Parker's Pensées

Dr. Michael Tremblay, a Stoic philosopher and black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, explores the fascinating intersection of Stoicism, sports, and Christianity. He delves into the teachings of Epictetus, emphasizing athletic metaphors to illustrate Stoic principles. The discussion highlights how athletes embody resilience, reframe adversity, and practice virtues in daily life. Tremblay also connects virtuous living to Christian ethics, providing insightful comparisons and practical applications for embracing Stoicism in one's existence.

In this engaging conversation, Joe Folley, a Cambridge-trained philosopher and creator of the Unsolicited Advice YouTube channel, shares his journey in philosophy. He emphasizes clarity in communicating complex ideas and the importance of intellectual humility. The duo discusses navigating between analytic and continental thought, exploring aphorisms, and the emotional dimensions of philosophy. Joe also dives into debates on naturalism and the existence of God while reflecting on his teaching philosophy and aspirations for lifelong learning. Expect insightful and lively exchanges!

Join Stephen West, the brilliant mind behind Philosophize This!, as he shares his journey of making philosophy accessible to all. He reflects on rebelling against elitist academia and his unique approach to teaching through storytelling. Discover his thoughts on metaphysics, the role of narrative in philosophy, and how Dune's themes resonate philosophically. Stephen also discusses the nuances of calling oneself a philosopher versus an educator, and his aspirations to write philosophical fiction, all while maintaining a work-life balance.

Dr. Philip Goff, a philosophy professor at Durham University known for his work on panpsychism, dives deep into the intriguing intersection of panpsychism and machine consciousness. He challenges the idea that panpsychism suggests AI is automatically conscious, emphasizing the need for integration and embodiment. Goff discusses the implications of Integrated Information Theory and critiques purely behavioral views of moral status. He also explores the potential survival advantages of consciousness and advocates for careful regulation of AI amidst its growing influence.

Dr. Jacob Allee, a PhD in the Humanities and founder of the Study the Great Books Substack, dives into the world of commonplace books. He explains what makes a book 'great' and explores universal themes like friendship and eucatastrophe, a term coined by Tolkien. Learn how virtues and vices enhance the Great Ideas and the advantages of physical notebooks over digital ones. Jacob also shares tips on tagging for easier retrieval and discusses the importance of annotating books for active reading and intellectual growth.

Dr. Timothy Brookins, a New Testament scholar and professor at the University of St. Thomas, dives into the fascinating interplay between Greek and Roman philosophy and the New Testament. He discusses how understanding ancient philosophy can illuminate Christian texts and contextualize early Christian thought. The conversation touches on whether Jesus can be considered a philosopher, comparisons between biblical wisdom and ancient philosophy, and the influence of figures like Socrates, Stoics, and Epicureans on early Christianity.

Christopher Ruocchio, author of the Sun Eater series, delves into the fascinating world of the chosen-one motif in speculative fiction. He explores what makes a compelling hero, highlighting deeper vulnerabilities beyond mere superpowers. The conversation touches on how stories act as simulations for moral choices and echoes mythic hero patterns. Ruocchio also discusses the cultural shifts in narrative expectations and the balance between completed stories and endless franchises, critiquing how narratives shape values, particularly for young readers.

In this conversation, Josh Nadeau, the creative mind behind Sword & Pencil and author of 'Room for Good Things to Run Wild', dives into themes of spiritual formation and masculinity. He candidly shares his struggles with addiction, promoting vulnerability among men. Josh critiques hollow evangelical practices and champions the importance of embodied spirituality. They discuss how everyday actions can serve as sacred liturgies and explore the profound narratives that shape faith. His journey emphasizes finding true life through sacrifice and seeing suffering as a catalyst for growth.

Dr. Jacob Allee, a PhD in the humanities and creator of the Substack 'Study the Great Books,' shares insights on the deeper meanings within Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers. He discusses the book's role in shaping young men's journey into manhood through mentorship and discipline. The contrast between the book and its movie adaptation highlights critical themes of duty and honor. Jacob emphasizes the importance of community and mentors in raising boys, while also addressing Christian critiques and encouraging charitable reading of the text.

Join Dr. Thomas Ward, a Baylor University philosophy professor and author of "After Stoicism," as he dives into the life and impact of Boethius. They explore Boethius's views on fortune and divine providence, revealing how he navigated the challenging waters of Stoic ethics and Christian doctrine. Ward tackles the intriguing question of human freedom under providence and explains Boethius's theodicy on suffering. This conversation blends philosophy and theology, highlighting the enduring relevance of ancient thought in our modern lives.