Philosophy For Our Times

Steven D. Hales, a philosophy professor, and Kristján Kristjánsson, an expert in virtue ethics, delve into the clash between JD Vance and Pope Francis over selfishness and altruism. They explore how familiarity shapes moral behavior and discuss Nietzsche's critique of altruism, revealing the egoist motives behind supposedly selfless actions. The duo also examines the complexities of jealousy through the lens of the Tenth Commandment, questioning its moral implications and shedding light on its nuanced role in human relationships.

In this engaging conversation, Ellen Langer, a Harvard Psychology Professor and author of 'The Mindful Body', dives into the transformative power of mindfulness. She explores how most of us drift through life mindlessly, missing out on profound benefits. Langer discusses the contagious nature of mindfulness and its impact on cognitive performance. She also emphasizes the mind-body connection, challenging traditional views on health while encouraging a curious mindset to appreciate everyday experiences. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to live more fully!

Miriam Francois, a dynamic broadcaster and filmmaker, joins Freya India, a savvy freelance writer, in an engaging discussion on the nature of beauty and its philosophical implications. They explore how our perceptions of beauty are deeply intertwined with lived experiences, and the often distracting role it plays in our lives. The dialogue also touches on the significance of joy versus fun in a rapidly changing world, highlighting how economic pressures and digital interactions impact younger generations' connections and pursuit of meaningful experiences.

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.