Philosopher's Zone

Laura D'Olimpio, an Associate Professor of Philosophy of Education at the University of Birmingham and author of "The Necessity of Aesthetic Education," discusses the crisis facing arts and humanities in education. She explores the vital role of aesthetic experiences in fostering engagement and appreciation of art. D'Olimpio challenges the idea that arts education is solely about self-expression, emphasizing its cultural significance and moral complexities. She also addresses the impact of societal attitudes on arts education and the need for effective communication in advocating for the arts.

Explore the revival of Wilfrid Sellars through the eyes of contemporary Continental philosophers, including unexpected interest from Marxists. Discover his dual views on the manifest and scientific images of reality, pushing for a richer understanding of truth. Delve into how his insights inform our responses to climate change and social reform, advocating for a blend of philosophy and natural science. Unpack the 'myth of the given' and its implications for knowledge acquisition, revealing the complexity of intellectual challenges we face today.

Matthew Sharp, an Associate Professor in Philosophy at Australian Catholic University, delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding representations of Auschwitz in literature and film. He shares a poignant personal account of visiting the site, revealing the complexities of human emotion amid atrocity. Sharp emphasizes the chilling relevance of Auschwitz's lessons today, examining the rise of anti-Semitism in Australia and the normalization of extremist ideologies. His insights challenge us to confront our own complicity in moral issues influenced by technology and social media.

Mariana Imaz, Academic Coordinator of Humanities at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, delves into the fascinating interplay between history and narrative. She challenges the traditional view of historians as mere fact-finders, emphasizing their role in constructing meaning from the past. The discussion covers how cultural influences shape historical narratives, the complexities of understanding events like the US invasion of Iraq, and the transformative power of diverse perspectives in assessing conflicting histories.

Libertarians are hard to pin down – they have a number of seemingly contradictory commitments that we normally associate with people on either the left or the right of politics. Libertarians like small government, low taxes and free markets – but they also favour things like same-sex marriage and drug legalisation. So what exactly is libertarianism, and where did it come from?

Rebecca Roach, a senior lecturer in philosophy and author of "For Fuck's Sake," dives into the fascinating world of swearing. She explores how swearing's power transcends mere words and reflects cultural taboos. Discussing its evolution from religious blasphemy to modern expressions, she examines the role of context and intent in shaping perceptions. Roach also critiques censorship practices in media, arguing how bleeping can amplify the impact of swear words. Additionally, she distinguishes swear words from slurs, highlighting their varying societal implications.

Crispin Sartwell, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Dickinson College and author of 'The Post-Linguistic Turn', dives into the fascinating evolution of philosophy's relationship with language. He discusses the linguistic turn of the 20th century and its profound impact on philosophical thought. Sartwell explores the shift initiated by thinkers like Wittgenstein and Richard Rorty, the decline of the linguistic focus, and how contemporary philosophy is embracing personal narratives. What does the future hold for philosophical inquiries that intertwine language and personal experience?

When you think about the music you like (or don't like), what does it tell you about your taste? Do you think you have good taste? And if you do, why? What is it about music that determines good or bad taste, and is it possible to cultivate the former?

In this engaging conversation, Mary Graham, a distinguished Aboriginal academic and author, explores the deep-seated effects of colonialism on Indigenous communities. She discusses the importance of justice over national safety, emphasizing relationalism and coexistence. Graham critiques the unipolar world order and advocates for multipolarity, highlighting Aboriginal diplomatic traditions. She sheds light on the resilience of Aboriginal culture, promoting stewardship and respectful conflict resolution, while addressing the indifference faced by Indigenous peoples in Australia.

Charles Blatberg, Professor of political philosophy at the University of Montreal, dives deep into Hannah Arendt’s unique blend of aesthetics and politics. He explores Arendt's idea of natality and the significance of individual actions versus predictable behavior. The conversation also covers how art and politics can be appreciated for their own sake, rather than practical outcomes. They discuss the banality of evil through the lens of Eichmann's trial, prompting reflection on the nature of evil in modern society and the practical implications of Arendt’s ideas.