A debate on the potential of the metaverse and its impact on human relationships and the natural world. Exploring the evolution of virtual reality, challenges, and uncertain future. Skepticism and collaboration in building the metaverse. Concerns about becoming lost in an ideal world with advanced technology and the struggle to find lasting happiness. Class dynamics and societal implications of a future with machines. Debating the nature of virtual reality and the merger of the virtual and physical worlds.

In this discussion, Professor Massimo Pigliucci explores insights from his book on leadership, drawing lessons from Socrates and Alcibiades. He highlights the tension between virtue and pragmatism, suggesting that effective leaders must integrate both moral excellence and practical skills. The conversation dives into the historical dynamics of mentorship and the ideals of figures like Marcus Aurelius and Gandhi, advocating for the need to embed ethical considerations in education to prepare future leaders. Humor’s role in philosophy is also examined, emphasizing its potential to uncover deeper truths.

Massimo Pigliucci, a philosophy professor and author of "The Quest for Character," delves into the ancient views on virtue. He discusses how the Greeks and Romans believed that virtue could be taught, highlighting cases like Socrates with Alcibiades and Aristotle mentoring Alexander the Great. The complexities of ethical education and mentorship illustrate the trials of instilling virtue in leaders. Pigliucci also connects these age-old insights to modern psychology, revealing practical ways to cultivate better character through relationships and self-reflection.

On this episode of the podcast, Massimo Pigliucci calls in to help tie together some loose ends in our overview of David Hume. Massimo is a professor of philosophy at City University of New York. He is the author of the best sellers Philosophy of Pseudoscience and Answers For Aristotle, and is currently working on a book called How To Be A Stoic. Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcastX: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwestFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Massimo Pigliucci, philosophy professor and author, joins Breht once again, this time to discuss his newest book "The Quest for Character: What the Story of Socrates and Alcibiades Teaches Us about Our Search for Good Leaders". Topics include: Ethical theories in philosophy, stoicism, theory and practice, cross-cultural virtues, Socrates, the role of role models, how all of this connects up with politics, and much more.  Learn more about Massimo and his work here: https://massimopigliucci.org/ Previous Rev Left episode with Massimo on Stoicism: https://revolutionaryleftradio.libsyn.com/stoicism Outro music "Boats & Birds" by Gregory and The Hawk Support Rev Left Radio: https://www.patreon.com/RevLeftRadio

In this episode Michael Shermer speaks with the stoic philosopher and evolutionary biologist Massimo Pigliucci on how to apply the ancient wisdom of stoicism to our personal lives and to our society. Shermer and Pigluicci discuss: his journey from Rome to New York • evolutionary biology • stoic philosophy • can there be a science of meaning and morality? • ultimate questions • desire, action, depression, suicide, anger, anxiety, love, and friendship • practical spiritual exercises • how to react to situations • teaching virtue to politicians • philosophy and politics • character and leadership • the nature of evil. Massimo Pigliucci is the K. D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. The author or editor of sixteen books, he has been published in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, and Salon, among others. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. His books include: Making Sense of Evolution; Nonsense on Stilts: How to Tell Science from Bunk; Philosophy of Pseudoscience: Reconsidering the Demarcation Problem; Answers for Aristotle: How Science and Philosophy Can Lead Us to a More Meaningful Life; A Field Guide to a Happy Life; A Handbook for New Stoics; How to Be a Stoic; The Quest for Character.

In this engaging discussion, Massimo Pigliucci, a Professor of Philosophy at City College and a noted author on Stoicism, shares his insights on modernizing ancient teachings. He unpacks key Stoic concepts like the dichotomy of control, emphasizing their relevance in navigating today's complexities. Massimo also dives into how happiness aligns with Stoic definitions of eudaimonia and critiques pseudoscientific beliefs, advocating for rational acceptance over wishful thinking. His unique perspective encourages a meaningful life even amidst challenges.

In this episode John is joined from New York by returning guest Prof. Massimo Pigliucci. John and Massimo speak frankly about the problems posed by modern celebrity looking at the two recent controversies that caught out prolific American podcaster, Joe Rogan. They also look at the celebrity of Canadian Clinical Psychologist Emeritus Prof. Jordan B. Peterson. Hang onto your hats folks, this is a broadranging and interesting take on Stoicism and its response to modern celebrity.Support the show: https://www.sageinternational.org.au/strategikon-merch/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Massimo Pigliucci, author of The Quest for Character, explores whether character is innate or can be developed through ancient teachings. They discuss the importance of self-reflection, learning life skills, emotional maturity, and the concept of virtue. The episode also highlights the timeless relevance of ancient Greek and Roman insights in ethics.

What do memes really mean? Listen to find out!Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesMemes are everywhere. But the term was coined only a few decades ago by Richard Dawkins to describe ideas and cultural behaviour that can be passed on from one individual to another. He argued that memes are a stage in evolution, and just as humans are carriers for genes, we are also carriers for memes. We don't so much choose our memes as they choose us. Its critics however argue that meme theory upends all human agency and thought. Is meme theory an exciting new framework that moves evolution forward to account for concepts and culture? Or is the very idea of a meme a misguided and reductionist account of what it is to be human?  Post-postmodern philosopher Hilary Lawson, Professor of Ethics and Technology at Hertie School Joanna Bryson and Professor of Philosophy at City College of New York Massimo Pigliucci discuss whether or not it is useful to think about sharing mimetic information like genetic information. Gunes Taylor hosts.There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=Memes-all-the-way-downSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.