Philosophical Dictionary

Why do we call many of the most evil of political figures Machiavellian? Are there ethics when it comes to politics? Join us as we discuss the intricacies of Niccolo Machiavelli's OG self-help book for the ruling elite, The Prince.

Join us as we take a run through one of the most involved and methodical ethical theories around, Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative.

The Sartre quote all over Pinterest, "we are our choices," has no confirmed source in his writing. What he actually argued is heavier: we're "condemned to be free," stuck owning every choice with no rules or luck to blame. Sartre later admitted he'd pushed that idea too far, and this piece explains where it broke.

Plato's Cave usually stops at 'enlightenment.' The real ending, from Republic Book VII, has a prisoner going blind twice and one exact line about killing anyone who tries to free the others. Here's what the Cave actually says about truth, education, and who gets punished for ending an illusion.

Today we discuss the joys of informal fallacies in philosophical arguments, and how they can change how you treat people showcasing their opinions in real life, and how you make your own arguments for things you are passionate about.

What's the deal with Ayn Rand? Why does she remain a big deal to tech billionaires and politicians half a century after her death? Let's delve deeper into the continued influence of the 20th century's controversial yet popular thinker.