Hope

30 snips

Oct 22, 2024

The discussion dives deep into the meaning of hope, contrasting casual optimism with the daunting challenges of political landscapes. It examines hope's dual nature, its philosophical implications, and how it intertwines with desire and agency. The hosts explore hope through historical lenses, considering figures like Kant and Marx, and question whether it's rational to hope for the achievable or the utopian. They also touch on the transformative power of hope in both personal and societal contexts, weaving in elements of culture and resilience.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Hope's Ambivalence

Hope can be a positive good or the worst evil.
It can offer consolation or delude us with false expectations in a broken world.

INSIGHT

Orthodox Hope

Hope is defined as desiring an outcome and believing it's possible, but not certain.
Adrienne Martin calls this the "orthodox definition" of hope.

ANECDOTE

Motivated Hope

Two cancer patients, Alan and Bess, both hope for a cure from an experimental drug.
Bess is motivated by this hope, while Alan is not, despite the same desire and odds.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Moral emotions

Reclaiming the Evidence of the Heart

Anthony J. Steinbock

Anthony Steinbock's "Moral Emotions: Reclaiming the Evidence of the Heart" explores the significance of emotions in moral judgment and decision-making. Steinbock challenges traditional philosophical approaches that downplay the role of emotions, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of their contribution to ethical reasoning. He examines various moral emotions, including hope, and analyzes their complex interplay with cognitive processes. The book draws on insights from phenomenology and other philosophical traditions to offer a richer and more comprehensive account of moral psychology. Steinbock's work provides a valuable contribution to contemporary ethical theory and moral psychology.

A philosophy of human hope

Joseph J. Godfrey

Joseph J. Godfrey's "A Philosophy of Human Hope" offers a comprehensive exploration of hope as a philosophical concept. Godfrey critiques existing definitions of hope, proposing a nuanced understanding that incorporates desire, belief, and imagination. He examines the role of hope in human motivation and action, exploring its connection to both rational and irrational behavior. The book delves into the ethical and existential dimensions of hope, considering its significance in navigating life's challenges and uncertainties. Godfrey's work provides valuable insights into the complexities of hope and its impact on individual and collective life.

Imagining Good Future States: Hope and Truth in Plato’s Philebus

null

Katja Vogt

Short Treatise

null

Baruch Spinoza

Spinoza's "Short Treatise on God, Man, and His Well-Being" is an early work that explores fundamental philosophical questions concerning God, human nature, and the good life. It presents Spinoza's developing ideas on metaphysics, ethics, and the nature of emotions. The treatise lays the groundwork for his later, more systematic works, such as the "Ethics." It offers insights into Spinoza's distinctive approach to philosophy, emphasizing reason and the importance of understanding the underlying causes of events. The "Short Treatise" remains a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of Spinoza's thought and his contributions to rationalism.

Enchiridion on Faith, Hope and Love

null

St. Augustine

Augustine's "Enchiridion on Faith, Hope, and Love" is a concise treatise exploring the theological virtues. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of faith, hope, and love as essential components of Christian life. Augustine delves into the nature of each virtue, highlighting their roles in spiritual growth and salvation. The work offers practical guidance on cultivating these virtues and overcoming obstacles to spiritual progress. It remains a significant text in Christian theology, offering insights into the human condition and the pursuit of divine grace. Its enduring relevance lies in its exploration of fundamental human aspirations and the path towards spiritual fulfillment.

Hope, Trust, and Forgiveness: Essays in Finitude

Essays in Finitude

John Lysaker

John Lysaker's "Hope, Trust, and Forgiveness" delves into the interconnectedness of hope, trust, and forgiveness as essential aspects of human experience. Lysaker explores these concepts through a philosophical lens, examining their psychological, ethical, and existential dimensions. He analyzes the role of these virtues in navigating life's challenges and fostering meaningful relationships. The book offers insights into the complexities of human emotions and their impact on individual well-being and social interaction. Lysaker's work provides a valuable contribution to the understanding of hope, trust, and forgiveness in contemporary philosophy.

The Principle of Hope

null

Ernst Bloch

Ernst Bloch's "The Principle of Hope" is a monumental work exploring the nature of hope as a fundamental aspect of human consciousness. Bloch connects hope to utopian aspirations and the human drive to envision a better future. He critiques traditional philosophical approaches to hope, arguing for a materialist and dialectical understanding. The book delves into the social and historical dimensions of hope, emphasizing its role in revolutionary movements and the pursuit of social justice. Bloch's work remains influential in critical theory and continues to inspire discussions about the relationship between hope, utopia, and social transformation.

Theses on Feuerbach

null

Ludwig Feuerbach

How We Hope

Adrienne Martin

Adrienne Martin's "How We Hope" delves into the nature of hope, exploring its philosophical and psychological dimensions. The book challenges conventional understandings of hope, offering a nuanced perspective on its role in navigating challenges and uncertainties. Martin's work is particularly relevant to those grappling with difficult circumstances, providing insights into how hope functions and how it can be cultivated. The book's incorporation model of hope is a key contribution, offering a framework for understanding hope's relationship to action and belief. It's a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of hope and its impact on human lives.

Radical Hope

Jonathan Lear