Anthony Gottlieb is a historian of ideas, the former executive editor of The Economist, the author of The Dream of Reason and The Dream of Enlightenment, and the George R.R. Martin of the history of philosophy. He tells us why he kept a poster of Wittgenstein in his dorm, how journalism forced him to unlearn the bad prose of academia, what is the quality that defines a successful philosopher, and why he thinks the liberal foundations of the West remain firm (Adaam is less certain).

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On the agenda:

-Coming up at the Economist [3:55-10:00]

-Bertrand Russell, boyhood idol [10:01 - 15:34]

-On Hume and Religion [15:35 - 21:24]

-Philosophizing in Uncertain Times [21:25 - 28:21]

-The Power of Charisma [28:22 - 39:10]

-Wrestling with Wittgenstein [39:11- 44:12]

-The Enlightenment Project's Legacy [44:13 - 56:16]

-On Skepticism, Self-Awareness, and Philosophy Today [56:17 - 1:04:26]

Uncertain Things is hosted and produced by Adaam James Levin-Areddy and Vanessa M. Quirk. For more doomsday rumination, subscribe to: uncertain.substack.com.