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History & Society
Trace how culture, power, and ideas shape societies across time.
The history of hell doesn't begin with the Old Testament. Instead, hell took shape in the 2nd century from Mediterranean cultural exchange.
"Time Warp" all the way back to 1800s spiritualism, magic performances, and spook shows.
We've heard this argument before.
Tikal, one of the biggest cities the Maya ever built, was home to a vast and flourishing society.
If someone can make you feel insecure, incomplete, and inadequate, they then can present themselves as the solution you need.
Einstein's theory of general relativity introduced the concept of space having a shape. So, what is the shape of space?
Using peach and eggplant emojis as shorthand for sex may seem like a new thing, but Renaissance artists were experts at using produce to imply intercourse.
"If we find just one other example of biology out there, then life is not an accident."
There's a quantum limit to how precisely anything can be measured. By squeezing light, LIGO has now surpassed all previous limitations.
A true scientific view of if, where, and when extraterrestrial life exists is within our grasp thanks to biosignatures and technosignatures.
According to the CDC, 50 countries worldwide have drinkable tap water. But look closer, and the picture is more nuanced.
A woman’s name would undermine the credibility of the mission. Names of former Nazis, however, were no problem.
12mins
Thinkers like Richard Reeves, Louise Perry, and Judith Butler discuss parenthood and the future of the sexual revolution.
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“To take this in, you need to ride inside the mathematical symbols.”
Science and philosophy seem to be separate fields, but philosophical advancements have made the world more accepting of debate and unorthodox ideas.
The great philosopher spent the final portion of his painful life in a vegetative state. Did illness get him there, or was it his own philosophy?
Serving as the inspiration for the modern horror classic “The Blair Witch Project,” what does our fascination with this unsolvable mystery tell us about our modern psyche?
Once at the pinnacle of Amsterdam’s art scene, Rembrandt van Rijn eventually found himself outcompeted by his own students.
The young and healthy were not just as likely to die as the old and frail, according to a new analysis.
6mins
Ideas that seem wildly controversial today may move humanity towards progress. Philosopher Peter Singer asks —how do we keep them from being stifled?