Raphael's 'The School of Athens' - A Visual Representation of Greek Philosophical Legacy-Plato left and Aristotle right.

Wisdom’s Journey: Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle

by History of Western philosophyPhilosophyWestern Philosophy

⚫ Question Everything: Socrates’ method promotes critical thinking and truth-seeking through questioning.
⚫Seek Deeper Understanding: Plato’s Theory of Forms encourages looking beyond the surface to understand the ideal form of things.
⚫Understand the Causes: Aristotle’s Four Causes theory provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of things.
⚫Enduring Influence: The teachings of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle continue to shape modern philosophy and thought.

A detailed portrait of Xenophanes of Colophon, the ancient Greek philosopher and poet.

The Intellectual Journey Of Xenophanes Of Colophon: From Poet To Philosopher

by History of Western philosophyPhilosophyWestern Philosophy

⚫Xenophanes of Colophon transitioned from being a poet to a philosopher, challenging traditional Greek religious beliefs and making significant contributions to monotheism.
⚫He displayed extraordinary intellectual prowess from an early age and was influenced by the intellectual atmosphere, scholars, poets, and philosophers of Colophon.
⚫His poetic works reflected his philosophical beliefs, using satire and humour to critique Greek beliefs and customs, and he wrote in elegiac couplets, setting himself apart from his contemporaries.
⚫Xenophanes’ journey from poetry to philosophy was influenced by exposure to diverse cultures and scepticism towards traditional beliefs, leading him to question anthropomorphism, societal norms, and even democracy, emphasizing wisdom over popularity. He believed in a unified god without human characteristics or flaws, challenging polytheistic views.