#100 Philosopher Shootout - 16 Thinkers, Ranked (With Joe Folley)
Mar 23, 2025
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In a lively discussion, Joe Folley, a Cambridge Philosophy graduate and YouTube star from 'Unsolicited Advice,' joins to rank 16 famous philosophers. They dissect the philosophical duels between Hume and Descartes, and Plato versus Aristotle, revealing the strengths of empiricism and rationalism. The conversation dives into the ethics of Peter Singer and the existential complexities posed by Nietzsche and Kierkegaard. Joe critiques contemporary thinkers like Hitchens and Peterson, wrapping it all up with a cheeky ranking of their philosophical legacies.
The podcast engages in a light-hearted yet intellectually stimulating tournament format to evaluate and rank influential philosophers.
Key philosophical figures are matched against each other, showcasing differing contributions to fields like ethics, logic, and existentialism.
The discussions reveal contrasting approaches between philosophers, such as empiricism versus rationalism in the face-off between Hume and Descartes.
Winners emerge based on their broader impact on philosophy, like Aristotle's extensive influence contrasting with Singer's modern utilitarianism.
The concluding reflection emphasizes the complexity of philosophical comparison, celebrating the diverse perspectives that shape human understanding.
Deep dives
Philosophical Tournament Concept
The podcast episode involves a special philosophical tournament featuring significant philosophers. The discussion begins with Joe Folley and the host, who decide to abandon a tier list of philosophers due to time constraints and instead opt for a tournament-style elimination format. They create a bracket of chosen philosophers, where notable figures are matched against one another to see who would emerge as the 'best philosopher' among those selected. The light-hearted yet intellectually engaging nature of the conversation sets the tone for an animated debate on each philosopher's contributions and relevance.
David Hume vs. René Descartes
In the opening match, David Hume, representative of empiricism, faces off against René Descartes, the rationalist groundbreaking philosopher. Descartes is known for his famous declaration 'I think therefore I am' and his contributions to mathematics, such as Cartesian coordinates. In contrast, Hume argues that all knowledge derives from sensory experience, presenting a robust critique of rationalist assumptions. Ultimately, the discussion leans towards Descartes, who is portrayed as a more influential figure due to his foundational role in Western philosophical thought.
Plato vs. Aristotle
The next face-off pits Plato against his student Aristotle, both titans of Western philosophy. Plato's influence is highlighted by his ideal forms, allegories such as the Cave, and foundational concepts that shaped the discipline. However, Aristotle's extensive writings across various domains — ethics, metaphysics, politics, and natural science — showcase his systematic and practical approach to philosophy. In this round, Aristotle is declared the winner for his prolific contributions and lasting impact on many branches of knowledge.
Judith Jarvis Thompson vs. Peter Singer
The matchup between Judith Jarvis Thompson and Peter Singer delves into ethical philosophy and its applications. Thompson is recognized for her contributions to the abortion debate through her violinist analogy and the trolley problem, which prompts discussions about moral decision-making. In contrast, Singer's utilitarian framework focuses on maximizing well-being, as seen in his influential works such as 'Animal Liberation' and 'Famine, Affluence, and Morality.' Despite Thompson's important insights, Singer ultimately emerges as the winner for his broader impact on modern ethical thought.
Friedrich Nietzsche vs. Søren Kierkegaard
Nietzsche and Kierkegaard, both existential thinkers, are paired in a battle of contrasting philosophies. Nietzsche's emphasis on the death of God, the Ubermensch, and perspectives on will shape his critiques of morality and meaning in life, while Kierkegaard's focus on individual faith, anxiety, and subjective experience emphasizes the importance of personal choice. The complexity of their thought leaves results inconclusive for a while. Ultimately, Nietzsche is favored for his influence and originality within the frameworks of philosophy.
Jordan Peterson vs. Fyodor Dostoevsky
The debate between contemporary thinker Jordan Peterson and classic novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky brings modern existential ideas into conversation with literary insights. Peterson, known for his psychological and philosophical stances on meaning and personal responsibility, faces Dostoevsky whose characters exemplify deep existential struggles, faith, and moral dilemmas. Doyle's exploration of the human condition through novels such as 'Crime and Punishment' and 'The Brothers Karamazov' offers a rich tapestry of philosophical discourse. Thus, Dostoevsky wins out, allowing for broader and more nuanced reflections on spirituality and ethics.
René Descartes vs. Friedrich Nietzsche
In a showdown between René Descartes and Friedrich Nietzsche, the emphasis shifts to their differing philosophical approaches. Descartes’ foundational rationalism and systematic methodology contrast starkly with Nietzsche's critique of rationalist assumptions and celebration of the individual’s instinctual will. While Descartes struggles with the challenge of doubt and certainty, Nietzsche revels in the exploration of moral ambiguity and the human experience. The discussion tilts towards Nietzsche, who is recognized for his originality and nuanced critiques, thereby winning this round.
Peter Singer vs. Aristotle
The final match pairs Peter Singer against Aristotle, the former representing modern utilitarian approaches and the latter embodying classical virtue ethics. Singer's impact on ethical thought, particularly in contemporary issues such as animal rights and global poverty, challenges traditional moral frameworks. However, Aristotle's comprehensive philosophy and foundational influence on various fields, including ethics, politics, and logic, assert his lasting legacy in classical thought. Ultimately, the debate results in Aristotle claiming victory as the premier philosopher, reinforcing his significance across diverse philosophical domains.
Final Reflections
In concluding the philosophical tournament, the speakers acknowledge the complex nature of comparing vastly different thinkers across time and disciplines. They emphasize that this exercise highlights the richness of philosophical inquiry and the myriad of perspectives that contribute to the field. The discussion serves as a reminder of the impact these figures have had on shaping human thought and understanding, inviting listeners to contemplate their own philosophical beliefs and values. Overall, the conversations are informative, engaging, and provoke deeper consideration of philosophy's role in contemporary life.
For episode 100 of Within Reason, I'm joined by Joe Folley, from the YouTube Channel "Unsolicited Advice", to tackle a completely arbitrary and ridiculous tournament of thinkers, each of whom are to some degree relevant to the show. Joe graduated from Cambridge University with an MPhil in Philosophy, specialising in logic, in 2023.
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