Alasdair MacIntyre's "After Virtue" is a highly influential work in moral philosophy that critiques modern ethical theories and proposes a return to virtue ethics. MacIntyre argues that modern moral philosophy has lost its way, leading to a fragmented and incoherent understanding of morality. He traces the historical development of ethical thought, identifying the decline of virtue ethics and the rise of emotivism and other relativistic approaches. MacIntyre proposes a revival of virtue ethics grounded in the Aristotelian tradition, emphasizing the importance of character development and the cultivation of virtuous dispositions. His work has had a profound impact on contemporary ethical debates, inspiring renewed interest in virtue ethics and its application to various social and political issues.
In "Awakening from the Meaning Crisis," John Vervaeke explores the pervasive sense of meaninglessness in modern society. He delves into the cognitive and philosophical roots of this crisis, examining how our understanding of the world contributes to feelings of emptiness and disconnection. Vervaeke offers a framework for understanding meaning, proposing that it's not a singular entity but a multifaceted concept encompassing purpose, significance, and mattering. He challenges readers to re-evaluate their values and find meaning in their lives through self-reflection and engagement with the world. The book provides a blend of philosophical insights and scientific research, offering a comprehensive approach to navigating the meaning crisis.
This anthology, edited by Thomas Oden, compiles excerpts from Søren Kierkegaard's writings that showcase his humorous side. It presents a collection of passages, some inherently funny and others exploring the concept of humor itself. The book offers insights into Kierkegaard's unique style of irony and his ability to blend humor with profound philosophical observations. It reveals a side of Kierkegaard often overlooked, demonstrating his mastery of wit and his use of humor as a tool for philosophical and theological exploration. Readers gain a deeper understanding of Kierkegaard's thought through this unconventional approach.
In this episode of After Socrates, Dr. John Vervaeke and guest Christopher Mastropietro explore the importance of humor in the context of philosophy and spirituality. They examine how humor can be used to approach the absurdity of life, reveal performative contradictions, and challenge societal norms. The conversation also touches on the interconnection between humor and tragedy, the role of good humorists in society, and the loss of the religious category of thought in modern times. The episode ultimately emphasizes the importance of cultivating a balanced perspective and recognizing the limitations of our ethical frameworks in the pursuit of greater understanding.
Time-codes:
00:00: Discussion on the importance of humor in the context of philosophy, specifically when looking at Socrates and Kierkegaard.
02:53: Introduction of "The Humor of Kierkegaard" book, an anthology that highlights Kierkegaard's humorous side.
07:36 - Discussion of the importance of incorporating humor into the Logos as a spiritual orientation, as it enables human transcendence with respect to the absurd.
09:23 - The humorous phone call example used to illustrate perspectival clash, highlighting the relationship between humor and absurdity.
13:25 - Christopher Mastropietro and Dr. John Vervaeke discuss the relationship between irony and humor, and how humor can help us approach the absurdity of life.
17:58 - Discussing humor in the context of the story of the geese, highlighting how the humor is in the absurdity and juxtaposition of perspectives.
22:13 - Christopher Mastropietro discusses the story of David and Bathsheba, showing how humor and tragedy can make people see the consequences of their actions.
27:26 - Christopher Mastropietro discusses the concept of being at variance with oneself and how humor can expose the performative contradiction in a situation.
32:48 - Dr. John Vervaeke and Christopher Mastropietro discuss how looking at one's ethical frame unironically can result in absurdity and expose the contradictions within it.
38:21 - Discussion on how humor can act as a birth canal towards the serious and religious.
43:34 - John Vervaeke discusses laughter and comedy as a reminder not to get entrapped in an idolatry of the literal and how the comic can be part of the numinous.
48:22 - Discussion on the transmutation from the lowly and sexual to the anagogic in Socratic Eros.
53:25 - The discussion delves into the primary orientation and the meta-optimal grip needed for practicing dialectic in the Dialogos.
57:06 - John and Christopher discuss the loss of the religious category of thought, resulting in the idolatry of the ethical and the dangerous consequences of this situation.
Dr. John Vervaeke 
