Overthink

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!

Dive into the captivating world of air as hosts explore its dual nature—symbolizing freedom while posing hidden dangers. Reflect on Anaximenes' beliefs about air's essence and the philosophical ties between breath and the soul. Unpack the alarming realities of air pollution and its effects on health, particularly in vulnerable communities. Discover how air takes center stage in warfare and modern technology while connecting these themes to cultural narratives, including poignant moments from 'The Last of Us'.

Dive into the rich tapestry of Earth as Ellie and David explore its symbolic meaning beyond just a physical realm. They unravel the depths of geology and psychology, highlighting how our perceptions are shaped by history. Discover the fascinating connection between soil, life, and even the role of earthworms in ecosystems. Philosophical insights from thinkers like Heidegger and Foucault reveal a more dynamic relationship with our planet, challenging us to rethink humanity's connection with the natural world.

Dive into the depths of water's significance, from its role in life’s origins to philosophical musings by ancient thinkers like Thales. Explore the duality of our emotions tied to water, balancing fear and freedom. The conversation reveals how moisture affects our food and reflects on humanity's deep connections to aquatic environments. Uncover the transformative nature of water in the context of climate change, and laugh along as the hosts share personal anecdotes about their love-hate relationship with this essential element.

Explore the evolving relationship between humanity and fire, from its destructive power to its role as a universal metaphor. Delve into the philosophical significance of fire and its dual nature as both friend and foe. Discover how cultural perceptions have shifted, reflecting on the impact of fire on society, ecology, and even personal memories. Hear humorous anecdotes that intertwine fire with identity, and reassess fire's role as an ecological tool in light of increasing wildfires.

Barry Lam, a philosophy professor at UC Riverside and host of Hi-Phi Nation, dives into the intriguing concept of discretion in his discussion. He challenges the drawbacks of excessive rules and bureaucracy, arguing that they can stifle decision-making in crucial areas like criminal justice. Lam explores how AI fits into this landscape, emphasizing its limitations compared to human judgment. The conversation also touches on the moral responsibilities of individuals in facing unjust laws and the necessity for educated discretion in roles of power.

Episode 128 – CleanlinessHow often should you shower to remain ‘clean’? How many times can you re-wear your jeans before they are considered ‘dirty’? In episode 128 of Overthink, Ellie and David take a look at cleanliness. They get into how humans have turned cleanliness into an art, and maybe even an obsession. Why are we so bothered by dirt? What is dirt, anyways? How are notions of dirtiness and cleanliness even into our symbolic systems, including language and religion? And what is up with TikTok’s obsession with the Clean Girl Aesthetic? As they tackle these questions, your hosts also explore the historical weaponisation of the concept of cleanliness against marginalised groups, such as queer people and people of color. In the bonus, Ellie and David discuss cleanliness as a social construct, the link between it and isolation, and Michel Serres’s ‘excremental theory’ of private property.Works Discussed:Bruce Bagemihl, Biological ExuberanceDana Berthold, “Tidy Whiteness: A Genealogy of Race, Purity, and Hygiene”L’Oreal Blackett, “In The “Hygiene Olympics” Black Folks Always Win — But Aren’t We Tired?”Mary Douglas, Purity and DangerVirginia Smith, Clean: A History of Personal Hygiene and PuritySupport the showPatreon | patreon.com/overthinkpodcast Website | overthinkpodcast.comInstagram & Twitter | @overthink_podEmail | dearoverthink@gmail.comYouTube | Overthink podcast