Tamler Sommers

Tamler Sommers, a Professor of philosophy at the University of Houston and co-host of the Very Bad Wizards podcast, dives deep into the philosophical conundrum of induction. He challenges the idea of whether regularities exist in nature and debates Popper's controversial solution to this age-old problem. Expect lively discussions on the difference between certainty and justification, the reliability of predictions, and the intriguing intersection of science with meditation. With humor and insight, the conversation navigates the complexities of scientific theories and our understanding of reality.

In the most ambitious crossover since the Fraggles met the Muppets, this week we have a special joint episode with moral psychologist David Pizzaro and famed philosopher and ghost detective, Tamler Sommers. Also known as the hosts of a small academic podcast Very Bad Wizards.Stealing the format of their show we have a culture war heavy intro section featuring discussion of Joe Rogan censorship, covid debates, Japanese maid cafes, and the great ghost debate of 2022. Following that we move on to an in-depth round-table discussion of the 2012 Paul Thomas Anderson movie 'The Master'. The movie explores the relationship between a wastrel and a cult leader and features performances by Joacquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams. There is no denying it's an acting masterclass (and thematically relevant for the show!) but is it any good?Join us and help us as we attempt to decode with the wizards.LinksVery Bad Wizards podcastEmbrace the Void 237: Defining "religion" with Chris Kavanagh'Here We Are Podcast' Ep. 381 Internet Gurus w/ Dr. Chris KavanaghThe Stoa: Truth, Trust, and Culture War w/ Zubin Damania, Christopher Kavanagh, Ben Burgis, and David Fuller

Tamler Sommers, a philosophy professor at the University of Houston and author of 'Why Honor Matters,' dives into the crucial intersection of honor and modern society. He discusses the challenges of making philosophy accessible to the public and the responsibilities philosophers have toward marginalized communities. Sommers critiques cancel culture's impact on personal integrity and reflects on the ethical dilemmas posed by historical figures like Seneca. He emphasizes the need for humility and the lasting significance of honor in navigating today's complex social landscape.

Philosopher Tamler Sommers joins to explore profound themes of freedom and moral responsibility. He discusses P.F. and Galen Strawson's contrasting views on moral blame, examining the intersections of determinism and personal accountability. The conversation dives into the emotional complexities of resentment, the implications of childhood experiences on moral judgments, and how determinants shape feelings of anger and empathy in moral contexts. Sommers challenges listeners to reconsider traditional views and highlights the nuanced relationship between intent and societal influences.

Tamler Sommers, a philosopher and co-host of the Very Bad Wizards podcast, breaks down significant works by Galen and P.F. Strawson. He delves into the complexities of free will and moral responsibility through a skeptical lens, questioning the foundations of moral accountability. The conversation also highlights the interplay between determinism and moral responsibility, stressing the vital role of human relationships and societal attitudes. Sommers' insights spark thought-provoking discussions about justice and personal accountability.