Dominic Wilkinson’s paper, “Grief and the Inconsolation of Philosophy”, explores the gap between philosophical insight and psychological comfort when it comes to death. He distinguishes between “rational consolation”, when philosophical analysis leads to the conclusion that it would be rational to care less about death than we currently do, and “psychological consolation”, when philosophical reflection actually leads us to care less about death. Through his analysis of Derek Parfit’s reductionist definition of personal identity, Wilkinson is sceptical that this philosophical consolation will have psychological traction, and finds it “deeply implausible” that philosophical perspectives can lead to actual consolation. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
