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Ethics
Patients with amygdala damage rejected the widely accepted answer to the infamous "trolley problem," saying that it "hurts too much."
Ideas often taken for granted in the United States and Europe about what it means to be a person are, quite simply, not shared with other cultures.
Is there such a thing as a heroic personality type?
It’s not a huge leap to imagine we could target the biological processes that mediate our behaviours.
In the philosophy of Star Wars, the Sith are evil because they surrender to passion. But is a life of total rationality a “good” life?
Gradualism rejects the idea of a "bright line" in the abortion debate.
We often laugh at inappropriate things, but not when we are emotionally invested. Laughter cannot be serious. So, can we ever laugh at death?
The role of the Devil’s advocate was to argue against the beatification of mystics. Contrary to popular belief, they did not wear Prada.
A philosopher unpacks the paradox in using the word "evil."
6mins
Branding isn’t buzz — we’ve been doing it for thousands of years.
In terms of sheer productivity, “-gate” has no peer. Wikipedia’s list of -gates has over 260 entries.
In "The Secret Life of Secrets", Michael Slepian explores how holding secrets affects our relationships, psychology, and well-being.
Prison is an unreliable method of punishment. Let's do better.
The base rate fallacy may help to explain low reproducibility in various fields of science.
Regardless of political ideology, one of the few things that many people seem to have in common is a moral hypocrisy that arises from a fundamental lack of self-reflection.
We all know assholes. Perhaps, you are one. Now, psychologists are trying to answer one of life's biggest mysteries: What, exactly, makes someone an asshole?
One form of domestic abuse involves a parent breaking their child’s connection with the other parent.
Aristotle's ancient virtues play a vital role in today's war.
And debate over it started soon after.
Mathematics and religion both embody awe-inspiring, eternal truths.
John Templeton Foundation
People believe that slow and deliberative thinking is inherently superior to fast and intuitive thinking. The truth is more complicated.
John Templeton Foundation
Research shows that octopuses are sentient, emotional creatures.
There are pros and cons to sending interstellar messages to aliens that may or may not exist.
What responsibility do social media companies like Twitter have to free speech? It depends on whether they are "landlords" or "publishers."
Some question the ethics of sanctions aimed at cancelling Russian art and culture and punishing ordinary citizens.
There is strong evidence that invertebrates are sentient beings.
Moral dilemmas reveal the limitations of ethical principles. Oddly, the most principled belief system might not have any principles at all.