Freedom and Freaktopia: re-reading the past to re-imagine the future
Through his work on the Victorian freak show, and ideas from disability studies and philosophy, John Woolf explores the idea of 'freaktopia'
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Jul 17, 20226 min
Overturning Roe v. Wade: The Court’s New Jurisprudence of Doubt
The precedent of Dobbs may do more than overturn a right to abortion. It may be precedent for fewer rights and more ambiguity in US law.
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Jul 10, 20228 min
Should the Courts or the People determine rights? It’s complicated..
The US Supreme Court has overturned the right to abortion. This provokes a question: should unelected judges or the People determine rights?
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Jul 3, 20226 min
Why we need to radically recognise the Homeless
The Homeless are defined by what they have not – a home. Unlike women, disabled people- defined by what they have. Why is this so important?
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Jun 26, 20224 min
The Ethics of Strikes
A post on the ethics of strikes and industrial action. I argue that workers ought to have the right to strike, and ought to use it.
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Jun 19, 20225 min
Russia’s frozen assets: what becomes of them now?
Russian assets have been frozen by western governments. What should be done with them? Should they be used to compensate Ukrainian victims?
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Jun 5, 20226 min
On collective injustices: Why your vegetarianism doesn't matter
If many people were to stop eating meat, then animal welfare would significantly increase. But, most won't. Should you be vegetarian?
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May 29, 20227 min
Culture wars: who’s to blame- the ‘snowflake’ or the ‘microaggressor’?
Too often, we hear that culture wars are just a distraction. But, ignoring them won’t make them go away. How can we approach them better?
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May 22, 20224 min
‘Society’s to blame’: Banks, Structures and Climate Change
Who is to blame for our lack of divestment from fossil fuels? If banks reflect society, then is it us or them who is responsible?
479
Aug 13, 20218 min
Climate change and the existential issue it raises
Climate change raises important philosophical questions. This inquiry asks whether policies discouraging having children might be an answer.
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Apr 4, 20216 min
Should government or health experts decide Covid19 policy? The case for depoliticization
Is UK gov 'guided by science', or by its own electoral incentives?This article asks if power to decide should be with experts or politicians
438
Feb 7, 20218 min
Schooling for the Greater Good
The pandemic has shown the strength of collectivity. Can schools do more to shift moral focus from individualism towards the common good?
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Oct 23, 20204 min
Empathy, sympathy and solidarity
Can powerful individuals really empathise with those in weaker positions? Should we rely on their empathy, or instead ask for solidarity?
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Sep 15, 202011 min
Has the A-level fiasco undermined fair equality of opportunity?
A-levels are thought important to ensure equality of opportunity for young people. Has 2020's distorted process denied them this forever?
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Jul 30, 20208 min
‘Black Lives Matter’ or ‘All Lives Matter’? Two approaches to liberation
Black Lives Matter & All Lives Matter represent two approaches to liberation- difference assertion & difference blindness. Which to favour?
428
Jul 21, 20208 min
Is ‘cancel culture’ a threat to free speech?
Do recent perceived trends of cancellation or ostracism of those with odious views (so-termed cancel culture) pose a threat to free speech?
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Jun 27, 20204 min
Covid-19: Political Turmoil and the Opportunity for Change
Revolutionary socialists have long argued crisis hails an opportunity for economic change. Which societal changes should Covid hail in?
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Jun 22, 20205 min
What makes a protest violent?
Are we using the same word to describe both bodily violence and illegal damage to property? What are the implications of this on protests?
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Jun 19, 202010 min
COVID-19: Why the threat to democracy depends on the context
How can suspended democracies represent our interests? In less stable states with socioeconomic instability, which interests are legitimate?
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Jun 15, 20207 min
On Toppling Monuments, Discomfort, and “People Like Us”
How ought we adjudicate between the discomfort of those who feel statues represent oppressive views, and those who value attachment to them?
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Jun 12, 20205 min
Statues, Philosophy, and Charitable Interpretation
On statues: do philosophers' recent interpretations of activists and preservationists expose a disconnect between philosophy and reality?
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Jun 8, 20204 min
Cosmopolitanism, Nationalism and Closed Borders in the Covid-19 Era
Does the closing of borders due to CoVid19 signal states are inherently nationalistic? Or are globalists right to emphasise interdependence?
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May 30, 20207 min
Can Moral Philosophy Tell You Who Should Get the Ventilator?
Moral philosophy seeks answers to the toughest choices we face, such as tragic decisions between who lives and dies. Is this possible?
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