Though it was under the radar before this year's event, the Big Thinkers tournament actually goes way back. Some early records, admittedly of somewhat dubious provenance, refer to a medieval English contest, in which Robert Grosseteste emerged victorious in a pool of eight scholastic philosophers and theologians. Over the centuries, the tournament has gradually expanded … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Championship →

And then there were two. On Saturday night, our final four thinkers met to determine who would participate in the 2013 championship debate. Our first match was between top seed Plato and the gritty challenger, Durkheim. Going in, the Athenian avenger was the overwhelming favorite, well ahead in most of the online philosophy prediction markets. … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Semi-Finals →

Tonight there is no joy in Königsberg, for the mighty Kant is out. Of his opponent Plato, Kant once remarked: "It is not at all unusual that in comparing the thoughts which an author has expressed about his subject, whether in ordinary speech or in texts, we understand him better than he has understood himself." … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Eight →

While the Society was falling in love with the Cinderella story of 15-seed Ptolemy, #9 Durkheim was quietly making a move of his own in the West region. After previously taking down top seed Aquinas, last night he had an equally remarkable upset victory over #2 Descartes, becoming the lowest ranked thinker to ever make … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Seven →

Just a quick recap today, as this reporter just realized he has a lot of work to do before spring break ends! After four games last night, our Enlightened Eight is now in place. In the Midwest, top seed Plato moved on with a 77-69 win over #12 Beauvoir. So far in this tournament, no … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Six →

After a few days of rest, we're back for another round in the Society of Fellows' Big Thinkers Tourney. Our sixteen surviving sages are facing off in the hope of moving on to the Enlightened Eight. Last night saw four debates in the West and East Regions. Our first match of the night was between … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Five →

Let's recap another exciting day of Big Thinking action. In the Midwest, the All-Destroying Kant looked sharp in a 66-50 win over 7-seed Adam Smith. Smith's controversial invisible hand had effectively regulated the critical parries of first round opponent Deleuze, but was of little use against Kant's bold and systematic theorizing. Kant moves on to … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Four →

Friends, it was another thrilling day of games here at the Big Thinkers Tournament. We’ve seen an unusual number of upsets this year, and the pattern continued last night. The Western Canon may never be the same in light of this year’s results! Let’s start with the shocker of the night. Top seed in the … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Three →

Let’s start our roundup of yesterday’s action in the West region. For Hobbes, life in this tournament truly was nasty, brutish and short. Facing upstart Maimonides, the Leaping Leviathan went completely cold, airballing ill-advised propositions from all over the court in a 56-47 loss. This was the first of many upsets on the day. 12th … Continue reading Society of Fellows Big Thinkers — Day Two →