Boise State Philosophy Department

The Philosophy Club will be meeting Tonight, Nov. 17 at 6p.m. Location: Warehouse Food Hall (370 S 8th St) Downtown Boise
We hope to see you there!

Dr. Michael Huemer will be the guest speaker for the Phil Club and Department of Philosophy Friday, Nov. 11 and Saturday, Nov. 12.

Friday, November 11, 2022 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Boise State Main Campus - ILC204
"A Proof of Reincarnation"
Abstract: If time is infinite in both directions, and if persons could only live once in all of time, then the probability that I would be alive now would be zero. But I am alive now. Therefore, either time is finite, or persons can live more than once. I elaborate and defend this argument, then discuss its implications.

Saturday, November 11, 2022 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Boise State Main Campus - ILC204
"Virtue and Vice Among the Infinite"
Abstract: When is an infinite series impossible? Three wrong answers: (a) There can be a potential infinity but not an actual infinity; (b) an infinite series cannot be completed by successive addition; (c) there cannot be an endless series in which each member depends upon the following member. Correct answer: An infinite series is impossible when it requires the instantiation of an infinite intensive magnitude. This answer, unlike the three previous answers, accommodates intuitive examples of vicious and benign infinite series.

The Philosophy Club will be meeting Tonight, Nov. 3 at 6p.m. Location: Warehouse Food Hall (370 S 8th St) Downtown Boise
We hope to see you there!

The Philosophy Club will be meeting Thursday, October 20th at 6p.m. - Location: Warehouse Food Hall (370 S 8th St)
We hope to see you there!

Philosophy Club will be meeting at the Caffeina Roasting Company (4774 W State St) tonight, Sept. 22 .m.
This week we will be discussing a talk by Kwame Anthony Appiah, "Ethics in a World of Strangers." The Youtube link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esZQ2cf2Gkw&t=488s
We look forward to seeing everyone there and hearing your thoughts!

Philosophy Students and Philosophy Faculty please join us for an end of semester celebration!!

Date: Thursday, May 5, from 3-5 p.m.
Where: Papa Joe's on Capitol Blvd.
Pizza and Soft Drinks will be provided

We look forward to seeing you there!! 🥳

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The Phil Club and the Department of Philosophy welcome guest speaker Dr. Chris Heathwood for two engaging talks via Zoom Friday, Jan. 21 at 3:30 p.m. MST & Saturday, Jan. 22 at 11:00 a.m. MST

Zoom info (same for both talks):

https://boisestate.zoom.us/j/93261977169?pwd=M0tXdmd2U1NzUVdVdEkvTkxIU2JLdz09

meeting code: 932 6197 7169

passcode: 318894

Friday, January 21 3:30-5:30 p.m. MST
“Fear of Death”
Is it rational to fear death? What about other negative emotions, such as sadness or terror? For a negative feeling about your death to be rational, it would seem that your death, or being dead, would need to be a bad thing for you. But is it? How can it be, if you aren’t even around to experience it? These are the sorts of questions we’ll be thinking about together in this talk.

Saturday, January 22 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. MST
“Are Adaptive Preferences a Problem for Subjective Theories of Well-Being?”
An adaptive preference is one formed or changed in response to the belief that one’s options are limited. In the paradigm case, the subject comes to want or like or accept a thing upon realizing that they are stuck with it anyway. For example, upon learning that one is not qualified for the promotion one really wanted, one might, as a coping strategy, come to prefer one’s current position to the unattainable one (Bruckner). It is widely believed that cases of adaptive preference pose a serious problem for subjective theories of well-being, as such theories seem unable to agree with the idea that there is something bad going on in cases of adaptive preferences. I argue that adaptive preferences do not in fact pose a problem for subjective theories generally; they only pose a problem for the least plausible versions of such theories.

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Dr. Ramona Ilea will be the guest speaker for the Phil Club and Department of Philosophy Friday, Nov 5 and Saturday, Nov. 6 via Zoom.

Friday, Nov 5, 3:30pm
"Clothing Ethics: What We Wear as Important as What We Eat"
Abstract: Although clothes are a big part of our culture, economy, and identity, philosophers have paid very little attention to them. In
this presentation, Dr. Ramona Ilea will show that clothing ethics
should be a vibrant and significant area of applied ethics. To do
this, she will argue that clothes raise important ethical concerns
related to sourcing, production, use, and disposal; they also link to
cultural, gender, and class issues in ways that are unique and
philosophically interesting.

https://boisestate.zoom.us/j/97458352969?pwd=cm1RNzQ2aGZrMnU1L2ZsVnIvTWFQZz09

meeting ID: 974 5835 2969
passcode: 610006

Saturday, Nov 6, 11:00am
"Philosophy and Activism: Compatible or in Tension?:
Abstract: In this presentation, Dr. Ramona Ilea will explore the
relationship between activism philosophy and share her work in
implementing and assessing student-led civic engagement projects. These projects have the common themes of encouraging activism,leadership, responsibility, and outreach. A primary goal of theseassignments is to empower students to learn ways in which to work toward social change, and, ultimately, become better citizens.

https://boisestate.zoom.us/j/97458352969?pwd=cm1RNzQ2aGZrMnU1L2ZsVnIvTWFQZz09

meeting ID: 974 5835 2969
passcode: 610006

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Welcome back to campus for the fall semester. We look forward to seeing everyone!!

Welcome back to campus! We are excited for the start of the Fall 2021 semester and look forward to seeing you.

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Philosophy Department students, faculty, and staff please join us for an end of semester virtual celebration tonight, May 6 at 5:30 p.m. (MST).

We look forward to seeing you!!

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We would like to congratulate our own Dr. Christopher Innes on his recent published essay titled: A Class Act: Explaining Karl Marx with Indian a Jones
https://andphilosophy.com/2021/02/04/a-class-act-explaining-karl-marx-with-indiana-jones/

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Dr. Maegan Fairchild from the University of Michigan will be the Guest Speaker for the Phil Club this Friday and Saturday. Please use the Zoom link to join the talks. We look forward to seeing you.

Friday, February 26, 3:30-5:30 p.m. MST
(general audience talk)

TikTok: Algorithms and Authenticity
Like many other feed-based social media apps, TikTok relies centrally on a recommendation algorithm: a system that generates a personalized “For You” page, based on each user’s engagement patterns. We’ve got many reasons to be worried about the political and epistemic effects of (often opaque) recommendation engines. However, in this talk I suggest that despite these risks, algorithmic feeds might be uniquely valuable for informing philosophical questions about social identities, authenticity, and self-discovery. I take TikTok’s “For You” page -- and the ways that users relate to it -- as a case study for exploring some of these questions. (Disclaimer: I am entirely too old for TikTok.)

Saturday, February 27, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. MST

Incredible Ontology
Should it be a constraint on metaphysical theories that we can believe them? I’ll suggest that it needn’t be; that “incredible” theories might nonetheless be serious contenders. I’ll take as my foil Lewis’ Maxim of Honesty: you ought not defend a theory that you yourself cannot believe. On the face of it, the Maxim functions like a kind of ‘common sense’ constraint on metaphysics, but gives belief a radically different role in theory choice than other more familiar Moorean appeals. In this talk I explore three varieties of incredible metaphysics, and argue that even Lewis’ minimal constraint oversteps. Along the way, I hope to cast some light on the vexed relationship between “ordinary belief” and metaphysical theorizing.
https://boisestate.zoom.us/j/95987542370?pwd=VWJQZUw0b245MkpKMzN4M05TSkQ4QT09

Meeting ID: 959 8754 2370
Passcode: 338345

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Welcome back to campus students, staff, and faculty! We are looking forward to an amazing Spring 2021 Semester.

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Philosophy Department students, faculty, and staff please join us for an end of semester celebration!!
Thursday, December 17 from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
*This will be an open house format, so feel free to join in for a few minutes or for the entire time.

Please use the following Zoom link.
https://boisestate.zoom.us/j/99212687392?pwd=WGdpK2Fqak9ML0swem4yNEhKckhBUT09

Meeting ID: 992 1268 7392
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+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
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Philosophy Talk - "A New Theory of Counterparts" by Bridger Landle

Friday, November 13 via Zoom from Noon - 2 p.m. (MST)

Bridger Landle (one of our own faculty members, and a grad student at University of York) will be presenting one of his papers (co-authored with William Kilborn) tomorrow over Zoom. Please consider attending, it should be fun! And feel free to spread the word.

Zoom link:

https://boisestate.zoom.us/j/92674099557?pwd=ZTkwbjh3SlNkNXprSDg0WGdmZk5Ydz09

Other Zoom info:

Meeting ID: 926 7409 9557
Passcode: !00JUJ

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Philosophy Talk - Material Objects

Philosophy Majors and Minors please join us Friday, November 6 from Noon to 2 p.m. for William Kilborn (one of our own faculty members, and a grad student at University of York) will be giving a talk tomorrow over Zoom.

Friday, November 6
noon-2pm
"Material Objects"

Abstract: What is a material object? In this paper, I consider potential answers to this question. I first examine and argue against the leading alternatives, both the location account and the occupancy account of material objects. I then consider in their place, several novel, potential accounts. Two of these accounts, though otherwise plausible, have the surprising consequence that many ordinary objects, including human persons, are not material objects after all. I weigh this worry in reaching reflective equilibrium.

Zoom link:

https://boisestate.zoom.us/j/94328327988?pwd=RndRVlV2U0lUdHlUSzlsVmFxYjh2UT09

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Meeting ID: 943 2832 7988
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Philosophy Majors and Minors please join us for a Virtual Open House on Thursday, Oct. 8 begining at 2 p.m.

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The Philosophy Department is thinking about Fall 2019 - it will be a great semester! Be sure and check out the Phil Table at the Bronco Welcome!

Join us for Phil Club tonight at Papa Joe's for great food, philosophy and brain stretching discussions! 1301 S. Capitol in Boise. We will be talking about Dr. Irem Kurtsal's research (she is the speaker tomorrow and Saturday). Hope you can make it!

April 2019 Colloquia - Dr. Irem Kurtsal, April 12 & 13, 2019

Dr. Irem Kurtsal (Alleghany College, Philosophy & Religious Studies Department) will speak at Boise State April 12 & 13, 2019. Details coming soon! https://sites.allegheny.edu/philo/faculty/irem-kurtsal/

Are_we_free_to_break_laws.pdf

Philosophy Club at Papa Joe's tonight at 7 pm. Here is a link to the short reading so you can read and then come and join the discussion. See you there!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3on2gTAMuQnRXpvYTJKenczcXVPMjNpT1J4Y0ZsX1pOWmI0/view?fbclid=IwAR2t6o18vxsqjHvTwNQIVxtY6TkDFNDyPXWK65_fxVDZU4S4ySLRai6t6tE

Are_we_free_to_break_laws.pdf

Last day in January, and students and faculty are busy with philosophy classes and trying to stay warm. Come by and visit anytime, have a cup of tea and avail yourself of our philosophy 'library'! Watch for upcoming speaker information later this spring!

It's now easier to email Boise State Philosophy Department

It's now easier to email Boise State Philosophy Department

Philosophers are always in play!

Thinking of Taking A Philosophy Class Next Semester?

In need of a Summer Class?

Boise State Philosophy Department updated their business hours.

Boise State Philosophy Department updated their business hours.

Boise State Philosophy Department updated their address.

Boise State Philosophy Department updated their address.

Boise State Philosophy Department

Boise State Philosophy Department This is a place to get students thinking... about philosophy!

https://livestream.com/comlib/virtual

Congratulations to Dave McKerracher! He is pictured here at the Honors College Winter Gathering and Graduation Ceremony in the SUB on Thursday, December 1, 2016 next to Dr. Andrew Finstuen, (the Honors College Dean during most of Dave's school experience, who is now interim associate provost for undergraduate studies).

This event honored honors students who have the honor of graduating later this month (okay, that was both alliterative AND redundant).

In addition, Dave was chosen to be the Marshal for the College of Arts and Sciences at commencement on December 17th in the Taco Bell Arena.

The Philosophy Department is so proud of Dave. He is an excellent scholar and has a bright future.

Good luck on finals Philosophy majors and minors! Stop in the department and say hi - grab a cup of tea or cocoa, and find a nice corner to study in!

Greetings, Philosophers! There is so much going on this week for philosophy. Tomorrow, Philosophy club is meeting at Papa Joe's (7 pm) and will be discussing Dr. Christina Van Dyke's entry in the The Cambridge History of Medieval Philosophy on mysticism in preparation for her two talks on Friday and Saturday.

Adding Fuel to the Fire? Orthorexia and Gendered Eating
Friday, November 11th
3:30-5:15pm
Location- Multipurpose Building Room 106
Open to the Public and Campus Community

G​od in Us:​ ​Emotion, Embodiment, and Medieval Mysticism
Saturday, November 12th
10:30-12:15pm
Location- ​Interactive Learning Center ​303
​Open to Students of Philosophy and Faculty

May you have a thoughtful day!

4 Copy Editors Killed In Ongoing AP Style, Chicago Manual Gang Violence

Look out kids! The danger is real!

Hope you are all having a thoughtful day

4 Copy Editors Killed In Ongoing AP Style, Chicago Manual Gang Violence NEW YORK—Law enforcement officials confirmed Friday that four more copy editors were killed this week amid ongoing violence between two rival gangs divided by their loyalties to the The Associated Press Stylebook and The Chicago Manual Of Style.

Greetings Philosophers!

Philosophy Club has several events coming up next week! On Thursday, April 7th, they will have their regular meeting (7 pm at Papa Joe's) where they will be reading "An Explication of Emergence" by Elanor Taylor in preparation for her being here on campus to speak both Friday and Saturday, April 8th and 9th.

The Friday talk is titled "Groups and Oppression" and will take place from 3:30-5:15 pm in the Education Building, room 109.

The Saturday talk is titled "Emergence and Explanation" and will take place from 10:00-11:45 am in the ILC, room 404.

Philosophy's True Home

PHILOSOPHY'S TRUE HOME....

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/03/07/philosophys-true-home/?emc=eta1&_r=0

Philosophy's True Home It has influenced Einstein’s physics, Turing’s computation and human flourishing, all from its place in the university.

The Folly of Scientism

Greetings Philosophers!

Tonight, Philosophy Club will be meeting at Papa Joe's at 7 pm to discuss travel to Pacific University's Undergraduate Conference and Scientism!

Topic: "Scientism"
Defined in various ways, scientism is an attitude or ideology that, as philosopher Tom Sorell says, "is a matter of putting too high a value on natural science in comparison with other branches of learning or culture." MIT physicist Ian Hutchinson puts it in more extreme terms when he said, "Science, modeled on the natural sciences, is the only source of real knowledge."
Is this problematic? What's the real difference between the scientific attitude and the scientismistic attitude? How does the latter contribute to or detract from the scientific project? All these questions and more will be discussed.

http://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/the-folly-of-scientism

The Folly of Scientism In recent years, many scientists, pop-science writers, and philosophers have espoused the view that science provides the only valid path to knowledge. Evolutionary biologist Austin L. Hughes reveals the profound failures of this “scientism” and the persistent need for philosophy to guide the scienti…