AC Grayling, Professor of Philosophy at Northeastern University London and author of *Philosophy and Life*, dives deep into life's big questions. He reflects on how moral perspectives have shifted through history, highlighting key figures who shaped ethics. Grayling emphasizes the role of relationships and self-reflection in living authentically and joyfully. He discusses the impact of existentialist thought on friendship and personal choices, advocating for a balanced approach to individual agency and social responsibility. Ancient philosophies also inspire a path toward personal flourishing.

Does God exist? In this archive debate from 2009, we invited a panel of expert speakers to discuss whether atheism had replaced religion as the new faith of the secular age. Are atheists as blinkered and dogmatic as they claim religious believers to be? Arguing for the motion were former Bishop of Oxford Richard Harries and former Editor of the Daily Telegraph Charles Moore. Arguing against the motion were evolutionary biologist and science author Richard Dawkins and philosopher AC Grayling. The debate was chaired by historian, author and commentator Anthony Seldon....Did you know that Intelligence Squared offers way more than podcasts? We’ve just launched a new online streaming platform Intelligence Squared+ and we’d love you to give it a go. It’s packed with more than 20 years’ worth of video debates and conversations on the world’s hottest topics. Tune in to live events, ask your questions or watch back on-demand totally ad-free with hours of discussion to dive into for just £14.99 a month. Visit intelligencesquaredplus.com to start watching today.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AC Grayling, Beatrice Han-Pile, and Christopher Janaway discuss the dark philosophy of Schopenhauer, focusing on the Will driving all existence. They explore Schopenhauer's rejection of Hegel, influence of Kant, and his view on suffering and boredom. The podcast delves into the role of art as an escape, Schopenhauer's impact on Eastern philosophy, and his influence on artists and writers like Wagner and Freud.