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Letters
Letters
Philosophers In Chains • A Taking Marks Seriously • CS Peirce, Analytic Phenomenologist • Science, Psychology & Supernature • Morals And Money • The Theists Strike Back • Golden Lines
Philosophers In Chains
DEAR EDITOR: I was extremely impressed with John Lachs’ article advocating a new era of applied philosophy (‘Can Philosophy Still Produce Public Intellectuals?’, Issue 75). He takes academics to task for their technical and inward-looking approach (although university reward mechanisms must shoulder much of the blame), and he points out that this regrettable state of affairs is a relatively recent development.
I wonder whether his argument can be taken further still. Suppose that a couple of pharmacists invent two drugs which provide some relief from the unpleasant symptoms of a pandemic disease. Despite their discoveries, they spend no time attempting to distribute or market their drugs, preferring to argue over which compound is the most effective.
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