Bad laws, political tribalism and cancel culture – philosopher Arthur Prior was describing similar things in the 1950s, and his challenge is just as relevant today.
The novelist and philosopher’s views on love and relationships can help us be better friends.
Attributed to Onesimos (Greek (Attic), active 500 - 480 B.C.) Attic Red-Figure Kylix, about 490 B.C.
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California
Many countries, including South Africa, use regulations to control smoking in public so that they do not harm non-smokers. Likewise, getting vaccinated is for the common good of society.
Freedom of speech is a human right. But it comes with limitations, such as using the right to incite violence. Conversations around these concepts are a part of democratic education.
Tragedy in literature has come a long way since its Greek origins.
George E. Koronaios/ Wikimedia Commons
Confucius looked nothing like the great sage in his own time as he is widely known in ours. But his ideas continue to shape contemporary life for many.
Science can observe these various phases of fetal development but cannot determine when human life begins.
UrsaHoogle/E+ via Getty Images
Some people seeking to influence public opinion about abortion rights claim the science is clear. It’s not, and that means abortion remains a political question – not a biological one.
Stoic philosopher Epictetus tells us not to worry about things we can’t control, prepare for the unexpected and slow down on the judginess. This is great lockdown advice over 2,000 years later.
John Locke and John Stuart Mill don’t provide much in the way of justification for ignoring public health advice in a pandemic. Mikhail Bakunin, however…
Susan Stebbing’s 1939 work is just as relevant today as it was then.
National Portrait Gallery, London via Creative Commons
As a teacher, an academic cannot use freedom of speech to say something that may directly demean or intimidate a student. But as a researcher, they must have the freedom to pursue the truth.