Philosophy For Our Times

Janne Teller, a critically-acclaimed writer, challenges the notion of universal values, arguing for their pursuit despite societal divisions. Dale Turner, an associate professor, shares insights on Indigenous values and the complexities of engaging with dominant cultures, highlighting legal injustices faced by his community. Robin van den Akker analyzes values as social constructs and the rise of progressive populism, discussing the struggle for equity amid cultural conflicts. Together, they explore the need for a new dialogue that embraces diverse values in a polarized world.

Angus Deaton, a Nobel prize-winning economist and Professor at Princeton, joins Gillian Tett, an award-winning journalist and Provost of King's College Cambridge. They tackle the intricate relationship between economics and philosophy, critiquing the blind spots that leave many behind in a seemingly thriving economy. Deaton discusses 'deaths of despair,' the rise of populism driven by economic discontent, and the need for a more holistic approach to well-being. The conversation also navigates the tension between societal optimism and the looming challenges posed by crises like climate change.

Join Frank Tallis, a clinical psychologist, Jonathan Webber, a philosophy professor, Sandra Laugier, a linguist philosopher, and Nietzschean philosopher Babette Babich as they dive into the search for life's purpose. They explore whether life has a predetermined goal or if meaning comes from our experiences. The discussion touches on existentialism, personal meaning-making, and the balance between pursuing goals and living in the moment. They also reflect on how societal pressures impact self-discovery among young people in a fast-paced world.

Babette Babich, a Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University, dives into Nietzsche's exploration of aesthetics and tragedy. She argues that our love for suffering enriches the human experience and critiques how technology may cloud our judgment. Babich highlights Gunther Anders' notion of Promethean shame, linking our dependence on technology to a loss of personal agency. Advocating for a balanced approach to tech use, she navigates the complexities of modern life while urging listeners to engage deeply with philosophical inquiry.

Join philosopher James Tartaglia, acclaimed filmmaker Myriam François, and freelance writer Freya India as they explore the philosophy of fun. They discuss whether fun is essential or merely frivolous, linking Plato's ideas to modern anxieties. The trio examines how Gen Z navigates joy versus superficial fun amidst economic struggles, and how technology influences social connections. They challenge listeners to seek deeper fulfillment and maintain meaningful interactions in an increasingly isolating digital world. This conversation is both philosophical and profoundly relevant.

Join Abby Innes, a Professor of Political Economy at the LSE, as she explores the unsettling parallels between neoliberalism and Soviet ideologies. Discover how the utopian ambitions of both systems can lead to societal pitfalls. Abby delves into the complexities of economic ideologies, revealing surprising similarities between British and Soviet politics amidst decline. She critiques the deterministic nature of neoclassical economics and Marxism-Leninism, and examines how historical insights reflect in today’s neoliberal debates, particularly through the lens of Brexit.

In this enlightening discussion, Dan Ariely, a behavioral economics expert, Paul Bloom, a renowned psychologist on morality, and Nancy Sherman, a philosophy professor, explore the dark implications of chasing rewards. They argue that rewards can undermine our intrinsic motivation and even lead to addiction. The trio debates intrinsic versus extrinsic motivations, emphasizing the need for a balance. They also tackle the complexities of ethical persuasion and innovative approaches to student motivation, advocating for genuine connections over mere incentives.

Aviva Chomsky, a historian and expert in Latin American and Caribbean studies, dives deep into the Enlightenment's legacy. She challenges us to reconsider its impact beyond traditional narratives, highlighting its connections to Eurocentrism, racism, and colonialism. Chomsky discusses the unsettling links between Enlightenment thought and the transatlantic slave trade, revealing how these historical ideas fuel modern geopolitical conflicts. She also critiques capitalism's role in perpetuating inequality and underdevelopment, advocating for a more equitable approach to economic models.

Terry Eagleton, a renowned Professor of English Literature, delves into the often-misunderstood ideals of Karl Marx. He discusses the resurgence of Marxism as a counter to contemporary political trends, emphasizing its relevance today. Eagleton highlights Marx's nuanced views on capitalism and leisure, presenting his vision of a future focused on communal fulfillment. He critiques classical liberalism, explores the dual nature of revolutions, and revisits Marx's insights on environmentalism and labor, particularly regarding women's roles in the workforce.

Lost in storiesIs life a story or a sequence of events?Our narratives enable us to make sense of the complex, often confusing, world that we live in. And yet there is a risk that rather than helping us to truly understand this world, narratives can hide reality from us, providing delusional states of mind in its place. From witch hunts to cults, from war propaganda to religious honour killings, people are prepared to kill and die for stories they believe in, while others see these narratives as wildly false illusions.Matthew Beaumont is Professor of English at University College London, UK and the author of several books, including two on the topic of late nineteenth-century utopianism. He has also edited several essay collections and published numerous articles in scholarly journals.Ruth Padel is a poet, broadcaster, and critic whose engagement with the natural world infuses her volumes of poetry, nature writing, biography, and criticism.Theodore Dalrymple is the pen-name for Anthony Malcolm Daniels, an English cultural critic, prolific writer, satirist, prison physician, and psychiatrist. And don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions on the episode!To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.