Can the human mind grasp the suffering of millions of impoverished people? Psychologists Jason Mitchell and Laurie Santos discuss the limits of empathy. Plus: The neuroscience behind failed resolutions.
The internet activist died at age 26. In this clip from 2008, Swartz talked to Will Wilkinson about his youthful start as a programmer.
James Poulos discusses the intersection. Plus: Dems gone wild in California.
Bill Scher and Matt Lewis discuss Beck’s libertarian turn. Plus: The legacy of What It Takes.
Glenn Loury and John McWhorter debate race-based affirmative action. Plus: On being a black outcast.
Sarah Posner and Brent E. Sasley discuss the term, controversially used by Chuck Hagel. Plus: Who cares what Bill Kristol says?
Ali Gharib explains to a skeptical James Kirchick why Democrats are rallying behind a conservative Republican. Plus: Why did Obama pick Hagel?
Adam Serwer and Jelani Cobb examine Stephen, played by Samuel L. Jackson. Plus: Django and the “n-word.”
Marc Tracy and John Koblin discuss the intellectual pleasures of Sunday Night Football.
Clay Shirky discusses how higher education is undergoing a revolution caused by massive open online courses. Plus: How the Internet is better than the printing press.