Overthink

Dive into the transformative world of degrowth, where industries might need to vanish, and ‘bullshit jobs’ are called out for elimination. The hosts dissect the imperial mode of living, critiquing the Green New Deal's growth-friendly nature. They highlight the dual harms of capitalism—economic inequality and environmental degradation—while dreaming of a future focused on equality and abundance. Explore Kohei Saito's pillars advocating sustainable production and communal decision-making, alongside bold ideas to prioritize care work over pointless roles.

Jennifer Banks, Senior Executive Editor at Yale University Press and author of *Natality: Toward a Philosophy of Birth*, explores the often-ignored topic of birth in philosophy. She discusses how historical thinkers distanced themselves from birthing and the surprising implications of this neglect. Delving into Hannah Arendt's ideas, Jennifer highlights birth as a form of political action, linking it to freedom and transformation. The conversation also examines the complexities of monstrosity through Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein*, revealing birth's potential for both liberation and tragedy.

Delve into the resurgence of traditional femininity, exploring trends like tradwives and the divine feminine on social media. Discover Simone de Beauvoir's notion that femininity is a taught process rather than innate. The hosts question whether nostalgia for domesticity is a reaction against capitalism and how beauty standards shape women's self-perception. They also analyze the concept of feminine writing and the challenges of reclaiming language, while debating the political implications of femininity in contemporary society.

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving concept of masculinity. Explore the crisis facing modern men, from loneliness to the rise of right-wing influencers. Unpack the historical roots of masculinity studies and the troubling characteristics often associated with male roles. Analyze the controversial rhetoric of figures like Andrew Tate and the implications of their views. Finally, engage in a lively debate on whether a healthier, more positive model of masculinity can emerge, touching on universal ethics versus gendered traits.

The hosts dive into the meaning of neighborly love and who qualifies as a neighbor. They explore the tension between intimacy and distance in urban living, enriched by personal anecdotes. Levinas's philosophy shapes their discussion on moral responsibility and the ethics of 'the other.' The complexities of socioeconomic factors influencing neighbor relationships are also examined. Additionally, they tackle voyeurism and ethical dilemmas in observing others, questioning our obligations within the community.

Lindsey Stewart, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Memphis and author of The Conjuring of America, unpacks the magic of Black women, tracing its roots from West African traditions to modern times. She discusses the complex image of Black women as magical figures and the influence of history and Christianity on these narratives. Stewart connects the concept of Sankofa to cultural icons like Beyoncé, highlighting how music and healing practices reflect resilience and identity within the Black community.

The discussion dives into the rise of misinformation and its troubling effects on public trust. Key political figures exemplify the normalization of falsehoods in contemporary discourse. Ellie and David tackle the blurred lines between misinformation and disinformation while emphasizing the need for truth literacy. They explore the complex relationship between postmodernism and the current crisis, reflecting on how academic thought may intersect with rampant political deception. Through personal anecdotes, they dissect concepts of 'bullshit' and highlight the importance of honesty in our communicative age.

Discover the surprising roots of burnout, tracing its link to social justice and achievement culture. The hosts dive into how mindless scrolling contributes to our collective fatigue. They discuss the struggles academics face in recognizing their own burnout and question whether escape is feasible within a capitalist society. With insights on shame, errand paralysis, and compulsive buying, listeners gain a deeper understanding of burnout’s complexities and the need to address its systemic causes.

Discover the transformative power of travel as hosts delve into philosophical views from Plato to Rousseau. They challenge the differences between genuine travel and superficial tourism, offering witty insights on cultural engagement. The discussion touches on the impact of travel on personal growth and navigating the challenges of culture shock. They also hilariously debate their love-hate relationship with phones and travel photography, examining what truly enriches our experiences abroad. Join the journey of self-discovery through exploration!

Philosophy professor Eric Schwitzgebel, an expert in the philosophy of mind and author of 'The Weirdness of the World,' joins the conversation to dissect the peculiarities of metaphysical theories. He and the hosts explore the distinction between weirdness and bizarreness, questioning whether living in a simulation is any stranger than Plato's idealism. With insights on the strangeness of consciousness and the role of societal norms in philosophy, they probe deep into the unique ways humans perceive reality. Prepare for a mind-bending discussion!