Philosophy Now

Philosophy Now is a magazine for everyone interested in ideas. It isn't afraid to tackle all the major questions of life, the universe and everything. It tries 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. It contains articles on all aspects of philosophy, plus book reviews, film reviews, news, cartoons, and the occasional short story.

The Functions of Art

News

A Forgiving Reason The Secret of Sherlock Holmes’ Success • Tim Weldon detects links between Sherlock Holmes and Blaise Pascal in the operation of intuition.

Simon + Finn

Ockham’s Rose • Carol Nicholson looks at philosophical themes in The Name Of The Rose. (WARNING: CONTAINS PLOT SPOILERS.)

Can Art Fight Fascism? • Justin Kaushall considers Adorno’s argument that radical art radically changes consciousness.

The Case Against Conceptual Art • Trevor Pateman makes the case for the prosecution

Creating the Beautiful Society • Francis Akpata explains how Schiller saw art as a path to utopia.

Should We Pursue Happiness? • Vincent Kavaloski reviews both Tolstoy’s insights and his oversight.

Hermann von Helmholtz (1821-1894) • Dylan Daniel looks at the philosophical insights of a remarkable scientist.

MARY MIDGLEY (September 13, 1919 – October 10, 2018) • Carol Nicholson on a remarkable ethicist and Philosophy Now contributor.

Hegel on History • Lawrence Evans rationally interprets Hegel’s rational interpretation of history.

The Trouble with Hegel • Chris Christensen thinks Hegel shouldn’t have stopped where he did.

Putting Animals & Humans To Sleep • John Shand doubts there is a moral difference.

Philosophy: A Call to Action • Calvin H. Warner asks if philosophy can improve our lives.

I Hate Philosophy • At least Gray Kochhar-Lindgren can be philosophical about it.

The Ethics of Education in the Secular State • Andrew Copson considers some ethical problems for secular education in a pluralistic world.

IRIS MURDOCH (1919–1999) • Perceive but not touch An abstract reality: God become the Good

Letters • When inspiration strikes, don’t bottle it up. Email me at rick.lewis@philosophynow.org Keep them short and keep them coming!

On Celebrity

Philosophy for the Young, Medieval Style • Peter Adamson on battles over the trivium and quadrivium.

From Bacteria to Bach and Back • We delve into the brain to look for the mind this issue as Peter Stone agrees with Daniel Dennett that we don’t know our own minds (or brains), and Stephen Anderson agrees with Marcus Gabriel that our minds aren’t brains.

I Am Not A Brain

Santa Claus: The Movie • Chris Vaughan says “Bah humbug” to consumer society.

Subscribe to Philosophy Now Digital Editions & Back Issues • philosophynow.org/shop

Brains, Minds, Selves • Raymond Tallis uses all three to show that he has all three.

Question of the Month Is The World An Illusion? • Each answer below receives a book. Apologies to the many entrants not included.

The Light From Our Eyes • Stephen Brewer wonders what’s in the (mind’s) eye of the beholder.