Roger Scruton: a profound but controversial thinker who conceded nothing to intellectual fashion
The philosopher experimented with some contemptible views. But his work is serious and worth disagreeing with
Philosophy
A brief history of progressive patriotism
Orwell, Woolf and Priestley can inform today’s debate
Growing up in north London, I was somewhat sheltered from anti-Semitism. Not anymore
The election may be over, but recent attacks show that the battle around anti-Semitism from all sides of the political spectrum must continue
What teaching philosophy taught me about BBC balance
What chance of a better future if we fail to maintain spaces where radical disagreement can be explored?
How Princeton neuroscientist Michael Graziano uncovers the magic of the human consciousness
The celebrated scientist talks attention, awareness, and the reception to his work
The baneful philosophical legacy of Edmund Burke
He is the inspiration for the stupidity of modern politics
What people get wrong about Bertrand Russell
Contrary to received wisdom his later work was of immense value
Should charities accept money from ethically dubious donors?
A question of judgment—and self-preservation
Nietzsche spends Christmas with the Wagners
Nietzsche spent the final days of 1870 with Richard and Cosima, revelling in the unmatched philosophical discussion. But his love for them could not last
Why we need religion
Stephen Asma, an agnostic, argues powerfully that religion is natural and beneficial. Is it such a leap to believe that it is grounded in truth?
Mellow fruitlessness: why we all need to embrace the dark side of Autumn
Autumn is darkness, and all the roaring fires and dancing candle-flames and copper-strung fairy-lights are only here to fight it back a little
The growing cult of the high street Christmas sandwich
Retailers increasingly rely on gimmicky, seasonal treats to bolster their profits. But there's a deeper side to our love of chains' Christmas offerings, too
Can there ever be any progress in politics? A debate between David Runciman and Francesca Klug
Exploring the future of democracy
Paul Gauguin, the National Gallery and the philosophical conundrum of exhibiting immoral artists
What responsibilities do galleries have when they display work by monstrous creators?
Reflecting on my religion: how the ritual of Ashura reshaped my idea of suffering
Even after my faith has faded, the markings of Ashura are still etched on my mind
Are we entering the age of "grab culture"?
Grab 'n' go, grab-bag—not to mention the grabbing president. What does it mean when suddenly the whole world is something to be seized?
How the death of RG Collingwood changed philosophy forever
The passing of this eclectic and questioning man in his prime allowed the narrower and more imperious Gilbert Ryle to dominate British philosophy. Had Collingwood lived, could the deep and damaging schism with continental thought have been avoided?
The duel: is praying a waste of time?
A selfless act of charity, or distraction from the rational world? Two contributors make their cases
“Men are trash”: the surprisingly philosophical story behind an internet punchline
The revelations of MeToo and the rise of strongman leaders has turned the internet in-joke into a foundation for political movement
The last interview with Bryan Magee
A great public intellectual passed away last month. Magee spent his life wonderstruck by the sheer fact of existence, for questions about the nature of reality are “obviously the most important and interesting there are”