The Panpsycast Philosophy Podcast

Imagine you are in an open field which stretches in every direction, further than your eyes can see. Since there is nothing of interest in your immediate surroundings, you set your sights on the horizon. You begin to walk with purpose; long strides eventually break into a run until you are sprinting as fast as you can. After a while, you begin to slow down. Not just because of a lack of breath, but because something doesn’t quite feel right. Your steps relax to a strolling pace as you turn back to glance at where you started — but it isn’t clear how far you’ve come. You continue walking; at first for hours, then days, and then weeks. Eventually, although the anxiety set in days ago, you come to a stop. No matter how many steps you had taken, the horizon never came any closer. The goal was never realised, regardless of your efforts. This short passage might tell you something about your own life, or at least a way of thinking which has occupied your mind at one time or another. The horizon in the story is an analogy for instrumental goods. Instrumental goods are those things in life that you want because you believe them to be necessary for your well-being or happiness. A new job or a trip that you’ve always wanted to take, for example. We think that once we meet these goals, we will somehow achieve happiness as if it was some state which could be reached and maintained forever. But these ideas are sorely misguided. We cannot find and maintain happiness by seeking it in instrumental goods. You see, permanent, unchanging happiness is like the horizon in the story. No matter how hard you work for it, no matter how many promotions you achieve, how many new trips you take, you simply cannot find happiness in this way. Contents Part I. The Context and Life of Epictetus. Part II. The Discourses and The Enchiridion. Part III. Modern Stoicism. Part IV. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Part V. Further Analysis and Discussion. Links How to Be Free: An Ancient Guide to the Stoic Life, A. A. Long (Amazon). A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, William Irvine (Amazon). Discourses and Selected Writings, Epictetus (Amazon). Psychotherapy: A Very Short Introduction, Tom Burns and Eva Burns-Lundgren (Amazon). Meditations, Marcus Aurelius (Amazon). A Handbook for New Stoics: How to Thrive in a World Out of Your Control, Massimo Pigliucci (Amazon). How To Be A Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living, Massimo Pigliucci (Amazon). The Happiness Hypothesis: Putting Ancient Wisdom to the Test of Modern Science, Jonathan Haidt (Amazon). Classical Philosophy: A history of philosophy without any gaps, Volume 1, Peter Adamson (Amazon). The Partially Examine Life, Episode 124: The Stoic Life with Epictetus (Podcast).

Imagine you are in an open field which stretches in every direction, further than your eyes can see. Since there is nothing of interest in your immediate surroundings, you set your sights on the horizon. You begin to walk with purpose; long strides eventually break into a run until you are sprinting as fast as you can. After a while, you begin to slow down. Not just because of a lack of breath, but because something doesn’t quite feel right. Your steps relax to a strolling pace as you turn back to glance at where you started — but it isn’t clear how far you’ve come. You continue walking; at first for hours, then days, and then weeks. Eventually, although the anxiety set in days ago, you come to a stop. No matter how many steps you had taken, the horizon never came any closer. The goal was never realised, regardless of your efforts. This short passage might tell you something about your own life, or at least a way of thinking which has occupied your mind at one time or another. The horizon in the story is an analogy for instrumental goods. Instrumental goods are those things in life that you want because you believe them to be necessary for your well-being or happiness. A new job or a trip that you’ve always wanted to take, for example. We think that once we meet these goals, we will somehow achieve happiness as if it was some state which could be reached and maintained forever. But these ideas are sorely misguided. We cannot find and maintain happiness by seeking it in instrumental goods. You see, permanent, unchanging happiness is like the horizon in the story. No matter how hard you work for it, no matter how many promotions you achieve, how many new trips you take, you simply cannot find happiness in this way. Contents Part I. The Context and Life of Epictetus. Part II. The Discourses and The Enchiridion. Part III. Modern Stoicism. Part IV. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Part V. Further Analysis and Discussion. Links How to Be Free: An Ancient Guide to the Stoic Life, A. A. Long (Amazon). A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, William Irvine (Amazon). Discourses and Selected Writings, Epictetus (Amazon). Psychotherapy: A Very Short Introduction, Tom Burns and Eva Burns-Lundgren (Amazon). Meditations, Marcus Aurelius (Amazon). A Handbook for New Stoics: How to Thrive in a World Out of Your Control, Massimo Pigliucci (Amazon). How To Be A Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living, Massimo Pigliucci (Amazon). The Happiness Hypothesis: Putting Ancient Wisdom to the Test of Modern Science, Jonathan Haidt (Amazon). Classical Philosophy: A history of philosophy without any gaps, Volume 1, Peter Adamson (Amazon). The Partially Examine Life, Episode 124: The Stoic Life with Epictetus (Podcast).

Imagine you are in an open field which stretches in every direction, further than your eyes can see. Since there is nothing of interest in your immediate surroundings, you set your sights on the horizon. You begin to walk with purpose; long strides eventually break into a run until you are sprinting as fast as you can. After a while, you begin to slow down. Not just because of a lack of breath, but because something doesn’t quite feel right. Your steps relax to a strolling pace as you turn back to glance at where you started — but it isn’t clear how far you’ve come. You continue walking; at first for hours, then days, and then weeks. Eventually, although the anxiety set in days ago, you come to a stop. No matter how many steps you had taken, the horizon never came any closer. The goal was never realised, regardless of your efforts. This short passage might tell you something about your own life, or at least a way of thinking which has occupied your mind at one time or another. The horizon in the story is an analogy for instrumental goods. Instrumental goods are those things in life that you want because you believe them to be necessary for your well-being or happiness. A new job or a trip that you’ve always wanted to take, for example. We think that once we meet these goals, we will somehow achieve happiness as if it was some state which could be reached and maintained forever. But these ideas are sorely misguided. We cannot find and maintain happiness by seeking it in instrumental goods. You see, permanent, unchanging happiness is like the horizon in the story. No matter how hard you work for it, no matter how many promotions you achieve, how many new trips you take, you simply cannot find happiness in this way. Contents Part I. The Context and Life of Epictetus. Part II. The Discourses and The Enchiridion. Part III. Modern Stoicism. Part IV. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Part V. Further Analysis and Discussion. Links How to Be Free: An Ancient Guide to the Stoic Life, A. A. Long (Amazon). A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, William Irvine (Amazon). Discourses and Selected Writings, Epictetus (Amazon). Psychotherapy: A Very Short Introduction, Tom Burns and Eva Burns-Lundgren (Amazon). Meditations, Marcus Aurelius (Amazon). A Handbook for New Stoics: How to Thrive in a World Out of Your Control, Massimo Pigliucci (Amazon). How To Be A Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living, Massimo Pigliucci (Amazon). The Happiness Hypothesis: Putting Ancient Wisdom to the Test of Modern Science, Jonathan Haidt (Amazon). Classical Philosophy: A history of philosophy without any gaps, Volume 1, Peter Adamson (Amazon). The Partially Examine Life, Episode 124: The Stoic Life with Epictetus (Podcast).

Imagine you are in an open field which stretches in every direction, further than your eyes can see. Since there is nothing of interest in your immediate surroundings, you set your sights on the horizon. You begin to walk with purpose; long strides eventually break into a run until you are sprinting as fast as you can. After a while, you begin to slow down. Not just because of a lack of breath, but because something doesn’t quite feel right. Your steps relax to a strolling pace as you turn back to glance at where you started — but it isn’t clear how far you’ve come. You continue walking; at first for hours, then days, and then weeks. Eventually, although the anxiety set in days ago, you come to a stop. No matter how many steps you had taken, the horizon never came any closer. The goal was never realised, regardless of your efforts. This short passage might tell you something about your own life, or at least a way of thinking which has occupied your mind at one time or another. The horizon in the story is an analogy for instrumental goods. Instrumental goods are those things in life that you want because you believe them to be necessary for your well-being or happiness. A new job or a trip that you’ve always wanted to take, for example. We think that once we meet these goals, we will somehow achieve happiness as if it was some state which could be reached and maintained forever. But these ideas are sorely misguided. We cannot find and maintain happiness by seeking it in instrumental goods. You see, permanent, unchanging happiness is like the horizon in the story. No matter how hard you work for it, no matter how many promotions you achieve, how many new trips you take, you simply cannot find happiness in this way. Contents Part I. The Context and Life of Epictetus. Part II. The Discourses and The Enchiridion. Part III. Modern Stoicism. Part IV. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Part V. Further Analysis and Discussion. Links How to Be Free: An Ancient Guide to the Stoic Life, A. A. Long (Amazon). A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, William Irvine (Amazon). Discourses and Selected Writings, Epictetus (Amazon). Psychotherapy: A Very Short Introduction, Tom Burns and Eva Burns-Lundgren (Amazon). Meditations, Marcus Aurelius (Amazon). A Handbook for New Stoics: How to Thrive in a World Out of Your Control, Massimo Pigliucci (Amazon). How To Be A Stoic: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living, Massimo Pigliucci (Amazon). The Happiness Hypothesis: Putting Ancient Wisdom to the Test of Modern Science, Jonathan Haidt (Amazon). Classical Philosophy: A history of philosophy without any gaps, Volume 1, Peter Adamson (Amazon). The Partially Examine Life, Episode 124: The Stoic Life with Epictetus (Podcast).

Co-founder of Humanity+, formerly known as the World Transhumanist Association, David Pearce is a leading figure of the transhumanist movement. David is perhaps best known for his 1995 manifesto, The Hedonistic Imperative, in which he argues that we can, and will, abolish suffering throughout the living world. Following The Hedonistic Imperative, David has published extensively on topics surrounding utilitarianism, veganism, abolitionism and transhumanism; culminating in his most recent 2017 collection of essays, Can Biotechnology Abolish Suffering? Alongside his careful philosophical thinking, David’s captivating writing-style has inspired philosophers across the world to look forward into the ‘philosophy of the future’. A world as David hopes, that is free from suffering, ageing and stupidity. Contents Part I. Transhumanism. Part II. Further Analysis and Discussion.

David Pearce, a prominent transhumanist and author of 'The Hedonistic Imperative,' discusses his vision of a suffering-free world through biotechnology. He dives into the relevance of philosophy in our scientific age, tackling profound questions about consciousness and morality. Pearce shares his journey as a first-generation vegan, influenced by his grandmother's legacy, while exploring the ethics of compassion towards animals. He also examines transhumanism's promise of super longevity and happiness, challenging listeners to rethink their responsibilities and the implications of advanced technologies.

Hello good sir! If you do not mind me saying, you look as if you’re in limbo. Lost? It might please you to know that most of the tourists, and the locals for that matter, don’t know where they’re heading in these parts. If I could be so bold as to make an assessment, I would take you for the sophisticated type but with a little bit of an edge? Your smile says it all. Nothing wrong with indulging in the simple things in life every now and then. Do you see that bar over there? Yes, the one with the peculiar name. Mexico City, here in Amsterdam. You’ll likely find one or two characters in that place; the brute who runs the place for instance. On a good night, you can end up in the type of conversation which only drunken stranger can have – putting the world to rights. On an even better night, you might learn something about yourself. Intrigued? I knew you were an adventurous sort the moment I lay eyes on you. Enjoy your time here in Amsterdam. No better place in the world for a bit of escapism! The only problem some have is not being able to escape the thought of it after they visit! What? Oh, I meant nothing by it. A slip of the tongue. Before you leave, can I make one final suggestion? I’d take the coat off if I were you. This place can get a lot hotter than limbo if you catch my drift…

Hello good sir! If you do not mind me saying, you look as if you’re in limbo. Lost? It might please you to know that most of the tourists, and the locals for that matter, don’t know where they’re heading in these parts. If I could be so bold as to make an assessment, I would take you for the sophisticated type but with a little bit of an edge? Your smile says it all. Nothing wrong with indulging in the simple things in life every now and then. Do you see that bar over there? Yes, the one with the peculiar name. Mexico City, here in Amsterdam. You’ll likely find one or two characters in that place; the brute who runs the place for instance. On a good night, you can end up in the type of conversation which only drunken stranger can have – putting the world to rights. On an even better night, you might learn something about yourself. Intrigued? I knew you were an adventurous sort the moment I lay eyes on you. Enjoy your time here in Amsterdam. No better place in the world for a bit of escapism! The only problem some have is not being able to escape the thought of it after they visit! What? Oh, I meant nothing by it. A slip of the tongue. Before you leave, can I make one final suggestion? I’d take the coat off if I were you. This place can get a lot hotter than limbo if you catch my drift…

Hello good sir! If you do not mind me saying, you look as if you’re in limbo. Lost? It might please you to know that most of the tourists, and the locals for that matter, don’t know where they’re heading in these parts. If I could be so bold as to make an assessment, I would take you for the sophisticated type but with a little bit of an edge? Your smile says it all. Nothing wrong with indulging in the simple things in life every now and then. Do you see that bar over there? Yes, the one with the peculiar name. Mexico City, here in Amsterdam. You’ll likely find one or two characters in that place; the brute who runs the place for instance. On a good night, you can end up in the type of conversation which only drunken stranger can have – putting the world to rights. On an even better night, you might learn something about yourself. Intrigued? I knew you were an adventurous sort the moment I lay eyes on you. Enjoy your time here in Amsterdam. No better place in the world for a bit of escapism! The only problem some have is not being able to escape the thought of it after they visit! What? Oh, I meant nothing by it. A slip of the tongue. Before you leave, can I make one final suggestion? I’d take the coat off if I were you. This place can get a lot hotter than limbo if you catch my drift…

Hello good sir! If you do not mind me saying, you look as if you’re in limbo. Lost? It might please you to know that most of the tourists, and the locals for that matter, don’t know where they’re heading in these parts. If I could be so bold as to make an assessment, I would take you for the sophisticated type but with a little bit of an edge? Your smile says it all. Nothing wrong with indulging in the simple things in life every now and then. Do you see that bar over there? Yes, the one with the peculiar name. Mexico City, here in Amsterdam. You’ll likely find one or two characters in that place; the brute who runs the place for instance. On a good night, you can end up in the type of conversation which only drunken stranger can have – putting the world to rights. On an even better night, you might learn something about yourself. Intrigued? I knew you were an adventurous sort the moment I lay eyes on you. Enjoy your time here in Amsterdam. No better place in the world for a bit of escapism! The only problem some have is not being able to escape the thought of it after they visit! What? Oh, I meant nothing by it. A slip of the tongue. Before you leave, can I make one final suggestion? I’d take the coat off if I were you. This place can get a lot hotter than limbo if you catch my drift…