Recent Responses
Does the equation "e to the power i x pi = -1" have any physical meaning? Is there a meaning waiting to be discovered?
Daniel J. Velleman
November 4, 2005
(changed November 4, 2005)
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Euler's equation is important in quantum mechanics. In quantum mechanics, the state of a particle is given by a function, and the formula for that function generally includes a term of the form eix, which, according to Euler's equation, is equal to cos(x) + i sin(x). The appearance o... Read more
If a person claims to be both pro-life and pro-choice regarding the abortion controversy, is that person necessarily practicing relativistic moralism? The person in question claims to believe that abortion is morally wrong. However, he also claims that despite his personal beliefs he believes it is a choice each woman should be allowed to make.
Richard Heck
November 3, 2005
(changed November 3, 2005)
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There need be nothing inconsistent about this position. The first view, that abortion is morally impermissible, is a moral or ethical view. The second view, that each woman should be permitted to choose for herself whether to have an abortion, is a politicalview, one about what laws a state... Read more
I've been reading Plato's <i>Republic</i> and I find he had quite drastic views when it came to censorship. Is this really so or just a misinterpretation on my behalf? Is Plato trying to eliminate freedom from his ideal city?
Nicholas D. Smith
November 3, 2005
(changed November 3, 2005)
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Scholars have been deeply divided over how we are supposed to understand Plato's writings in general, and the Republic in particular. Some have gone so far as to suggest that Plato intended the Republic as a kind of comedy--poking fun at utopian thought by showing how outrageous and co... Read more
On knowledge: is there any circumstance in which I am without doubt free from the sceptical possibility that all things are in my imagination only?
Nicholas D. Smith
November 3, 2005
(changed November 3, 2005)
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There is yet another way to doubt what Descartes supposed we could know with certainty. It seems that one might also wonder if we might be fallible even in the ways in which we categorize our own experiences. Descartes imagines a very powerful malin genie (an evil demon) who would del... Read more
If scientific theories claim to provide ultimate truths about the nature of reality, then how can we explain new theories and revisions of existing theories? To take an extreme example - if we once believed that the world was flat, how can we justify our current belief in a spherical world? In this particular case, our current ideas can clearly be explained by the increases in technology and no one would seriously question the shape of our planet. However, in more complicated instances how can we be so sure that science offers anything more than a set of beliefs (i.e. in a similar way to religion or myths).
Peter Lipton
November 3, 2005
(changed November 3, 2005)
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Later scientific theories often contradict the theories they replace. Does this mean that science is not in the truth business? There is a simple and much discussed argument for this conclusion. The argument is known as the 'pessimistic induction': all scientific theories more than say t... Read more
This is kind of a counterfactual question. If the atmosphere in the past had been made more inviting to women would we presently have knowledge that we do not have at present? We all know I think that sensitivities enter and often create philosophy along with poetry. Some sensitivities have been left on the sidelines, just how heavy a price have we paid for this? Is it presently even productive to ask such a question? James Ont, Canada
Lynne Rudder Baker
November 3, 2005
(changed November 3, 2005)
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I agree with Louise Antony on this matter. In my opinion, the contribution of feminism is to social justice, rather than to the theory of knowledge.
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This is kind of a counterfactual question. If the atmosphere in the past had been made more inviting to women would we presently have knowledge that we do not have at present? We all know I think that sensitivities enter and often create philosophy along with poetry. Some sensitivities have been left on the sidelines, just how heavy a price have we paid for this? Is it presently even productive to ask such a question? James Ont, Canada
Lynne Rudder Baker
November 3, 2005
(changed November 3, 2005)
Permalink
I agree with Louise Antony on this matter. In my opinion, the contribution of feminism is to social justice, rather than to the theory of knowledge.
Log in to post comments
This is kind of a counterfactual question. If the atmosphere in the past had been made more inviting to women would we presently have knowledge that we do not have at present? We all know I think that sensitivities enter and often create philosophy along with poetry. Some sensitivities have been left on the sidelines, just how heavy a price have we paid for this? Is it presently even productive to ask such a question? James Ont, Canada
Lynne Rudder Baker
November 3, 2005
(changed November 3, 2005)
Permalink
I agree with Louise Antony on this matter. In my opinion, the contribution of feminism is to social justice, rather than to the theory of knowledge.
Log in to post comments
Loyalty. Is it unethical to move loyalty to another sports team just because the current team you're rooting for isn't doing well?
Alan Soble
November 3, 2005
(changed November 3, 2005)
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Most fans of the New Orleans Saints (football team) remained loyal to 'dem Saints even though the Saints were almost always a losing team. Loyalty in The Big Easy for the Saints was fierce. But now that Katrina has destroyed much of New Orleans, the team's owner, car franchise hot shot Benson... Read more
Why monogamy?
Alan Soble
November 3, 2005
(changed November 3, 2005)
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Here are some standard replies (some worse than others): (1) to reduce your chances of contracting an STD. (2) because you barely have enough time and energy and money for one relationship, let alone two. (3) because God said so, and you shouldn't tamper with Him. (4) because your mama said so... Read more