All articles from Aeon

Undefinable yet indispensable

Despite centuries of trying, the term ‘religion’ has proven impossible to define. Then why does it remain so necessary? - by Kwame Anthony Appiah Read on Aeon

Being in the world: from Plato to Heidegger

What does it mean to ‘be’? This excerpt provides a brief intro to Heidegger’s philosophy, via jazz, cooking and carpentry - by Aeon Video Watch on Aeon

Can machines suffer?

We once denied the suffering of animals in pain. As AIs grow more complex, we run the danger of making the same mistake - by Conor Purcell Read on Aeon

Roads of the Roman Empire

Travel the roads of the Roman Empire – a bold project mapping 300,000 km of a vast, ancient network is brought to life - by Aeon Video Watch on Aeon

The empty ideology

Liberalism hasn’t delivered on its promises in Africa. The alternative will be found in ideas rooted in Africa’s own soil - by Gabriel Asuquo Read on Aeon

How Robert Frost writes a poem

How did Robert Frost so perfectly capture a moment of timelessness? Discover the hidden craft in this classic’s simplicity - by Aeon Video Watch on Aeon

Maternal paradox

‘Scientific motherhood’ promised to create high standards for child-rearing. But it’s really a system designed to police women - by Sherry Chan Read on Aeon

Medieval moons

Some saw the Moon as representing creation, yearning for the Divine, some saw the Moon as almost Divine herself - by Ayoush Lazikani Read on Aeon

Why are moths drawn to flames?

How new camera technology that captures fast-flying insects at night explains the age-old mystery of moths drawn to flames - by Aeon Video Watch on Aeon

Sleep is delicious

The idea that we should reduce sleep to an efficient minimum in our lives gets something fundamentally wrong - by Sara Protasi Read on Aeon