Bill Vanderburgh
@billvanderburgh.bsky.social
Philosopher by profession (science, evidence, cosmology, religion, Hume).
Sailing, photography, poker, & craft beer the rest of the time. #philsky #philsci #hps #separationofchurchandstate
https://substack.com/@billvanderburgh
williamvanderburgh.com
Sailing, photography, poker, & craft beer the rest of the time. #philsky #philsci #hps #separationofchurchandstate
https://substack.com/@billvanderburgh
williamvanderburgh.com
Pinned
David Hume on Miracles, Evidence, and Probability
David Hume’s argument against believing in miracles has attracted nearly continuous attention from philosophers and theologians since it was first publish…
www.bloomsbury.com
Saw a reminder that even tho a book (like mine) came out a few years ago, it's still new to people who haven’t run across it yet. So, here’s to promoting your own work.
The hardback has always been too pricey for anyone but libraries, but the paperback is $15 off.
www.bloomsbury.com/us/david-hum...
The hardback has always been too pricey for anyone but libraries, but the paperback is $15 off.
www.bloomsbury.com/us/david-hum...
Reposted by Bill Vanderburgh
The newest philosophy podcast episodes!
Pascal's wager, sanctuary churches, the philosophy of cuteness, letter from Birmingham jail, Buddhism and nationalism, and more.
#philsky
philosophypodcasthub.substack.com/p/new-episod...
Pascal's wager, sanctuary churches, the philosophy of cuteness, letter from Birmingham jail, Buddhism and nationalism, and more.
#philsky
philosophypodcasthub.substack.com/p/new-episod...
New Episodes 12/21/25 - 12/27/25
Pascal's wager, sanctuary churches, the philosophy of cuteness, letter from Birmingham jail, Buddhism and nationalism, and more.
philosophypodcasthub.substack.com
December 28, 2025 at 1:15 PM
The newest philosophy podcast episodes!
Pascal's wager, sanctuary churches, the philosophy of cuteness, letter from Birmingham jail, Buddhism and nationalism, and more.
#philsky
philosophypodcasthub.substack.com/p/new-episod...
Pascal's wager, sanctuary churches, the philosophy of cuteness, letter from Birmingham jail, Buddhism and nationalism, and more.
#philsky
philosophypodcasthub.substack.com/p/new-episod...
December 26, 2025 at 6:27 PM
If you're going to holiday gatherings & have problematic people to deal with, this piece might help you think through your moral obligations to them. I don't pretend it's a complete account, but in extreme cases, shunning people is morally justified.
billvanderburgh.substack.com/p/the-duty-t...
billvanderburgh.substack.com/p/the-duty-t...
The Duty to Shun Your Friends and Neighbors
We do not owe curiosity and conversation to people trying to undermine society
billvanderburgh.substack.com
December 24, 2025 at 6:07 PM
If you're going to holiday gatherings & have problematic people to deal with, this piece might help you think through your moral obligations to them. I don't pretend it's a complete account, but in extreme cases, shunning people is morally justified.
billvanderburgh.substack.com/p/the-duty-t...
billvanderburgh.substack.com/p/the-duty-t...
Reposted by Bill Vanderburgh
Call-for-papers: Hypatia Special Issue on Feminist Philosophy of Mind
Guest Editors: Gloria Andrada and Carolina Flores
Deadline for submissions: 15th January 2026
Details and links to submit on the website:
Guest Editors: Gloria Andrada and Carolina Flores
Deadline for submissions: 15th January 2026
Details and links to submit on the website:
Call-for-papers: Hypatia Special Issue on Feminist Philosophy of Mind - hypatia
Guest Editors: Gloria Andrada and Carolina Flores This special issue focuses on feminist philosophy of mind and cognitive science. It will offer novel perspectives on long-standing questions such as t...
hypatiaphilosophy.org
June 10, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Call-for-papers: Hypatia Special Issue on Feminist Philosophy of Mind
Guest Editors: Gloria Andrada and Carolina Flores
Deadline for submissions: 15th January 2026
Details and links to submit on the website:
Guest Editors: Gloria Andrada and Carolina Flores
Deadline for submissions: 15th January 2026
Details and links to submit on the website:
Reposted by Bill Vanderburgh
New reviews of philosophy books, new and revised entries at online philosophy resources, new episodes of philosophy podcasts...
Online Philosophy Resources Weekly Update - Daily Nous
New and revised entries at online philosophy resources, new reviews of philosophy books, new podcast episodes, and more—including, now, a section on recently published open access philosophy books (if...
dailynous.com
December 15, 2025 at 1:07 PM
New reviews of philosophy books, new and revised entries at online philosophy resources, new episodes of philosophy podcasts...
Yay, Kaity! (She is my chair.)
Last week UC Merced Philosophy hosted two talks by Kaity Creasy (CSU San Bernadino), both on the philosophy of loneliness
First, a public talk, at the university's new Merced on Main space downtown: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIYU...
And then a more scholarly talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8F1...
First, a public talk, at the university's new Merced on Main space downtown: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIYU...
And then a more scholarly talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8F1...
Kaitlyn Creasy: "How to be Lonely"
YouTube video by UC Merced Philosophy
www.youtube.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Yay, Kaity! (She is my chair.)
Reposted by Bill Vanderburgh
My fourth installment on philosophy in the Apple TV show “Pluribus.” My take seems to be quite different than the other commentary about the show I’ve seen.
#philsky #philosophychat #scifi
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
#philsky #philosophychat #scifi
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
"Pluribus" and Philosophy Part Four
A Philosopher Watches Sci Fi: Why not eat the dead?
open.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 4:30 PM
My fourth installment on philosophy in the Apple TV show “Pluribus.” My take seems to be quite different than the other commentary about the show I’ve seen.
#philsky #philosophychat #scifi
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
#philsky #philosophychat #scifi
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
My fourth installment on philosophy in the Apple TV show “Pluribus.” My take seems to be quite different than the other commentary about the show I’ve seen.
#philsky #philosophychat #scifi
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
#philsky #philosophychat #scifi
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
"Pluribus" and Philosophy Part Four
A Philosopher Watches Sci Fi: Why not eat the dead?
open.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 4:30 PM
My fourth installment on philosophy in the Apple TV show “Pluribus.” My take seems to be quite different than the other commentary about the show I’ve seen.
#philsky #philosophychat #scifi
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
#philsky #philosophychat #scifi
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
Reposted by Bill Vanderburgh
Bad framing: ACIP voted to scrap the universal hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for newborns.
Accurate framing: Anti-vax conspiracy theorists appointed to ACIP by Robert Kennedy Jr., who made a fortune as an anti-vax profiteer, voted to expose babies to a preventable, incurable, deadly illness.
Accurate framing: Anti-vax conspiracy theorists appointed to ACIP by Robert Kennedy Jr., who made a fortune as an anti-vax profiteer, voted to expose babies to a preventable, incurable, deadly illness.
December 5, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Bad framing: ACIP voted to scrap the universal hepatitis B vaccine recommendation for newborns.
Accurate framing: Anti-vax conspiracy theorists appointed to ACIP by Robert Kennedy Jr., who made a fortune as an anti-vax profiteer, voted to expose babies to a preventable, incurable, deadly illness.
Accurate framing: Anti-vax conspiracy theorists appointed to ACIP by Robert Kennedy Jr., who made a fortune as an anti-vax profiteer, voted to expose babies to a preventable, incurable, deadly illness.
For the #blueskyartshow on Dec. 6. #Sky
December 6, 2025 at 6:06 AM
For the #blueskyartshow on Dec. 6. #Sky
For the #blueskyartshow on Dec. 6. #Sky
December 6, 2025 at 6:01 AM
For the #blueskyartshow on Dec. 6. #Sky
"Pluribus" and Philosophy, Part Three, by
Apple TV's "Pluribus" is a hit in part because it is interesting philosophy. Check out the three posts I've written about it so far. And please subscribe to my Substack!
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
Apple TV's "Pluribus" is a hit in part because it is interesting philosophy. Check out the three posts I've written about it so far. And please subscribe to my Substack!
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
December 3, 2025 at 12:27 AM
"Pluribus" and Philosophy, Part Three, by
Apple TV's "Pluribus" is a hit in part because it is interesting philosophy. Check out the three posts I've written about it so far. And please subscribe to my Substack!
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
Apple TV's "Pluribus" is a hit in part because it is interesting philosophy. Check out the three posts I've written about it so far. And please subscribe to my Substack!
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
Saw a reminder that even tho a book (like mine) came out a few years ago, it's still new to people who haven’t run across it yet. So, here’s to promoting your own work.
The hardback has always been too pricey for anyone but libraries, but the paperback is $15 off.
www.bloomsbury.com/us/david-hum...
The hardback has always been too pricey for anyone but libraries, but the paperback is $15 off.
www.bloomsbury.com/us/david-hum...
David Hume on Miracles, Evidence, and Probability
David Hume’s argument against believing in miracles has attracted nearly continuous attention from philosophers and theologians since it was first publish…
www.bloomsbury.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:06 AM
Saw a reminder that even tho a book (like mine) came out a few years ago, it's still new to people who haven’t run across it yet. So, here’s to promoting your own work.
The hardback has always been too pricey for anyone but libraries, but the paperback is $15 off.
www.bloomsbury.com/us/david-hum...
The hardback has always been too pricey for anyone but libraries, but the paperback is $15 off.
www.bloomsbury.com/us/david-hum...
I've started a "Science Fiction & Philosophy" series on Substack. Two posts about the show "Pluribus" available now, with another coming tomorrow. Subscribe & share! All my Substack content is free.
#philsky #philosophy #sciencefiction #pluribus #scifi
substack.com/home/post/p-...
#philsky #philosophy #sciencefiction #pluribus #scifi
substack.com/home/post/p-...
"Pluribus" and Philosophy, Part Two
A Philosopher Watches Sci Fi: More on Consent and Free Will
substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 8:22 PM
I've started a "Science Fiction & Philosophy" series on Substack. Two posts about the show "Pluribus" available now, with another coming tomorrow. Subscribe & share! All my Substack content is free.
#philsky #philosophy #sciencefiction #pluribus #scifi
substack.com/home/post/p-...
#philsky #philosophy #sciencefiction #pluribus #scifi
substack.com/home/post/p-...
#philosophy #thanksgiving #evolution #anthropology
Check out my Substack when you get tired of your uncle’s stories.
substack.com/@billvanderb...
Check out my Substack when you get tired of your uncle’s stories.
substack.com/@billvanderb...
November 27, 2025 at 6:38 PM
#philosophy #thanksgiving #evolution #anthropology
Check out my Substack when you get tired of your uncle’s stories.
substack.com/@billvanderb...
Check out my Substack when you get tired of your uncle’s stories.
substack.com/@billvanderb...
Does this version of the Trolley Problem exist or did I just invent it?
If you pull the lever now, the trolley's brakes engage. Unfortunately, its stopping distance means it will run over & kill 1 of 5 people tied to the tracks. If you don't pull or wait to pull, all 5 die.
#philsky #philosophychat
If you pull the lever now, the trolley's brakes engage. Unfortunately, its stopping distance means it will run over & kill 1 of 5 people tied to the tracks. If you don't pull or wait to pull, all 5 die.
#philsky #philosophychat
November 23, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Does this version of the Trolley Problem exist or did I just invent it?
If you pull the lever now, the trolley's brakes engage. Unfortunately, its stopping distance means it will run over & kill 1 of 5 people tied to the tracks. If you don't pull or wait to pull, all 5 die.
#philsky #philosophychat
If you pull the lever now, the trolley's brakes engage. Unfortunately, its stopping distance means it will run over & kill 1 of 5 people tied to the tracks. If you don't pull or wait to pull, all 5 die.
#philsky #philosophychat
My 13yo stepdaughter has recently expressed excitement about learning more advanced math. Any suggestions for fun books for this age group on interesting math they don't usually encounter in school?
#math #mathteaching #philosophy #logic #science #philsky
#math #mathteaching #philosophy #logic #science #philsky
November 23, 2025 at 9:49 PM
My 13yo stepdaughter has recently expressed excitement about learning more advanced math. Any suggestions for fun books for this age group on interesting math they don't usually encounter in school?
#math #mathteaching #philosophy #logic #science #philsky
#math #mathteaching #philosophy #logic #science #philsky
Reposted by Bill Vanderburgh
Relying on ChatGPT to teach you about a topic leaves you with shallower knowledge than Googling and reading about it, according to new research that compared what more than 10,000 people knew after using one method or the other.
Shared by @gizmodo.com: buff.ly/yAAHtHq
Shared by @gizmodo.com: buff.ly/yAAHtHq
November 21, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Relying on ChatGPT to teach you about a topic leaves you with shallower knowledge than Googling and reading about it, according to new research that compared what more than 10,000 people knew after using one method or the other.
Shared by @gizmodo.com: buff.ly/yAAHtHq
Shared by @gizmodo.com: buff.ly/yAAHtHq
On my Substack, Philosophy for Good, I do #philosophy for the public, in the public interest. Sometimes it's entertainment, like when I write about phil & sci fi. Sometimes it's using philosophy to defend democracy. Subscribe & share to help me grow the account. Thanks!
#philsky #philosophychat
#philsky #philosophychat
“The problem with introductory philosophy is that introductory philosophy doesn’t exist.”
Happy World Philosophy Day!
#philsky #philosophy #worldphilosophyday #phiulosophychat #philosophysky
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
Happy World Philosophy Day!
#philsky #philosophy #worldphilosophyday #phiulosophychat #philosophysky
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
November 21, 2025 at 5:56 PM
On my Substack, Philosophy for Good, I do #philosophy for the public, in the public interest. Sometimes it's entertainment, like when I write about phil & sci fi. Sometimes it's using philosophy to defend democracy. Subscribe & share to help me grow the account. Thanks!
#philsky #philosophychat
#philsky #philosophychat
“The problem with introductory philosophy is that introductory philosophy doesn’t exist.”
Happy World Philosophy Day!
#philsky #philosophy #worldphilosophyday #phiulosophychat #philosophysky
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
Happy World Philosophy Day!
#philsky #philosophy #worldphilosophyday #phiulosophychat #philosophysky
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
November 20, 2025 at 9:54 PM
“The problem with introductory philosophy is that introductory philosophy doesn’t exist.”
Happy World Philosophy Day!
#philsky #philosophy #worldphilosophyday #phiulosophychat #philosophysky
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
Happy World Philosophy Day!
#philsky #philosophy #worldphilosophyday #phiulosophychat #philosophysky
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
Apple TV's new sci fi show "Pluribus" is fun and intriguing. It also present a weird and ambiguous (maybe inconsistent?) account of free will and consent.
#philosophy #philsky
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
#philosophy #philsky
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
Eh, Pluribus, uhn, erm
A Philosopher Watches Sci Fi: This time, the philosophy of consent and free will
open.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Apple TV's new sci fi show "Pluribus" is fun and intriguing. It also present a weird and ambiguous (maybe inconsistent?) account of free will and consent.
#philosophy #philsky
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
#philosophy #philsky
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
Reposted by Bill Vanderburgh
This is designed to tank public health & primary care by excluding public health professions, advanced nursing practice, physical & occupational therapy from loans that can cover the cost of education. This is going to make an existing workforce crisis worse.
aspph.org/department-o...
aspph.org/department-o...
Department of Education Proposal Excludes Public Health Degrees from “Professional Degree” Definition
Discover the new results and implications of Dept of Ed consensus regarding professional degree programs and public health education.
aspph.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:23 AM
This is designed to tank public health & primary care by excluding public health professions, advanced nursing practice, physical & occupational therapy from loans that can cover the cost of education. This is going to make an existing workforce crisis worse.
aspph.org/department-o...
aspph.org/department-o...
Reposted by Bill Vanderburgh
If you aren't sure why longform literacy is too important to lose to AI, remember DJT does not read. This live action remake of Idiocracy we're living is turning into a long-running series in part because we lack leaders & citizens who read. #philosophy #AI #books
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
The Tragedy of Becoming Post-Human
Mobile devices, Gen-AI, and End of Reading
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:04 PM
If you aren't sure why longform literacy is too important to lose to AI, remember DJT does not read. This live action remake of Idiocracy we're living is turning into a long-running series in part because we lack leaders & citizens who read. #philosophy #AI #books
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
Reposted by Bill Vanderburgh
congrats to everyone for thinking this through before signing very big contracts to put it on every student’s device at the school or university you run
OVER A MILLION USERS
DISCUSS SUICIDE WITH CHATGPT
EVERY *WEEK*
what the fuck are we DOING here
DISCUSS SUICIDE WITH CHATGPT
EVERY *WEEK*
what the fuck are we DOING here
Panera’s moderately caffeinated lemonade was loosely associated with 2 deaths before it was taken off market.
This article alone has 4 examples of ChatGPT encouraging young people to commit suicide, and OpenAI’s own public stats estimate over a million users discuss suicide with ChatGPT each week.
This article alone has 4 examples of ChatGPT encouraging young people to commit suicide, and OpenAI’s own public stats estimate over a million users discuss suicide with ChatGPT each week.
November 7, 2025 at 11:24 PM
congrats to everyone for thinking this through before signing very big contracts to put it on every student’s device at the school or university you run