Philosophy For Our Times

Rupert Sheldrake, a biologist renowned for his unconventional theories on consciousness and morphic resonance, joins philosopher Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes to explore the intriguing relationship between consciousness and psychedelics. They discuss ancient views of a conscious cosmos, Sheldrake's fascinating ideas on panpsychism, and the cultural significance of psychedelics in expanding awareness. Their conversation delves into personal experiences with substances like 5-MeO, the intersection of mystical traditions, and the resurgence of psychedelics in modern society.

Why we worship without knowing itWhat should be included within the remit of philosophy? Religion? Love? Hair? Join well-known public speakers and writers Alain de Botton and Alex O'Connor as they talk through what philosophy can offer us, why we should study love, and what the role of religion is in philosophy and in our lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Colin Blakemore, a renowned neuroscientist, shares insights on brain development and the progressive nature of neuroscience. Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist and philosopher, critically explores the limitations of neuroscience in explaining consciousness. Bryan Appleyard, a journalist, highlights concerns about neurohype and the gap between brain data and subjective experience. Together, they debate neuroscience's role in understanding human behavior, the nature of free will, and whether complete brain imaging could ever encapsulate the richness of mental life.

Join theoretical physicists David Deutsch and Lee Smolin, along with science writer Amanda Gefter, as they delve into the intriguing concept of nothingness. They explore whether true nothing can exist and debate the philosophical versus scientific definitions of nothing. The trio discusses how laws of physics might emerge from nothing, the observer-dependence of vacuum states, and the paradoxes surrounding nothing that may signal deeper issues in physics. Tune in for a thought-provoking journey through the void!

Explore our fascination with apocalyptic stories and the monsters that reflect our deepest fears. Delve into how The Last of Us embodies Hobbesian themes of human nature and the challenges of collective action. Discover why disaster narratives captivate us and the moral dilemmas they provoke. Plus, unpack the allure of dystopian fiction and its dual potential for reactionary and utopian visions. This Halloween, embark on a captivating journey through the macabre!

In this engaging conversation, Adam Phillips, a distinguished British psychoanalytic psychotherapist and essayist, explores the often-overlooked value of giving up. He challenges the cultural idolization of perseverance, suggesting that sometimes, stepping back can be a creative act that allows personal growth. Phillips discusses the harmful effects of relentless duty on enjoyment and advocates for teaching children the wisdom of knowing when to persist versus when to quit. Ultimately, he emphasizes that giving up can lead to newfound freedom and self-discovery.

Slavoj Žižek, a renowned Slovenian philosopher and cultural critic, dives into a whirlwind of topics. He critiques how we frame social issues, emphasizing the ideological roots of oppression and the precariousness of gig work. Žižek provocatively connects philosophy with AI, exploring its effects on sexuality and the risk of cognitive decline. He humorously reflects on the absurdities of current politics and defends the need for philosophy to challenge rationality itself. Expect dark comedy intertwined with deep insights on our chaotic reality.

Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes, a philosopher specializing in mind and metaphysics, dives into the concept of timelessness and its relation to mysticism and psychedelics. He explores how our perception of time can shift in extreme situations, and discusses Spinoza's ideas on eternal existence. The conversation highlights the tension between time's abstract nature and subjective experience, including the potential of psychedelics to unlock insights about the eternal. Sjöstedt-Hughes also addresses the implications of these ideas on our understanding of reality and existence.

Join notable guests Abby Innes, an LSE political economy professor, Hilary Lawson, a philosopher known for his theory of closure, and Robin van den Akker, a cultural theorist exploring metamodernism. They delve into the implications of postmodernism, critiquing neoliberal economics and its societal impacts. Explore metamodernism as a response to post-truth chaos, and consider how epistemic closures can reshape our understanding of knowledge and reality. The conversation emphasizes the risks of seeking absolute truths while advocating for more nuanced, practical frameworks.

Alenka Zupančič, a Slovenian Lacanian philosopher and collaborator of Slavoj Žižek, dives into the intriguing interplay between AI and our unconscious psyche. She critiques ChatGPT as an embodiment of collective discourse that stifles individuality while also examining how it operates like a Lacanian 'big other.' Zupančič explores the implications of AI-generated irony, the dangers of a pervasive unsubjective AI, and how this reflects a societal shift, normalizing absurd political ideas through its mimicry—transforming how we perceive and engage with language.