Tomas Bogardus

Professor Tomas Bogardus discusses the role of birthplace in determining religious beliefs, explores how religious beliefs can be shaped by upbringing, and argues against the idea that birthplace guarantees a particular religion. He delves into the influence of social forces, early teaching, and personal experiences on religious beliefs, questioning their reliability and emphasizing the importance of critical thinking. The speaker explores the relationship between luck and knowledge and presents arguments for skepticism towards beliefs shaped by one's surroundings.

In this engaging discussion, Tomas Bogardus, a philosopher with a diverse academic background, delves into profound questions about knowledge. He unpacks Aquinas's theories, emphasizing the distinction between true knowledge and mere belief. The conversation explores how we acquire knowledge through testimony and intuition, shedding light on mathematical truths and moral principles. Bogardus reflects on personal experiences that challenge our understanding of complex concepts like the equivalence of 1 and 0.999, while also examining the interplay of belief systems and moral truths.

Tomas Bogardus, a philosopher and author, delves into whether Christians and Muslims worship the same God, exploring the intricate philosophy of language that complicates this question. He discusses theological distinctions and implications of divine names across faiths. The conversation unpacks 'reference drift' and its impact on worship perceptions, while considering the influence of culture and identity in religious naming practices. Through thought experiments and real-world examples, the podcast sheds light on the evolving understanding of divine identity in interfaith dialogue.