Philosopher's Zone

The podcast explores the concept of life narratives and challenges the idea of viewing life as a linear story. It discusses main character syndrome, the consequences of prescriptive story forms, and the need for diverse narrative forms. Additionally, it delves into the role of agency in life narratives, memory, identity, and narrative disruptions.

Exploring the complexity of historical narratives, the podcast challenges the conventional idea of historians as uncoverers of truth. It delves into how cultural and political factors shape historical interpretation, emphasizing the subjectivity and ethical responsibility in constructing historical truths. The conversation also touches on the epistemic value of historical narratives and the importance of recognizing different perspectives in understanding historical events.

Explore the wisdom of ancient philosophers for modern happiness, including structuring time for happiness, understanding the complexity of the self with insights from Socrates, importance of non-rational parts in human connections, and balancing motivations and cultivating virtuous friendships.

Kate Manne, an expert in moral philosophy, discusses fatphobia, societal beauty standards, and biases in ethical discourse. The podcast explores the intersection of fatphobia with feminism, gendered mind-body relationships in philosophy, and the impact on marginalized communities. It also proposes the concept of body reflexivity as a new perspective for embracing body diversity.

Exploration of Descartes and Spinoza's views on emotions, mind-body unity, and dualism. Connection between emotions and marginalized groups. Integration of somatic therapy in mental health through Spinoza's lens.

Political philosopher Noelle McAfee discusses civil disobedience, challenging authority, and the intersection of philosophy and activism. Topics include political unconscious, influence of philosophers like Kristeva and Arendt, Thoreau's non-conformity, and steps for good political discourse.

Heather Dyke, Associate Professor of Philosophy at University of Otago NZ, discusses the illusion of time passing. Topics include A theory vs. B theory, metaphysical significance of the present moment, language's influence on temporal understanding, subjective time experience, and memories shaping time perception.

Explore how philosophy guides individuals in facing life's challenges, embracing difficulties, and redefining success and failure. Delve into the inevitability of regret and the fear of missing out, with philosophical insights on overcoming obstacles from Diogenes and Iris Murdoch.

When we think of 19th century German philosophy, we perhaps think first of Nietzsche, or Hegel, and then some other men - but Germany in the 1800s was also home to a number of women philosophers.

Exploring the rise of neofeudalism in Western democracies with tech giants as techno-lords, questioning executive salaries and monopolies. Debating the state's role in empowering private individuals and firms. Examining political activism against capitalism and advocating for rebuilding institutions for collective action and solidarity.