Kwame Anthony Appiah

New York, Princeton

NYU Professor and Columnist at The New York Times

b. London. raised Kumasi, Ghana. m. Henry Finder. Prof NYU. Ethicist NYTimes. Topics: Philosophy esp. Ethics, Black Studies. Retweet not endorsement. He/him.

Articles

Mi novia no deja de mirar mi teléfono. ¿Deberíamos terminar?

1 week ago | diario.mx | Kwame Anthony Appiah

Soy un hombre de 60 años que está divorciado desde hace ocho años. Desde mi divorcio, no me he vuelto a casar y he terminado dos relaciones importantes debido a problemas de comportamiento y uso de sustancias. Actualmente estoy en una relación de 16 meses con una mujer recién separada. No vivimos juntos, pero pasamos la mayor parte de nuestro tiempo juntos, funcionando como una pareja casada. Estoy empleado en un trabajo mejor pagado y cubro la mayoría de nuestros gastos.
Our Gardener Wants to Avoid Taxes. Should We Pay Him in Cash?

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Kwame Anthony Appiah

Throughout our 55 years of marriage, my husband and I have never once cheated on our taxes. Now the man who mows and trims our lawn has asked us to pay him in cash instead of by check. We have little doubt as to why he has made this request. My husband feels very uncomfortable with this, but I disagree. This man is a landscape service of one and most likely only makes a modest income.
Can Rich Parents Make Special Requests at a Public School?

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Kwame Anthony Appiah

My children attend a public elementary school in one of the country's largest school systems. The school is notably diverse; more than 40 percent of the students are low-income, and nearly 10 percent live in temporary housing, while a sizable minority come from upper income brackets and live in million-dollar homes. The school has a mix of Latino, Black, Asian and white students.
My Husband Has Dementia. Can I Put Him in a Home and Move to Europe?

1 month ago | flipboard.com | Kwame Anthony Appiah

Fortunately, we know how—and by when—to reverse it. While most early signs of dementia are subtle—even borderline undetectable, like those that happen …
My Husband Has Dementia. Can I Put Him in a Home and Move to Europe?

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Kwame Anthony Appiah

My husband of 52 years was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 10 years ago. Currently I am a full-time caregiver. I hope to place my husband in a memory-care facility soon, so that I can move closer to two of my children and their children, all of whom live in Europe. My husband does not know anything about this yet. My guilt is sharp over "dumping" him in this way, even though he might be safer and more active.
A University Denies Benefits to Gay Spouses. Can I Attend to Save Money?

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Kwame Anthony Appiah

I am a straight, married veteran researching potential doctoral programs. Expense is a huge factor, and it seems the most affordable school is religious and openly homophobic. This place is roughly a quarter of the cost of the other schools that offer my program of choice because of its discounted tuition for military veterans and their spouses.
Isn't It Time to Retire Senior Discounts?

1 month ago | nytimes.com | Kwame Anthony Appiah

I'll be 65 early next year and eligible for a range of senior-citizen discounts. I have long believed that these discounts are a relic from previous generations, when seniors had the highest rate of poverty of any age group. But while more than 60 years of government programs have substantially reduced extreme poverty among seniors, these discounts remain. Of course, there are still needy seniors, but I believe that any discounts should be based on income, not age.
I Wrote a Leniency Letter on My Ex's Behalf. Did I Overstep?

2 months ago | nytimes.com | Kwame Anthony Appiah

My former husband is a brilliant and accomplished man who developed a crystal-meth addiction that recently led to the end of our 30-year marriage. Not long ago, he was arrested on drug-possession charges. He has substantial resources, and he hired a couple of lawyers to fight the charges. I wrote to the judge directly requesting leniency and treatment rather than prison time, highlighting his positive qualities and potential for recovery.
My Partner Cheated and Said It 'Didn't Mean Anything.' How Should I Feel?

2 months ago | nytimes.com | Kwame Anthony Appiah

Having been betrayed by a partner years ago, I still don't understand why cheaters use the phrase ''(She/he) didn't mean anything to me.'' How does one even respond to a statement like that? Do cheaters think that that's supposed to somehow make the betrayed party feel better? Personally I found it demeaning and an even worse betrayal - as if infidelity is excusable because the connection was casual.
Is It OK to Read a Newspaper Online When I've Stopped Paying for It?

2 months ago | nytimes.com | Kwame Anthony Appiah

I canceled my digital subscription to a daily newspaper a couple of months ago, but the company still gives me total access to its content. Is it ethical to keep reading it? - Name WithheldFrom the Ethicist: If your subscription to the Pear of the Month Club lapses and the boxes of pears keep coming - fragrant Forelles, blushing Bon Rouges, Weston-ready Williamses - your gain is someone's loss. But for a news outlet, the marginal cost of supporting an online subscriber is close to zero.