Robbins Library Notes

Hello! I am Jason Pannone, the librarian for Robbins Library, in the Department of Philosophy at Harvard University. Welcome to my blog!

You, the reader, might be asking why I’m writing this blog. Well, I have several reasons for doing so:

1. To let Harvard faculty, students, staff, and affiliates know more about the philosophy resources available to them at Harvard University, in print and in electronic format.
2. To offer tips and advice on searching databases and the Internet.
3. To answer reference questions.
4. To review technology of relevance to philosophical research.
5. To notify readers of articles, book reviews, podcasts, books, electronic resources, and other philosophy-related items that might be of interest.
6. To provide philosophical humor.
7. To occasionally offer my own thoughts and views on philosophical, library-related, or other topics.

A Disclaimer: I will post and write about articles, journals, books, blog posts, podcasts, and more about philosophy and philosophy-related research here at Harvard. Each of these items represents many different perspectives, positions, and views.

Nonetheless, the inclusion of any item will not necessarily imply an endorsement of the views expressed by the author of its content. The positions of the included materials are strictly those of the authors. My own positions will be made known as I deem it appropriate to do so — one of which is that philosophical dialog is most fruitful when contradictory ideas come together, are argued over, and sorted through. This includes studying “bad” arguments and views with which one does not normally agree. Why? For one thing, it helps one to clarify and understand one’s own views better. For another, it’s a good way to overcome the confirmation bias.

I hope that you find this blog useful. Thanks for stopping by! If I can be of help, please let me know.