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Mark Kingwell

Mark Kingwell is a professor of philosophy at the University of Toronto, a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and a contributing editor for Harper’s magazine.
A photo illustration of a large group of people seen from above, spaced around a large open circle
Politics

We’re Addicted to the Feeling of Being Right

November 6, 2024November 7, 2024 - by Mark Kingwell

Our craving for loud, divisive, identity-conferring opinion is poisoning politics

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Photo of a plant drooping in a white pot against a pink background.
Society

How to Live with Death

October 14, 2020September 14, 2021 - by Mark Kingwell

Even if our odds of dying at any given moment are low, we can’t escape the risks underlying our existence

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A dog dressed as a businessman sits slumped over a desk.
Society

Why Being Bored Is Good

May 21, 2019June 23, 2023 - by Mark Kingwell

Technology keeps us constantly stimulated. What do we lose when we no longer have nothing to do?

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Illustration by Kellen Hatanaka
March 2017 / Sports

Philosopher Up to Bat

February 21, 2017January 5, 2023 - by Mark Kingwell

Baseball is the sport that brings jocks and nerds together

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FIngers squeezing person in hospital bed
Arts & Culture / January/February 2016

The League of Extraordinary Assholes

December 21, 2015April 7, 2020 - by Mark Kingwell

There’s a jerk in every room. Is it you?

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Video still of Mark Kingwell from The Walrus Talks Play
Uncategorized

The Art of Play

May 6, 2015October 14, 2020 - by Mark Kingwell

“Pretending is not something only children do”

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Video still of Mark Kingwell from The Walrus Talks Being Human
Uncategorized

Beyond the Uncanny Valley

April 29, 2015October 16, 2019 - by Mark Kingwell

“Stop thinking so much about your humanity and think more about the questions that make us most alive”

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Illustration by Benoit Tardif
January/February 2013 / Society

Doppel Gang

December 10, 2012April 14, 2020 - by Mark Kingwell

Why Canada needs Quebec

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Video still of Mark Kingwell from The Walrus Talks The Art of the City
Uncategorized

The Art of Play

January 24, 2012November 19, 2019 - by Mark Kingwell

“Play is always ironic”

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April 2010

The Shout Doctrine

April 12, 2010April 15, 2020 - by Mark Kingwell

What happens when political debates escalate into a culture of arguments, attack ads, and anonymous Internet assaults? A Parliament effectively shut — and shouted — down

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The Walrus is located within the bounds of Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit. This land is also the traditional territory of the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.

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© 2025 The Walrus. All Rights Reserved. Charitable Registration Number: No. 861851624-RR0001
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© 2023 The Walrus. All Rights Reserved.
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​​The Walrus is located within the bounds of Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit. This land is also the traditional territory of the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples.

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How’s The Walrus?

As the executive director, I am frequently asked this question. These days, I reply: “The Walrus was made for this moment.” From on-again, off-again trade news and negotiations to a new prime minister, we are committed to Canada’s conversations. We launched six regional bureaus earlier this year to ensure comprehensive coverage across this great country of ours. But we can’t do this alone. As a non-profit newsroom, this work isn’t possible without our readers’ support. If you believe in Canada’s stories, support our paywall-free journalism with a donation today.

Our team is small, but our commitment is big; just like our country. Every story we publish is the result of writers, artists, and editors going the extra mile (well, kilometres) to bring Canada closer together through compelling, fact-checked, and regionally grounded reporting.

Thank you for your support.

Jennifer Hollett
Executive Director, The Walrus


How’s The Walrus?

As the executive director, I am frequently asked this question. These days, I reply: “The Walrus was made for this moment.” From on-again, off-again trade news and negotiations to a new prime minister, we are committed to Canada’s conversations. We launched six regional bureaus earlier this year to ensure comprehensive coverage across this great country of ours. But we can’t do this alone. As a non-profit newsroom, this work isn’t possible without our readers’ support. If you believe in Canada’s stories, support our paywall-free journalism with a donation today.

Our team is small, but our commitment is big; just like our country. Every story we publish is the result of writers, artists, and editors going the extra mile (well, kilometres) to bring Canada closer together through compelling, fact-checked, and regionally grounded reporting.

Thank you for your support.

Jennifer Hollett
Executive Director, The Walrus

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