South African civil society and private citizens march in protest against xenophobic violence in Johannesburg.
EPA-EFE/Yeshiel Panchia
Xenophobia negates the spirit of pan-Africanism, especially its ideal that Africans share a mutual bond, regardless of their geographical location.
Born to run: Bruce Springsteen in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2013.
Antonio Scorza via Shutterstock
Bruce Springsteen is The Boss, Aristotle is The Philosopher. And they have a great deal in common, if you know where to look.
Proponents and critics of drug testing welfare recipients are repeating the same arguments. Here’s how to break the deadlock.
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We need to look at what’s behind arguments for and against drug testing welfare recipients to avoid repeating the same debate, over and over.
Eric Cantona at the UEFA President’s award.
ALEXANDRE DIMOU/EPA
Cantona was right to raise concerns about the future, says an expert on transhumanism.
Michel Foucault argued that surveillance, such as CCTV, is used to enforce social norms.
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Michel Foucault was one of the most famous thinkers of the late 20th century, achieving celebrity-like status before his death. His theories about power and social change continue to resonate.
European stereotypes: a Dutch satirical cartoon of Europe from 1870.
Humoristische Kaart van Europa via Wikimedia Commons
The battle between nationalism and a wider European identity in the 19th century has influenced philosophy to this day.
Philosophy doesn’t just improve children’s grades, it helps them make meaning of their place in the world.
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Teaching children philosophy can help improve academic results. But the main reason it should be used in schools is it allows children a space to make sense of the world, and meaning in their lives.
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We can justify different standards for different Twitter users by turning to the philosophical ideas about public debate.
Earthrise seen from the moon by Apollo 8.
NASA
‘Saving the planet doesn’t make compelling TV.’ A philosopher gives his take on the legacy of the Apollo 11 moon landings.
Humans have always sought knowledge, all the way back to Eve.
Wes Mountain/The Conversation
Free inquiry has always been a fraught business, from Eden to Facebook, but is a key component of any open society. It shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Street cobbler.
Sam 'Dele-Ogunti Documentary Photographer. Lagos, Nigeria.
The more humans seek happiness, the more it can elude them. In exploring this conundrum, a Nigerian novelist spoke with everyday people in his country, finding the coexistence of hope and deprivation.
Today’s view of education is largely underpinned by the philosophy of pragmatism.
Wes Mountain/The Conversation
The Ancient Greeks modelled a form of education that, in variants, has endured for centuries. But with climate change and globalisation, the world has changed, and the role of education with it.
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The real ethical challenge of driverless cars is not deciding how they respond in emergencies – it’s facing up to the failings of human drivers.
Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher.
yoemi/Shutterstock
We need to accept the incomplete nature of our knowledge, question and adopt alternative views.
Pierre Bayle said all peoples’ beliefs and rituals should be tolerated out of respect for their fundamental humanity.
Joshua Earle/Unsplash
Pierre Bayle, one of the most widely read philosophers, said tolerance should be based on humanity, not on faith.
The Matrix was a box office hit, but it also explored some of western philosophy’s most interesting themes.
HD Wallpapers Desktop/Warner Bros
Cult film The Matrix was released 20 years ago this month. From Plato to Baudrillard, the film explored philosophical dilemmas we are still wrestling with today.
Cyclone Idai wreaks havoc in Mozambique.
EPA-EFE/JOSH ESTEY
Climate change is an emergency which will hurt the planet’s most vulnerable people – the only irrational response is cool detachment.
Jacob Lund/Shutterstock
Researchers get their first glimpse into what happens in the brain when we consciously relinquish control over our actions and go with the flow.
Sarkao/Shutterstock.com
And it needs to wholeheartedly attack the foundations of western philosophy.
Aspasia. Wikimedia Commons
A new look at ancient texts allows for a pivotal perspective on the role of a certain Greek woman.