The Gadfly and the Spider The Gadfly and the Spider
Justin E.H. Smith wants to convince academic philosophers that it’s a problem to define philosophy narrowly as a Western endeavor.
Aug 10, 2016 / Books & the Arts / Nausicaa Renner
The Odd Couple The Odd Couple
Through their editorial work on the writings of Walter Benjamin, Theodor Adorno and Gershom Scholem forged an unlikely friendship.
Jun 9, 2016 / Books & the Arts / Peter E. Gordon
Hume’s Call to Action Hume’s Call to Action
For philosophy to be effective, it has to understand the world in which it operates. David Hume brought history and politics to the realm of ideas.
Apr 20, 2016 / Books & the Arts / Richard Bourke
How Has Islamic Orthodoxy Changed Over Time? How Has Islamic Orthodoxy Changed Over Time?
A new book by the late scholar Shahab Ahmed reveals the capaciousness, complexity, and contradictions of Islam.
Dec 23, 2015 / Books & the Arts / Elias Muhanna
Is Anxiety the Price We Pay For Freedom? Is Anxiety the Price We Pay For Freedom?
The neuroscience of fear is incomplete without an account of philosophy and politics.
Dec 23, 2015 / Books & the Arts / Simon Wolfe Taylor
December 4, 1975: Hannah Arendt Dies December 4, 1975: Hannah Arendt Dies
“Man is basically alone with his ‘revolt’ and ‘clairvoyance,’ that is, with his reasoning.”
Dec 4, 2015 / Richard Kreitner
Letters From the December 7, 2015, Issue Letters From the December 7, 2015, Issue
Quantum of science… misreading progress… crack up, fall down…
Nov 19, 2015 / Our Readers and David Rieff
Nothing Remains Unchanged but the Clouds Nothing Remains Unchanged but the Clouds
With his worries about the gigantic power of technology and the minuscule moral illumination it can afford, Walter Benjamin remains our contemporary.
Nov 18, 2015 / Books & the Arts / Neima Jahromi
Michael Walzer, Revolutionologist Michael Walzer, Revolutionologist
The political theorist’s new book on national liberation can’t answer one key question: Why have those words become obsolete?
Nov 18, 2015 / Books & the Arts / Thomas Meaney
The Beauty and the Costs of Extreme Altruism The Beauty and the Costs of Extreme Altruism
What if you were so troubled by suffering and inequality that you changed your life entirely?
Nov 5, 2015 / Books & the Arts / Samuel Moyn