Sophie Grace Chappell

Class 5.1 Chappell - Infinity Goes Up on Trial

Last week we read Bernard Williams’ challenge to immortality inspired by The Makropulos Case and a sympathetic critic of Williams in Michael Cholbi. This week we turn to two philosophers who are much more optimistic about immortality and also respond to Williams. The first of these is Sophie Grace Chappell.

Sophie Grace Chappell

Sophie Grace Chappell is a British philosopher who currently teaches at the Open University and has published widely in philosophy on topics in moral philosophy, ancient philosophy, topics bordering on the philosophy of religion like this one (She self-identifies as a Christian philosopher and is interested in immortality in part because she believes in an eternal afterlife), and most recently the philosophy of gender. Earlier in her career, before transitioning publicly, she published under the name of Timothy Chappell, which is why you will see that name at the top of the article that we are reading for class.

Understanding WIlliams’ Argument

In order to respond to Williams’ argument, Chappell has to interpret what it says. Like Cholbi, she draws on a subsequent article by the philosopher Adrian Moore, who interprets Williams’ argument as a dilemma, in order to explain why he finds it so compelling. As you read, watch out for what this interpretation of Williams’ argument is and what Chappell’s response to it is.

Reading

As you read Chappell’s article, “Infinity Goes Up on Trial”, ask yourself, “why is it so important to address Williams’ arguments if you believe in an afterlife?”, “What is Chappell’s answer to Williams?”, and “Is she right?”