Henry Smith - Our typical view of the sciences is of a rational enquiry into the world. This enquiry is supposedly rigorously conducted with the ‘truth’ sought out. It seems peculiar then for science to make so much use ‘modelling’ in which, broadly speaking, a scientist posits a scenario, enquires into that scenario and then uses their results to make claims about the real world. This seems divorced from the empirical enquiries we expect of science.
Remy Pereira - According to Putnam (1967), type-identity theory is incompatible with multiple realisability. In other words, if each type of mental state is identical with exactly one type of physical state, then that same mental state cannot be instantiated by different physical states in different contexts. In this essay I will argue, contra Putnam, that a restricted version of type- identity theory can be compatible with multiple realisability.
I will be assessing Kant’s justification for the punishment of criminals by the state. Referring to B. Sharon Byrd’s interpretation of Kant’s theory of punishment, which aims to show him as not thoroughly retributivist but rather considerate of deterrence too. In order to assess this interpretation I shall also consider a critique of it by Jean-Cristophe Merle. All this will amount to a defence of Byrd’s interpretation of Kant, and I will argue that thus interpreted Kant’s justification for the state punishing criminals is adequate.
I will conclude that, because virtue-ethicists are in fact able to utilise Aristotle’s core moral framework and adapt it to the society in which they wish to implement it, Aristotle does indeed provide an adequate basis for contemporary virtue ethics. While many aspects of Aristotle’s theory are rejected and adapted, the main foundation of modern virtue ethics can be Aristotelian.
Henry Smith - This essay does not attempt to provide an exhaustive account of either the current system and its flaws and merits, nor indeed an exhaustive account of the alternative being posited; it instead seeks to challenge lay the groundwork for a debate about a key aspect of society’s structure.
By progressing through the current issues people take with the use of robots in warfare, this essay aims to delineate the inevitable outcome, that robots can and ought to be assigned personhood, and depicts the implications of this for their continued (and ever expanding) use in modern warfare.
Moral ignorance because of cultural framework is insufficient to excuse an individual from blame for supporting or participating in wrongful institutional practise.
Mathieu H - "Brutus is an honourable man." The divine between the intended and literal meaning of sentences is explored in the works of philosophers of the pragmatic school, namely Austin, Searle, and Grice. We shall extract from their studies philosophical understandings concerning the difference between what is uttered and what is meant.
Mimi Yates - I will ultimately argue that posthuman relationships will transform our notions of intimacy and that, in fact, they already have. I believe that the potential of progression represents us with some serious challenges that need addressing.