Guest Kate Maltby and others discuss embracing change, playing collaborative Scrabble, and exploring 'cultural Christianity'. Topics include political shifts, philosophical perspectives on change, and the balance between stability and progress in society.
The podcast discusses the complexities of embracing change in politics, philosophy, and cultural perspectives.
Plato's philosophy on change and continuity, emphasizing stability amidst a shifting world, offers insights into individuals' struggles with dynamic reality.
The intersection of political change and environmental urgency highlights the global collaboration needed to address pressing issues like climate change.
Deep dives
Embracing Change in a Turbulent World
The podcast explores the theme of change in various contexts, ranging from political elections to philosophical perspectives. The discussion delves into the desires and anxieties surrounding change, with guests sharing their hopes and fears for the future. From cultural perspectives on transition to philosophical debates on continuity, the episode highlights the complex relationship individuals and societies have with embracing change.
Plato's Views on Change and Continuity
Plato's philosophical views on change and continuity are examined, emphasizing the challenges posed by a constantly shifting world. The conversation delves into Plato's concept of ideal forms and how they provide stability amidst change. By exploring the notions of unity and permanence in Plato's philosophy, the episode sheds light on how individuals strive to make sense of a dynamic reality through fixed ideas and structures.
Navigating Political Change and Environmental Challenges
The podcast also addresses the intersection of political change and environmental concerns, illustrating the complexities of navigating progress and preservation. The discussion touches on current political landscapes where change is a focal point for candidates, contrasted with the urgency of addressing climate change. As the dialogue unfolds, the episode reflects on the implications of societal attitudes towards change and the global collaboration needed to tackle pressing environmental issues.
Polyphonic Femininity and Masculinity in Different Cultures
Various cultures, like Asian cultures, discuss polyphonic femininity and masculinity that differ from the Western binary division. This cultural diversity highlights the impact of westernization and modernization on gender norms, emphasizing the need to recognize and appreciate alternate perspectives on femininity and masculinity.
Evolution of Games as Reflections of Societal Changes
The discussion delves into historical French court games that reflected societal changes, such as the game 'Questions and Maxims of Love' from Louis XIV's court. These games revealed insights into love, relationships, and societal norms of the time. The shift towards non-competitive games, like collaborative Scrabble, is seen as a response to contemporary concerns about division and fostering community in a post-COVID world.
"The times they are a changin" or are they? In politics people are talking about an appetite for change, or being a candidate for change but how radical can you be? With climate change, seasonal change and a change of broadcast time for this programme, Matthew Sweet and his guests discuss change, play a new collaborative version of scrabble, and after Richard Dawkins gave an interview talking about "cultural Christianity" - what do we understand by that phrase?
Kate Maltby is a critic, columnist and cultural historian who holds a PhD in Elizabethan literature
Sophie Grace Chappell is a Professor of Philosophy at the Open University, whose books include Epiphanies: An Ethics of Experience and Trans Figured
Takeshi Morisato teaches philosophy at the University of Edinburgh
Dorian Lynskey is a journalist, author and one of the hosts of the politics podcast Oh God, What Now? His books include The Ministry of Truth: A Biography of George Orwell's 1984 and Everything Must Go: The Stories We Tell About the End of the World
Gemma Tidman is a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at Queen Mary University London researching A History of French Literary Play, 1635–1789. You can hear more from her in a Free Thinking episode called Game Playing
Producer: Luke Mulhall
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