Philosophy in the News

Studying philosophy equips you with the conceptual framework needed to analyze complex issues, and philosophy itself plays an active role in shaping the world around us. Below, you'll find selected news articles and research reports featuring philosophy and philosophers, along with op-eds written by faculty members of the philosophy department.

Accessing Articles

Most articles listed here are either freely accessible online or require you to view them through John Jay's Lloyd Sealy Library with your CUNYFirst credentials.  Additionally, the library provides free access with registration to the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. 

“Why Big AI Labs Are Hiring so Many Philosophers.” The Economist, June 24, 2026.

The technology presents all sorts of thorny problems—a philosopher’s favourite kind.

"Studying Philosophy Does Make People Better Thinkers, According to New Research on ..." The Conversation, August 22, 2025.

Philosophy majors rank higher than all other majors on verbal and logical reasoning, according to our new study published in the Journal of the American Philosophical Association. They also tend to display more intellectual virtues such as curiosity and open-mindedness.

"Why the Texas Democrats' Walkout Worked." The New York Times, August 29, 2025. 

Guest Essay by Michael Brownstein, Department Chair and Alex Madva

When people fight principled battles that they know they may lose, others pay attention.

"The Threat of Trump Is Vast. But Don't Underestimate Incremental Change." The Guardian, March 14, 2025. 

Op-ed by Prof. Michael Brownstein, Department Chair

The work of making change is difficult. Most of it is boring, unsexy and, at best, modestly incremental from day to day

"Philosophy Majors Are Smarter Than Others — and Tend to Make More Money." Big Think , May 10, 2023.

One of the more maligned undergraduate majors is philosophy: It is often listed as a degree one might regret — one which leads straight to  being a barista, which should be skipped in favor of earning a welding certificate. Except, it’s a myth that philosophy majors don’t get jobs. In reality, they are smarter than most other students, and smart people tend to make more money.