"A Philosophy of Addiction": Hanna Pickard in conversation with Owen Flanagan

Why do people continue to use drugs despite the serious harm they cause? Drawing on Hanna Pickard's recent book, What Would You Do Alone in a Cage with Nothing but Cocaine?, and Owen Flanagan's recent book, What Is It Like to Be an Addict?, Pickard and Flanagan challenge the familiar idea that addiction must be understood as either a brain disease or a moral failing. Together, they explore the diverse psychological, social and economic circumstances that shape drug use, asking how we might recognise people's agency and responsibility without resorting to blame.

Hanna Pickard is Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at John Hopkins University. She works work on topics across philosophy of mind, philosophy of psychiatry, moral psychology, practical ethics, and criminal and mental health law and policy. Her last book, What Would You Do Alone in a Cage with Nothing but Cocaine? A philosophy of addiction, was published in 2026 by Princeton University Press.

Owen Flanagan is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Neurobiology at Duke University. His work is in philosophy of mind and psychiatry, ethics, moral psychology and cross-cultural philosophy. His last book, What Is It Like to Be an Addict? Understanding Substance Abuse was published by Oxford University Press in April 2025.

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