I've been reading Plato's Republic and I find he had quite drastic views when it came to censorship. Is this really so or just a misinterpretation on my behalf? Is Plato trying to eliminate freedom from his ideal city?

On knowledge: is there any circumstance in which I am without doubt free from the sceptical possibility that all things are in my imagination only?

If scientific theories claim to provide ultimate truths about the nature of reality, then how can we explain new theories and revisions of existing theories? To take an extreme example - if we once believed that the world was flat, how can we justify our current belief in a spherical world? In this particular case, our current ideas can clearly be explained by the increases in technology and no one would seriously question the shape of our planet. However, in more complicated instances how can we be so sure that science offers anything more than a set of beliefs (i.e. in a similar way to religion or myths).

This is kind of a counterfactual question. If the atmosphere in the past had been made more inviting to women would we presently have knowledge that we do not have at present? We all know I think that sensitivities enter and often create philosophy along with poetry. Some sensitivities have been left on the sidelines, just how heavy a price have we paid for this? Is it presently even productive to ask such a question? James Ont, Canada

Loyalty. Is it unethical to move loyalty to another sports team just because the current team you're rooting for isn't doing well?

Why monogamy?

When we write "one and a half" in decimal notation as 1.5 .. do we really mean 1.5000... (with an infinity of zeros?) If so, how do we know there's no "3" lurking at the 10 millionth decimal place? Is this a problem of converting an analogue world into digital mathematics?

When I read a philosopher (particularly someone like Schopenhauer or Kiergegaard) how would I be able to tell if I was engaged philosophically rather than aesthetically?

Is one responsible for one's feelings and emotions (considering the fact that they have nothing to do with a decision)?

Why should I care about life at all? I am on track to achieve financial and intellectual success. I will have the opportunity to serve humanity as well. I have a loving family. I am healthy and handsome. But if consciousness dissolves with annihilation; if the earth will ultimately become a cold, dead rock; if all of the science, wisdom, and art eventually cease to have meaning because no one will exist to apprehend them; why should I care about life at all? The only reasons I can think of are momentum, an ineffable sense of obligation to my friends and family, and fear of the undiscovered country. There have to be more and better reasons to care about life.