Entitled Opinions (about Life and Literature)

Explore the intriguing distinctions between human, animal, and artificial intelligence. Delve into the mysteries surrounding human thought and the concept of freedom versus constraint. Discover how storytelling shapes our culture and the unique human condition. Uncover the reasons behind language's development and the relationship to prolonged childhood. Contemplate the future of AI as it mimics human imagination, and reflect on humanity's fate when machines surpass us.

Michaela Hulstyn, a Stanford lecturer and author specializing in phenomenology, engages in a thought-provoking discussion on 'unselfing.' They explore the contrast between today's digital narcissism and classical self-cultivation, questioning the authenticity of modern self-branding. Michaela highlights how moments of unselfing, often inspired by art or nature, can lead to deeper moral insights. Delving into theorists like Simone Weil and Iris Murdoch, they examine how beauty can spur justice and how love may reveal uncharted facets of the self.

Grant Dowling, a PhD student at Stanford, dives into the intriguing philosophy of inaction. He explores the timeless debates between Plato and Aristotle about action versus inaction, highlighting Epicurus's apolitical garden as a sanctuary. The discussion shifts to modern dilemmas like the trolley problem and the literature of refusal, featuring characters like Bartleby. Dowling also considers contemporary trends among Gen Z, including doomscrolling and the Lay Flat movement, as forms of withdrawal and collective resistance.

A conversation about crystals and their mysterious quantum powers with Dr. Aaron Breidenbach. Songs in this episode: “From the Beginning” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and “Crystalised” by The xx.

Dive into a poetic exploration of the wind, blending nature's whispers with profound existential reflections. The host reveals the wind as a poet's ally, carrying emotions and solitude across landscapes. This journey weaves through the duality of wind's gentle embrace and its destructive power. As oppressive heat ignites a moment of tension, themes of life's challenges emerge, especially for those navigating academia. Concluding with a poignant farewell, the narrative encapsulates the shared human experience against life's ever-changing winds.

Tim Noakes, Head of Public Services at Stanford University's Special Collections, joins the discussion to explore David Jones' literary masterpiece, "In Parenthesis." The conversation delves into the chaotic impact of World War I on modernist thought, highlighting how poets like Jones captured the absurdity of war. They examine Jones' artistic evolution and his unique blend of poetry and prose influenced by surrealism and Welsh myths. Additionally, they reflect on the emotional aftermath of key battles like the Somme, enriching our understanding of soldiers' experiences.

Join Jeanne Proust, Vice President of the Public Philosophy Network, as she explores the delicate balance of intimacy in the age of AI. She discusses how technology blurs the lines of relationships, raising concerns about emotional authenticity and loneliness. The conversation touches on the rise of deepfake pornography and its harmful effects on identity, emphasizing the need for philosophical inquiry in healing. Proust also highlights the importance of community engagement and genuine human connection amidst the digital landscape.

A monologue in which our host, Professor Robert Harrison, performs a “cover” of Walter Benjamin’s essay titled “The Destructive Character,” first published in 1931.

Laura Wittman, an Associate Professor at Stanford, dives deep into Carl Jung’s fascinating exploration of the unconscious. She discusses the profound insights in Jung's Red Book, showcasing how he embraced irrationality as essential for personal growth. The conversation highlights Jung's critique of traditional therapy, the significance of archetypes, and the balance between rational thought and unconscious impulses. Wittman emphasizes how Jung's techniques can navigate personal crises and enrich our journeys of self-discovery.

Jan Söffner, a Visiting Professor in German Studies at Stanford, delves into the complexities of reality, the actual, and the virtual. He discusses the phenomenon of techno-narcissism and its impact on identity, likening it to the myth of Narcissus. The conversation shifts to how modern politics often favors emotional narratives over truth, particularly in the age of social media. Söffner also critiques the transition from real values to speculative investments, using Tesla as a prime example of this growing disconnect in a rapidly evolving digital economy.