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A group of bloggers discussing philosophical ideas as well as the profession of philosophy
Browsing All Posts filed under »Law«
On the So Called “Grey Areas” of Sexual Consent
Sexual consent has been the foundation of sexual ethics for many modern thinkers of sexuality. The notion itself stretches back to at least Immanuel Kant, who presented some arguments for why we should generally respect an individual’s autonomy. Respect for autonomy is the idea that we should respect a person’s capacity to make self-governing decisions […]
Direct Democracy
November 21, 2016 by Aaron Thomas-Bolduc
I was visiting friends in northern California during the US election, and although I have thoughts and opinions about Trump, US politics and the electoral college, I’m going to put those issues aside. Instead I would like to share my experience with the ballot propositions in California (I’m from NY, so I have little experience […]
On Breed Specific Legislation, Public Safety, and Why The Research Matters
July 16, 2016 by Alison K McConwell
There is recent nation-wide attention to animal control issues concerning dogs in Canada. The target is “pit bulls” or dogs with traits that resemble particular characteristics of breeds included in this generic term. One common response to serious dog bites and maulings is to lobby for a ban of particular breeds by enacting Breed Specific […]
Assisted Suicide and Personal Autonomy: Freedom of Choice …But Only for the Sick
September 22, 2015 by Gordon Hawkes
On Friday of last week, the state legislature of California passed a bill to allow assisted suicide. If Governor Jerry Brown signs the bill into law, California will become the fifth state in the Union to make assisted suicide legal. How do advocates of assisted suicide justify allowing doctors to assist people in killing themselves? […]
Why is Baltimore Burning?
April 28, 2015 by Justin Caouette
Comments Off on Why is Baltimore Burning?
Originally posted on Pleas and Excuses:
Riots have broken out in Baltimore in response to the death of Freddie Gray, who died due to injuries he received while being transported in a police van. Gray was not buckled in, but was in handcuffs and leg irons, and may have been given a “rough ride,” meaning…
Calgary Woman Gets 18 More Months In Prison (36 Total!) For Killing 2 Children?
January 30, 2014 by Justin Caouette
My initial reaction when reading the headline today was, WHAT!?! (see article here) Meredith Borowiec just killed two babies by putting them in the dumpster (leaving them for dead) and she can walk the streets in 18 months? I think my reaction is telling. To me, this woman ought to get punished with more severity. Why? Because […]
Martha Nussbaum, “What is Anger, and Why Should We Care?”
January 16, 2014 by Justin Caouette
Martha Nussbaum has given a very nice talk on why anger is “of dubious value in both life and the law“, the talk can be found here. Although it seems obvious that anger can be bad for our well-being and is often associated with acts of malice and bad intent (and rightfully so), I do […]
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A Philosopher's Take 
May 20, 2017 by Ray Aldred
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