Philosophy For Our Times

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.

William MacAskill, a Scottish philosopher and author of "What We Owe the Future," joins James W. Lenman, a Professor of Philosophy and ethical theory critic, to delves deep into effective altruism and longtermism. They discuss whether we should sacrifice present well-being for a better future and examine the ethical implications of prioritizing future generations over current crises. The conversation challenges traditional views on job satisfaction, emphasizing social impact and the complexities of moral responsibility towards both people and nature.

Join literary theorist Terry Eagleton, moral philosopher Susan Neiman, and political theorist Stephen de Wijze as they explore humanity's complex fascination with evil. They debate why violent characters captivate us and the glamorization of malevolence in media. Highlights include discussions on the moral ambiguities of historical figures, the impact of shows like 'The Sopranos' on societal behavior, and the urgent need for positive role models. The conversation challenges us to reassess our values in a world often drawn to darkness.

Tommy Curry, a professor focused on Africana philosophy, Michael Huemer, an advocate for philosophical anarchism, and Melis Erdur, an expert in metaethics, engage in a riveting debate on morality's true nature. They explore whether morality is an objective truth or a tool for the powerful. The discussion unfolds around the connection between moral frameworks and power dynamics, the complexity of moral reasoning, and the subjective nature of ethical beliefs, ultimately igniting critical questions about how we perceive morality in society.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Alex O'Connor, a passionate philosopher and animal welfare activist, dives deep into the ethics of meat consumption. He challenges the notion of human moral superiority, urging listeners to reconsider their dietary beliefs. O'Connor highlights the disturbing practices of the meat industry and contrasts society's compassion for pets with the suffering of farm animals. His insights advocate for veganism as a moral imperative while exploring the environmental and ethical dilemmas of animal exploitation.

Peter Singer, a leading philosopher on animal rights, joins Slavoj Žižek, a provocative cultural critic, and Nancy Sherman, an expert on Stoicism. They tackle whether morality is a uniquely human trait or extends to non-human entities. The conversation dives into ecological ethics, challenging human-centered views of morality and considering the impact of our interventions in nature. With wit and depth, they explore moral evolution in social animals and dietary ethics, prompting a reevaluation of our responsibilities towards all sentient beings.

In this enlightening discussion, Babette Babich, a Professor of Philosophy at Fordham University, delves into Nietzsche's insights on overcoming nihilism. She challenges the notion that life’s struggles render the search for meaning futile. Instead, she advocates embracing both joy and sorrow as essential to crafting a meaningful existence. Babich emphasizes the importance of perspective and self-awareness in understanding reality, highlighting Nietzsche's belief that accepting life’s inevitable endings can lead to genuine appreciation and purpose.

Sabrina B. Little, a trail running champion and philosopher focusing on virtue ethics, joins Steve Fuller, a postmodern philosopher, and Etienne Helmer, an expert in ancient Greek economics. They discuss how Plato's ideas can elevate modern running, linking physical activity to moral growth. The conversation delves into the unseen struggles of athletes and parallels between Socrates and Jesus, highlighting the nuances of their legacies. They also explore how ancient philosophies can reshape contemporary economic and ethical thinking, advocating for a re-examination of modern practices.

Delve into the fascinating interplay between passion and reason in ancient philosophy and early Christian thought. Explore how monastic communities viewed 'freedom from passion' and its relevance today. Discover the connection between genuine virtue and personal growth amid critiques of virtue signaling. Learn about the balance of mind and body in pursuit of divine aspirations while emphasizing community's role in spiritual journeys. The conversation highlights the need for compassionate understanding and the concept of an 'enlarged self' in personal development.

Massimo Pigliucci, a philosophy professor and prominent advocate of Stoicism, shares insights on how ancient philosophy can address modern challenges. He discusses the evolution of skepticism and its relevance in today's technology-driven world. Pigliucci delves into personal growth during midlife crises through Stoic practices, emphasizing the pivotal principle of the dichotomy of control. Additionally, he reflects on the teachings of Epictetus, encouraging the audience to challenge their perceptions and improve emotional resilience.