Michael Huemer

Michael Huemer is a professor of philosophy at the University of Colorado, Boulder, recognized for his contributions to ethical intuitionism, political philosophy, and epistemology. He received his education from UC Berkeley and earned his PhD from Rutgers University in 1998 under Peter D. Klein. His influential works include "Ethical Intuitionism" (2005) and "The Problem of Political Authority" (2013), which explore moral realism and challenge traditional concepts of state authority. Huemer developed the theory of phenomenal conservatism, which holds that one should assume things are as they appear unless there are specific reasons for doubt. As a philosophical dualist and agnostic, Huemer has defended various philosophical positions including direct realism, libertarianism, and philosophical anarchism. His work frequently addresses fundamental questions in ethics, political theory, and the nature of consciousness. His arguments have significantly influenced contemporary debates in political philosophy, particularly regarding the legitimacy of state authority and the possibility of a functioning stateless society. Huemer's writings consistently challenge conventional wisdom while maintaining rigorous philosophical argumentation.

Readers praise Huemer's clear writing style and logical arguments, even when disagreeing with his conclusions. Many note his ability to address complex philosophical topics without unnecessary jargon. What readers liked: - Direct, accessible prose that doesn't oversimplify - Systematic breakdown of arguments - Thorough response to potential counterarguments - Use of concrete examples and thought experiments What readers disliked: - Some find his libertarian conclusions too extreme - Critics say he sometimes dismisses opposing views too quickly - Several readers wanted more practical solutions rather than pure theory Ratings across platforms: - "The Problem of Political Authority" - 4.4/5 on Amazon (165 reviews), 4.28/5 on Goodreads (738 ratings) - "Ethical Intuitionism" - 4.5/5 on Amazon (31 reviews), 4.16/5 on Goodreads (166 ratings) One reader noted: "Huemer excels at dismantling weak arguments while building strong ones." Another commented: "Changed how I think about government authority, though I'm not fully convinced by anarchism." Common criticism: "Great at pointing out problems, less focused on viable alternatives."

Ethical Intuitionism (2005) A philosophical examination of moral realism and intuitionism, presenting arguments for the existence of objective moral truths that can be known through intuition.

The Problem of Political Authority (2013) A systematic critique of state authority that examines the moral basis of government power and argues against the traditional justifications for political authority.

Skepticism and the Veil of Perception (2001) An exploration of direct realism in epistemology, defending the view that we can directly perceive external objects without mediation.

Knowledge, Reality, and Value (2021) A comprehensive introduction to philosophy covering epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics with focus on objective truth and value.

Paradox Lost (2018) An analysis of major philosophical paradoxes including those involving infinity, time travel, and free will, offering systematic solutions.

Approaching Infinity (2016) A detailed examination of philosophical problems related to infinity in mathematics, physics, and metaphysics.

Dialogue on Ethical Vegetarianism (2019) A philosophical discussion of moral arguments for vegetarianism presented in dialogue format.

Bryan Caplan writes on political theory, anarchism, and economics with similar methodological rigor to Huemer. He shares Huemer's focus on challenging conventional wisdom about political authority and state legitimacy through systematic argumentation.

Peter Singer explores ethical philosophy and moral reasoning through clear analytical frameworks. His work on practical ethics and moral objectivity parallels Huemer's approach to ethical intuitionism and moral realism.

David Friedman combines philosophical anarchism with economic analysis in examining societal organization without state authority. His work on private law systems and stateless societies builds on similar foundations as Huemer's political philosophy.

Jason Brennan examines political legitimacy and authority through analytical philosophical methods. His work on democracy and political participation addresses many of the same fundamental questions about state power that Huemer explores.

Franz Oppenheimer developed systematic critiques of state authority and political legitimacy that preceded Huemer's work. His analysis of state formation and political power provides historical context for many of the ideas Huemer examines.