The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast

Jack Symes | Andrew Horton, Oliver Marley, and Rose de Castellane
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Nov 24, 2019 • 56min

Episode 69, ‘Galileo's Error’ with Philip Goff (Part II - Further Analysis and Discussion)

Galileo Galilei is widely considered to be the father of modern science and one of the greatest philosophers to have lived. Galileo played a pivotal role in the developments of the scientific revolution, overturning key tenets of Aristotelian physics and most significantly, advocating mathematics as the language of science. For Galileo, the physics of the past was plagued with unhelpful sensory qualities like colours, tastes, smells and sounds; for science to make progress, he thought, ‘the book of the universe’ must be written in a purely quantitative language. For Durham University’s Philip Goff, this was Galileo’s Error. The hard problem of consciousness was born when Galileo stripped consciousness away from the scientific picture. Somehow, we must find a way back. We must lay the foundations for a new science - a new science of consciousness. Contents Part I. Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion Links Philip Goff, Galileo’s Error (2019). Philip Goff, Website. Philip Goff, Twitter.
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Nov 17, 2019 • 58min

Episode 69, ‘Galileo's Error’ with Philip Goff (Part I - Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness)

Galileo Galilei is widely considered to be the father of modern science and one of the greatest philosophers to have lived. Galileo played a pivotal role in the developments of the scientific revolution, overturning key tenets of Aristotelian physics and most significantly, advocating mathematics as the language of science. For Galileo, the physics of the past was plagued with unhelpful sensory qualities like colours, tastes, smells and sounds; for science to make progress, he thought, ‘the book of the universe’ must be written in a purely quantitative language. For Durham University’s Philip Goff, this was Galileo’s Error. The hard problem of consciousness was born when Galileo stripped consciousness away from the scientific picture. Somehow, we must find a way back. We must lay the foundations for a new science - a new science of consciousness. Contents Part I. Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion Links Philip Goff, Galileo’s Error (2019). Philip Goff, Website. Philip Goff, Twitter.
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Nov 10, 2019 • 42min

Episode 68, The Abigail Thorn Interview (Part II - Further Analysis and Discussion)

Abigail Thorn is an actor and educator, best known as the creator and host of the popular YouTube channel Philosophy Tube. Boasting around half a million subscribers, Abigail’s channel is notorious for its well-researched content and colourful presentation. With over six years of videos under her belt, it is fair to say that Abigail is going over and above in her goal of giving away her philosophy degree for free. In this episode, we’ll be getting at the person behind Philosophy Tube, discussing the role and responsibilities of those contributing to public-facing philosophy. When we present philosophy in the public sphere, what are our goals? Should they the same as those in the philosophy seminar room - our desire being rigorous, detailed, delicate contemplation - or does public media demand something else? In short, do we need to change our ways to make philosophy accessible? [Note: Abigail Thorn came out as a transgender woman in January 2021. This episode was recorded pre-transition.] Contents Part I. Behind Philosophy Tube Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion Links Philosophy Tube, YouTube Channel Philosophy Tube, Twitter Philosophy Tube, Patreon Interview: Philosophy Tube, What’s it like to be a philosopher?
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Nov 3, 2019 • 38min

Episode 68, The Abigail Thorn Interview (Part I - Behind Philosophy Tube)

Abigail Thorn is an actor and educator, best known as the creator and host of the popular YouTube channel Philosophy Tube. Boasting around half a million subscribers, Abigail’s channel is notorious for its well-researched content and colourful presentation. With over six years of videos under her belt, it is fair to say that Abigail is going over and above in her goal of giving away her philosophy degree for free. In this episode, we’ll be getting at the person behind Philosophy Tube, discussing the role and responsibilities of those contributing to public-facing philosophy. When we present philosophy in the public sphere, what are our goals? Should they the same as those in the philosophy seminar room - our desire being rigorous, detailed, delicate contemplation - or does public media demand something else? In short, do we need to change our ways to make philosophy accessible? [Note: Abigail Thorn came out as a transgender woman in January 2021. This episode was recorded pre-transition.] Contents Part I. Behind Philosophy Tube Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion Links Philosophy Tube, YouTube Channel Philosophy Tube, Twitter Philosophy Tube, Patreon Interview: Philosophy Tube, What’s it like to be a philosopher?
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Oct 27, 2019 • 32min

Episode 67, Flowers for Algernon (Part V - Further Analysis and Discussion)

Report: March 2nd After the successes we have had with Algernon, and with much deliberation, I have officially chosen our first research subject. Charlie Gordon, 32, was recommended to us by Alice Kinian from the Beekman School for Retarded Adults and she has assured us of his desire to increase his intellect. I have scheduled for Charlie to come to the lab over the next few days where Burt Selden will run some preliminary psych tests. We are also going to test his mental flexibility with a few maze puzzles with Algernon. All that remains is the consent of a family member to grant permission for the operation. According to Alice Kinian, his sister Norma might be the most appropriate person to seek out. Providing there are no warning signs during the testing, and consent is provided, we will be on the cusp of something truly ground-breaking. All these years of hard work will be vindicated and the trust of my wife and those who fund me will have been justified. Dare I say it, I might be remembered amongst the pantheon of great scientists. Strauss has insisted that we keep a close eye on his mental state and emotional growth. I am inclined to agree but feel we cannot be held fully accountable for the man’s personality. The success or failure of this experiment will rest on his increased intelligence, or lack thereof. One thing is certain, if the experiment works, Charlie Gordon’s life will change forever. Professor Harold Nemur Contents Part I. Life and Context. Part II. The Story: The Rise of Charlie Gordon. Part III. The Story: The Fall of Charlie Gordon. Part IV. The Meaning. Part V. Further Analysis and Discussion. Links Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes (Amazon). Algernon, Charlie, and I: A Writer’s Journey, Daniel Keyes (Amazon). Charly (1968), Full Movie (YouTube).
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Oct 20, 2019 • 41min

Episode 67, Flowers for Algernon (Part IV - The Meaning)

Report: March 2nd After the successes we have had with Algernon, and with much deliberation, I have officially chosen our first research subject. Charlie Gordon, 32, was recommended to us by Alice Kinian from the Beekman School for Retarded Adults and she has assured us of his desire to increase his intellect. I have scheduled for Charlie to come to the lab over the next few days where Burt Selden will run some preliminary psych tests. We are also going to test his mental flexibility with a few maze puzzles with Algernon. All that remains is the consent of a family member to grant permission for the operation. According to Alice Kinian, his sister Norma might be the most appropriate person to seek out. Providing there are no warning signs during the testing, and consent is provided, we will be on the cusp of something truly ground-breaking. All these years of hard work will be vindicated and the trust of my wife and those who fund me will have been justified. Dare I say it, I might be remembered amongst the pantheon of great scientists. Strauss has insisted that we keep a close eye on his mental state and emotional growth. I am inclined to agree but feel we cannot be held fully accountable for the man’s personality. The success or failure of this experiment will rest on his increased intelligence, or lack thereof. One thing is certain, if the experiment works, Charlie Gordon’s life will change forever. Professor Harold Nemur Contents Part I. Life and Context. Part II. The Story: The Rise of Charlie Gordon. Part III. The Story: The Fall of Charlie Gordon. Part IV. The Meaning. Part V. Further Analysis and Discussion. Links Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes (Amazon). Algernon, Charlie, and I: A Writer’s Journey, Daniel Keyes (Amazon). Charly (1968), Full Movie (YouTube).
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Oct 13, 2019 • 32min

Episode 67, Flowers for Algernon (Part III - The Story: The Fall of Charlie Gordon)

Report: March 2nd After the successes we have had with Algernon, and with much deliberation, I have officially chosen our first research subject. Charlie Gordon, 32, was recommended to us by Alice Kinian from the Beekman School for Retarded Adults and she has assured us of his desire to increase his intellect. I have scheduled for Charlie to come to the lab over the next few days where Burt Selden will run some preliminary psych tests. We are also going to test his mental flexibility with a few maze puzzles with Algernon. All that remains is the consent of a family member to grant permission for the operation. According to Alice Kinian, his sister Norma might be the most appropriate person to seek out. Providing there are no warning signs during the testing, and consent is provided, we will be on the cusp of something truly ground-breaking. All these years of hard work will be vindicated and the trust of my wife and those who fund me will have been justified. Dare I say it, I might be remembered amongst the pantheon of great scientists. Strauss has insisted that we keep a close eye on his mental state and emotional growth. I am inclined to agree but feel we cannot be held fully accountable for the man’s personality. The success or failure of this experiment will rest on his increased intelligence, or lack thereof. One thing is certain, if the experiment works, Charlie Gordon’s life will change forever. Professor Harold Nemur Contents Part I. Life and Context. Part II. The Story: The Rise of Charlie Gordon. Part III. The Story: The Fall of Charlie Gordon. Part IV. The Meaning. Part V. Further Analysis and Discussion. Links Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes (Amazon). Algernon, Charlie, and I: A Writer’s Journey, Daniel Keyes (Amazon). Charly (1968), Full Movie (YouTube).
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Oct 6, 2019 • 39min

Episode 67, Flowers for Algernon (Part II - The Story: The Rise of Charlie Gordon)

Report: March 2nd After the successes we have had with Algernon, and with much deliberation, I have officially chosen our first research subject. Charlie Gordon, 32, was recommended to us by Alice Kinian from the Beekman School for Retarded Adults and she has assured us of his desire to increase his intellect. I have scheduled for Charlie to come to the lab over the next few days where Burt Selden will run some preliminary psych tests. We are also going to test his mental flexibility with a few maze puzzles with Algernon. All that remains is the consent of a family member to grant permission for the operation. According to Alice Kinian, his sister Norma might be the most appropriate person to seek out. Providing there are no warning signs during the testing, and consent is provided, we will be on the cusp of something truly ground-breaking. All these years of hard work will be vindicated and the trust of my wife and those who fund me will have been justified. Dare I say it, I might be remembered amongst the pantheon of great scientists. Strauss has insisted that we keep a close eye on his mental state and emotional growth. I am inclined to agree but feel we cannot be held fully accountable for the man’s personality. The success or failure of this experiment will rest on his increased intelligence, or lack thereof. One thing is certain, if the experiment works, Charlie Gordon’s life will change forever. Professor Harold Nemur Contents Part I. Life and Context. Part II. The Story: The Rise of Charlie Gordon. Part III. The Story: The Fall of Charlie Gordon. Part IV. The Meaning. Part V. Further Analysis and Discussion. Links Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes (Amazon). Algernon, Charlie, and I: A Writer’s Journey, Daniel Keyes (Amazon). Charly (1968), Full Movie (YouTube).
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Sep 29, 2019 • 59min

Episode 67, Flowers for Algernon (Part I - Daniel Keyes: Life and Context)

Dive into the thought-provoking journey of Charlie Gordon, who seeks to enhance his intelligence through a radical experiment. The hosts tackle the ethical dilemmas surrounding this groundbreaking study while celebrating Daniel Keyes' insights in 'Flowers for Algernon.' Enjoy humorous banter alongside deep philosophical reflections on Nietzsche's views on suffering and autonomy. Discover Keyes' evolution from comic book writing to crafting profound literature, all while exploring the complexities of intelligence, alienation, and the problem of evil.
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Sep 22, 2019 • 60min

Episode 66, Niccolò Machiavelli (Part IV - Further Analysis and Discussion)

No book can teach you how to tame the raging river of fortune, for it has many plans contrary to ambitious minds. Yet to submit powerlessly to fate with lamentation, as if God has not instilled you with freedom of the will, is a sign of disrespect and the ultimate folly of our kind. For the river splits into many paths and those that appear to drag us towards the abyss, may, in the end, lead us to glory if only we persist in our efforts. That is not to say that fortune always favours the brave. The acts of life should be understood as drama rather than science, and sometimes the heroes lose. Nevertheless, if it just so happens that you wish to play the role of the Prince or Princess, and be responsible for guiding others to a better future, there is wisdom you can learn from your time and through history to aid your cause. Before we go any further, however, I must warn you that the practicalities of ruling come with demands that are not for the faint-of-heart. Human nature dictates that at times, you will need to adopt the methods of the Fox and the Lion. You must be like the Fox in order to spot the traps laid by those who wish to see you fail and you must be like the Lion so that those same people will never try too hard for fear of the repercussions. This might sound harsh, but let me remind you that the road to hell is often pathed with good intentions and that sometimes to be good you must learn… to be cruel. This episode is sponsored by Rachel Poulton’s The Little Book of Philosophy. For more information about the book, please click the following link: https://tinyurl.com/y4csq4no. Contents Part I. Life and Context Part II. The Prince Part III. Machiavellianism Today Part IV. Further Analysis and Discussion Links Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince (Amazon). Niccolò Machiavelli, The Discourses on Livy (Amazon). Quentin Skinner, Machiavelli: A Very Short Introduction (Amazon). Erica Benner, Be Like the Fox (Amazon). The Great Courses, Machiavelli in Context (Audible). Alan Ryan, On Politics (Amazon). Cary J. Nedermand, Machiavelli: A Beginner's Guide (Amazon). Dick Morris, New Prince: Machiavelli Updated for the Twenty-First Century (Amazon).

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