Ethics in Question

Martha Nussbaum thinks we don't need anger in order to have self-respect. But isn't the anger-free person weak?

Anger

Our Anger Crisis: Anger Elevates Us By Pulling Others Down?

Michael Cholbi Ph.D. on August 22, 2016

Injustice tells the world that wrongdoers and their victims are not moral equals. Can anger and retribution symbolically restore their equality?

Injustice tells the world that wrongdoers and their victims are not moral equals. Can anger and retribution symbolically restore their equality?

Anger

Our Anger Crisis: What Good Is Payback

Michael Cholbi Ph.D. on August 15, 2016

Anger makes us want to retaliate against those who've harmed us. Martha Nussbaum says that's irrational and incoherent — is she right?

Anger makes us want to retaliate against those who've harmed us. Martha Nussbaum says that's irrational and incoherent — is she right?

Anger

Our Anger Crisis: The Pleasure and Pain of Anger

Michael Cholbi Ph.D. on August 9, 2016

Anger is a strange emotional brew: painful, but tinged with pleasurable anticipation at seeing wrongdoers suffer. Should we cultivate anger, or shun it, as Martha Nussbaum argues?

Anger is a strange emotional brew: painful, but tinged with pleasurable anticipation at seeing wrongdoers suffer. Should we cultivate anger, or shun it, as Martha Nussbaum argues?

Anger

Our Anger Crisis: Can Philosophy Help?

Michael Cholbi Ph.D. on August 3, 2016

We are facing a rising tide of anger in public and private life. Can philosophy help us navigate our way through—or even beyond—anger?

We are facing a rising tide of anger in public and private life. Can philosophy help us navigate our way through—or even beyond—anger?

Law and Crime

Harsh Justice

Michael Cholbi Ph.D. on September 13, 2015

It seems natural to think that the harsher the punishment, the more it will deter crime. But some recent studies suggest that isn't the case. Here some tools from economics and philosophy are used to explore why.

It seems natural to think that the harsher the punishment, the more it will deter crime. But some recent studies suggest that isn't the case. Here some tools from economics and philosophy are used to explore why.

Sweden sets 'zero suicides' as its public health goal. Should we follow suit?