

Philosophy For Our Times
IAI
Philosophy for our Times is a free philosophy podcast bringing you the latest talks and debates from the world’s leading thinkers. We host weekly episodes on today’s biggest ideas in news, society, culture, politics, science and arts. Subscribe today to never miss an episode.
Episodes
Mentioned books

33 snips
Oct 31, 2023 • 57min
Me, my world and I | Barry Smith, Hannah Critchlow, Gary Lachman
Renowned philosopher Barry Smith, neuroscientist Hannah Critchlow, and author Gary Lachman discuss collective experience versus subjectivity. They delve into the connection between subjectivity and personal experiences, explore how crowds influence individuals, examine emergent behaviors in groups, and touch on telepathy, precognitive dreams, and neuroscience. They also explore the correlation between heartbeat detection and trader profitability, discuss the balance between individualism and collectivism in Western culture, and analyze the decline of IQ and the rise of 'me' culture.

8 snips
Oct 24, 2023 • 36min
Cities of the future | Lucelia Rodrigues
Lucelia Rodrigues, Chair of Sustainable and Resilient Cities, discusses the architecture of sustainable cities and the importance of avoiding excessive emissions. They also explore meeting pledges to limit global warming, challenges in reducing carbon emissions, and the Smartify project for energy-efficient homes.

Oct 17, 2023 • 45min
Anonymity: the dream and the nightmare | Stephen Kinsella, Victoria Baines, Hugh Tomlinson
Stephen Kinsella, Victoria Baines, and Hugh Tomlinson discuss the pros and cons of internet anonymity. Topics include online abuse, government coercion, whistleblowers, human rights abuses, financial incentives of anonymity, potential consequences of ending anonymity, and debating the pros and cons of implementing a verification system on internet platforms.

49 snips
Oct 10, 2023 • 45min
The new renaissance | Sophie Scott-Brown, David Aaronovitch, John Ellis
Is the academy and our culture as a whole in need of newer, bigger ideas?Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesIn the first half of the twentieth century radical thinkers, from Einstein to Schrödinger, Russell to Wittgenstein, Woolf to de Beauvoir, were transforming ideas. But many wonder where the equivalents are today and point to a deep seated flaw. Universities and research labs have become increasingly specialised and focus on small 'piecemeal advance' leaving little room for originality and big thinking. Studies confirm a bias against publishing novel research and 90% of papers remain uncited, possibly unread by anyone.Should we encourage a less specialised and broader approach to create the breakthroughs and radical ideas of the future? Do we need to change the way university appointments are made and articles reviewed to escape conventional set thinking? Or have the big theories largely been found already and have we now only to fill in the gaps?There are thousands of big ideas to discover at IAI.tv – videos, articles, and courses waiting for you to explore. Find out more: https://iai.tv/podcast-offers?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=the-new-renaissanceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

25 snips
Oct 3, 2023 • 46min
The ignorance of experts |Julian Baggini, Ellen Clarke, Ben Burgis
Philosopher Julian Baggini, philosopher of biology Ellen Clarke, and radical philosopher Ben Burgis debate the relevance of scientific facts, questioning the role of experts and the need for transparency in scientific communication. They discuss the pluralism of expertise, the role of values in theory building, the challenges of following science, and the importance of trust and reassurance during uncertain times.

11 snips
Sep 25, 2023 • 47min
Beyond the boundary | Lisa Miller, Nick Lane, Paul Bickley
Renowned guests Lisa Miller, Nick Lane, and Paul Bickley explore consciousness, life after death, and the limitations of the physical body in this thought-provoking podcast. They discuss scientific evidence for life after death, the concept of afterlife in a secular world, and the significance of love and connection in spiritual life. The speakers also debate the possibility of an afterlife in a secular society and the need for better frameworks to understand and process death.

6 snips
Sep 19, 2023 • 28min
How I changed my mind about truth | Simon Blackburn
Renowned philosopher Simon Blackburn discusses navigating heated moral discussions, the play of perspective on moral dilemmas, and his notable disagreements with Richard Rorty. From understanding contentious topics to gaining insights into meta-ethics, Blackburn takes us on an enlightening journey into the depths of truth and its implications in the modern world.

Sep 18, 2023 • 42min
The good, the bad and the ignored | Peter Singer, Julian Baggini, Sophie Scott-Brown
Morality philosophers Peter Singer and Julian Baggini debate the moral implications of inaction and moral apathy, exploring whether not giving to charity can be as bad as murder. They discuss human agency, the role of human nature, and the potential shift to a more socially responsible society.

50 snips
Sep 5, 2023 • 41min
Getting everything, losing everything | Anders Sandberg, Massimo Pigliucci, Mazviita Chirimuuta
A debate on the potential of the metaverse and its impact on human relationships and the natural world. Exploring the evolution of virtual reality, challenges, and uncertain future. Skepticism and collaboration in building the metaverse. Concerns about becoming lost in an ideal world with advanced technology and the struggle to find lasting happiness. Class dynamics and societal implications of a future with machines. Debating the nature of virtual reality and the merger of the virtual and physical worlds.

66 snips
Aug 29, 2023 • 37min
How philosophy got lost | Slavoj Zizek
Listen as Slavoj Žižek provides a Hegelian insight into political crises, explores the evolving meaning of truth, and discusses the role of philosophy in addressing societal issues. They also touch on quantum physics, the tension between individualism and a social approach, and the connection between philosophy and love.