The Philosophy of Parenting; Politics and Belonging; Truth and Democracy
A review of "What Are Children For?" by Anastasia Berg and Rachel Wiseman and two events
Dear all,
Adam Ferner recently wrote an absolutely fantastic book on the philosophy of parenting, Unhappy Families: Childcare in a Hopeless World. I highly recommend you read it. This week, we have published Adam’s review of another book on the philosophy of parenting, What Are Children For? On Ambivalence and Choice by Anastasia Berg and Rachel Wiseman. We are also hosting two events that seem especially relevant in light of the new political era we are about to embark upon. I hope you enjoy all our offerings this week!
Your Sunday Read
“The Philosophy of Parenting: Ambivalence in an Age of Choice”
Adam Ferner reviews What Are Children For?: On Ambivalence and Choice by Anastasia Berg and Rachel Wiseman
As Adam puts it, “[What Are Children For?] is an extended meditation on the perennial question of parenthood – and why one might pursue it – but grounds its discussions in considered analysis of contemporary culture, including millennial ambivalence about the future and the collective dumpster fires of capitalism and patriarchy. It is engaging, rigorous without being tedious, and carefully structured. It is also a model of co-authorship, with a remarkably coherent shared voice, as well as distinct narrative perspectives.” Adam’s review addresses questions of anti-natalism, heteronormativity, adoption, and much more. You can read it here.
Monday Event: 11am PT/2pm ET/7pm UK/8pm CET
“Truth, Expertise, and Democracy”
Michael Hannon and Elise Woodard with Jonathan Benson
Why are true beliefs essential for democracy? How can truth claims be weaponized for political domination? Are there objective political truths, and, if so, how are we to know them? What are the potential conflicts between democratic principles and expert authority? How are we to identify experts, and what are the various sources of scepticism about political expertise? Join us for a discussion of these, and many other, urgent contemporary questions. You can find out more and register here.
Tuesday Event: 11am PT/2pm ET/7pm UK/8pm CET
“A Politics of Belonging”
Avram Alpert with Alexis Papazoglou
In the latest in our monthly “The Philosopher and the News” events hosted by Alexis Papazoglou, Avram Alpert will argue that we need a conception of belonging that is as complex as the lives we lead – one that both meets our needs for community and can make sense of the inevitable difficulties we face. As a consequence of the relational vision of belonging that he will outline, Alpert will argue that we need to develop ways of belonging that enable people to feel comfortable enough to be different. You can find out more and register here.
Event Recording
Ending
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Wishing you all a lovely Sunday, wherever you are.
Anthony Morgan
Newsletter Team