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 California State University system spent $16.9 million last year giving ChatGPT to all students, faculty, and staff. We are asking the CSU chancellor not to renew the contract with OpenAI when it expires.
Anyone can sign the petition — link below!
Anyone can sign the petition — link below!
The CSU/OpenAI contract is set to expire June 30, 2026.
Sign this petition: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/cancel-chatgpt-edu-invest-in-humans/ for the CSU NOT to renew the contract and to use the savings to protect jobs at CSU campuses facing layoffs.
Sign this petition: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/cancel-chatgpt-edu-invest-in-humans/ for the CSU NOT to renew the contract and to use the savings to protect jobs at CSU campuses facing layoffs.
January 31, 2026 at 7:13 PM
The California State University system spent $16.9 million last year giving ChatGPT to all students, faculty, and staff. We are asking the CSU chancellor not to renew the contract with OpenAI when it expires.
Anyone can sign the petition — link below!
Anyone can sign the petition — link below!
Reposted by Bill Vanderburgh
‘An American Pastoral’ Documentary Explores Christian Nationalism and the Political Divide in a Pennsylvania School District | Cast members from Elizabethtown Area School District shared how their lives and community have changed since the film at a recent screening.
‘An American Pastoral’ Documentary Explores Christian Nationalism and the Political Divide in a Pennsylvania School District - Bucks County Beacon
Cast members from Elizabethtown Area School District shared how their lives and community have changed since the film at a recent screening.
buckscountybeacon.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:01 PM
‘An American Pastoral’ Documentary Explores Christian Nationalism and the Political Divide in a Pennsylvania School District | Cast members from Elizabethtown Area School District shared how their lives and community have changed since the film at a recent screening.
Christian nationalists just won’t stop trying to violate freedom of thought. They are (still!) trying to push false (not to mention unconstitutional) nonsense about science into schools. This is a good opportunity for philosophers of science to demonstrate the public relevance of our work.
An Oklahoma lawmaker wants to force teachers to say that Creationism and Intelligent Design are plausible alternatives to evolution.
The bill is unconstitutional, deeply dishonest, and insulting to students.
www.friendlyatheist.com/p/an-oklahom...
The bill is unconstitutional, deeply dishonest, and insulting to students.
www.friendlyatheist.com/p/an-oklahom...
An Oklahoma lawmaker wants Creationism taught in science classes. His bill is doomed.
State Sen. David Bullard has a long history of shoving his Christianity in places it doesn't belong
www.friendlyatheist.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Christian nationalists just won’t stop trying to violate freedom of thought. They are (still!) trying to push false (not to mention unconstitutional) nonsense about science into schools. This is a good opportunity for philosophers of science to demonstrate the public relevance of our work.
I love this kind of pop sci article, that both clearly explains the science and reveals a human story at the same time.
Remembering Gladys West: who used Einstein to create GPS
RIP to Gladys West: the "hidden figure" most people have never heard of, but whose work is second only to Einstein's in enabling and developing our modern GPS.
#BlackInAstro
bigthink.com/starts-with-...
#space #GPS #astro #physics #einstein
RIP to Gladys West: the "hidden figure" most people have never heard of, but whose work is second only to Einstein's in enabling and developing our modern GPS.
#BlackInAstro
bigthink.com/starts-with-...
#space #GPS #astro #physics #einstein
Remembering Gladys West: who used Einstein to create GPS
Two main contributors enabled our modern global positioning system (GPS): Albert Einstein and Gladys West. Here's how she made it happen.
bigthink.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:23 PM
I love this kind of pop sci article, that both clearly explains the science and reveals a human story at the same time.
I ended up writing seven pieces on philosophy in the streaming show “Pluribus.” Lots remains unresolved, but it sure is interesting. Here’s the 7th installment, which includes links to the rest.
#Philosophy #philosophychat #scifi #pluribus #philsky
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
#Philosophy #philosophychat #scifi #pluribus #philsky
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
Pluribus and Philosophy, Part Seven (episode 9)
A Philosopher Watches Sci Fi: You Win, We Save the World
open.substack.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:28 PM
I ended up writing seven pieces on philosophy in the streaming show “Pluribus.” Lots remains unresolved, but it sure is interesting. Here’s the 7th installment, which includes links to the rest.
#Philosophy #philosophychat #scifi #pluribus #philsky
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
#Philosophy #philosophychat #scifi #pluribus #philsky
open.substack.com/pub/billvand...
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...