Philosophize This!

1. Episode #191 ... The modern day concentration camp and the failure of human rights. (Giorgio Agamben)

Today we talk about the philosophy of Giorgio Agamben. Human rights, a political tactic to dehumanize groups that has been growing in popularity, governments declaring states of emergency and how the concept of potential may in fact be a unifying force. https://www.philosophizethis.orgSponsors:Hello Fresh: https://www.HelloFresh.com/ptfreeBetter Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS

Dec 05,2023 32:37

2. Episode #190 ... Are emotions a waste of time? - Neo-Stoicism (Martha Nussbaum)

Today we talk about the lessons found in the ancient Greek play titled Hecuba. We talk about the great Stoic ethicists Epictetus, Seneca and Marcus Aurelius. We talk about Martha Nussbaum and her work looking to infuse classical Stoic ideas with all that we've learned in the sciences over thousands of years. We talk about compassion. Shame and guilt. Her capabilities approach. It's a whole lot of fun for the whole family. :)SPONSORS:Better Help: https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHISAG1: https://ww

Nov 27,2023 34:57

3. Episode #189 ... Everything that connects us is slowly disappearing. - Byung Chul Han pt. 2

Today we talk about the disappearance of rituals, truth, community, communication, public spaces and talk about the importance sometimes of being an idiot. Hope you love it! :) Sponsor: Better Help https://www.BetterHelp.com/PHILTHIS Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instag

Oct 03,2023 32:42

4. Episode #188 ... Achievement Society and the rise of narcissism, depression and anxiety - Byung-Chul Han

Today we talk about positive power, neoliberalism, narcissism as a reaction to modern life, how technology makes isolation easier, and some tactics to find peace in the digital panopticon. Thanks for supporting the podcast by checking out our sponsors: Better Help: https://www.betterhelp.com/PHILTHIS LMNT: https://www.DrinkLMNT.com/PHILO Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephen

Sep 07,2023 35:59

5. Episode #187 ... How much freedom would you trade for security? (Foucault, Hobbes, Mill, Agamben)

On today's episode we talk about the upsides of a surveillance state. The ongoing social dilemma of freedom vs security. The value of privacy. States of exception. And Deleuze's Postscript on Societies of Control. Sponsor: Rocket Money - https://www.RocketMoney.com/PT Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephe

Aug 31,2023 39:07

6. Episode #186 ... Are we heading for a digital prison? - Panopticon (Foucault, Bentham, Cave)

Today we talk about Jeremy Bentham's concept of the Panopticon. Michel Foucault's comparison to society in 1975. The historical role of intelligence as a justification for dominance. The anatomy of free will, and how a digital world may systematically limit our free will without us knowing it. Thank you to the sponsors of this episode: LMNT - www.drinkLMNT.com/PHILO Better Help - www.betterhelp.com/PHILTHIS Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.c

Aug 24,2023 40:14

7. Episode #185 ... Should we prepare for an AI revolution?

Today we talk about the revolutionary potential of generative AI. For better or worse. Support the podcast by checking out our sponsors: Better Help - https://www.betterhelp.com/PHILTHIS LMNT - https://www.drinkLMNT.com/PHILO Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.co

Aug 10,2023 38:31

8. Episode #184 ... Is Artificial Intelligence really an existential risk?

Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Thank you for making the show possible.

Aug 02,2023 35:20

9. Episode #183 ... Is ChatGPT really intelligent?

Today we discuss ideas from John Searle and Noam Chomsky and consider several questions surrounding machine intelligence. Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast

Jul 22,2023 29:33

10. Episode #182 ... What if free will is an illusion?

Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Thank you for making the show possible.

Jul 02,2023 28:11

11. Episode #181 ... What if consciousness is an illusion?

Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Thank you for making the show possible.

Jun 23,2023 25:26

12. Episode #180 ... What if everything is consciousness? - Phillip Goff on Panpsychism

Today we talk about one theory of consciousness known as Panpsychism. www.philosophizethis.org www.patreon.com/philosophizethis

May 24,2023 35:15

13. Episode #179 ... Why is consciousness something worth talking about?

Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Thank you for making the show possible.

Apr 24,2023 35:41

14. Episode #178 ... Susan Sontag - How Much Is Your View Of Everything Affected By Metaphors?

Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Thank you for making the show possible.

Apr 05,2023 36:50

15. Episode #177 ... Susan Sontag - Do you speak the language of pictures and videos?

Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Philosophize This! Clips: https://www.youtube.com/@philosophizethisclips Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Thank you for making the show possible. RSS: http://www.philosophizethis.libsyn.org/

Mar 22,2023 33:05

16. Episode #176 ... Susan Sontag - Do you criticize yourself the way you criticize a movie?

Today we talk about the essay titled Against Interpretation by Susan Sontag. :) www.philosophizethis.org www.patreon.com/philosophizethis www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast www.twitter.com/iamstephenwest

Mar 01,2023 33:20

17. Episode #175 ... Simone Weil - Vessels of God

Today we continue talking about the work of Simone Weil. www.philosophizethis.org www.patreon.com/philosophizethis www.instagram.com/philosophizethisshow www.twitter.com/iamstephenwest

Feb 02,2023 28:00

18. Episode #174 ... Simone Weil - The Mathematician

Today we continue talking about the work of the brilliant Simone Weil. Hope you love it. www.philosophizethis.org www.patreon.com/philosophizethis www.instagram.com/philosophizethisshow www.twitter.com/iamstephenwest

Feb 02,2023 30:50

19. Episode #173 ... Simone Weil - The Need for Roots

Today we continue talking about Simone Weil. Hope you love it. www.philosophizethis.org www.patreon.com/philosophizethis

Jan 10,2023 31:12

20. Episode #172 ... Simone Weil - Attention

Today we begin some general discussions in the direction of the thought of Simone Weil and tell some stories from her life.

Nov 21,2022 37:54

21. Episode #171 ... Guy Debord - The Society of the Spectacle

Today we talk about a famous call to action by the philosopher Guy Debord.

Nov 01,2022 40:32

22. Episode #170 ... Albert Camus - The Fall

Today we explore some of the themes discussed in The Fall by Albert Camus. www.philosophizethis.org :)

Sep 23,2022 39:18

23. Episode #169 ... Bruno Latour - We Have Never Been Modern

Today we cover thought provoking pieces of an early work by a great philosopher named Bruno Latour. Hope you love it.

Aug 20,2022 28:51

24. Episode #168 ... Introduction to an Ethics of Care

Today we begin discussing an Ethics of Care. @iamstephenwest on twitter for updates. www.philosophizethis.org Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jul 13,2022 42:34

25. Episode #167 ... Jose Ortega - Revolt of the Masses

Today we continue talking about the work of Ortega. This time about his book Revolt of the Masses. Twitter - @iamstephenwest for updates Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jun 25,2022 26:31

26. Episode #166 ... Jose Ortega - Circumstance

Today we begin talking about the work of Jose Ortega Y Gasset.

Jun 01,2022 30:13

27. Episode #165 ... Ralph Waldo Emerson - Nature and Other Things

Today we continue our discussion of Emerson.

Apr 30,2022 27:55

28. Episode #164 ... Ralph Waldo Emerson - Self Reliance

Today we talk about Emerson and his essay about self reliance.

Apr 22,2022 33:32

29. Episode #163 ... The Creation of Meaning - Escape From Evil

Today we continue talking about the work of Ernest Becker.

Mar 02,2022 30:16

30. Episode #162 ... The Creation of Meaning - The Denial of Death

Today we begin talking about the work of Ernest Becker.

Jan 25,2022 26:32

31. Episode #161 ... Karl Popper - The Open Society and Its Enemies

Today we talk about a famous book from the work of Karl Popper. Get more: Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Be social: Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@philosophizethispodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Thank you for making the show possible.

Jan 15,2022 32:07

32. Episode #160 ... The Creation of Meaning - Kierkegaard - Silence, Obedience and Joy

Today we discuss the work of Soren Kierkegaard. His famous work The Lily of the Field and The Bird of The Air.

Jan 05,2022 36:19

33. Episode #159 ... The Creation of Meaning - Nietzsche - Amor Fati

Today we continue our discussion on the creation of meaning.

Nov 10,2021 29:17

34. Episode #158 ... The Creation of Meaning - Nietzsche - The Ascetic Ideal

Today we look at the creation of meaning through the work of Nietzsche.

Oct 05,2021 30:52

35. Episode #157 ... The Creation of Meaning - Beauvoir

Today we talk about the creation of meaning.

Sep 01,2021 24:54

36. Episode #156 ... Emil Cioran part 2 - Failure and Suicide

Today we continue talking about Cioran.

Aug 10,2021 28:46

37. Episode #155 ... Emil Cioran - Absurdity and Nothingness

Today we begin our discussion on Emil Cioran.

Jul 08,2021 23:18

38. Episode #154 ... Pragmatism and Truth

Today we discuss Pragmatism.

Jun 22,2021 21:03

39. Episode #153 ... The Frankfurt School - Walter Benjamin pt. 2 - Distraction

Today we continue talking about Walter Benjamin.

Apr 01,2021 24:38

40. Episode #152 ... The Frankfurt School - Walter Benjamin pt. 1

Today we begin discussing the work of Walter Benjamin.

Mar 19,2021 23:59

41. Episode #151 ... The Frankfurt School - Erich Fromm on Freedom

Today we continue our discussion of the work of Erich Fromm.

Feb 06,2021 25:51

42. Episode #150 ... The Frankfurt School - Erich Fromm on Love

Today we discuss Erich Fromm and his work The Art of Loving.

Jan 31,2021 22:40

43. Episode #149 ... On Media pt. 2 - Marshall McLuhan

Today we discuss the work of Marshall McLuhan.

Jan 05,2021 26:22

44. Episode #148 ... On Media pt. 1 - Manufacturing Consent

Today we discuss the 1988 work of Chomsky and Herman entitled Manufacturing Consent.

Dec 14,2020 24:52

45. Episode #147 ... Being and Becoming

Today we discuss the ancient philosophical debate of being and becoming.

Nov 10,2020 24:24

46. Episode #146 ... Bergson on Laughter pt. 2 - Vitalism

Today we continue our discussion on the work of Henri Bergson.

Oct 20,2020 25:26

47. Episode #145 ... Bergson on Laughter pt. 1 - History

Today we begin our discussion on the work of Bergson.

Sep 19,2020 23:27

48. Episode #144 ... Max Weber - Iron Cage

Today we discuss some of the work of Max Weber in preparation for an upcoming series.

Jun 29,2020 24:26

49. Episode #143 ... Jürgen Habermas pt. 1 - The Public Sphere

Today we begin our discussion of the work of Jürgen Habermas.

Apr 30,2020 25:24

50. Episode #142 ... Richard Rorty

Today we begin our discussion of the work of Richard Rorty.

Apr 15,2020 29:07

51. Episode #141 ... Isaiah Berlin pt. 2 - Pluralism and Culture

Today we continue talking about the work of Isaiah Berlin.

Mar 28,2020 24:18

52. Episode #140 ... Isaiah Berlin pt. 1 - Pluralism

Today we begin discussing the work of Isaiah Berlin.

Mar 11,2020 22:34

53. Episode #139 ... Friedrich Von Hayek - The Road to Serfdom

Today we begin our discussion of the work of Friedrich Hayek.

Feb 12,2020 23:19

54. Episode #138 ... Robert Nozick - The Minimal State

Today we begin our discussion of the work of Robert Nozick.

Jan 21,2020 23:13

55. Episode #137 ... John Rawls - A Theory of Justice

Today we discuss the work of John Rawls.

Dec 30,2019 28:42

56. Episode #136 ... Hannah Arendt - The Banality of Evil

Today we discuss the work of Hannah Arendt.

Oct 31,2019 29:13

57. Episode 135 ... Leo Strauss - Ancients vs. Moderns

Today we talk about the work of Leo Strauss.

Oct 08,2019 25:48

58. Episode #134 ... Consequences of Reason

Today we talk about the growing dissatisfaction with Enlightenment Reason during the early 20th century.

Aug 07,2019 25:52

59. Episode #133 ... Carl Schmitt on Liberalism pt. 2

Today we continue our discussion of the work of Carl Schmitt. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jul 01,2019 22:22

60. Episode #132 ... Carl Schmitt on Liberalism pt. 1

Today we begin our discussion on the work of Carl Schmitt. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jul 01,2019 23:44

61. Episode #131 ... Gramsci - Cultural Hegemony

Today we discuss the work of Antonio Gramsci. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

May 22,2019 24:42

62. Episode #130 ... Dewey and Lippman on Democracy

Today we talk about a famous debate from the early 20th century.

Apr 30,2019 21:39

63. Episode #129 ... Gilles Deleuze pt. 5 - Difference

Today we continue our discussion on the work of Deleuze. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Mar 16,2019 22:25

64. Episode #128 ... Gilles Deleuze pt. 4 - Flows

Today we continue our discussion on the work of Deleuze. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Mar 16,2019 22:55

65. Episode #127 ... Gilles Deleuze pt. 3 - Anti-Oedipus

Today we continue our discussion on the work of Gilles Deleuze. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Feb 07,2019 29:33

66. Episode #126 ... Gilles Deleuze pt. 2 - Immanence

Today we continue our discussion on the work of Deleuze. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Dec 22,2018 22:38

67. Episode #125 ... Gilles Deleuze pt. 1 - What is Philosophy?

Today we begin our discussion on Gilles Deleuze with a special thanks to Felix Guatarri. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Dec 08,2018 22:33

68. Episode #124 ... Simulacra and Simulation

Today we begin our discussion of Jean Baudrillard's book Simulacra and Simulation. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Oct 25,2018 30:28

69. Episode #123 ... Michel Foucault pt. 3 - Power

Today we talk about the work of Michel Foucault. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Sep 24,2018 21:15

70. Episode #122 ... Michel Foucault pt. 2 - The Order of Things

Today we talk about the work of Michel Foucault. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Sep 24,2018 22:37

71. Episode #121 ... Michel Foucault pt. 1

Today we begin talking about the work of Michel Foucault. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Aug 15,2018 34:27

72. Episode #120 ... Logical Positivism

Today we talk about Logical Positivism. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jul 27,2018 26:12

73. Episode #119 ... Derrida and Words

Today we begin our discussion on the work of Jacques Derrida. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jun 25,2018 20:34

74. Episode #118 ... A Basic Look At Postmodernism

Today we begin a lengthy conversation on the critiques of Postmodernism. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

May 21,2018 23:13

75. Episode #117 ... Structuralism and Mythology pt. 2

Today we continue to talk about the projects of Structuralism. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Mar 18,2018 26:36

76. Episode #116 ... Structuralism and Mythology pt. 1

Today we begin talking about the initial projects of Structuralism. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Mar 18,2018 27:33

77. Episode #115 ... Structuralism and Context

Today we talk about the origins of Structuralism. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jan 28,2018 31:59

78. Episode #114 ... The Frankfurt School pt. 7 - The Great Refusal

Today we talk about Herbert Marcuse's concepts of The Great Refusal and The New Sensibility. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Dec 23,2017 38:57

79. Episode #113 ... The Frankfurt School pt. 6 - Art As A Tool For Liberation

Today we talk about the revolutionary potential of Art through the eyes of Herbert Marcuse. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Dec 02,2017 23:13

80. Episode #112 ... The Frankfurt School pt. 5 - Civilization

Today we continue our discussion of Marcuse's work Eros and Civilization. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Nov 06,2017 29:38

81. Episode #111 ... The Frankfurt School pt. 4 - Eros

Today we talk about Freud's views on civilization and the first half of Marcuse's response to them. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Oct 20,2017 26:14

82. Episode #110 ... The Frankfurt School pt. 3 - The Culture Industry

Today we talk about an important chapter from The Dialectic of Enlightenment entitled The Culture Industry. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Sep 07,2017 28:08

83. Episode #109 ... The Frankfurt School pt. 2 - The Enlightenment

Today we talk about the Frankfurt School critique of enlightenment style thinking and Herbert Marcuse's book One Dimensional Man. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Aug 26,2017 25:43

84. Episode #108 ... The Frankfurt School pt. 1 - Introduction

Today we talk about The Frankfurt School. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Aug 17,2017 30:25

85. Episode #107 ... Simone De Beauvoir pt .3 - Responsibility

Today we talk about part three of Simone De Beauvoir's work The Ethics of Ambiguity. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jul 29,2017 26:32

86. Episode #106 ... Simone De Beauvoir pt. 2 - The Ethics of Ambiguity

Today we talk about the first half of The Ethics of Ambiguity by Simone De Beauvoir. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jul 19,2017 24:19

87. Episode #105 ... Sartre and Camus pt. 6 - The Self

Today a cloudy, muddled brain weary from fighting off sickness talks about Sartre's view on the self. Thank you for your patience. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jul 09,2017 26:39

88. Episode #104 ... Sartre and Camus pt. 5 - Consciousness is Freedom

Today we talk about Sartre's view of consciousness and the notion of radical freedom. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jun 01,2017 29:28

89. Episode #103 ... Sartre and Camus pt. 4 - The Quest For Certainty

Today we tell a story from the history of philosophy in an attempt to prepare us for understanding the Phenomenology of Sartre. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

May 24,2017 32:05

90. Episode #102 ... Heidegger pt. 3 - Authenticity

Today we talk about Martin Heidegger and his concept of Authenticity. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

May 12,2017 31:22

91. Episode #101 ... Heidegger pt. 2 - Science and Technology

Today we discuss Martin Heidegger and his views on Modern Technology. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Apr 30,2017 25:59

92. Episode #100 ... Heidegger pt. 1 - Phenomenology and Dasein

Today we begin our discussion of the philosophy of Martin Heidegger by looking at his roots in Phenomenology and his revolutionary concept of Dasein. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Apr 14,2017 31:05

93. Episode #099 ... Schopenhauer pt. 2 - Ethics

Today we talk about the ethics of Arthur Schopenhauer. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Mar 29,2017 22:49

94. Episode #098 ... Schopenhauer pt. 1 - Metaphysics and Love

Today we begin our discussion on Arthur Schopenhauer. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Mar 14,2017 22:38

95. Episode #097 ... Wittgenstein ep. 1

Today we talk about Ludwig Wittgenstein. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Mar 01,2017 25:45

96. Episode #096 ... Is Ayn Rand A Philosopher?

Today we talk about Ayn Rand. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jan 20,2017 24:12

97. Episode #095 ... Are you living in a simulation?

Today we discuss the famous paper by Nick Bostrom about the probability that we are living in a simulation. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Dec 30,2016 26:17

98. Episode #094 ... A Look at Suffering

Today we look at the concept of suffering from multiple different angles including the philosopher Fyodor Dostoyevsky and the movement in Transhumanism known as The Hedonistic Imperative. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Nov 24,2016 29:06

99. Episode #093 ... Nietzsche pt. 4 - Love

Today we look at the concept of love from several different angles in an attempt to better understand our own thoughts on love. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Nov 06,2016 26:41

100. Episode #092 ... Nietzsche pt. 3 - Thus Spoke Zarathustra

Today we talk about Nietzsche's famous work Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Oct 04,2016 29:57

101. Episode #091 ... Nietzsche pt. 2 - The Will to Power

Today we talk about Nietzsche, the concept of the Will to Power and the dangers of predatory buffalos. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Sep 21,2016 27:56

102. Episode #090 ... Nietzsche pt. 1 - God is dead and so is Captain Morgan

Today we begin our discussion on the work of Friedrich Nietzsche. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Aug 26,2016 27:13

103. Episode #089 ... Simone De Beauvoir - The Second Sex

Today we discuss the revolutionary work of Simone De Beauvoir entitled: The Second Sex Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Aug 17,2016 30:51

104. Episode #088 ... Sartre and Camus pt. 3 - The Great Debate

Today we talk about the great post WW2 debate between Sartre and Camus. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jul 27,2016 26:48

105. Episode #087 ... Sartre and Camus pt. 2

Today we talk about the philosopher Albert Camus. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jul 14,2016 23:14

106. Episode #086 ... Sartre and Camus pt. 1 - Freedom

Today's episode is the first installment of a series on the great Cold War era thinkers Sartre and Camus. Today we lay the foundations for the line of thinking known as existentialism and focus on Sartre's view of freedom. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jun 29,2016 23:45

107. Episode #085 ... Peter Singer on Effective Altruism

Today we talk about the great Peter Singer, his views on the unique moral obligations that we face as members of modern society and how we might fulfill the obligations in the most effective manner. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jun 21,2016 24:01

108. Episode #084 ... William James on Truth

Today we take a look at William James and his work on the concept of Truth. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jun 14,2016 26:43

109. Episode #083 ... Henry David Thoreau

Today we take a look at Henry David Thoreau's views on the individual, society and civil disobedience. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jun 04,2016 27:01

110. Episode #082 ... Austrians and Marx

Today we talk about various classic critiques of Marx's economics made by the Austrian School of Economics. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

May 26,2016 25:35

111. Episode #081 ... Capitalism vs. Communism

Today we talk about Karl Marx and his famous critiques of Capitalism. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

May 11,2016 24:34

112. Episode #80 ... Feuerbach on Religion

On this episode we talk about Ludwig Feuerbach and his (occasionally) controversial views on the origins of religion. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

May 03,2016 27:59

113. Episode #079 ... Kierkegaard on Anxiety

On this episode of the podcast we talk about Kierkegaard's views on anxiety. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Mar 23,2016 22:32

114. Episode #078 ... Marx and Kierkegaard on Religion pt. 2

Today we talk about Soren Kierkegaard and his views on the function and value of religion. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jan 27,2016 25:23

115. Episode #077 ... Marx and Kierkegaard on Religion pt. 1

Today we discuss Marx, his views on religion as a means of oppression, and his connection to Hegel's Dialectic. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jan 17,2016 27:16

116. Episode #076 ... Hegel's God

Today we talk about Hegel and a unique possibility of what God could be. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Dec 31,2015 24:55

117. Episode #075 ... How To Win An Argument Pt. 2

Today we answer listener questions clarifying How To Win An Argument Pt. 1 and discuss several other common logical fallacies, how to spot them and how to deal with them. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Dec 21,2015 24:50

118. Episode #074 ... Hegel Returns

Today we talk about an overview of Hegel and what is truly important about his work. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Dec 17,2015 27:37

119. Episode #073 ... How To Win An Argument Pt. 1

Today we take a look at several common logical fallacies and how to spot them. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Dec 01,2015 29:29

120. Episode #072 ... Insecurity

On this episode of the podcast we talk about insecurity. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Nov 18,2015 33:43

121. Episode #071 ... Is Killing Animals For Food Morally Justifiable?

Today we talk about whether killing animals for food is morally justifiable. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Nov 01,2015 29:03

122. Episode #070 ... Off Moodiness

On this episode we talk about several outlooks on negative emotions. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Oct 20,2015 23:23

123. Episode #069 ... An Appeal To Reason

Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Oct 12,2015 31:47

124. Episode #068 ... On Moodiness

On this episode we talk about one angle of the complex subject known to us all as: moodiness. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Oct 06,2015 22:10

125. Episode #067 ... What Hegel Was Saying!

We continue our unfortunately abridged discussion on Hegel from last episode. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Sep 21,2015 22:12

126. Episode #066 ... Hegel pt. 1 - Introduction

Today we begin our discussion on the work of Hegel. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Sep 14,2015 19:14

127. Episode #065 ... Mary Wollstonecraft

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the feminist philosopher Mary Wollstonecraft. First, we learn about the unexpected origin of The Royal Humane Society and how they assisted Mary Wollstonecraft. Next, we learn about the many ways Wollstonecraft challenged societal conventions and why she believed that women were essentially slaves to their husbands during her time. Finally, we consider the behavioral conditioning that is perpetuated by society even today and think about how we enact cha

Sep 07,2015 22:48

128. Episode #064 ... Interpreting Interpretations

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss Hermeneutics, or “the art of avoiding misunderstanding.” First, we meet Johnny--a disgruntled Philosophize This! listener who is bored and frustrated by episodes about philosophers who make unverifiable speculations about metaphysics. Next, we discuss the effects our individual biases have on the way we interpret the world around us, and how this changes the reality we experience. Finally, we examine why Hermeneutics is so important, how this relates to

Aug 19,2015 20:53

129. Episode #063 ... Kant pt. 8 - Limits of Knowledge

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss Kant’s views on the limits of human knowledge. First, we ask ourselves why we seek knowledge at all and whether there will ever be an endpoint to our search for it. Next, we discuss our human experience of the world in contrast to the world as it actually exists and what limits this imposes on our ability to know. Finally, we learn why Kant believed in god, human souls, and free will, and the important distinction he made between two types of faith-base

Jul 01,2015 28:47

130. Episode #062 ... Kant pt. 7 - Suicide

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the morality of suicide. We begin by questioning our own biases and assumptions about suicide and where they come from. Next, we examine suicide from a Christian perspective by considering the arguments posed by St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. Finally, we discuss the perspectives of enlightenment thinkers Hume, Voltaire, and Kant and ultimately discover that suicide may not be as easy to categorize as many people think. All this and more on the latest

Jun 23,2015 33:19

131. Episode #061 ... Kant pt. 6 - What is Enlightenment?

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss Kant’s answer to the question “What is enlightenment?” We begin by recounting the story of how Kant came to answer this question in the first place and why this was an important question to consider at the time. Next, we examine why Kant believed that we impose immaturity on ourselves by outsourcing our thinking to others. Finally, we discuss why it takes courage to think for yourself and the importance of “daring to be wise." All this and more on the l

Jun 14,2015 27:01

132. Episode #060 ... Kant pt. 5 - The Sublime

On this episode of the podcast, we attempt to tackle the elusive concept of the sublime. We begin by clarifying everything the sublime is NOT, and then attempt to pin it down by considering a common motif that is has been associated with the sublime throughout history. Next, we discuss several anecdotes from people who have experienced the sublime and why one described it as “an agreeable kind of horror.” Finally, we discuss how the sublime relates to beauty and question some commonly made assum

Jun 01,2015 30:48

133. Episode #059 ... Kant pt. 4 - Categorical Trolley Cars

On this episode of the podcast, we analyze the infamous Trolley Car Problem and think about it in relation to Kant’s categorical imperative. First, we discuss the value of thought experiments and call into question the concept of “common sense”. Next, we look at the Trolley Car Problem from various perspectives and try to understand why we react to it in the ways we do. Finally, we discuss Kant’s categorical imperative and four other prerequisites he felt were necessary for arriving at moral pri

May 28,2015 27:47

134. Episode #058 ... Kant pt. 3 - Deontology vs Consequentialism

On this episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion of Kant, this time focusing on ethics. We begin with a thought experiment that calls into question whether or not lying is morally justifiable if it results in preserving human life. Next, we discuss the nature of morality and question the validity of the sources from which we typically derive these concepts. Finally, we explore the strengths and weaknesses of Deontology and Consequentialism and find out that there isn’t an easy answer w

May 20,2015 27:25

135. Episode #057 ... Kant pt. 2 - The Actual Introduction

On this episode of the podcast we continue our discussion of Kant, this time focusing on his contributions to the debate between rationalism and empiricism . We begin by reviewing the major points of contention between the rationalists and empiricists regarding how we arrive at knowledge. Next, we learn about Kant’s “eureka!” moment, which arose from his discovery of a major assumption made by empiricist David Hume. Finally, we find out why Kant believed that we can never truly know the external

May 11,2015 25:36

136. Episode #056 ... Kant pt. 1 - An Introduction to the Introduction

On this episode of the podcast, we begin our discussion of Immanuel Kant. We first examine the historical context Kant was born into and consider the challenges philosophy was faced with, thanks to David Hume. We also discuss the change in the way humans were beginning to look at the universe during Kant’s time. Finally, we hear what Kant has to say about whether or not we can know anything beyond “I think, therefore I am.” All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This! Support th

Apr 22,2015 26:21

137. Episode #055 ... Interview on Hume with Massimo Pigliucci

On this episode of the podcast, Massimo Pigliucci calls in to help tie together some loose ends in our overview of David Hume. Massimo is a professor of philosophy at City University of New York. He is the author of the best sellers Philosophy of Pseudoscience and Answers For Aristotle, and is currently working on a book called How To Be A Stoic. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Apr 01,2015 30:34

138. Episode #054 ... Hume pt. 4 - Art

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss Hume’s views on taste and find out whether or not all of our opinions about art are equally valid. First, we compare the poetry of Shakespeare and Shel Silverstein, the music of Beethoven and Skrillex, and throw in the profound prose of Spongebob Squarepants just for good measure. Next, we examine some of the biases that influence our ability to judge art, and Stephen correctly guesses your favorite song of all time by throwing a dart at the Top 40 char

Mar 27,2015 30:21

139. Episode #053 ... David Hume pt. 3 - Custom

On this episode of the podcast we talk about David Hume's thoughts on the soul, the self and how "custom is the great guide of human life." All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This! Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Mar 16,2015 24:24

140. Episode #052 ... David Hume pt. 2 - Design

On this episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion of David Hume. This time, we focus on Hume's response to the Teleological Argument, which goes a little something like this: “Look at how perfectly everything works! All of this must have been designed by God.” We also learn about Hume’s view on miracles, and find out how unimpressed he is that Bruce Willis was the sole survivor of that train accident. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This! Support the show on Patr

Mar 05,2015 29:56

141. Episode #051 ... David Hume pt. 1

On this episode of the podcast, we talk about David Hume! First, we learn about Hume’s ‘is’ versus ‘ought’ distinction and how not being mindful of this pitfall can lead us down a dangerous path. Next, we discuss the limitations of science and learn what Hume thought should fill in the gaps it leaves (spoiler alert: it’s not religion). Finally, we discuss Hume’s thoughts on causality and ensure that you’ll never think about playing pool the same way again. All this and more on the latest episode

Feb 25,2015 30:24

142. Episode #050 ... Are You Left Or Right?

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the contrasting political philosophies of Edmund Burke and Thomas Paine. First, we find out the origin of the terms “left” and “right” in relation to politics, and find out that the meanings of these terms are not as simple as they may first seem. Next, we discuss the opposing viewpoints of Edmund Burke and Thomas Paine on how society should progress and implement change. Finally, we think about how their ideas relate to modern issues and consider wheth

Feb 07,2015 26:28

143. Episode #049 ... Adam Smith pt. 2 - The Tip of the Iceberg of Wealth

On this episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion of Adam Smith. First, we look at two towns with the same name on opposite sides of the US-Mexico border, and consider why their residents have such markedly different standards of living. Next, we ask ourselves what determines a nation’s wealth, which leads us to a discussion of Mercantilism and its various pitfalls. Finally, we learn about Adam Smith’s response to Mercantilism and how his ideas relate back to the two cities from the beg

Jan 27,2015 29:32

144. Episode #048 ... Adam Smith pt. 1 - Specialization

On this episode of the podcast we begin our discussion of Adam Smith. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jan 18,2015 24:12

145. Episode #047 ... Rousseau pt. 3 - The General Will

On this episode of the podcast, we continue our desert island thought experiment, this time focusing on the general will of the people. First, we examine several interpretations of what "the general will of the people" actually means. Next, we take an in-depth look at Rousseau's interpretation, and discuss the difference between democratic and transcendental will. Finally, we explore the multitude of complications that arise when a government tries to enact the general will after it's (somewhat)

Jan 10,2015 25:20

146. Episode #046 ... Rousseau pt. 2 - Democracy, Aristocracy or Monarchy?

On this episode of the podcast, we continue last week's thought experiment about creating a society from scratch on a deserted island. First, we find out how building a society is similar to making cupcakes, in the sense that every ingredient contributes something important and interacts with the other ingredients in a unique way. Next, we discuss “human nature” and consider how our perception of it may be unfairly influenced by a small handful of people. Finally, we compare the three categories

Jan 02,2015 29:51

147. Episode #045 ... Rousseau Government pt. 1

On this episode of the podcast, we examine the origins of government and discuss several opinions on how to construct the best system. First, we imagine that we’re stranded on an island and are forced to devise a system to organize ourselves into a functional “society.” Next, we discuss Hobbes' and Rousseau’s viewpoints on the state of nature and how it relates to the formation of governments. Finally, we talk about the adverse affects civilization and government have on our happiness and why we

Dec 15,2014 27:12

148. Episode #044 ... Slavery

On this episode of the podcast, we revisit the topic of belief, this time focusing on the ramifications of the beliefs we hold. First, we ask ourselves why we should even attempt to arrive at truth if certainty is impossible, and examine this question in the context of how our beliefs affect others. Next, we introduce slavery as an example of the consequences that can come from false beliefs and learn why Aristotle, St. Augustine, and St. Thomas Aquinas argued in favor of it. Finally, we hear Je

Dec 02,2014 36:50

149. Episode #043 ... Tolerance

On this episode of the podcast, we examine the true implications of tolerance and intolerance. First, we ask ourselves the inception-esque question of how tolerant we should be of intolerance, and find out that the answer may not be as simple as it seems. Next, we learn why intolerance was seen as a virtue during Voltaire’s time and discuss the paradox of tolerance. Finally, we consider the age-old question of the relative superiority of hot pockets and lean pockets, and think about the relation

Nov 21,2014 31:45

150. Episode #042 ... Optimism

On this episode, we explore the benefits and drawbacks of optimism. First, we examine the various motivations for pessimism, and hear what Winston Churchill, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Marcus Aurelius have to say about optimism. Next, we think about the vastly different implications of optimism in our personal lives and optimism on a societal level. Finally, we find out why Voltaire thought it was preposterous to think that we’re living in the best of all possible worlds and why he said, "Optimism

Nov 12,2014 29:45

151. Episode #041 ... Belief

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the many facets of belief. We start out by discussing two major complications that belief brings to the table. First, absolute certainty is impossible--even certainty about the fact that "certainty is impossible”. Second, we can convince ourselves to believe in literally anything we want (such as the belief that demonic possession is achieved through rustling curtains and slamming doors). Next, we talk about justified, true belief and the multitude of w

Nov 04,2014 39:59

152. Episode #040 ... Superstition

On this episode of the podcast, we explore superstition in its various forms and examine the ways Berkeley and Voltaire tried to eliminate it in their work. First, we think about the superstitions we subscribe to in our everyday lives, whether it’s “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” or “the key to happiness is buying lots and lots of stuff.” Next, we learn why Berkeley wanted to throw out the notion that true reality lies behind the veil of perception and find out his answer to that cliché q

Oct 16,2014 50:37

153. Episode #039 ... The Limits of Empiricism

On this episode of the podcast, we explore the idea of reality and how our senses prevent us from perceiving its true nature. First, we launch a smear campaign against human eyes and their limitations. Next, we discuss the difference between deductive reasoning (the kind you see on CSI) and inductive reasoning (the kind you see on Bill Nye the Science Guy). Finally, we touch on Locke’s theory of primary and secondary qualities and end with Berkeley's teaser for next week’s episode: “To be is to

Oct 08,2014 28:23

154. Episode #038 ... Leibniz pt. 2 - The Best of All Possible Worlds

On this episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion of Gottfried Leibniz. First, we delve more into the feud between Leibniz and Isaac Newton, which we briefly mentioned last week. Next, we ask ourselves why God sometimes allows Steve Buschemi to murder innocent hitchhikers and why this question is so crucial to Leibniz. Finally, we return to the issue of free will vs. determinism and wonder whether we’re ever actually free to decide what kind of cheese to buy. All this and more on the la

Oct 02,2014 27:44

155. Episode #037 ... Leibniz pt. 1 - A Million Points of Light

On this episode of the podcast, we begin our discussion of Gottfried Leibniz. First, we find out what important invention created a riff between Leibniz and Isaac Newton. Next, we learn about Leibniz’s theory of Monads (which are basically the atoms of the spirit world), and how they are programmed to ensure that we are living in the best of all possible worlds. Finally, we learn about Leibniz’s distinction between “necessary truths” and “truths of fact,” and how knowing the difference can save

Sep 23,2014 33:29

156. Episode #036 ... John Locke pt. 2 - The Blank Slate

On this episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion of John Locke. We first admire how brave Locke was to share his ideas during a time when dissent earned you the privilege of being drawn and quartered (literally… quartered). Next, we discuss Locke’s views on the Nature vs. Nurture debate and how they differed from those of the Continental Rationalists. Finally, we find out what kind of changes Locke would make if he were the Secretary of Education (e.g., more dancing and less required r

Sep 15,2014 29:04

157. Episode #035 ... John Locke pt. 1

On this episode of the podcast, we begin learning about John Locke. First, we ask ourselves whether or not we own our bodies and what other things we are entitled to simply by virtue of being born. Next, we consider whether its possible to develop a system of ethics by studying the world around us, just as we develop systems of science and mathematics. Finally, we discuss the three unalienable rights Locke believes humans have (they’ll sound a bit familiar!), and why he thinks its the government

Sep 09,2014 31:49

158. Episode #034 ... Spinoza pt. 2 - Force of Nature

On this episode of the podcast, we continue learning about Spinoza, this time focusing on his concept of God. We begin by asking ourselves whether or not Stephen’s English bulldog Charlie is part of God, and analyzing the implications of our answer. Next, we discuss the concept of “substance” and what Spinoza thought the only one true substance was (hint: it’s not water). Finally, we consider how Spinoza’s concept of God/Nature impacts his thoughts on free will and why he would say Stephen has n

Sep 02,2014 28:50

159. Episode #033 ... Spinoza pt. 1 - From Baruch to Benedicto

On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Baruch De Spinoza. We find out why it was not only life-threatening to have an unpopular opinion during the time Spinoza lived, but also potentially very profitable. We also question whether religion is really to blame for the violent acts that are committed on its behalf, and find out why Spinoza was exiled from his community and forced to live a life of solitude. Finally, we read excerpts from Spinoza’s correspondence with his ex-friend Albert Bur

Aug 26,2014 30:21

160. Episode #032 ... Blaise Pascal pt. 2 - +EV your way to success!!

On this episode of the podcast we continue our discussion of Blaise Pascal, this time focusing on his assertion that man is “the supreme paradox of creation.” First, we learn about Pascal’s early life and feel completely inadequate when we learn that he invented the calculator (yes, the calculator) at age 18. Next, we learn why Pascal believed it was impossible to arrive at scientific truth, and how this led him to develop the foundations of probability theory. Finally, we discuss "expected valu

Aug 19,2014 29:53

161. Episode #031 ... Pascal's Wager

On this episode of the podcast, we begin our discussion of Blaise Pascal by examining Pascal's Wager. We begin by hearkening back to last week's episode and imagine Pascal as Descartes' wingman in a door-to-door campaign to convince us to believe in God. Whereas Descartes tries to prove that God exists, Pascal simply argues that believing in God is the most logical choice (assuming you want to avoid eternal damnation). We then examine various arguments for and against Pascal's wager, including s

Aug 12,2014 28:42

162. Episode #030 ... Descartes pt. 3 - God Exists

On this episode of the podcast we conclude our three-part installment on Rene Descartes. First we discuss what the concept of God meant to Descartes. Then we discuss why the concept of God was crucial for his system to be received well. Finally we imagine how it would feel to be lambasted by the most annoying/brilliant Jehovah's Witness in the history of the world. All this and more on this episode of Philosophize This! Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content

Aug 05,2014 25:45

163. Episode #029 ... Descartes pt. 2 - See episode description

The audio file for this episode was lost years ago. There is a transcript available on the website: www.philosophizethis.org Support the show on Patreon! Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jul 16,2014 28:08

164. Episode #028 ... Rene Descartes pt. 1 - Context

On this episode of the podcast, we begin learning about Rene Descartes. First, we find out why the entire human race can be compared to the loud, obnoxious guy at a party who thinks he’s smarter than everyone else. Next, we examine Descartes’ rigorous method of doubt and how it involves Morpheus from the Matrix and Sully from Monsters Inc. Finally, we think about how doubt can help us live better lives and why, when it comes to our beliefs, one bad apple really does spoil the barrel. All this an

Jul 09,2014 28:08

165. Episode #027 ... Thomas Hobbes pt. 2

On this episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion of Thomas Hobbes. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jul 01,2014 29:34

166. Episode #026 ... Thomas Hobbes pt. 1 - The Social Contract

On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Thomas Hobbes. We first ask ourselves what it would be like to live in a society with no laws or government, much like the scenario depicted in The Purge. Next, we question whether or not humans are inherently selfish and how this affects the way we relate to each other. Finally, we find out why society needs a quarterback, so to speak, and why it’s important that we follow his playbook even when we don’t understand the plays. All this and more on t

Jun 17,2014 30:30

167. Episode #025 ... A Scientific Method For Your Life!

On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Francis Bacon, a 16th century English philosopher. We first discuss what it meant to pursue knowledge during the time Francis Bacon lived and why he thought that scientific advancement should be society’s chief priority. Next, we examine Bacon’s “Four Idols of the Mind,” which were the biases he believed prevented humans from thinking scientifically. We touch on everything from germ theory to diet fads to healthcare reform to gender inequality, wit

Jun 10,2014 29:43

168. Episode #024 ... Montaigne

On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Michel de Montaigne. We first discuss how a case of 16th century road rage led to a near-death experience which ironically helped Montaigne overcome his fear of dying. Next, we learn why Montaigne valued personal experience above all other evidence, and how his philosophy drew from the four dominant schools of thought of the Hellenistic age. Finally, we find out why Montaigne thought that “to philosophize is to learn how to die,” and how he believed

Jun 04,2014 28:05

169. Episode #023 ... Machiavelli

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss The Protestant Reformation and Machiavellianism. We begin by examining what it was like to live during the Renaissance under the rule of The Church and why the people of that time could have really benefited from Google Translate. Next, we dispel a common misconception about Machiavellianism by discussing the subjective nature of virtue. Finally, we find out why Machiavelli thought that rulers needed to act immorally at times in order to be successful.

May 20,2014 26:40

170. Episode #022 ... Blast off to the Renaissance!

On this episode of the podcast, we begin learning about the Renaissance. We first discuss the Black Death, a bacterial plague that wiped out 30-60% of the population of Europe. We examine how the population crisis caused by the Black Death led to an economic and political crisis that was ultimately the catalyst for a paradigm shift in philosophical thought. We also learn about the Humanist philosopher Erasmus, who, unlike the philosophers we’ve discussed on recent episodes, did not think that fu

May 13,2014 26:53

171. Episode #021 ... One God - St. Thomas Aquinas

On this episode of the podcast, we learn about the Christian Aristotelean philosopher St. Thomas Aquinas. We begin by examining a song by The Postal Service which sets the stage for a discussion about how often humans mistake correlation with causation. Next, we learn about Aristotle’s conception of God as “The Unmoved Mover” and his thoughts on the nature of infinity. All of these ideas lead us to St. Thomas Aquinas’ quest to reconcile Aristotelianism and Christianity, which he approaches by ar

May 05,2014 26:21

172. Episode #020 ... Two Medieval Approaches To God

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the concept of God from a philosophical perspective. We first broaden our definition of God by recalling the multitude of ways that the philosophers we’ve already studied have approached the subject. Next, we examine St. Anselm’s famous “Ontological Argument” in proof of God’s existence, which is strangely reminiscent of a tongue twister Ron Burgundy might use to prepare for his evening newscast. Finally, we learn why Moses Maimonides would say that the

Apr 24,2014 35:36

173. Episode #019 ... Three Islamic Truths

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the nature of truth and examine it through the lenses of three Islamic philosophers who each had a different approach to truth seeking. We first discuss Al Kindi and what he would have to say about modern day news organizations and their approach to reporting the “truth.” Then, we learn about Al Ghazali, who at one point became so skeptical about our ability to discover the truth, he actually made himself physically ill. Lastly, we take a look at Averro

Apr 14,2014 32:14

174. Episode #018 ... Avicenna

On this episode of the podcast we learn about Avicenna, an Arabic philosopher who is most known for his “Flying Man” thought experiment. We discuss the mind-body connection (or lack thereof) and ask ourselves what becomes of an iPhone if you pulverize it in a blender. We also work in two Breaking Bad references, and apply Avicenna’s Flying Man argument to modern day ethical dilemmas relating to life support. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This! Support the show on Patreo

Apr 04,2014 27:33

175. Episode #017 ... Boethius

On this episode of the podcast, we learn about the medieval neoplatonist philosopher Boethius. We find out how he came to be wrongly convicted of treason and subsequently sentenced to death, and how this led him to write a philosophical text that solved one of the oldest problems in philosophy. We manage to compare the main characters of Boethius’ book to Lady Liberty and Eeyore selling a rice cooker on QVC, and explain why Boethius believed that we’re all just contestants on a never-ending epis

Mar 26,2014 24:32

176. Episode #016 ... Saint Augustine

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss St. Augustine, a philosopher who is known for merging the ideas of Neoplatonism and Christianity. We learn how an unsuspecting child led St. Augustine to devote his life to Christianity through divine intervention, and find out why he thinks crying babies are sinners. We also discuss St. Augustine’s explanation of the concept of time and why he claims that the past and future don’t really exist. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize Th

Feb 28,2014 30:14

177. Episode #015 ... A Period of Transition - Plotinus

On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Plotinus, a Neo-Platonist philosopher who lived in Rome during "the crisis of the third century.” We discuss the difference between religion and philosophy and question whether or not JK Rowling stole parts of Harry Potter’s backstory from Plotinus’ life. We also learn about Plotinus’ Hierarchy of Being and use the phrase “Polaroid picture” more times than Outkast does in their hit song “Hey Ya!”. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosoph

Feb 13,2014 38:05

178. Episode #014 ... The Hellenistic Age Pt. 5 - A Race To The Dark Ages

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss Middle Platonism and the Race to the Dark Ages. We learn how Philo of Alexandria reconciled Judaism with Plato's vision of God as a master craftsman, and find out how this relates to building an IKEA bookcase. We also discuss the important distinction Plutarch made between a flatterer and a friend, and why he would have absolutely hated Facebook. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This! Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizet

Jan 18,2014 44:36

179. Episode #013 ... The Hellenistic Age Pt. 4 - Skepticism

On this episode of the podcast, we continue our study of the Hellenistic Age, this time focusing on Skepticism. We find out how Pyrrho used Skepticism to endure surgery without anesthesia, and learn why you can never really know if a pomegranate is a pomegranate. We also discover how winning the lottery could be the worst thing that ever happens to you, and compare Skepticism's key philosophers to their Smurf counterparts. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional con

Jan 05,2014 47:11

180. Episode #012 ... The Hellenistic Age Pt. 3 - Hallmarks of Stoic Ethics

On this episode of the podcast, we continue our discussion of Stoicism, this time focusing on ethics. We learn about the three most noteworthy contributors to Stoic ethics--a crippled slave, a statesman, and the emperor of Rome--and find out how much they actually had in common. We discuss what angry sports fans and Stephen's English bulldog could learn from Stoic ethics, as well as why you should start each day expecting the worst. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This! S

Dec 20,2013 49:47

181. Episode #011 ... The Hellenistic Age Pt. 2 - The Early Stoa and the Cynics

This is the first of two episodes on Stoicism; in this episode, we learn about stoic physics and logic. We learn how the Stoics would likely react if faced with a zombie apocalypse and how a shipwreck caused a guy named Zeno to start dabbling in philosophy. We also learn about Diogenes, a man who lived in a tub, urinated in public, barked at passersby, and somehow managed to be envied by Alexander the Great. Finally, we find out what John Locke, Charlie Pace and a wild boar from LOST have to do

Dec 07,2013 43:30

182. Episode #010 ... The Hellenistic Age Pt. 1 - Epicurus

This week on the podcast, we shift our focus back to Western philosophy. On this episode, we learn about Epicureanism—one of four schools of thought that were prevalent during the Hellenistic Age, which will be our focus for the next few episodes. We find out why Diogenes liked Epicurus’ ideas so much that he permanently graffitied them onto the walls of an ancient greek community center. We also learn why Epicurus thought that the most satisfying part of eating a half gallon of ice cream was th

Nov 24,2013 47:55

183. Episode #009 ... The Buddha

On this episode of the podcast, we learn about the life of Siddhartha Gautama and his Heisenberg-esque transformation into Buddha. We learn how Buddha left a lifestyle of being fed grapes and being fanned with palm leaves to pursue a life of celibacy, starvation, and sleep deprivation. We also learn about how Buddha reached enlightenment while sitting beneath a fruit tree à la Isaac Newton, and about the four noble truths which he believed were the key to ending human suffering once and for all.

Nov 11,2013 44:27

184. Episode #008 ... Confucianism

On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Confucius, a man whose ideas impacted China and eastern philosophy for thousands of years after his death. We find out how Confucius went from being the poor, friendless son of an ancient Chinese 'Teen Mom' to becoming one of the most quoted people in history, as well as how he was reduced to selling his philosophy door-to-door after a brief career as a politician which ended in conspiracy and bribery. All this and more on the latest episode of Phil

Oct 29,2013 40:54

185. Episode #007 ... Daoism

Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Aug 10,2013 40:13

186. Episode #006 ... Aristotle Pt. 2

On this episode of the podcast, we continue learning about Aristotle, a man who created the first system of biological classification, the first system of logic, and the first formal scientific method. We find out why Aristotle was anti-women and pro-slavery, and learn how Plato and Aristotle differed when it came to their definitions of "tree-e-ness." We also learn why Aristotle would have been the world champion of Guess Who? and how to determine whether or not a carnivorous reptile with legs

Jul 26,2013 39:17

187. Episode #005 ... Aristotle Pt. 1

This week we talk about various different applications of Aristotle's ethics in modern life. We discuss making a "plan" for your life, the underlying similarities between all human desires and the best way to live life. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jul 14,2013 38:52

188. Episode #004 ... Plato

In this week's episode, we learn about Plato's "Symposium", which you might think of as philosophy's version of fan fiction. We also learn about Plato's "Theory of Forms" and ask ourselves what makes a tree, well, a tree. This leads to discussion of Plato's famous "Allegory of the Cave" and calls into question whether or not everything we see is merely a shadow of its true self. Finally, we learn about Plato's views on society and government and why he thought democracy was one of the worst form

Jul 01,2013 45:01

189. Episode #003 ... Socrates and the Sophists

This week we talk about the prosperity of athens and how it led to the rise and ideas of a group of philosopher teachers called the Sophists, we tied up some loose ends and helped put all that we've learned in the last two episodes into context with a graph of the presocratics, and we ended by talking about a man named Socrates. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jun 23,2013 40:09

190. Episode #002 ... Presocratic Philosophy - Italian

Today we talk about why philosophy is taken for granted, the crazed cult leader of ancient Greek philosophy, Pythagoras, the annoying dark cloud of deductive reasoning, Parmenides and the super hero Empedocles. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jun 15,2013 37:26

191. Episode #001 ... Presocratic Philosophy - Ionian

Today we discussed the "Out of Africa" theory, the adversity of early humans, the term "Pre-Socratic", the first philosopher Thales, the meanest philosopher Heraclitus and Democritus, the godfather of the theory of atomism. Support the show on Patreon! www.philosophizethis.org for additional content. Thank you for wanting to know more today than you did yesterday. :)

Jun 06,2013 49:20

All Episodes (191) From new to old From new to old From old to new

All Episodes (191)

From new to old

From new to old From old to new