Joseph T F Roberts
I am currently a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Law and Philosophy at the University of Birmingham. Prior to this, I completed my Ph.D. in Political Theory at the University of Manchester, where I wrote a thesis on the moral permissibility of Body Modification Practices and, specifically, whether or not we have the right to pursue them without being interfered with by others. My current research focuses on the limits of consent, embodiment, and the regulation of recreational drugs.
Articles by Joseph T F Roberts
6 Micronations You Should KnowWhat are micronations, and how do they come to be? This article explores a few of the most interesting micronations found around the world today.
An Introduction to the Ethics of CareNo person is an island. We all depend on the care of others to survive and thrive. This is an introduction to the ethics of care.
No person is an island. We all depend on the care of others to survive and thrive. This is an introduction to the ethics of care.
Against Liberalism: What is Communitarianism?How did 20th-century political philosophers argue against liberalism? One resulting view is communitarianism, which stresses the importance of humans as social beings.
How did 20th-century political philosophers argue against liberalism? One resulting view is communitarianism, which stresses the importance of humans as social beings.
Subtle Manipulation: The Power of Nudging in PsychologyCan you make people do things without forcing them? Learn about nudging and its significance in the philosophy of psychology.
Can you make people do things without forcing them? Learn about nudging and its significance in the philosophy of psychology.
The Philosophy of Doomsday Preppers: What Would You Do to Survive?Doomsday preppers do everything they can to prepare for the (allegedly) incoming apocalypse. But is this the right way to face the end of the world?
Doomsday preppers do everything they can to prepare for the (allegedly) incoming apocalypse. But is this the right way to face the end of the world?
Drunk by Edward Slingerland: 5 Reasons Why People Get IntoxicatedHumans have been using intoxicants for millennia. Why do we do this? Edward Slingerland is a contemporary philosopher who proposed several answers to this question.
Isaiah Berlin’s Two Concepts of Liberty: Negative and Positive LibertyIsaiah Berlin popularized the notion of negative and positive liberty. But what is the difference between these two kinds of liberty, and is one better than the other?
Isaiah Berlin popularized the notion of negative and positive liberty. But what is the difference between these two kinds of liberty, and is one better than the other?
Peter Singer’s Famine, Affluence, and Morality: Is Charity Good?Peter Singer is one of the most famous living philosophers, known mostly for defending animal rights and the importance of charitable giving. What are his most effective arguments?
The Value of Public Space: What is Hostile Architecture?Hostile architecture is both increasingly prevalent and increasingly criticized. But what is wrong with hostile architecture?
Hostile architecture is both increasingly prevalent and increasingly criticized. But what is wrong with hostile architecture?
Anarcho-Capitalism Explained in 5 StepsWhat are the main ideas behind anarcho-capitalism, and how does it differ from more traditional forms of anarchism?
The Early Anarchism of William GodwinWilliam Godwin was an early proponent of anarchism. How did he argue for this controversial political philosophy?
William Godwin was an early proponent of anarchism. How did he argue for this controversial political philosophy?
Anarchism Explained: Why Should the State be Abolished?What do anarchists ask for? Do they necessarily want to use violence to get there? And what are the main differences between anarchist groups such as mutualists and anarcho-capitalists?
What do anarchists ask for? Do they necessarily want to use violence to get there? And what are the main differences between anarchist groups such as mutualists and anarcho-capitalists?