Modern Wisdom #1012 - Alex O’Connor & Joe Folley - Is Being Smart Worth the Depression?
In this engaging discussion, YouTuber Alex O'Connor and philosopher Joe Folley tackle the practical relevance of philosophy in today's world. They ponder whether modern philosophy has lost its way or remains a guiding light. Delving into ancient ideas, they explore underrated philosophies like Stoicism and Aristotle's ethics. The duo also examines dark philosophies, questioning whether they can provide ironic relief in life. From it existential quandaries to modern consequences of thought, their insights challenge listeners to rethink the value of philosophical inquiry.
01:58:56
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Philosophy Is Meant To Be Practical
- Philosophy historically combined metaphysics, ethics and logic into a practical guide for living.
- Modern philosophy often fragments these fields, weakening its practical applicability.
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Ethics Needs Metaphysical Grounding
- Ethical teachings like Stoicism and Epicureanism flow from deeper metaphysical commitments.
- Stripping ethics from metaphysics makes ethical systems feel like mere vibes without grounding.
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Study Metaphysics Before Adopting Ethics
- When adopting a school like Stoicism, study its metaphysical claims, not just practical tips.
- Use those deeper commitments to test whether a philosophy truly changes your worldview.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
Is Philosophy Practical Today?
02:20 • 4min
Does Modern Philosophy Stall Progress?
06:10 • 2min
Could A.I. Highlight Philosophical Issues?
08:30 • 3min
Underrated Ancient Philosophies
11:40 • 9min
Why Stoicism Became Popular
20:59 • 1min
Ad break
22:17 • 23sec
Personal Experiments with Nihilism
22:40 • 1min
The Darkest Philosophies and Pessimism
24:06 • 4min
Antinatalism and Benatar's Asymmetry
28:26 • 13min
Ad break
41:30 • 52sec
Is Life Worth Living?
42:22 • 2min
Camus: Sisyphus and the Limits of Absurdism
44:44 • 7min
Why Philosophers Change Over Time
51:45 • 5min
Philosophy That Changed Thought but Not Practice
56:50 • 36sec
Are Any Philosophy Branches Useless?
57:26 • 55sec
Why Panpsychism Is Resurgent
58:20 • 6min
What Makes Consciousness Unified?
01:04:11 • 1min
Explaining Panpsychism's Challenges
01:05:40 • 10min
China Brain and Collective Minds
01:15:14 • 5min
What Is Emotivism?
01:20:10 • 9min
Does Emotivism Make Morality 'Just Vibes'?
01:29:04 • 12min
Can Emotivism Handle Incest Taboos?
01:41:00 • 8min
Do Philosophy Influencers Have Extra Duty?
01:49:12 • 4min
Handling Information Hazards and Influence
01:53:14 • 5min
Outro
01:58:00 • 1min
#38297
The Nicomachian Ethics
Aristotle
'The Nicomachean Ethics' is Aristotle's exploration of moral philosophy, outlining his concept of virtue as a mean between extremes.
The work delves into the nature of happiness (eudaimonia) as the ultimate goal of human life, achieved through virtuous actions and rational thought.
Aristotle discusses various virtues, including courage, temperance, and justice, emphasizing the importance of practical wisdom in making ethical decisions.
He also examines the roles of friendship, pleasure, and contemplation in a flourishing life.
The book remains a foundational text in ethics, influencing Western philosophical thought for centuries.
#1904
• Mentioned in 17 episodes
A treatise of human nature
David Hume
In this influential work, Hume seeks to establish a 'science of man' by applying the experimental method of reasoning, inspired by Isaac Newton's achievements in the physical sciences.
The treatise is divided into three books: 'Of the Understanding', 'Of the Passions', and 'Of Morals'.
Hume argues that human behavior is driven by passions rather than reason, introduces the problem of induction, and defends a sentimentalist account of morality.
He also discusses personal identity and free will from a sceptical and compatibilist perspective.
#5323
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Better Never to Have Been
David Benatar
#608
• Mentioned in 38 episodes
Notes from Underground
null
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Notes from Underground" is a novella that delves into the mind of an unnamed narrator, a bitter and alienated individual who rails against reason and societal norms.
The work is considered a precursor to existentialist literature, exploring themes of isolation, nihilism, and the human condition.
Dostoevsky's masterful use of first-person narration allows readers to experience the narrator's turbulent thoughts and emotions.
The novella's exploration of free will and the complexities of human psychology continues to resonate with readers today.
Its influence on literature and philosophy is undeniable, shaping the works of later writers and thinkers.
#503
• Mentioned in 44 episodes
The Myth of Sisyphus
Albert Camus
In 'The Myth of Sisyphus', Albert Camus delves into the concept of the absurd, which arises from the conflict between humanity's desire for meaning and the apparent indifference of the universe.
Camus argues that this absurdity does not justify suicide but rather requires a revolt against it.
He introduces Sisyphus, a figure from Greek mythology condemned to eternally push a boulder up a mountain only for it to roll back down, as the ideal absurd hero.
Camus suggests that Sisyphus's acceptance of his fate and his continued effort to push the boulder up the mountain, despite its futility, exemplify the human condition and the possibility of finding happiness in the face of absurdity.
The essay also discusses other examples of absurd lives and includes an appendix on the works of Franz Kafka.
#838
• Mentioned in 31 episodes
The Plague
Albert Camus
The Plague, written by Albert Camus, is a philosophical novel that chronicles an outbreak of the bubonic plague in the coastal city of Oran, Algeria.
The story is often interpreted as an allegory for the occupation of France during World War II and the rise of fascism.
The novel follows Dr. Bernard Rieux and his colleagues as they battle the plague, highlighting themes of everyday heroism, the absurdity of human suffering, and the collective response to disaster.
As the city is placed under quarantine, the citizens face isolation, despair, and eventually, a sense of social responsibility and solidarity.
The novel explores existential and theological questions, particularly through the characters of Dr. Rieux and Father Paneloux, and concludes with a reflection on the enduring nature of human suffering and the importance of human solidarity in the face of adversity.
#246
• Mentioned in 73 episodes
LEVIATHAN
Thomas Hobbes
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.
#1502
• Mentioned in 20 episodes
Galileo's Error
Philip Goff
#2145
• Mentioned in 15 episodes
The rebel
Albert Camus
In 'The Rebel', Albert Camus delves into the nature of rebellion and revolution, exploring their motivations, historical developments, and philosophical implications.
The book discusses how rebellion stems from a human rejection of normative justice and the absurdity of the world.
Camus distinguishes between true and false freedom, critiques various historical and intellectual figures such as the Marquis de Sade and Friedrich Nietzsche, and analyzes the French Revolution and other revolutionary movements.
He argues that while rebellion gives life its value and is a constant confrontation between man and his own obscurity, it often leads to totalitarianism and oppression if not tempered by moral and metaphysical limitations.
The book emphasizes the importance of maintaining individual freedom and solidarity in the face of rebellion and revolution.
#7354
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
An enquiry concerning human understanding
David Hume
#9875
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
A Short history of decay
Emil Cioran
Emile Cioran's "A Short History of Decay" is a philosophical work exploring themes of decay, decline, and the absurdity of existence.
Written in a fragmented, aphoristic style, it reflects Cioran's pessimistic worldview.
The book delves into the hypocrisies of the human condition, examining the destructive nature of ideologies and fanaticism.
It challenges conventional optimism and offers no easy solutions, instead embracing the inherent futility of human endeavors.
Cioran's work remains relevant today, resonating with readers who grapple with existential questions and the complexities of modern life.
#71553
Caligula
Albert Camus
The play 'Caligula' by Albert Camus follows the transformation of the Roman Emperor Caligula after the death of his sister and lover, Drusilla.
This event triggers an existential crisis in Caligula, leading him to question the meaning of life and to seek the impossible.
He adopts a nihilistic philosophy, believing that if life lacks meaning, he can impose his will on others through brutal and arbitrary actions.
The play depicts Caligula's descent into madness and tyranny, highlighting his struggle against the absurdity of existence and the consequences of his actions.
The narrative explores themes of power, freedom, and human despair, culminating in Caligula's deliberate manipulation of his own assassination.
The play is part of Camus's 'Cycle of the Absurd' and serves as a reflection on morality, justice, and personal responsibility.
#2457
• Mentioned in 14 episodes
The laws
Plato
Trevor J. Saunders
Plato's "Laws" is a significant work in his later years, offering a more practical approach to ideal governance compared to "The Republic.
" It presents a detailed legal framework for an ideal state, focusing on laws and their implementation.
Unlike the earlier dialogues, it's presented as a more structured legal code rather than a series of discussions.
The work explores various aspects of law, including criminal justice and education.
It provides a contrasting perspective on achieving a just society.
#8716
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
The Trouble With Being Born
Emil Cioran
Emil Cioran's "The Trouble with Being Born" is a collection of aphorisms that delve into the author's pessimistic philosophy.
The book explores the inherent suffering of existence, focusing on the negative aspects of consciousness and the perceived tragedy of birth.
Cioran argues that life is inherently filled with pain and that the state of being born is a disaster.
He contrasts this with the peace of non-existence, suggesting a preference for not having been born at all.
The book's aphoristic style allows for concise and impactful statements, making it a compelling read for those interested in existentialist thought.
It's a challenging but rewarding exploration of nihilism and the human condition.
#158
• Mentioned in 102 episodes
The Republic
Plato
#8152
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
On the Heights of Despair
Emil Cioran
Alex O’Connor is a YouTuber, writer and a podcaster.
Joe Folley is a philosopher, writer, and host of the Unsolicited Advice YouTube channel.
Philosophy has spent thousands of years trying to teach us how to live well. But the deeper you go, the darker it gets. So what’s the point? What can we take from all that heaviness, and how do we find beauty in the darkness to make our own lives better?
Expect to learn if philosophy always meant to be practically applicable, or if that is that a modern reinterpretation, which ancient schools have been most unfairly ignored, which branches of philosophy should be jettisoned entirely, why everyone hate philosophy of mind, the differences between academic and practical philosophy, the darkest philosophies you’ve probably never heard of, why modern discourse always feel ironic and why no one speaks earnestly any more and much more…
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Can Philosophy Actually Help You Live Better?
(6:04) Is Modern Philosophy Trying to Be Too Intellectual?
(11:44) What Do Philosophers Often Overlook?
(22:35) Why Philosophy Can Feel a Bit Depressing
(33:41) Is Life Worth Living?
(44:47) Why Context Matters in Understanding Philosophers
(54:24) Why is There Growing Interest in Panpsychism?
(01:08:40) Is Consciousness Unified?
(01:23:59) Emotivism 101: The Morality of Emotion
(01:29:03) Is Morality Just Vibes?
(01:40:59) Emotivism and the Incest Question
(01:49:05) Do Philosophy Influencers Have a Moral Duty?
Extra Stuff:
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