Philosophize This! Episode #243 ... Hamlet - William Shakespeare
Dec 27, 2025
Dive into the intricate world of Hamlet, where traditional themes clash with modern philosophical insights. Explore Hamlet's profound hesitation and the impact of knowledge on action. Discover the role of surveillance in 16th century England, revealing the play's deeper tensions. Ophelia emerges as a tragic figure, highlighting the court's moral decay. The discussion culminates in an examination of Hamlet's infamous quest for revenge that leads to a catastrophic end, leaving audiences to ponder the true cost of knowledge.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Philosophical Reading Reveals New Meanings
- Read classic literature like a philosopher to uncover new, surprising meanings beyond plot summary.
- Simon Critchley and Jamieson Webster reinterpret Hamlet to reveal modern philosophical themes.
Reinterpret Classics With Philosophical Lenses
- When reading a classic, question standard interpretations and explore alternative philosophical lenses.
- Use thinkers like Nietzsche or Lacan to reveal hidden themes and fresh relevance.
Hamlet As Modern Moral Psychologist
- Traditional readings see Hamlet as a moral psychologist torn between medieval certainties and Renaissance doubt.
- His indecision represents the modern habit of overthinking moral choices instead of acting.