

Philosopher's Zone
ABC listen
The simplest questions often have the most complex answers. The Philosopher's Zone is your guide through the strange thickets of logic, metaphysics and ethics.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 17, 2024 • 28min
Friendship
This podcast explores Aristotle's conditions for virtuous friendship and his low estimation of women's capacity for friendship. It also discusses the emergence of women's philosophical voices in the early modern period, the presence of women in intellectual circles, and the achievements and challenges of Mary Astell's advocacy for women's rights. The podcast concludes by exploring the views and limitations of a feminist thinker and the reflection of her beliefs in society at the time.

Jan 10, 2024 • 30min
Transgender identity and experience
The podcast explores the challenges of understanding transgender identity as an experience, discussing topics such as legislative attacks on trans rights, biased media perspectives, binary gender concepts, and the importance of recognizing diverse experiences within transgender.

Jan 3, 2024 • 28min
Gender, gaming and pop culture
Exploring gender representation in video games, highlighting disparities in dialogue between male and female characters. Discussing stereotypes and the need for more realistic representation. Examining the intersection of philosophy and popular culture, emphasizing the relevance of engaging with pop culture in philosophical discussions. Promoting the website the Epicurean Cure, which celebrates critically thinking about and engaging with pop culture through academic expertise.

7 snips
Dec 27, 2023 • 36min
Richard Rorty and America
Richard Rorty, American philosopher and author, accurately predicted the rise of a Trump-like figure in the USA. The podcast explores Rorty's views on identity politics, economic disparity, patriotism, and the challenges facing American democracy. His nuanced approach challenges assumptions from both the left and right, providing valuable insights into the state of American politics and culture.

4 snips
Dec 20, 2023 • 28min
Women philosophers in antiquity
Exploring the role of women philosophers in ancient times, challenges in understanding their works, philosophy grounded in domestic practices, connections between priestly activity and philosophy, and the life and legacy of Hypatia of Alexandria.

Dec 13, 2023 • 28min
Time in the time of COVID
The podcast explores the phenomenon of temporal distortion during the COVID-19 lockdown, discussing personal anecdotes and collaborative research on the subject. It also delves into the abstract nature of the sociology of time, explores time distortions in extreme situations, and examines people's perceptions of the future during COVID-19.

Dec 7, 2023 • 28min
Stability, security and survival: a conversation with Mary Graham
Mary Graham, one of Australia's most distinguished Aboriginal academics and authors, discusses colonization, Aboriginal worldview, autonomy, survivalist ethos, and conflict- colonial and Aboriginal approaches. She highlights the interconnectedness of all beings with the land, the importance of self-determination and environmental responsibility, and the need for decolonization and rebuilding Indigenous governance.

Nov 28, 2023 • 41min
Libertarianism
Explore the origins of libertarianism and its alignment with political conservatives during the Cold War. Discover how bleeding heart libertarianism addresses concerns of social Darwinism and capitalism. Delve into the complex issue of gun ownership and the philosophical questions it raises. Learn about the challenges and limitations of libertarianism as a political philosophy.

Nov 23, 2023 • 46min
The Cynics
Explore the origins and influence of cynic philosophy, focusing on the extreme self-denial and rejection of societal norms. Discover the connection between cynicism and stoicism, as well as their potential influence on early Christianity. Delve into the contemporary relevance of cynicism in activist groups and vaccine refusal. Lastly, learn about caring for oneself to care for others and how it relates to addressing global issues.

12 snips
Nov 15, 2023 • 28min
The philosophy of biology
This podcast discusses the importance of philosophy in the field of biology, highlighting how philosophers can assist scientists, explore conceptual issues, and challenge traditional approaches. It emphasizes the need for collaboration, clarifying terminology, and embracing philosophical analysis in scientific research.