Markets and Morality
July 27, 2004
Does the free market provide incentives for behavior that is problematic from a moral perspective?…
The Scandalous Truth about Memoir
May 24, 2026
A memoir is a personal narrative written about a pivotal time in the author’s life. While the story is told from a particular perspective, the events recounted are supposed to be fact, not fiction. But what exactly counts as truth in memoir? Is the distinction…
Paternalism and Health
July 13, 2004
Paternalism and Health: Some diseases such as Alzheimer’s inhibit our abilities to make decisions and…
Humans: The Irrational Animal
June 29, 2004
Some psychologists claim to have demonstrated that humans are systematically, deeply and perhaps irredeemably irrational…
Genetic Engineering and Cloning
June 22, 2004
When is genetic manipulation morally permissible? For health? Beauty? Wit? What sorts of animals is…
Drug Legalization
May 25, 2004
Does America’s drug problem rest on confused philosophy? Ken and John discuss the philosophical issues…
Animal Rights
May 11, 2004
We shouldn’t be mean to animals. Is that because animals have rights, like people do?…
Taxation
April 13, 2004
How is taxation different from stealing? What right does the government have to take some…
Consciousness
April 6, 2004
Is the conscious mind just the brain or something more? Can science explain consciousness? How…
Humor
March 30, 2004
What is humor? What makes some jokes funny? Why did the chicken cross the road?…
The Insanity Defense
February 17, 2004
Ken and John debate (use?) the insanity defense. What difference does it make if the…
Marriage and the State
February 2, 2004
With what right does the state say who can and cannot marry? The state has,…
What Is Race?
January 27, 2004
Is race a discredited pseudo-scientific category? Or a real dimension of difference among humans? Or…
Would You Want to Live Forever?
January 20, 2004
Pick your favorite age. You are healthy, career thriving, family intact (at least pretend!). Would…
The Bush Doctrine of Preemptive Self-Defense
January 13, 2004
What is the difference between mere aggression and preemptive self defense? Can you really permissibly…
Live Pilot: Is Lying Always Bad?
August 20, 2003
Many philosophers have been tempted to condemn lying as an absolute evil. The problem is…
Demo #2: What Is Terrorism?
January 1, 2003
What is terrorism? Is terrorism morally worse than other forms of warfare. Was Truman’s decision…
Now Offering Institutional Subscriptions to the Philosophy Talk Archive!
Subscribe to Philosophy Talk
As a member, you’ll gain access to hundreds of engaging episodes, exclusive content, and the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community of curious minds.
