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.

Editorial Creature Discomforts

A Synopsis of Mary Shelley’s Celebrated Novel: ‘Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus’ (1818)

News • • China hosts vast World Congress • Johns Hopkins philosophy dept. prepares to throw big party • Causality starts to look wobbly •

Frankenstein Lives! • Tim Madigan considers the core philosophical themes of the long-lived novel.

Mary Shelley, Frankenstein & Moral Philosophy • Raymond Boisvert explores prominent ethical facets of Frankenstein.

Moral Blind Spots • Gerald Jones discusses how we judge the past, how we will one day be judged, and what we can do about it.

Kathryn Harkup • Tim Madigan meets the author of Making the Monster: The Science Behind Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

Why Is There A World? • Carlo Filice wonders why a god would bother to create a world.

JOHN STUART MILL (1806–1873) • The worst tyranny: Fear not the oppressive state but nosey neighbours.

What Makes A Philosopher? • Siobhan Lyons hunts down a philosopher’s essential ingredients.

A Brief Explanation of ANARCHISM • Mary Shelley’s father, political philosopher William Godwin, was the first modern exponent of anarchism. In his honour, Nick Gutierrez states the stateless ideal.

Does Western Philosophy Have Egyptian Roots? • Peter Flegel highlights possible connections between early Greek philosophy and the ideas of the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt.

Abortion & Phenomenology • Michael Kowalik considers a possible implication of abortion for self-awareness.

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-97) • Sandrine Bergès considers the too short wanderings of a political philosopher.

Instrumental In Iraq • Seán Moran blows the whistle on Plato’s flautophobia.

Moral Education for Digital Natives • Laura D’Olimpio discusses the moral role for teachers of digital denizens.

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

A Vindication of A Vindication • Peter Adamson asks what Mary Wollstonecraft wanted.

Books • Dharmender Dhillonmuses on Luce Irigaray’s best way to make an individual, Alexander Hooke judges a book about being judged, and Neil Richardson philosophises on what Louis Althusser has to say to non-philosophers.

Books

Books

Film Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein • David White takes a long strange trip with Jerry Garcia to watch Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein.

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Technoimmortalization • Raymond Tallis tells us how (not) to live forever.

Learning To Love Our Teachers • Anushka Bhaskar (18) and Zachary Cerniglia (19) consider the importance of gratitude for education.

At the Existentialist Park • Douglas Groothuis reports an unexpected meeting of minds.