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Experiments in Philosophy

The impact of psychological research on life's big questions.

Happiness
What Does It Take to Be Truly Happy?

Joshua Knobe on February 13, 2017

Ever wonder what it means to be truly happy? New research suggests there may be more to it than just feeling good.

Ever wonder what it means to be truly happy? New research suggests there may be more to it than just feeling good.

Philosophy
Experimental Philosophy: Starring Amanda Palmer

Joshua Knobe on March 29, 2013

A new video presents some surprising experimental results, with 3-D animated extraterrestrials and narration from rockstar Amanda Palmer.

A new video presents some surprising experimental results, with 3-D animated extraterrestrials and narration from rockstar Amanda Palmer.

Genetics
Is Science Value-Free? An Experimental Study

Joshua Knobe on December 27, 2012

An experimental study run on more than 1,000 scientists shows that their value judgments actually have a surprising influence on the way they decide whether a trait is 'innate.'

An experimental study run on more than 1,000 scientists shows that their value judgments actually have a surprising influence on the way they decide whether a trait is 'innate.'

Environment
Why Are Men So Violent?

Jesse Prinz Ph.D. on February 3, 2012

Are men warriors by nature? A new evolutionary account may be wrong about the source of male violence.

Are men warriors by nature? A new evolutionary account may be wrong about the source of male violence.

Pornography
Does Pornography Treat Women as Objects?

Joshua Knobe on November 4, 2011

A new series of experiments looks at the impact of pornography. When people see a woman in a pornographic image, do they think of her entirely as a body and not as a mind? Or might they neglect only certain parts of her mind but continue to focus on others?

A new series of experiments looks at the impact of pornography. When people see a woman in a pornographic image, do they think of her entirely as a body and not as a mind? Or might they neglect only certain parts of her mind but continue to focus on others?

Philosophy
Deepak Chopra Takes on Experimental Philosophy

Joshua Knobe on June 28, 2011

How do people understand the 'true self'? Recent research has gone after this question with systematic experimental studies. Deepak Chopra has argued that this research is misguided.

How do people understand the 'true self'? Recent research has gone after this question with systematic experimental studies. Deepak Chopra has argued that this research is misguided.

Asperger's Syndrome
Do You Have Asperger's Syndrome?

Edouard Machery on November 5, 2008

How do we think about the intentional nature of actions? And how do people with an impaired mindreading capacity thinkg about it?

How do we think about the intentional nature of actions? And how do people with an impaired mindreading capacity thinkg about it?

Ethics and Morality
Do Atheists Pose a Threat to Morality?

Jesse Prinz Ph.D. on June 25, 2008

Atheism is said to pose a major threat to morality. Some theists claim that disbelief leads to moral relativism and undermines the motivation to do good deeds. Recent research can help us see what is true and false about these anxieties.

Atheism is said to pose a major threat to morality. Some theists claim that disbelief leads to moral relativism and undermines the motivation to do good deeds. Recent research can help us see what is true and false about these anxieties.