Tamar Gendler

Tamar Gendler, a Yale philosophy and cognitive science professor, shares insights on ancient Greek thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. They discuss how Socratic questioning can enrich our lives and happiness. Gendler explores Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia, highlighting virtue and balance in personal growth. She also delves into Plato's teachings on managing desires, using the chariot metaphor to explain self-control. Together, they connect ancient wisdom to modern psychology, offering practical strategies for achieving fulfillment.

In this discussion, Tamar Gendler, a Yale professor and cognitive scientist, highlights the timeless wisdom of Socrates regarding self-knowledge and happiness. She emphasizes the importance of questioning our assumptions and deeply-held beliefs about what brings joy. With insights into the cognitive biases that cloud our self-awareness, Gendler encourages listeners to harness their inner Socratic philosopher. By reflecting critically on personal motivations, we can uncover what truly leads to lasting happiness, often challenging societal norms around success.

Tamar Gendler, Dean at Yale and a distinguished professor, dives into ancient Greek philosophy's relevance in modern life. She explores the tension between our animal instincts and intellectual aspirations. Gendler discusses how concepts like virtue and morality intertwine with happiness, drawing parallels to Buddhism. She shares insights on navigating life's complexities and the quest for meaningful connections, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and practical wisdom for personal growth.

Tamar Gendler, a Yale philosopher and cognitive scientist, joins her close friend Laurie Santos to dive into the intricacies of happiness through the lens of friendship and philosophy. They discuss the importance of open dialogue in facing emotional challenges and explore how Aristotle's view of friends as a second self can enhance joy and mitigate pain. With insights on perfectionism, the G.I. Joe fallacy, and the need for a kinder inner dialogue, their conversation emphasizes deeper connections as keys to understanding ourselves and true fulfillment.

Join Sean Carroll, a physicist and cosmologist from Johns Hopkins, Ellen Langer, a Harvard psychologist known for her work on mindfulness, and Tamar Gendler, Yale's philosophy and cognitive science expert, as they dive deep into the enigma of consciousness. They challenge if science can ever truly unravel subjective experience and explore the philosophical nuances of materialism and dualism. The discussion also tackles external world skepticism and the fascinating mind-body connection, highlighting how evolving insights can impact our understanding of reality.

Join Sean Carroll, a renowned physicist and podcast host, Ellen Langer, a Harvard psychologist and mindfulness expert, and Tamar Gendler, Yale’s philosophy dean. They dive into the limits of science in addressing consciousness. The trio debates how our language shapes reality and influences perceptions, particularly around mental experiences and chronic conditions. They tackle the dualism versus monism debate, questioning if materialism can truly capture the essence of our thoughts and feelings, all while pondering the profound connection between mind and body.

In this engaging discussion, Yale Professor Tamar Gendler, a specialist in the philosophy of mind, joins Dr. Laurie Santos to delve into Plato's timeless insights on happiness. They explore the metaphor of a chariot, highlighting the struggle between our rational desires and primal instincts. Gendler reveals practical strategies for managing our conflicting desires, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive environments over sheer willpower. Ancient wisdom illuminates modern challenges as they discuss how self-control can lead to a more fulfilling life.

Tamar Gendler, a Yale professor specializing in philosophy and cognitive science, delves into Aristotle's timeless insights on happiness. She discusses the importance of living virtuously and how small, daily actions can lead to true fulfillment. Gendler emphasizes the power of cultivating lasting virtues over fleeting pleasures and the significance of meaningful friendships in our pursuit of happiness. Learn how the ancient belief in 'fake it, 'til you make it' can still apply today, guiding us toward our best selves.

Tamar Gendler, a Yale philosopher, dives into the timeless insights of ancient Greek thinkers like Socrates and Aristotle. She discusses how Socratic wisdom reveals the gap between intention and action, urging self-reflection to align one's values with behaviors. Gendler highlights the 'divided self' concept, exploring internal conflicts that shape identity. With humor, she illustrates how understanding these complexities can guide us through modern challenges, emphasizing that ancient philosophies still hold invaluable lessons for today's dilemmas.

As we start a new school year, Tamar Gendler, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Yale, explains her vision for distributing power at Yale and the questionable future of America’s university system. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.