Five Questions cover image

Five Questions

Barry Lam

Jul 7, 2020
Barry Lam is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Vassar College and the creative mind behind the podcast Hi-Phi Nation. He shares his journey into philosophy, emphasizing the critical role of mentorship and the complexities of personal identity. The discussion meanders through career aspirations tied to 'possible worlds' and the common academic challenge of unread philosophical classics. Lam also opens up about the fears that come with parenthood and personal growth, highlighting the transformative power of self-awareness.
23:45

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Barry Lam discusses how his anti-establishment temperament influences his philosophical inquiries, leading him toward non-mainstream issues in academia.
  • He reflects on the duality of philosophical thinking, showcasing how it fosters both a healthy skepticism and a paradoxical overconfidence in critiquing external fields.

Deep dives

Philosophy and Personal Temperament

The influence of personal temperament on philosophical thinking is examined, with emphasis on how a philosopher's character can shape their approach to the discipline. Barry Lamb reflects on his own complicated temperament, rooted in an anti-establishment attitude that emerged during his teenage years. This rebellious streak persists in his academic career, influencing both his philosophical inquiries and preferences, including a penchant for non-mainstream philosophical issues. Moreover, Lamb acknowledges that self-doubt and a broad curiosity as a generalist inform his philosophical perspective, prompting him to explore various interconnected topics beyond traditional philosophical boundaries.

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