All Questions
22,435
questions
15
votes
8
answers
5k
views
When and why do we say that two things are the same?
In a preceeding question I have asked about the foundations of rational reasonning. It seems the concept of identity plays a key role. However "identity" is not observed in the real world: our mind ...
- 763
65
votes
21
answers
23k
views
Is the "omniscient-omnipotent-omnipresent" definition of God consistent?
God is commonly defined as an omniscient (infinite knowledge), omnipotent (unlimited power), omnipresent (present everywhere) entity.
Is there any logical inconsistency in this definition?
I have seen ...
- 1,561
22
votes
4
answers
24k
views
What, if anything, is the difference between ethics and moral philosophy?
Are the terms 'Ethics' and 'Moral Philosophy' different in extension as terms in philosophy? Some Departments of Philosophy have courses with titles like "Introduction to Ethics" and others with ...
- 1,662
7
votes
2
answers
889
views
Is there any possible world in which 2+2=5?
Gödel's incompleteness theorems show that arithmetic is either inconsistent or incomplete, and that arithmetic cannot prove its own consistency. It is useful to believe that arithmetic is consistent, ...
- 614
15
votes
4
answers
1k
views
What is the practical usefulness of post-modernist sociology à la Foucault, e.g. of the insight that "insanity is merely a label applied by society"?
Foucault says what constitutes insanity is a label determined by society. Whether someone is sane or insane is not a clear, objective fact. I do not disagree. He says this labelling can be dangerous.
...
- 1,363
19
votes
2
answers
6k
views
What was Kant's view on lies by omission?
I was going to ask this question as a comment in response to @Chad's answer to What would Kant do when two categorical imperatives conflict? Could he ever justify lying?, however I figured it merits ...
- 1,187
1
vote
4
answers
336
views
Are the limitations of language proof against the divinity of holy books? [closed]
Many religions like Islam and Hinduism have holy books(the Quran and the Vedas, respectively) which claim some kind of superhuman origin. However, are the limitations of languages then counter to ...
- 923
5
votes
8
answers
84k
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Who are the most influential living philosophers? [closed]
Who are the most important, widely-read or influential living philosophers still actively working and contributing to the field today? Which thinkers are recognized for doing the most interesting and ...
27
votes
12
answers
18k
views
Are there any philosophical arguments to disprove or weaken solipsism?
My philosophy professor once told our class: The only people who believe in solipsism are infants and madmen. I was inclined to agree at the time. Yet years later, I have still not encountered any ...
user151
36
votes
8
answers
41k
views
What would Kant do when two categorical imperatives conflict? Could he ever justify lying?
Suppose a German SS officer knocked on my door, asking me whether I had any Jews. And suppose further that I had two Jews in a secret compartment in the attic that he'd never be able to find. ...
- 1,363
32
votes
11
answers
9k
views
Where and how can I get started in contemporary philosophy?
We are living in an unprecedented era of philosophical research and development where "big thought" is once again everywhere. And yet I feel like I hear this question so often:
Where to begin ...
9
votes
5
answers
5k
views
How has the philosophy of war changed since Sun Tzu's The Art of War?
The Art of War, an ancient military treatise written by Sun Tzu, is composed of thirteen chapters detailing strategies for war ranging from simply laying plans to the extensive use of fire and spies ...
- 325
10
votes
3
answers
455
views
Who said they were hiding in the woods?
In my undergraduate days, I remember reading someone occupying roughly a mental and historical space as David Hume (originally my thought was between Hume and Kuhn), and have a vaguely recalled ...
- 867
7
votes
2
answers
342
views
What kind of things do we actually know about teapots?
This question is not meant to deal with the religious side of the Teapot (or FSM or the Invisible Pink Unicorn), but rather the inherent epistemological claims and their export to other areas of ...
- 867
12
votes
3
answers
921
views
Did Malebranche believe both the idea in the mind and the movement in the body are caused by God?
My senior thesis explored the notion of action under George Berkeley's system, and one claim I tried to address was that Berkeley contradicts himself when discussing will.
In his Philosophical ...
- 1,187