Philosophy For Our Times

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.

Kehinde Andrews, the UK's first professor of Black Studies, critiques the Enlightenment for its intrinsic racism and colonial roots. He argues that Enlightenment ideas of universal rationality are deeply entwined with structures of colonial violence. Andrews believes we should shift our focus from traditional Western thinkers to Black studies and voices like Malcolm X. He emphasizes the need for systemic change over individual reform to address racism and suggests building alternative institutions to create a more equitable future.

Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher and evolutionary biologist, explores how ancient philosophy can guide modern living. He discusses the essence of eudaimonia, contrasting pleasure and virtue through the lens of Greco-Roman thought. The dialogue highlights the Cynics' unique freedom and authentic expression, revealing how they defied societal norms. Pigliucci also emphasizes the importance of character, critical doubt, and personal purpose as key ingredients for a fulfilling life, connecting these ancient insights with contemporary psychological perspectives.

In this enlightening discussion, Eileen Hall, a creative director and environmental advocate, teams up with James Rucker, a consultant psychiatrist specializing in mood disorders. They explore the potential of psychedelics in mental health treatment and how these substances might reveal profound insights into reality. Delving into cultural perspectives, they contrast Western views on mental illness with Ecuadorian communal practices. The conversation challenges listeners to reconsider the nature of delusion and the transformative power of altered consciousness.