Philosophy Now - August/September 2023

In this issue

Our main theme in Issue 157 is Metaphysics. Our intrepid authors tackle a selection of metaphysical conundrums including: What do we really mean when we say something is “real”? What makes a person the same person through their whole life, from cradle to grave, despite them changing so much over time? Indeed, what is the nature of time? And why is the status of mathematics mysterious? Along the way we’ll consider the ideas of John Locke, Immanuel Kant and the 20th century Oxford philosopher J.L. Austin.

The Association of Philosophy Teachers Conference Report

Paul Moore-Bridger reports from an exciting new frontier for philosophy.

3 mins

Austin & 'Reality'

Will Bynoe on milk, therapy, and the nature of being.

8 mins

John Locke & Personal Identity

Nurana Rajabova considers why, according to John Locke, you continue to be you.

9 mins

Solving the Mystery of Mathematics

Jared Warren says, think of a number. What exactly are you thinking of?

10+ mins

Kant on Time

Letizia Nonnis unfolds Kant’'s conception of the nature of and experience of time.

10+ mins

Metaphysical Skepticism

Jacob Bell argues that we can’t determine the ultimate nature of reality.

4 mins

The Best Criticism of Ethical Egoism

Stephen Leach gives you an unbiased reason why you shouldn’t be selfish.

4 mins

Nostalgia, Morality, & Mass Entertainment

Adam Kaiser finds a fine case of mass existential longing.

7 mins

Technology & Transformation

Helena Moradi looks at changing philosophical attitudes to technology.

10+ mins

Augustine (354-430)

Hilarius Bogbinder on the philosophical life of a key figure of the Catholic Church.

8 mins

Overwhelming Evil

Christopher Devlin Brown argues that our wholesale destruction of animals makes veganism humanity’s primary moral imperative.

10+ mins

Stoicism in History & Modern Life

Dermot M. Griffin reflects on the sources and relevance of this ancient wisdom.

8 mins

The Sopranos

Jarett Figlin discusses depravity & the American dream.

7 mins

Being as Onion: A Heideggerian Parable

Mark C. Watney watches Martin Heidegger's kitchen encounter.

4 mins

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Philosophy Now Magazine Description:

Philosophy Now is a lively, international newsstand magazine for everyone interested in ideas. It aims to corrupt innocent citizens by convincing them that philosophy can be exciting, worthwhile and comprehensible, and also to provide some light and enjoyable reading matter for those already ensnared by the muse, such as philosophy students and academics.

Philosophy Now appears every two months. It contains articles on all aspects of Western philosophy, as well as book reviews, letters, news, cartoons, and the occasional short story.

Since its small-scale launch in Britain in 1991, Philosophy Now has grown to become the most widely-read philosophy periodical in the English language. Philosophy Now is independent of all groups and has no intentional editorial bias except for a passionate conviction that philosophy is a Good Thing.