June 15, 1997
"TO THE LISTS!"
"To the lists!" cried the knights of the Middle Ages, referring either to the fenced area in which a tournament was held or to any area of combat or conflict.
The old medieval battle-cry should serve to inspire today's inquiring Internauts. But it is to Internet mailing lists I'm referring.
E-mail discussion lists (also known as Listservs, after the name of a program which manages e-mail lists) were among the earliest Internet resources, but they remain one of the most useful to anyone wishing to learn more about almost any subject. By subscribing to discussion lists, you can learn a wealth of information from people knowledgeable about a subject and (usually) eager to share what they know. You can learn about ideas, current controversies, useful books and articles on the subject, Internet resources. Moreover, for students of philosophy, discussion lists can do much more than merely supply information. They can also provide a forum for vital person-to-person learning, discussion and debate which can turn philosophy into a living undertaking.
Hundreds of philosophy-related discussion lists are available, on everything from branches of philosophy, to philosophical fields, to schools of philosophy, to individual philosophers. Probably the most thorough listing can be found at Dey Alexander's Philosophy in Cyberspace site in Australia (a U.S. mirror site is also available). The site provides clickable links to most lists.
Subscribing to a discussion list is easy. Usually, it involves sending to the listserv via e- mail a subscription request in the following format:
subscribe name-of-list your-first-name your-last-name
Note: The required format for some lists may vary, so always note the correct subscription address and follow the specific instructions for subscribing to each.
So, heed the medieval battle-cry. "To the lists!" But best to leave your sword and buckler at home. However, don't forget to bring your mail . . .
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Philosophy in Cyberspace
Probably, the largest, most comprehensive philosophy site on the Web! Located at Monash University in Melbourne, Dey Alexander's annotated listing of Internet philosophy resources indexes over 1000 philosophy-related sites, 300 mailing lists, and 60 newsgroups in over 50 subject-oriented categories. This site is clearly a labor of love. A U.S. mirror site is also available.
Valdosta Home Page of Philosophy Resources
One of the best Web sites devoted to philosophy information and resources. A service of the philosophy department at Valdosta State University, the site provides a virtual philosophy library, links to related resources, and information about the various philosophy programs at the university. While you're there be sure also to visit Zeno's Coffeehouse , an interactive site which provides visitors with challenging philosophy problems in the spirit of Zeno of Elea, the skeptical 5th-Century B.C. Greek philosopher. Unless motion really is impossible, you'll want to return often.
Philosophy Collections Page
Another comprehensive, well-maintained site containing everything from links to philosophy resources around the Internet to e-texts of philosophical works to useful bibliographies and links to philosophical societies.
Bjorn's Guide to Philosophy
Bjorn Christianson's site in Sweden. Very promising site with links to individual philosophers and an excellent library listing of online philosophy texts--could become one of the most complete sites of all.
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
A rich and growing reference source for students and anyone with philosophical interests--containing entries on hundreds of philosophy-related topics. Created and maintained by Jim Fieser, of the philosophy department of the University of Tennessee at Martin, the IEP currently presents about 200 articles, and a list of around a dozen primary philosophical e-texts. Fieser plans to expand this indispensable reference work in the coming months and years. Bookmark it!
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Philosophy
