Philosophy Pod

In this episode, we explore Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher who founded Epicureanism, offering a revolutionary view on death that continues to influence modern existential thought. Central to his philosophy is the assertion that "death is nothing to us." For Epicurus, this was not a mere dismissal of life's value but a profound statement about the nature of existence and non-existence. He argued that all sensations, including pain and pleasure, are rooted in experience; since death signifies the end of all sensory experience, it should not be feared. 

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In this episode, we explore the branch of philosophy known as philosophy of mind.  We'll discuss famous thinkers on the subject, areas of inquiry as well as important theories.  Lastly, we'll talk about the important implications of this field and its future development.  

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In this episode, we look the moral philosophy of one of the most influential thinkers in history, Confucius.  We'll discuss  his key concepts of Ren, Li and Junzi, his influence on Asian society and cultural values, as well as, the difference between his views and those of the Ancient Greek philosophers.  Lastly, we'll talk about some of the criticisms of his philosophy and the attempt to overturn his influence on Chinese thought during the end of the 20th century.  

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In this episode, we explore Michel Foucault's view of power, which diverge significantly from traditional theories that conceptualize power as a commodity or structure possessed by certain entities (e.g., the state, ruling classes).  Power, in Foucault's view, is exercised rather than owned, manifesting itself through practices, institutions, and discourses that condition human behavior and thought.  Such an example demonstrates Foucault's insight that power is everywhere, not because it embraces everything, but because it comes from everywhere. 

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Aristotle's metaphysics, a foundational branch of Western philosophy, delves into the fundamental nature of reality, exploring concepts such as substance, essence, form, matter, and the causes of being. Through this inquiry, Aristotle establishes a comprehensive framework that addresses the relationships between potentiality and actuality, form and matter, and the hierarchical structuring of the natural world, laying the groundwork for subsequent metaphysical thought.

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In this episode, we'll explore Hannah Arendt's theory of totalitarianism.  Hannah Arendt, a prominent 20th-century political theorist, explored the nature and origins of totalitarianism extensively. She argued that totalitarian regimes, exemplified by Nazi Germany and Stalinist Soviet Union, thrived on isolation, terror, and the eradication of individual freedoms, aiming to dominate every aspect of life and to obliterate the distinction between public and private spheres. Arendt highlighted the unprecedented nature of totalitarianism, emphasizing its use of ideology and the mobilization of mass support to achieve total control over both the state and the individual, leading to the total domination of human beings.

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In this episode, we discuss John Searle's famous thought experiment, the "Chinese Room" and examine its implications for the theory of mind, AI and consciousness.  

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Plato's definition of knowledge as "justified true belief" fits centrally into his broader theory of knowledge and his metaphysical framework. This definition is a crucial component of his epistemology, serving as a bridge between his metaphysical distinctions (between the world of Forms and the physical world) and his ethical and political theories.  In this episode, we'll explore what Plato classified as  true knowledge, elucidated by his famous Allegory of the Cave and idea of Forms.  

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19th century German philosopher, Karl Marx, remains to this day one of philosophy's most influential thinkers.  In this episode, we'll explore his main critiques of the capitalist mode of production.  We'll also examine some of the main arguments against Marx's views, both economic and philosophical. 

If you enjoy this episode, consider checking out our other podcast Economics in Action where we discuss interesting topics and ideas related to economics.  

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In this episode, we'll explore Derek Parfit, a prominent British philosopher renowned for his influential contributions to personal identity, ethics, and rationality. Best known for his seminal work "Reasons and Persons," Parfit's innovative ideas challenged conventional views on the nature of the self and moral philosophy. His profound insights, particularly regarding the nature of personal identity and the complexities of ethical decision-making, have left a lasting impact on contemporary philosophical thought.

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In this episode, we'll explore the ethical views of Simone de Beauvoir, a prominent French existentialist philosopher.  Her approach emphasizes the importance of freedom, responsibility, and the subjective experiences of individuals in ethical decision-making. De Beauvoir's work, particularly in "The Ethics of Ambiguity," challenges traditional ethical frameworks by asserting that individuals must continuously create their values through actions, underlining the inherent uncertainty and complexity of moral life.

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In this episode we focus on John Stuart Mill, one of the most influential thinkers in the realm of liberty and individual rights. We'll  explore Mill's revolutionary concepts of individual freedom, examining how he believed personal liberty should be balanced with the role of government in society. Join us as we navigate the intricate landscape of Mill's philosophy, dissecting his views on the limits of authority and the importance of personal autonomy in a progressive society.

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Martin Heidegger was a German philosopher whose work is central to 20th-century continental philosophy, particularly within the fields of existentialism and phenomenology. His philosophy is primarily concerned with the nature of being and human existence. Heidegger sought to challenge traditional metaphysical notions, proposing instead a radical reinterpretation of what it means to be.  In this episode, we'll explore his philosophy and some of the criticisms leveled against him.  

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In this episode, we explore the philosophical concept of Determinism.  The philosophical debate between determinism and free will grapples with a fundamental question: are our actions predetermined by a chain of prior events, or do we have the ability to choose freely? Determinism posits that every event, including human cognition and behavior, is causally determined by an unbroken chain of prior occurrences, governed by the laws of nature.  Today we'll tease out the history of this topic, along with some of main arguments and counterarguments.  The question is, do you have a choice to listen or not? 

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In this episode, we'll unpack the ideas of Robert Nozick, a towering figure of the 20th century who championed the cause of libertarianism. His views on the minimal state, individual rights, and critiques of redistribution have been subjects of passionate debate for decades. But like all profound ideas, they've also faced their share of criticisms. From questions about the origins of just acquisitions to the importance of community, Nozick's philosophy challenges us to think about the role of the state in society. Whether you're a staunch libertarian, a believer in a more proactive role of the state, or just curious about the nuances of political thought, today's episode promises a thought-provoking journey.

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In this episode, we explore Friedrich Nietzsche's  concept of the 'affirmation of life,' a principle that invites us to embrace existence in all its chaotic, beautiful, and sometimes painful entirety. Nietzsche challenges us to say 'yes' to life, not selectively, but wholly, accepting its joys, sorrows, triumphs, and tribulations with open arms. Imagine living your life in an eternal loop, experiencing every joy, every pain, every moment over and over again - would you embrace it or recoil from it?  Join us as we unravel the threads of Nietzschean affirmation, exploring how this idea has permeated through time, influencing thinkers, writers, and even our everyday lives.

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In this episode, we are exploring the intriguing philosophical concept introduced by the 19th-century philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer: "The World as Will" This pivotal idea posits that our world is twofold, consisting of the representation, the world as we perceive it, and the will, the world as it truly is, the inner essence driving all existence. Schopenhauer’s will is a ceaseless, insatiable force that propels all actions, behaviors, and desires, painting life as a perpetual dance between desire and satisfaction, a dance that leads invariably to suffering. Today, we will navigate through the multifaceted dimensions of Schopenhauer’s concept, exploring its profound implications on human existence, desire, the nature of suffering, and the avenues for transcendence through aesthetic and philosophical contemplation. So, sit back, ponder, and join us as we journey through Schopenhauer’s pessimistic yet enlightening worldview.

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John Locke, a prominent philosopher of the 17th century, is renowned for his profound contributions to political and moral philosophy. Among his many influential ideas, Locke's concept of property stands as a cornerstone of his philosophy. In this episode, we will explore Locke's notion of property, its significance in his philosophy, and its enduring impact on modern political thought.

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Ludwig Wittgenstein, a prominent philosopher of the 20th century, left a grandiose  impact on philosophy with his groundbreaking work, the "Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus," published in 1921.  Listen to find out what he meant by, "The limits of my language mean the limits of my world."

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How to we know that one event happening causes the other? This is the question that puzzled 18th century Scottish philosopher David Hume.  In this episode, we'll explore his profound thoughts on the matter and their implications for science.  

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In this episode, we'll explore Daniel Dennett's views on consciousness.  Dennett, a prominent American philosopher, writer, and cognitive scientist, has contributed significantly to the field of philosophy of mind. His views are multifaceted and complex, reflecting an effort to demystify what many consider to be one of the deepest and most enigmatic aspects of human experience.

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In this episode we'll explore the teaching of the Stoic philosophers.  Stoicism was founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC.   It had a profound influence on Roman culture, and through the writings of the Late Stoa philosophers, it has continued to influence Western thinking up to the present day.

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In this episode we'll examine Russell's paradox, which is a set-theoretic paradox published by the British philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell in 1901.

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In this episode, we'll examine the influential 17th century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes' views on free will.  

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In this episode we explore the field of metaphysics, one of the main branches of philosophical thought, its focus of inquiry and why it's important.  

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The episode delves into 18th century German philosopher Immanuel Kant's profound insights on knowledge, known as Transcendental Idealism. 

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In this episode we examine 19th century Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard's conception of anxiety. 

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This episode focuses on the 17th century philosopher and mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz's conception of time. 

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This episode details the 18th century Scottish philosopher David Hume's moral philosophy. 

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