Philosophy

Frederick Douglass’s letter to his former master

An open letter Douglass wrote in 1848 to Thomas Auld, his former master, on the tenth anniversary of his escape from slavery to freedom. (A 350-word excerpt is here.) TO MY OLD MASTER. Thomas Auld, Sir: The long and intimate, though by no means friendly, relation which unhappily subsisted between you and myself, leads me […]

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Next three in *Philosophers, Explained*: Kant, Dewey, Thales (and Homer)

The next three in the new Philosophers, Explained by Stephen Hicks series will be: 26 Immanuel Kant on educating for duty and obedience. On Education. 27 John Dewey against “individualism” and for “democratic” education. Democracy and Education. 28 Thales and the beginnings of Western philosophy. And in contrast to Homer’s The Iliad. 1 Immanuel Kant

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Michael Newberry | Thoughts on Key Works of Art in History

In this series of 29 short videos, artist Michael Newberry discusses key works in the history of art. Michael Newberry is a California-based artist who has exhibited across Europe and North America. He is the author of books on color theory, philosophy of art, modernism and postmodernism in art, and art history. We invited him

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TODAY: “Sanction of the Victim” with Stephen Hicks and David Kelley

Today the Atlas Society is having Senior Scholar Stephen Hicks, Ph.D., and Atlas Society founder David Kelley, Ph.D.  @ 3:30 PM PT / 6:30 PM ET for a special 90-minute exploration and discussion on Ayn Rand’s theme “the sanction of the victim” and how evil often feeds off people trying to be good. Register here: Sanction

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Audiobook timestamps for *Explaining Postmodernism*

The audiobook edition of Explaining Postmodernism: Skepticism and Socialism from Rousseau to Foucault at YouTube, now with timestamps for easy navigation. This audiobook edition of Explaining Postmodernism is read by the author. To listen to a specific chapter of the audiobook, visit its YouTube site. To download MP3s of the audiobook or for more information,

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Compulsory vaccination and the National Socialists

Noticing some social-media discussion by opponents of compulsory vaccinations, noting that even Adolph Hitler opposed them. A pair of quick nuance-y corrections, one on extent and one on motivation. Extent: AH favored compulsory vaccinations—but only for Germans. Motivation: He opposed them for non-Germans because he didn’t want to extend their benefits to people he didn’t

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