Philosopher Sam Coleman and Norman Bacrac from the South Place Ethical Society discuss the nature of free will in relation to the brain. They explore determinism, the illusion of free will, consciousness and the brain, and the famous Benjamin Libet experiments. The podcast also includes an announcement of a conference on sensations and consciousness in the brain.

Should schools teach philosophy? When literacy and numeracy levels have not improved in 55 years, shouldn’t teachers be concentrating on improving the three Rs rather than introducing a fourth? Peter Worley, co-founder and CEO of The Philosophy Foundation, talks with Michael Hand from the Institute of Education and Stephen Boulter from Oxford Brookes University about whether children can do philosophy, and if schools should teach it, how should it be done? First broadcast on 13 March 2012 on Resonance FM.

What is the scientific method? What’s special about it? What are the limits of its application? How does science compare with other ways of knowing and when should we use those other ways in preference to science – if ever? Helping Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now answer these questions will be Ken Gemes from Birkbeck, University of London, Gary Retallick from the Workers’ Educational Association, and Dean Peters from the London School of Economics. First broadcast on 6 March 2012 on Resonance FM.

He’s known as the philosopher of pessimism, and he has a remarkably cheerless view of the nature of reality, but he’s also a poetic writer who advocates compassion and loves art. Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now finds out about Arthur Schopenhauer from Christopher Janaway of the University of Southampton and Daniel Came of St Hugh’s College, Oxford. Live music is provided by Ruth Merry. First broadcast on 28 February 2012 on Resonance FM.

How should we deal with the tragic side of life? And how have the philosophers responded to the tragic fragility of life and happiness, especially in modern times, from Nietzsche onwards? Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now talks to Christopher Hamilton and Simon May from King’s College London, and Ken Gemes from Birkbeck, University of London. First broadcast on 21 February 2012 on Resonance FM.

What is the future of humanity? What limits should we impose on our biotechnological and other scientific developments – what will happen when we don’t? Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now asks Debra Shaw from the University of East London, Blay Whitby from the University of Sussex, and David Gamez from Imperial College London, for answers. With live music from Bucky Muttel on the Chapman Stick. First broadcast on 14 February 2012 on Resonance FM.

Anja Steinbauer, President of Philosophy For All, is joined by ethical philosophers Piers Benn, Carwyn Hooper and Elselijn Kingma to discuss our responsibilities for our own health, government initiatives to makes us lead healthier lives, patient automomy and choices, as well as enter the minefield of organ transplant ethics. First broadcast on 7 February 2012 on Resonance FM.

Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now discusses Socrates, his ideas and role in Western philosophy, with M.M. McCabe from King’s College London, and Tim Chappell from the Open University. First broadcast on 31 January 2012 on Resonance FM.

Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now discusses questions about the nature of historical change, the purpose of human life and more from a Hegelian perspective with Katerina Deligiorgi, from the University of Sussex, and writer Peter Benson. With live music by Alan Stewart and Rosanella DC. First broadcast on 24 January 2012 on Resonance FM.

Grant Bartley from Philosophy Now discusses the philosophical foundations, implications and limits of human rights with Saladin Meckled-Garcia, the Director of the UCL Institute for Human Rights, and Tom Sorrell, Director of the Centre for the Study of Global Ethics at the University of Birmingham. First broadcast on 17 January 2012 on Resonance FM.