Kane Baker - The title of this essay probably strikes readers who are familiar with philosophy of mind as somewhat curious. The multiple realizability argument against functionalism? In I, I outline the standard multiple realizability argument in the debate between functionalists and identity theorists. In II, I show how this argument can be turned against the functionalist and in III, I deal with some objections.
Emily Dyson - “We wouldn’t be doing our jobs as philosophers or activists if we were not the source of some irritation at the very least.”
Jakob Zeitler - I will lay the groundwork for an inquiry into cyborg ethics and to project future developments. Then, I will explore the less known past of cyborg ethics and, finally, conclude how to further pursue the subject.
Theseus Stefanatos - This essay will instead analyse the relational power dynamics between the Centre and the Margin which exist as a result of racism, in order to assess the extent to which Marginality can operate as site of resistance to racism. To avoid drawing conclusions that are too broad, this essay will only analyse how marginality can operate as a site of resistance to racism perpetrated against Black people in the USA and will only draw on examples of resistance outside of the USA in order to offer insights on how effective these forms resistance could be if applied in America.
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.