The Renunciation Artist: On Leo Tolstoy The Renunciation Artist: On Leo Tolstoy
The axis of moral struggle, a stroke of salvation--these are the spiritual dimensions of Tolstoy's late fiction.
Feb 11, 2010 / Books & the Arts / William Deresiewicz
This Seeming Brow of Justice This Seeming Brow of Justice
In their discussions of justice, Michael Sandel and Amartya Sen endorse communal good but slight collective endeavor.
Nov 19, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Samuel Moyn
End-of-Self Help End-of-Self Help
Is the task of philosophy "to learn how to die," or to teach that there is no such thing as a good death?
Oct 8, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Alexander Provan
The First Counter-revolutionary The First Counter-revolutionary
Thomas Hobbes sensed the revolutionary impulses of early modern Europe and transformed them into a defense of the most hidebound form of rule.
Sep 30, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Corey Robin
Back Talk: Alva Noë Back Talk: Alva Noë
Philosopher Alva Noë talks about the brain, consciousness and animal rights.
Feb 26, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Christine Smallwood
The Commons The Commons
In our imperfect world, only the lucky few have access to wealth and cultural riches. There is a better way: it's called The Commons.
Jan 15, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Laura Hanna and Gavin Browning
The Pragmatist The Pragmatist
We get it. He's pragmatic. But what does that mean--politically and philosophically?
Dec 10, 2008 / Books & the Arts / Chris Hayes
Obama the Philosopher Obama the Philosopher
Suddenly, Obama's making a pretty good case for why Americans should once again care for one another.
Oct 22, 2008 / Books & the Arts / Linda Hirshman
Walter Benjamin Forever: A Critic’s Coveted Afterlife Walter Benjamin Forever: A Critic’s Coveted Afterlife
Following the quirky, revolutionary life path of one of the most celebrated twentieth-century intellectuals.
Oct 15, 2008 / Books & the Arts / Noah Isenberg
George W. Bush and the Politics of Knowledge Denial George W. Bush and the Politics of Knowledge Denial
Just as Moby-Dick was too much for Ahab, our new century may be too difficult for us to comprehend.
Jun 26, 2008 / Books & the Arts / E.L. Doctorow