History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

Liz Jackson, associate professor of philosophy at Saint Louis University who works on philosophy of religion and decision theory, discusses contemporary approaches to Pascal's Wager. She explains the two-by-two wager matrix and how infinities affect expected value. They tackle the many gods objection, paradoxical contrived rewards, distinctions between belief and faith, and hybrid pragmatic-evidential responses.

Can faith be a gamble? The discussion dives into Pascal’s Wager, exploring the fascinating idea of betting on belief in God for infinite rewards. A parody of the wager introduces a mischievous deity that flips the stakes. The podcast examines decision theory and the perplexing many-gods problem, alongside the concept of pragmatic religion choice. Concerns about mercenary beliefs surface, while the practicality of fostering faith through acts like attending mass emerges as a compelling argument.

Explore the fascinating duality of Blaise Pascal as a leading scientist and devout thinker. Discover his life-changing mystical experience in 1654 that shifted his focus from science to religion. Dive into his groundbreaking experiments on vacuums and fluid pressure, as well as his keen skepticism about pure reason. Unpack his poignant views on human existence, boredom, and the search for meaning. Finally, get a taste of his famous Wager, a compelling argument inviting belief in God for infinite rewards.

Discover the revival of ancient atomism in the 17th century and its pivotal role in modern science. Explore how thinkers like Sébastian Basso and Pierre Gassendi challenged Aristotle's elemental theories. Basso’s indivisible atoms contrasted sharply with Descartes' divisible particles. Gassendi blended Epicurean philosophy with atomism, defending concepts like void and divine guidance. The podcast also delves into the theological implications of atomism and its reconciliation with Christian doctrine. Ready for a philosophical journey?

Explore Pierre Gassendi's journey from skepticism to a unique form of Epicureanism. Discover his humanist roots and challenges he faced in academia. Delve into his defense of Epicurus and critiques of Cartesian thought. Learn about his innovative atomism and the role of sensory experience in knowledge. Uncover Gassendi's views on happiness and virtue within a Christian framework. Finally, find out how his ideas influenced British empiricism and shaped philosophical debates!

Explore the intriguing resurgence of ancient skepticism in 17th-century France, spotlighting libertines like Mothe le Vayer. Delve into their challenge against superstition and their questioning of sensory reliability. The discussion brings to light debates on whether these skeptics were anti-religious and how skepticism might actually foster faith. Learn about the critique from figures like Mersenne, who defended certainty in science, while Gassendi emerges, blending skepticism with empirical views. A fascinating dive into the interplay of belief and doubt!

Gideon Manning, an associate professor of history of medicine at Cedars-Sinai, dives into Descartes' profound impact on medical science. He explores Descartes' aspiration to preserve health, his mechanical explanations of organs, and the blend of experimentation with mechanistic ideas. Manning highlights the dualism in Descartes' thought and its relevance to psychosomatic treatments. They also discuss how Descartes' medical ideas were received and the myth versus reality of his holistic approach to health, revealing a rich interplay between philosophy and medicine.

Discover how Descartes revolutionized science, influencing medicinal practices and challenging established norms. Explore his intriguing focus on the pineal gland as the soul's seat and his mechanistic view of living bodies. Delve into debates surrounding blood transfusions and circulation, and hear about the experimental rebukes from contemporaries like Steno. The podcast highlights Descartes' blend of observation and theory, and how his followers grappled with criticism while advancing early scientific ideas.

Explore how Cartesianism became a refuge for women philosophers, with insights into salon culture and Descartes' unique appeal. Discover François Poulain de la Barre's groundbreaking feminist arguments and his assertion that the mind knows no gender. Delve into cultural critiques of learned women and the historical roots of gender inequality. Learn about alternative philosophical stances on women's education and the pivotal role of the 17th century in shaping female involvement in philosophy. This exploration reveals a rich tapestry of ideas and challenges.

Explore how early Cartesians like Cordemoy and de La Forge both defended and challenged Descartes' ideas. Discover occasionalism, where God is seen as the primary cause, and its implications on mind-body interaction. Delve into the bold claims of atomism, advocating for the existence of void. Uncover how Cartesian thought spread across Europe, sparking academic battles and adaptations aligned with religious views. Lastly, engage with reflections on the social reach of Cartesianism, including its gender implications.