Entries by Colin McGinn
Naturephilia
Naturephilia What kind of society is best? We have come to accept the concept of the “open society”: this is deemed better than the “closed society”. These terms were introduced by Henri Bergson in the 1930s and then popularized by Karl Popper in the 1950s. The best society is the most “open” one. But what […]
About Speciesism
About Speciesism Speciesism is the prejudice that species is a morally relevant characteristic. Speciesism says that moral status is not supervenient on psychology but includes biological identity. Two individuals could be psychologically identical and yet not share their moral standing, because of a difference of species. In particular, identity of interests does not entail identity […]
Alcaraz versus Sinner
Alcaraz versus Sinner Yesterday’s French Open final between Alcaraz and Sinner was the greatest tennis match ever played. No adjective can do it justice. You might think I am exaggerating, but this is the consensus view. Sinner is 23, Alcaraz 22—at the beginning of their tennis careers. The match lasted over five hours and had […]
Divine Bivalve
Divine Bivalve I confess: I am an oyster fanatic. So are most people who eat oysters. I just read Oysters: A Celebration in the Raw (2016) by Jeremy Sewall and Marion Lear Swaybill, which lovingly surveys the world of oysters. The oyster is praised, revered, celebrated, worshipped and adored—by farmers and consumers alike. It always […]
A Historical House
A Historical House I live in a historically designated house. Recently, I decided to look more closely into the history. It has changed my attitude to where I live. The house was built in 1923 of locally sourced coral rock, mined from the Venetian pool. It lies half a mile outside what is now Coral […]
American Philosophical Association
American Philosophical Association I first attended the APA in 1977 and have attended it many times since, in various capacities. I found it quite enjoyable. I would go to papers, look at new books, hang out with old friends. I thought it was a good thing. But I haven’t been in twenty years, and it […]