Philosophy

The Big Bang at 75

Theoretical physicist Vijay Balasubramanian discusses the 75th anniversary of the alpha-beta-gamma paper, what we know—and don’t know—about the universe and the “very big gaps” left to discover.

Kristina García

Defining neural ‘representation’

Neuroscientists frequently say that neural activity ‘represents’ certain phenomena, PIK Professor Konrad Kording and postdoc Ben Baker led a study that took a philosophical approach to tease out what the term means.

Marilyn Perkins

Exploring what it means to be curious

In a new book “Curious Minds: The Power of Connection,” Penn’s Dani S. Bassett and twin sibling Perry Zurn weave together history, linguistics, network science, neuroscience, and philosophy to unpack the concept of curiosity.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Questioning what we know about dementia

Penn researchers are looking into moments of sudden, clear communication in someone with progressive neurodegenerative disease for a deeper understanding of both brain science and philosophy.

From Penn Memory Center

Protecting a singular ecosystem in the Galápagos

Michael Weisberg, the Bess W. Heyman President's Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, students, and Ecuador's Ambassador to the United States reflect on the momentous expansion of the Galápagos Marine Reserve.

Blake Cole

The philosophy of visual studies

Founded 20 years ago, the interdisciplinary major of visual studies creates a bridge for students to combine interests, including philosophy, art history, architecture, fine arts, and psychology.

Louisa Shepard



In the News


The New York Times

No labels, no candidate: Rejections pile up as time runs short

William Ewald of Penn Carey Law says that a contingent presidential election would be a disaster in the current political climate.

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Associated Press

Trump warns of ‘Pandora’s box’ of perpetual presidential prosecutions if charges against him stand

Claire Finkelstein of Penn Carey Law says that someone running for the presidency would normally reassure voters that they’re following the law, not that they’re immune to the criminal process.

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Slate.com

There’s no way the Georgia prosecutions of Donald Trump and Mark Meadows belong in federal court

In an Op-Ed, Claire Finkelstein of Penn Carey Law explains why the Hatch Act prevents Donald Trump and Mark Meadows from transferring their criminal cases in Georgia to federal court.

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Al Jazeera

Georgia indictment to ‘solidify’ Trump’s support for now, analysts say

Claire Finkelstein of Penn Carey Law says that the large number of Trump confidants indicted alongside him in Georgia increases the likelihood that some may turn on the former president.

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Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Will Georgia case against Trump end up in federal court?

Claire Finkelstein of Penn Carey Law doesn’t believe that Donald Trump can prevail in arguing that he was acting in his capacity as president while trying to win an election.

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The Hill

GOP’s ‘dereliction of duty’ impeachment argument gets skeptical reviews

Claire Finkelstein of Penn Carey Law says that the “dereliction of duty” basis for impeaching a Biden administration official sounds quasi-official without requiring the GOP to say anything true or correct.

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