Philosophy For Our Times

Peter Singer, a leading philosopher best known for his work in animal ethics and effective altruism, shares insights from his journey from law to philosophy. He recounts a pivotal conversation that influenced his views on animal rights, discussing ethical implications of lab-grown meat and the moral obligations of the wealthy to alleviate global poverty. Singer also addresses the real-world impact of his controversial views on bioethics, including abortion and euthanasia, emphasizing the importance of philosophy in solving urgent global challenges.

Join Abby Innes, a political economy expert, Will Hutton, a seasoned journalist, Richard Kibble, a former chief strategy officer, and Daniel Susskind, an AI economics researcher, as they dive into the intriguing relationship between price and value. They challenge the notion that market prices reflect true worth and explore how capitalism often fails to address social values like love and friendship. With discussions on wealth inequality, the flaws of economic ideologies, and the urgent need for a nuanced approach to resource allocation, their insights provoke thought on redefining value in our society.

Join literary critic Martin Puchner, renowned scholar Stanley Fish, and author Claire Hynes as they dive into the complex idea of originality in art. They debate whether genuine originality is achievable, considering how much creativity stems from reimagined ideas. The conversation navigates the tension between imitation and innovation, exploring how external pressures shape authenticity in creative industries. With nods to AI's role in artistry, they challenge listeners to rethink the pursuit of the 'new' and understand the value of cultural exchange in enriching creativity.

In this discourse, Joanna Kavenna, an award-winning writer and seasoned traveler, Jonathan Webber, a moral philosophy professor and UK Sartre Society president, and author Marie-Elsa Bragg unravel the philosophical showdown between Sartre and Baldwin. They debate how much we can truly understand about others' experiences. Love, language, and identity are explored, juxtaposing Baldwin's view of connection against Sartre's insistence on individual subjectivity. They tackle whether language can bridge human experiences and the complexities of understanding in a polarized world.

Dive into the intriguing intersection of philosophy and geopolitics! Explore Nietzsche's insights on Russia's potential to reshape Europe and the critique of grand narratives surrounding conflict. Unravel the rise of Korean web novels amidst political disengagement, and consider how ancient Greek tragedies illuminate modern issues. Discover the timeless art of storytelling as a lens for understanding human experiences and historical connections in our complex world.

David Livingstone Smith, a prominent philosopher and author known for his work on dehumanization and human nature, dives deep into the historical and psychological roots of dehumanization. He discusses how societal norms shift the tactics of this phenomenon, urging us to confront the uncomfortable truth that there are no true 'monsters.' Smith also critiques racial categorization as a precursor to dehumanization and emphasizes education's power in dismantling systemic oppression, all while maintaining a hopeful yet realistic outlook on societal change.

Stuart Hameroff, an anesthesiologist and pioneering consciousness researcher, shares his groundbreaking theories on consciousness and quantum mechanics. He explores how microtubules in neurons could play a key role, with implications that challenge traditional views. The discussion also touches on the influence of psychedelics on consciousness and its potential existence beyond physical life. Hameroff delves into profound questions about individuality, entanglement, and the transformative nature of consciousness, making a case for a more open-minded exploration of life and death.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Philip Goff, a leading philosopher of mind from the University of Durham, explores panpsychism—the idea that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of reality. Joining him is Hilary Lawson, known for her post-realist views. They tackle the complexities of the mind-body problem, critique materialism, and debate whether consciousness is embedded in all matter. The conversation also intertwines science with spirituality, positing that panpsychism could reshape how we perceive our world and our identities.

Rupert Sheldrake, a biologist known for his pioneering research on consciousness and morphic resonance, dives into the intriguing nature of consciousness beyond the brain. He explores theories like panpsychism, suggesting that consciousness could be inherent in all matter. Sheldrake probes the complexities of visual perception, including the concept of extramission and scopasthesia—the eerie sensation of being watched. His innovative research initiative also investigates animal behavior and awareness, challenging listeners to rethink their understanding of consciousness in a cosmic context.

Yoshua Bengio, a Turing Award-winning AI expert, shares insights alongside philosopher Hilary Lawson, physicist Sabine Hossenfelder, and evolutionary biochemist Nick Lane. They tackle the intriguing question of machine consciousness. The conversation critiques the Turing test and explores the complexities of replicating human thought in AI. They delve into the evolutionary significance of consciousness, the limitations of materialist views, and the moral implications of potentially conscious machines, ultimately questioning what it means to truly understand consciousness.