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Michele W. Berger
Senior Science News Officer
mwberger@upenn.edu
Philosophy
The link between perceptions of autonomy and global views of income inequality
The link between perceptions of autonomy and global views of income inequality
Research from the Center for Social Norms & Behavioral Dynamics finds that people who feel independent think that most others are, too. They also underestimate the level of poverty in the United States.
Science, politics, and vaccine acceptance
Science, politics, and vaccine acceptance
As the COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed across the country, new research out of the Department of Philosophy shows that knowledge about the nature of science can combat political biases.
On Galápagos beaches, human presence conclusively affects sea lions
On Galápagos beaches, human presence conclusively affects sea lions
Penn researchers, in conjunction with Galapagueño high school students, found that on more crowded beaches, the endangered animals are less aggressive to people.
How have new social norms emerged as COVID-19 has spread?
How have new social norms emerged as COVID-19 has spread?
In a study of nine countries, researcher Cristina Bicchieri found that motivating people to modify behavior requires changing their expectations about the actions and thoughts of those who matter to them.
Understanding death
Understanding death
In the latest episode of Penn Today’s “Understand This ...” podcast series, assistant professor of Religious Studies Jolyon Thomas and Director of Pastoral Services James Browning explore dialogues around death.
Rooting out systemic bias in neuroscience publishing
Rooting out systemic bias in neuroscience publishing
An interdisciplinary research team has found statistical evidence of women being undercited in academic literature. They are now studying similar effects along racial lines.
Kok-Chor Tan on how external factors inform individual responses to COVID-19
Kok-Chor Tan on how external factors inform individual responses to COVID-19
The professor of philosophy says the ways in which individuals are affected by the pandemic are a result of a complex tapestry of economic, social, and cultural factors.
Ecuador’s vice president talks biodiversity protection
Ecuador’s vice president talks biodiversity protection
Vice President Otto Sonnenholzner spoke to a packed Perry World House about protecting the environment while balancing economic growth.
Learning civil discourse and open-mindedness from high schoolers
Learning civil discourse and open-mindedness from high schoolers
In the city’s first regional Ethics Bowl, facilitated by Penn philosopher Karen Detlefsen and Graduate School of Education doctoral student Dustin Webster, six local teams competed for a chance at Nationals.
On the condition of alienage for refugees
On the condition of alienage for refugees
Eilidh Beaton, doctoral candidate in philosophy, argues for the reconsideration of the alienage condition for refugee status.
Media Contact
In the News
Philadelphia Inquirer
When should we mind our business right now? Here’s how to decide
Sukaina Hirji of the School of Arts & Sciences offered advice about when to intervene in a variety of scenarios. “Sometimes you have to speak up. Sometimes you have to stay in your lane. There is no easy answer,” she said.
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NPR
‘Can we change social norms?’
Cristina Bicchieri of the School of Arts and Sciences joins a philosophical discussion about the possibility of changing social norms.
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Christian Science Monitor
Grab your moral compass: ‘The Good Place’ takes philosophy mainstream
Errol Lord of the School of Arts and Sciences offered commentary on the Emmy-nominated series “The Good Place,” which regularly grapples with ethical issues. “I don’t think there has ever been a network sitcom that talks about philosophers in this way,” said Lord.
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Inside Higher Ed
7 hours a week on existential despair
In a uniquely reflective course taught by Justin McDaniel of the School of Arts and Sciences, students meet weekly to read an entire book cover to cover and then discuss. Noting the quality of the resulting discourse, McDaniel said, “it’s the best conversation I’ve ever had in a classroom.”
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The New York Times
The Pain and Promise of Black Women in Philosophy
Anita Allen of the Law School was interviewed about the obstacles black women encounter in the predominately white male field of philosophy. “My vision is for a more inclusive, self-aware and publicly engaged profession whose leaders serve as strong ambassadors for our vital share of the humanities,” said Allen.
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