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Philosophy on TV: have your say

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WHAT IDEAS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ON CHANNEL FIVE?

Ludwig Witgenstein denounced Russell's 'The Problems of Philosophy' as a
'shilling shocker'. Despite this elitist attitude, that book has remained a
classic whose crystal clear prose hides its age. While technical and difficult
work carried out at the frontiers of research is essential to the progress of
philosophy, the popularisers of the discipline have a crucial role to play. The
more esoteric works have a readership that never extends beyond a handful of
professionals and keen students, while questions about how to live and who we
are as persons are pertinent to all of us. So one of the noblest and greatest
challenges in philosophy is to make important ideas accessible to ordinary
people.

Which brings me to my point. The current issue of 'The Philosopher's Magazine'
features an interview with Dan Chambers, a graduate in philosophy and director
of programming for channel five. He puts this challenge to the magazine's
readers: "of all the ideas in the last two or three decades that the population
should know about, what are they?".

If you would like to reply directly to the magazine, I have included the address
below. Alternatively I thought it might be fun to share ideas on this
discussion list. As BUPS committee member I will collect all your suggestions
together and send them off as 'the thoughts of the British Undergraduate
Philosophy Society'.

The interview betrays Chambers' preference for topics in moral philosophy, and
we are asked to be "realistic and think about the requirements of the mass
media." But hopefully we can show that it's not only moral philosophy which can
be interesting and accessible.

Have fun,
Nick

If you prefer to submit your ideas individually, the address is
editor@philosophers.co.uk.


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