A Companion to Public Philosophy

41Institutional Challenges to Public Philosophy

MICHAEL D. BURROUGHS

It is an exciting time to be a public philosopher. Recent decades have seen numerous public philosophy programs and initiatives established, existing in diverse forms all over the world.¹ Public philosophy podcasts (e.g. The UnMute Podcast, Hi Phi Nation, and Philosophy Bakes Bread) exist alongside scholarly journals (e.g. Public Philosophy Journal and Precollege Philosophy and Public Practice) that advance both accessible discussion of, and peer‐reviewed research on, public‐facing philosophical work. Professional philosophers regularly contribute op‐eds in leading public venues, appear in media, and work side by side with community organizations, nonprofit organizations, and others to address pressing issues in our world. Organizations such as the Public Philosophy Network, the Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization, the Society of Philosophers in America, the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics, and the American Philosophical Association now support publicly engaged work through grant opportunities, conferences, and professional recognition. In addition, philosophers are increasingly turning their attention to scholarship on public philosophy, devoting manuscripts to exploring this subfield as a vital form of professional philosophical practice.

Public philosophy is diverse in orientation, methodology, and practice. My colleagues in this anthology highlight this diversity in their discussions ...