
Parker's Pensées
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Exploring the deepest ideas in philosophy, theology, nature, and life with the experts. Come think with me!
Latest episodes

Mar 21, 2023 • 1h 8min
Ep. 224 - The Philosophy and Theology of the First Amendment w/Dr. Owen Anderson
Dr. Owen Anderson, a scholar of philosophy and theology, dives into the First Amendment's rich implications. He addresses free speech controversies at universities, emphasizing the need for diverse viewpoints. The discussion navigates donor influence in academia and the ethical duties of educators. Anderson explores the intersection of faith, government, and personal belief, urging critical thinking over ideological coercion. Additionally, the moral dimensions of humanity and divine intentions come into play, offering deep reflections on existence and belief systems.

Mar 13, 2023 • 51min
Ep. 223 - Should We Give Rights to Robots? w/Dr. David Gunkel
Join Dr. David Gunkel, an emerging technology philosopher, as he dives into the intriguing world of robot rights and machine ethics. They explore the complexities of consciousness, pondering what makes a being sentient, even touching on our furry friends. The conversation navigates the philosophical landscapes laid out by legends like Hegel while also examining the evolving moral frameworks for AI. Gunkel highlights the responsibility gaps as machines gain autonomy, leading to deeper questions about our future with intelligent technology.

Mar 10, 2023 • 1h 17min
Ep. 222 - Quantum Mechanics Proves Theistic Idealism NOT Simulation Hypothesis? w/ Michael Jones (InspiringPhilosophy)
In this engaging discussion, Michael Jones, creator of the InspiringPhilosophy YouTube channel, dives into the concept of theistic idealism—arguing we reside in the mind of God. Topics include the surprising implications of quantum mechanics for reality and consciousness. They debate the simulation hypothesis and explore the relationship between idealism and perceptions of good and evil. The conversation also touches on how human consciousness may impact the physical world and what that means for our understanding of existence and divine interaction.

Feb 28, 2023 • 1h 22min
Ep. 221 - We Might All Be Living in God's Dream (Hasidic Idealism) w/Dr. Samuel Lebens
In this episode of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Samuel Lebens to discuss Hassidic Idealism, the view that we are characters in God's dream. He uses this motif to help understand Kabbalistic understandings of sefirot-- and if you have no clue what that means then definitely watch the episode! We also get into the Authorial Analogy for the God-World relation and how that idea compares with theistic idealism.
If you like this podcast, then support it on Patreon for $3, $5 or more a month. Any amount helps, and for $5 you get a Parker's Pensées sticker and instant access to all the episode as I record them instead of waiting for their release date. Check it out here:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parkers_pensees
If you want to give a one-time gift, you can give at my Paypal:
https://paypal.me/ParkersPensees?locale.x=en_US
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Come talk with the Pensées community on Discord: dsc.gg/parkerspensees
Sub to my Substack to read my thoughts on my episodes: https://parknotes.substack.com/
Check out my blog posts: https://parkersettecase.com/
Check out my Parker's Pensées YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYbTRurpFP5q4TpDD_P2JDA
Check out my other YouTube channel on my frogs and turtles: https://www.youtube.com/c/ParkerSettecase
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Feb 18, 2023 • 1h 33min
Ep. 220 - Why Common Sense Problems of Evil Aren't a Problem w/Dr. Perry Hendricks
Perry Hendricks, a newly minted doctor of philosophy, dives into the common sense problems of evil. He expertly critiques conventional views on how evil exists in relation to a benevolent God. The conversation navigates skeptical theism, the subjective nature of evil, and the complexities of moral evaluations. Perry also shares insights on transforming dissertation work into a scholarly book and reflects on the philosophical nuances of divine reasoning. It's a thought-provoking and humorous exploration of profound questions.

Feb 13, 2023 • 1h 25min
Ep. 219 - Classical Christian Philosophy and The Great Commission w/Dr. Owen Anderson
In this discussion, Dr. Owen Anderson, a philosopher at Arizona State University, delves into the fascinating intersections of classical philosophy and Christianity. He explores the Great Commission's role in shaping Christian philosophy, critiques the application of analytic methods, and examines the relationship between knowledge and belief. Anderson also shares insights on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt system, drawing analogies between martial arts and philosophical discourse. This engaging conversation highlights the importance of integrating philosophical inquiry with faith.

Feb 5, 2023 • 1h 8min
Ep. 218 - Tolkien as Philologist and Oxfordian Catholic w/Dr. Yannick Imbert
In this episode of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Yannick Imbert to discuss his new book, From Imagination to Faerie: Tolkien's Thomist Fantasy. We go in deep on Tolkien as a philologist, philosopher, and theologian.
Grab the book here to support the podcast: https://amzn.to/3QHFyTw
If you like this podcast, then support it on Patreon for $3, $5 or more a month. Any amount helps, and for $5 you get a Parker's Pensées sticker and instant access to all the episode as I record them instead of waiting for their release date. Check it out here:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parkers_pensees
If you want to give a one-time gift, you can give at my Paypal:
https://paypal.me/ParkersPensees?locale.x=en_US
Check out my merchandise at my Teespring store: https://teespring.com/stores/parkers-penses-merch
Come talk with the Pensées community on Discord: dsc.gg/parkerspensees
Sub to my Substack to read my thoughts on my episodes: https://parknotes.substack.com/
Check out my blog posts: https://parkersettecase.com/
Check out my Parker's Pensées YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYbTRurpFP5q4TpDD_P2JDA
Check out my other YouTube channel on my frogs and turtles: https://www.youtube.com/c/ParkerSettecase
Check me out on Twitter: https://twitter.com/trendsettercase
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parkers_pensees/

Jan 28, 2023 • 2h 3min
Ep. 217 - Does God Intend that SIN Occur? Wouldn't That Make Him Culpable? w/Dr. Daniel J. Hill
Dr. Daniel J. Hill, a senior lecturer at the University of Liverpool and co-author of "Does God Intend That Sin Occur?", joins the discussion on the philosophical implications of sin and divine intention. They dive into whether God’s knowledge of sin makes Him culpable and examine the distinctions between acts of commission and omission. The conversation unveils complex theological ideas about God's foreknowledge and intention, with engaging examples like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and tackles the challenges of moral accountability in the context of divine sovereignty.

Jan 18, 2023 • 1h 39min
Ep. 216 - Existential Inertia vs. Feser's 5 Proofs for God's Existence w/Joe Schmid
Joe Schmid, co-author of "Existential Inertia and Classical Theistic Proofs," dives deep into the philosophical nuances of existential inertia and its implications for the existence of God. He explores the historical roots of the concept, discussing how persistence and metaphysical perspectives shape our understanding of divine intervention. The conversation also covers Neoplatonic arguments for a non-composite first cause and critiques various proofs for God's existence. With engaging banter, they simplify complex ideas, making philosophy accessible and thought-provoking.

Jan 15, 2023 • 1h 31min
Ep. 215 - Can You Have a Biblical... Critical Theory??? w/Dr. Christopher Watkin
Dr. Christopher Watkin, an author and expert on integrating faith with cultural critique, discusses his book, Biblical Critical Theory. He explores how biblical teachings can inform modern societal critiques, emphasizing the importance of dialogue between faith and critical theory. Watkin highlights the complexities of culture and argues for a nuanced understanding of human identity through a biblical lens. Additionally, he advocates for respectful environmental stewardship and examines the balance of order and chaos in understanding community and purpose.