Philosophy & Society

Introduction

Philosophy & Society works to reignite the tradition of public philosophy. Through publications, events, and original research, Philosophy & Society grapples with our most pressing questions of societal purpose — What is justice? What is a good life? What is society for?

“There is absolutely no inevitability as long as there is a willingness to contemplate what is happening.” Marshall McLuhan

Philosophy R&D Lab

The Philosophy R&D Lab is the creative heart of Philosophy & Society. Our post-doctoral fellows, and senior staff are engaged in ongoing in-house research and argument, including bi-weekly research seminars with select invited guests. With a focus on intellectual humility and robust constructive argument, the Lab seeks to engage directly with the major issues haunting public discourse. We aim to provide a haven for qualitative research and philosophical reflection in a time of partisanship, polarization, and technocracy. Insights from the R&D Lab ripple outward throughout P&S in essays, podcasts, media, and events. If you are interested in fellowship or research opportunities please write to reach out to Mana Afsari, [email protected].

Intellectual Happy Hours

People are desperate for ideas. Places for vigorous, frank disagreement. P&S hosts frequent Happy Hours, staging discussions and confrontations between the most lively intellectuals of our time: What is freedom? Should duty to nation trump duty to humanity as a whole? Is a rich society managed by AI better than a poor society managed by humans? Many of these are recorded and appear as podcasts on our media partner, Wisdom of Crowds.

Philosopher’s Salon

The Aspen Philosophers’ Salon debates a single word for an entire year (“Democracy,” “Tragedy,” “Home”). The salon seeks to take issues that are very live in our public debate and engage in creative argument about them, reading relevant literature, philosophy, and history to stoke debate. The salon includes leaders from Congress, the Executive Branch, journalism, and academia, beginning from very wide array of principles and ideologies. The salon meets first Wednesday of each month, and terms run September to June. Salon membership is by invitation. If you are interested in joining please fill out XXX.

Emerging Writers Circle

The Emerging Writers’ Circle cultivates the next generation of public intellectuals. It offers mentorship, group discussions, and networking opportunities. The program aims to develop bold voices that will influence national conversations and enrich public dialogue, and offers contexts for selected writers to refine their work with the help of top editors and thinkers. For more information write to XXX.

Wisdom of Crowds

P&S partners with the publication Wisdom of Crowds, co-founded by Shadi Hamid and Damir Marusic which shares our ethos of interrogating our first principles about politics and culture. Through essays and podcasts it encourages honest discourse and meaningful disagreement, embracing diverse perspectives rather than consensus-driven narratives. Since its 2019 launch, it has featured notable guests including the political theorist Francis Fukuyama, conservative commentator Ross Douthat, moral philosopher Martha Nussbaum, Templeton Award-winning thinker Charles Taylor, and National Book Award-winning novelist, Phil Klay. It supports its growth through grants and paid subscriptions.

CrowdSource

CrowdSource is a weekly newsletter from Wisdom of Crowds, written by P&S Senior Editor Santiago Ramos, that curates essays and discussions on key political and cultural topics. It delves into the underlying ideas behind contemporary debates, inviting readers to reflect on complex issues. By promoting meaningful disagreement, the newsletter creates space for intellectual engagement and aims to enhance public discourse.