Within Reason

British philosopher A.C. Grayling discusses the impending scramble for the moon, the Outer Space Treaty, philosophical implications of lunar ownership, historical conflicts, and the necessity for international agreements to prevent disputes and ensure ethical exploration of space.

Exploring topics like veganism, psychedelics, decision-making, and free will in a philosophical discussion filled with ethical dilemmas, perceptions, and internal constraints on freedom

In this engaging discussion, Sam Harris, a renowned neuroscientist and philosopher, dives into the complexities of morality. He examines whether science can objectively determine moral values, arguing against moral relativism and highlighting universal truths about suffering. The interplay between subjective experiences and objective ethics is explored, alongside the impact of cultural beliefs on moral frameworks. Harris also delves into the benefits of meditation and consciousness, challenging listeners to rethink the nature of personal and societal morality.

Exploring the complexities of time, Carlo Rovelli discusses time perception, relativity, and the fluidity of time. Delving into time as a dimension, heat, irreversibility in physics, and the interconnection of gravity, space, and time.

Dive into the debate between Richard Dawkins and William Lane Craig, exploring their contrasting views and Dawkins' refusal to engage. Explore the ethical considerations of Old Testament slaughter, divine command morality, and the moral dilemmas surrounding God's commands. Reflect on the controversies over Craig's perspectives, the justification for biblical slaughter, and the challenges of understanding divine agency and natural phenomena.

Exploring the debate on America's identity as a Christian nation, discussing historical figures like Thomas Paine and the role of Christianity in the country's foundation. Analyzing the Establishment Clause's limitations on government interference in matters of faith and the ongoing debate on whether America is a Christian nation or a secular state. Tracing the historical evolution of Christianity in America and Benjamin Franklin's proposal for daily prayer at the Constitutional Convention.

The podcast delves into the multiverse theory, quantum mechanics, and the wave-particle duality of particles. It explores various quantum interpretations, the necessity of a multiverse for solid matter existence, and the challenges of coherence maintenance in quantum systems. The conversation also covers the philosophical implications of quantum theory and the challenge of understanding vast numbers and complex shapes in physics and astronomy.

Susan Neiman discusses her book 'Left Is Not Woke' and the clash between emotion and logic in defining left-leaning values. They explore identity, intersectionality, being Jewish, and challenges faced by the left like proto-fascism and the climate crisis.

Robert Sapolsky, renowned neuroendocrinology researcher and Stanford professor, dives into the compelling debate on free will. He discusses how biological and environmental factors intricately shape our decisions, challenging the idea of personal agency. Through intriguing examples, like the impact of hunger on judicial choices, he reveals the depth of determinants influencing our actions. Sapolsky also reflects on the implications of these ideas for moral responsibility, encouraging a more compassionate society by questioning traditional views on praise and blame.

The Cultural Tutor, Sheehan Quirke, discusses the importance of beauty in education and the impact of the internet on art, history, and culture. They explore the perception of modern architecture and compare it to past architecture, questioning the beauty of the pyramids. The conversation also touches on gratitude, clean water, and the hazards of historical thinking. They emphasize the value of primary sources in understanding history and the significance of old newspapers and advertisements.