Episode 321: The Journey Begins (Plus Blind Ranking Philosophers)

In 'Being and Nothingness,' Jean-Paul Sartre delves into the fundamental categories of being and nothingness. He distinguishes between 'being-in-itself' (objects that simply exist and are unaware of themselves) and 'being-for-itself' (human consciousness, which is self-aware and free). Sartre argues that human beings are characterized by their freedom and responsibility, and that they must create their own being through their actions in the world. The book also introduces the concept of 'being-for-others,' highlighting the impact of others on our self-perception. Sartre rejects traditional notions of a transcendent reality and instead emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and authenticity in human existence.

In 'Word and Object', Quine delves into the interplay between language and ontology, proposing that only physical objects and abstract sets are real. He introduces the concept of indeterminacy of translation, highlighting the challenges in translating languages due to the inherent ambiguity in meaning. The book also explores language acquisition and advocates for a canonical notation to clarify ontological commitments.

The play centers around three deceased characters, Joseph Garcin, Inèz Serrano, and Estelle Rigault, who are brought to the same room in hell by a mysterious valet. Initially expecting medieval torture devices, they find themselves in a plain Second Empire-style room. As they interact, they reveal their past crimes and the reasons for their damnation. Garcin cheated on and mistreated his wife, Inèz seduced her cousin's wife leading to tragic consequences, and Estelle had an affair and killed her illegitimate child. Despite their attempts to avoid each other, they continue to torment one another, illustrating Sartre's concept that 'hell is other people'. The play explores themes of existentialism, the nature of hell, and the perpetual ontological struggle of being seen as an object by another consciousness.

David Edmonds and John Eidinow's "Wittgenstein's Poker" recounts the famous encounter between Karl Popper and Ludwig Wittgenstein, two giants of 20th-century philosophy. The book vividly portrays the clash of personalities and philosophical viewpoints between these two influential thinkers. It explores their contrasting approaches to philosophy, highlighting their different methods and beliefs. The authors use a combination of historical accounts and philosophical analysis to provide a fascinating insight into the lives and work of Popper and Wittgenstein. The book offers a unique perspective on the development of 20th-century philosophy and the enduring influence of these two remarkable figures.

Published in 1651, 'Leviathan' by Thomas Hobbes is a comprehensive treatise on political philosophy. The book is divided into four main parts: 'Of Man,' 'Of Commonwealth,' 'Of a Christian Commonwealth,' and 'Of the Kingdom of Darkness. ' Hobbes argues that the natural state of humans is one of conflict and anarchy, and that the best way to achieve peace and security is through the establishment of a commonwealth governed by an absolute sovereign. This sovereign, which Hobbes terms the 'Leviathan,' has supreme authority over all aspects of governance, including law, religion, and public offices. Hobbes' work is a foundational text in social contract theory and continues to influence political thought to this day.

Published in 1938, 'Nausea' is Jean-Paul Sartre's first novel and a seminal work in existentialist literature. The story follows Antoine Roquentin, a solitary historian living in the fictional town of Bouville, as he experiences intense feelings of nausea and existential crisis. Through Roquentin's diary entries, Sartre delves into themes such as the contingency of existence, the distinction between 'being-in-itself' and 'being-for-itself,' and the idea that 'existence precedes essence. ' Roquentin's struggles with his research on the Marquis de Rollebon and his interactions with people around him highlight the absurdity and randomness of the world, leading him to confront the bare existence of things and the meaninglessness of human existence. The novel is a profound exploration of existential angst, freedom, and responsibility.

In this work, Sartre argues that existentialism is an optimistic and action-oriented philosophy that centers on moral responsibility and human interconnections. He posits that 'existence precedes essence,' meaning humans are not defined by a pre-existing essence but by their choices and actions. Sartre addresses criticisms of existentialism, arguing that it is not pessimistic but rather liberating, as it grounds human values and moral aims in human subjectivity itself. He differentiates his existential humanism from other forms of humanism, emphasizing that humans are constantly in the process of creating their own values and purposes without relying on divine or external mandates.