Moral and Existential Lessons from “Chernobyl”
The miniseries takes up a number of philosophical themes (e.g., what it means to know, the nature of authority, the virtue of humility), but chief among these is our existential confrontation with the Absurd.
The Ethics of Scientific Advice: Lessons from “Chernobyl”
HBO's miniseries offers a new opportunity to revisit an age-old debate: Should we keep value judgments out of science? Can we?
Refusal to Repatriate: The Owning, Lending, and Stealing of Art
The ongoing debate over colonial repatriation requires that we confront our history of imperialism. On what grounds can one own another's cultural heritage?
On Julia le Duc’s Photograph and the Choice Not to View...
What are the duties of news organizations and photographers? What are the rights of viewers? And what obligation do we have as humans to bear witness to tragedy and suffering?
Ali Stroker, Radio City Music Hall, and the Value of Accessibility
The recent Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall have drawn attention to ableism concerns within the entertainment industry. What is so troubling about Ali Stroker's example and what makes access so meaningful?
Free Speech and Good Omens
The recent petition by Return to Order demanding the cancellation of Good Omens by Netflix raises questions about free speech and art. What are the motivations, obligations, and limitations in protesting hurtful art?
What Technological Dystopias Can Tell Us About Human Values
The vision of technological dystopia presented by Black Mirror covers diverse topics ranging from the nature of consciousness to the essence of parenting.
Game of Thrones: Dragons, Despots, and Just War
The TV show addresses a host of philosophical issues from the principle of proportionality to jus post bellum and realpolitik.
On Censorship, Same-Sex Marriage, and a Cartoon Rat
Recent censorship in Alabama and Arkansas of a cartoon same-sex marriage in a kids' show on public television raises questions about audience and inclusivity. Who is guilty of "having an agenda?"
Elevating the Elite in Music: El Sistema and Cultural Hegemony
What can El Sistema tell us about the politics of music education? What's the right way to promote inclusion?