Elisabeth objects to Descartes’ dualism by positing the “interaction problem”–since Descartes subscribes to the mechanical philosophy (that matter must be moved mechanically–through pushing or pulling), she argues that the soul (which is immaterial) cannot move the body since it cannot push or pull.
Shepherd argues against Berkeley that our ideas of sensible things are “algebraic signs” giving evidence to their causes (matter).
A central concern of the ‘golden age’ of Islamic philosophy was the relationship between Hellenistic philosophy and the Islamic tradition. What is the proper relationship between Greek philosophy – a product of a pagan culture ignorant of the definitive revelation given to the Prophet Mohammad – and the tradition grounded in that revelation? A key question was the authoritative status of the Islamic religious and cultural tradition: is authentic participation in that tradition a necessary precondition for a relationship with Allah or are there other, alternative routes that dispense with the specific teachings and practices of Islam?
This lesson focuses on a fragment of text from the Pythagorean philosopher Phintys (probably of Sparta, c. 4 th -3 rd century BCE) on gender-specific virtues. This text can be fruitfully compared with other texts on the same topic.
This lesson focuses on a fragment of text from the Pythagorean philosopher Aesara of Lucania (c. 4 th -3 rd century BCE) on the parts and powers of the soul. This text can be fruitfully compared with other texts on the same topic.
Can a morally great / virtuous person choose the right thing to do in every situation all by herself, or does she need to follow moral rules as guides?
In Mengzi 1A7, Mengzi attempts to train a king who is skeptical that he can be a benevolent ruler.
W.E.B. Du Bois was, for most of his scientific career, an ardent defender of the now-unpopular principle of `value free inquiry’ for science. By this he meant: scientists should not change how willing they are to accept or reject hypotheses in light of the social consequences of the hypothesis rejection or acceptance.
Socrates and Martin Luther King, Jr. discuss whether it is ever OK to break the law.
Cockburn defends Locke’s Essay (in particular his treatment of personal identity) against Burnet’s criticisms. She also provides her own argument in favor of an afterlife.