Philosophy For Our Times

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.

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.