Smith discusses the common argument that atheists cannot be moral and so should not be legally tolerated.

Smith continues his discussion of Butler’s theory of moral psychology, and summarizes his ideas about conscience and rational self-interest.

Smith discusses Butler’s influential theory of psychology and his ideas about self-interest and benevolence.

Smith discusses various objections to the claim that all actions are necessarily self-interested.

Smith explains Hume’s theory of the social evolution of our ideas about justice.

Smith begins his discussion of David Hume’s moral and social philosophy.

Smith explains the crucial role of rights in political theory.

Smith discusses the common argument that natural rights will lead inevitably to anarchism. 

Smith continues his brief discussion of how to justify natural rights.

Smith interrupts his series on abolitionism to present a barebones defense of natural rights.

Smith discusses Gerrit Smith’s arguments for prohibition and the reply by Lysander Spooner, as published in a book by Dio Lewis, Prohibition: A Failure.

Smith discusses the controversy over whether the U.S. Constitution is pro-slavery, as illustrated in the opposing views of two leading abolitionists: Wendell Phillips and Lysander Spooner.

Smith discusses the crucial role played by the inalienable right of self-ownership in the abolitionist crusade to abolish slavery.

Smith discusses the crucial difference between science and philosophy, and how human fallibility has been used to defend skepticism.

Smith discusses the inevitability of holding some false beliefs and what can be done to minimize this problem.

Smith discusses the claim that some beliefs are immoral and the role of credibility in choosing our beliefs.

Smith discusses various meanings of “belief” and “doubt.”

Smith criticizes the argument of W.K. Clifford that we have a duty to mankind to base our beliefs on the best available evidence.