Philosophy

It’s human nature to crave immortality, despite the pain and boredom that would accompany it

Psychologically, absences felt in particular places matter to us. The gap left on Hadrian’s Wall will be felt by anyone who had visited the remarkable tree in situ

For all his unorthodox methods and opinions, Breton never lost a desire to create and foster an entirely new mentality

We lack conclusive evidence about aliens, but this won't deter the believers

Dying can be worse than death. Is it time for our legislation to reflect this?

The home secretary’s rhetoric falsely depicts migrants as threats to those already living in Britain

Should we be surprised that we sometimes reveal things about ourselves that we don’t know at the time?

Socrates was poisoned with Hemlock. But did Plato fictionalise the account of his death?

It took bravery to stand up to the philosophical establishment in the 1930s. But Ayer took it all in his stride

West won’t succeed. But his failure could push the US towards fascism

Plato wanted societies to be governed by an incorruptible, intellectual elite. Today this is a terrifying thought

The philosopher turned to Star Trek to tackle some of life's biggest questions

The irony at the heart of his moral philosophy is as relevant today as it was in the 18th century

The Guardian and the Church of England have confronted their historical links to the slave trade – but what about the monarchy?

A teacher in Florida was forced to resign after parents complained that Michelangelo’s David statue is “pornographic”

Critics argue that it is impossible, or at least impractical, to rear octopuses for food without causing them intense suffering

Why tranquil indifference is not the answer to the world's problems

After his death, Charles Byrne’s friends let him down badly by ignoring his wishes. We should never emulate these actions

We don’t need a pragmatic or evolutionary reason to value butterflies. There's a simple joy in seeing them

Remote locking has thwarted the Russians in Ukraine but the technology has more dystopian possibilities

Philosopher NIGEL WARBUTON on the link between those who are cruel to animals and violence against humans.

The Tories appear to be exploiting a weakness in humans, where they will tolerate pain and suffering over comfort.

How much attention should we pay to food reviews and rankings? Philosopher NIGEL WARBURTON gives his take.

Schadenfreude might seem harmless, but there's a difference between a temporary feeling and living your whole life gloating about it.

There are different kinds of anger - some good and some bad. The right kind of anger can be valuable.

NIGEL WARBURTON, one of the world’s most-read philosophers, considers the latest art installation at Paris’s Arc de Triomphe.

Can the rise in intolerance in Europe be attributed to dog-whistle politics, or is there more to it?

NIGEL WARBURTON, one of the world’s most-read philosophers, reflects on our mental state after various coronavirus lockdowns.

NIGEL WARBURTON, one of the world’s most-read philosophers, on the 'Trolley Problem' and why life is more complex than the theory suggests.

Introducing a new weekly column by Nigel Warburton, one of the world’s most-read philosophers.