The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast

Marie-Hélène Gorisse, an expert in Jaina philosophy at the University of Birmingham, discusses the intricacies of Jainism. She explains the non-creationist perspective of Jainism, challenging conventional views of a creator god. The podcast explores the cyclical nature of the cosmos and how Jain thought intersects with modern science. Marie-Hélène also delves into issues like gender debates within Jainism and the significance of ahimsa. Her insights illuminate how Jain philosophy can foster personal and societal well-being amidst contemporary challenges.

Jainism, along with Buddhism and Hinduism, is one of India's great dharmic traditions – though far less well known than its siblings. Emerging around the second century BCE, it is best-known for valuing ahimsa in pursuit of liberation – a devout practice of non-violence. Yet there is far more to Jain philosophy than liberation and ahimsa. Jainism offers a rich way of understanding the self, the cosmos, and the divine. It's a philosophy with a vision of reality that continues to challenge Western preconceptions on, well, just about everything: from the nature of souls and knowledge to the meaning of life and the origin of the universe. Today, we'll be exploring Jainism with Dr Marie-Hélène Gorisse. Dr Gorisse is currently Dharmanath Assistant Professor in Jain Studies at the University of Birmingham, where she's co-project lead of the Global Philosophy of Religion Project 2. Marie-Hélène's work explores South Asian philosophy of religion and, most specifically, she is a world-leading expert on Jaina philosophy. In this episode, we'll trace how Jainism arose, how its sages taught that the self can escape the cycle of rebirth, and the purpose of the universe. And perhaps more importantly, we'll explore how Jainism can help us all live better lives for the sake of ourselves, and the world around us. This episode is produced in partnership with The Global Philosophy of Religion Project at University of Birmingham, funded by the John Templeton Foundation. Links Marie-Hélène Gorisse, University of Birmingham The Global Philosophy of Religion Project 2, Website

In this enlightening discussion, Paul Taylor, a doctoral candidate at the University of Liverpool, dives into the complexities of divine command theory. He addresses whether morality relies on God’s whims or exists independently. Taylor navigates challenging topics like the impact of contradictory divine commands and the nature of moral obligation. He also shares insights on his personal stance as a moral subjectivist, emphasizing the need for caution when interpreting divine instructions. This thought-provoking conversation challenges listeners to reconsider the foundations of morality.

Join Paul Taylor, a doctoral candidate at the University of Liverpool, as he unpacks the philosophical challenges surrounding the Euthyphro dilemma. He explores whether morality is contingent on divine commands or rooted in objective truths. The discussion delves into how divine command theory can uphold the notion of God's goodness without falling into the trap of arbitrariness. Taylor also tackles objections to this theory, questioning the implications of God commanding morally abhorrent acts, making for an engaging philosophical debate.

Tim Mawson, a philosophy tutor at Oxford specializing in religion, and Asha Lancaster-Thomas, a scholar of alternative concepts of God, engage in a thought-provoking debate. They discuss pantheism, proposing that God and the universe are one, and challenge traditional theism. Topics include the implications of divine identification with the universe, the nature of miracles, and concepts of personal identity within pantheism. Asha emphasizes cosmic unity through quantum connections, while Tim critiques the potential for divine worth in a pantheist framework.

Across the world, belief in God continues to be widespread and, among philosophers, has long been considered one solution to the problems of the world's origin, fine-tuned nature, and purpose. However, in the West, very few people have considered alternative concepts of God credible. That, though, may be beginning to change. One such alternative – pantheism – tells us that the universe and God are one and the same thing. It challenges conventional ideas about divine agency and the coherence of traditional theism, and invites us to reconsider what we mean when we speak of 'God'. To explore God's nature, in this special episode, I'll be joined by two guests: Tim Mawson and Asha Lancaster-Thomas. Dr Mawson is Edgar Jones Fellow and Tutor in Philosophy at St Peter's College, University of Oxford. He has published five books and over fifty papers in the philosophy of religion. Dr Lancaster-Thomas is Teacher of Philosophy at Atlanta Classical Academy, USA, and has published widely on the philosophy of religion – most recently exploring alternative concepts of God, including the one we'll be debating today. Tim Mawson will be arguing in favour of traditional theism – the view that God and the world are not identical. Asha Lancaster-Thomas will be defending pantheism – the view that they are. What are the implications of identifying God with the universe? Can such a view still provide the kind of moral and metaphysical grounding traditionally associated with belief in a transcendent creator? Or – by dragging God down from the heaven's – do we diminish the divine and its explanatory power? This episode is generously supported by The John Templeton Foundation, through The Panpsychism and Pan(en)theism Project (62683).

The podcast delves into the complex ethics of comedy, questioning where the line lies between humor and offense. It discusses the impact of a comedian's identity on the morality of their jokes. The hosts explore themes like audience trust and how context shapes reactions to humor. They also tackle controversial figures, campus sensitivities, and the balance between artistic freedom and societal norms. Through various examples, they dissect the relationship between the artist and their work, leaving listeners pondering the intricacies of laughter.

The podcast delves into the provocative intersection of humor and ethics. It wrestles with the implications of controversial jokes, like Jimmy Carr's Holocaust quip, questioning where the line should be drawn in comedy. The discussion explores comic amoralism and the evolving audience perceptions of humor, particularly relating to sensitive topics. It also touches on the ethics of roasting and the significance of incongruity in eliciting laughter, revealing how humor can simultaneously challenge societal norms and provoke necessary conversations.

The podcast dives into the provocative world of comedy, examining how humor intersects with societal norms and moral boundaries. It discusses controversial jokes, like those that sparked outrage from Jimmy Carr, and questions where the line is drawn in comedy. The hosts explore various theories of humor, such as superiority and incongruity, while reflecting on personal experiences. They emphasize humor's ability to shape cultural values and foster connections, all while navigating the complex interplay of laughter, emotions, and social dynamics.

In this lively discussion, Alex O’Connor, a moral philosophy expert known for his insights on emotivism, joins a panel to unravel the origins of morality. They tackle intriguing questions about personal choices and societal structures, particularly regarding family dynamics and marriage. The group also explores the intersection of Hindu philosophy and moral truths, recommending key texts. The candid audience Q&A further dives into ethical emotivism, revealing how emotions shape our moral landscape.