Johnathan Bi cover image

Johnathan Bi

Latest episodes

undefined
7 snips
Jun 1, 2025 • 1h 41min

Introduction to Ancient Skepticism | Tad Brennan on Sextus Empiricus

Tad Brennan, a renowned scholar of ancient skepticism from Cornell, delves into the philosophy of Sextus Empiricus. He critiques dogmatic beliefs, advocating for tranquility through equanimity over absolute truths. The discussion covers the challenges of knowledge and belief justification, highlighting the complexities of distinguishing dogma from convention. Brennan also explores the art of skeptical reasoning and the implications of skepticism in addressing outrageous claims. Ultimately, he emphasizes peace of mind derived from questioning certainties.
undefined
19 snips
May 24, 2025 • 57min

How Stoics Reconcile Determinism & Free Will | Cornell's Tad Brennan

Tad Brennan, a Cornell professor and expert in ancient philosophy, dives into the captivating world of Stoicism. He explores the intricate balance between determinism and free will, revealing how Stoics view fate while emphasizing individual moral responsibility. The conversation highlights the relationship between human rationality and divine connections, urging a deeper understanding of autonomy. Brennan also discusses how Stoic principles can guide personal agency and virtues, challenging common notions of choice and accountability.
undefined
25 snips
May 10, 2025 • 1h 29min

The Signs that AI is Conscious | Imperial's Murray Shanahan

Murray Shanahan, a Professor at Imperial College London, dives into the fascinating intersection of AI, consciousness, and philosophy. He explores how AI could develop a form of consciousness and what that means for humanity's self-awareness. Discussions range from the stages of cognitive awareness to the ethical implications of treating AI as sentient beings. Shanahan also contrasts human and AI experiences, examining creativity's role in technology and the philosophical shifts needed in education for future generations.
undefined
88 snips
May 3, 2025 • 1h 22min

AI's Killer-App Isn't Chatbots, It's Social | Linkedin Founder Reid Hoffman

In a thought-provoking discussion, Reid Hoffman, Co-founder of LinkedIn, dives into AI's potential to enhance social interactions. He explores how AI should foster kindness and emotional intelligence while redefining connections in an increasingly digital world. Hoffman critiques technology addiction, emphasizing genuine engagement over commercial exploitation. He also discusses the implications of AI on human agency and the necessity of embracing technological change. Ultimately, he advocates for thoughtful collaboration between humans and AI for a better future.
undefined
19 snips
Apr 26, 2025 • 52min

Why Stoicism Doesn’t Work Without God | Tad Brennan on Stoic Ethics

Tad Brennan, a Cornell professor specializing in ancient philosophy and Stoicism, dives deep into the relationship between Stoic ethics and theology. He argues that true Stoic ethics requires a belief in God, emphasizing the intricacies of Stoic philosophy and the importance of virtue in achieving happiness. The discussion also contrasts Stoicism with Aristotelian ethics, exploring how divine rationality impacts our understanding of ethics. Brennan highlights the role of moral exemplars and critiques practical ethics within Stoicism, shedding light on the complexities of ethical reasoning.
undefined
52 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 5min

The Slave Who Was Free | Berkeley’s AA Long on Epictetus

AA Long, a renowned scholar of Hellenistic philosophy, dives into the life and teachings of Epictetus, a former slave turned Stoic philosopher. Discover how Epictetus’s journey inspires personal fulfillment and success through the pursuit of virtue and happiness. Long discusses the interconnectedness of Stoic virtues and contrasts them with traditional Stoicism. He also navigates the importance of mastering perception and emotional agency, showcasing how Epictetus's insights are incredibly relevant in today's world.
undefined
27 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 46min

The Case for Emotional Pacifism | Martha Nussbaum on Britten’s War Requiem

Martha Nussbaum, a renowned philosopher known for her work on ethics and political philosophy, dives deep into the intersections of music, war, and peace. She explores how Britten's 'War Requiem' reflects complex feelings about global conflicts, urging empathy in the face of violence. Nussbaum discusses emotional pacifism, drawing inspiration from Gandhi and Mandela's nonviolent approaches. She questions traditional morality through the lens of the Abraham and Isaac narrative, emphasizing the beauty of human connection amid tragedy.
undefined
89 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 26min

Introduction to Hellenistic Philosophy | AA Long on Stoicism, Skepticism, Epicureanism

Anthony Long, an expert on Hellenistic philosophy, dives into the rich terrain of Stoicism, Skepticism, and Epicureanism. He challenges modern views on happiness, showing how adversity and skepticism can lead to contentment. Long discusses the quest for eudaimonia, emphasizing the influence of Socrates. With insights into Stoicism's community focus and Epicurus’s unique take on pleasure, he navigates the interplay of friendship and ethics in these philosophies. The conversation highlights their relevance in today's quest for meaning.
undefined
42 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 26min

Why Plato Hated Democracy | GRF Ferrari on the Republic

GRF Ferrari, a leading Plato scholar, dives deep into the challenges of democracy through the lens of Plato's Republic. He critiques democracy's chaotic nature and the blurring of merit with mediocrity. Ferrari elaborates on the city-soul analogy, contrasting modern societal values with Plato's vision of Kallipolis, where philosopher kings rule. He reflects on the burdens of leadership in philosophy and explores the duality of the soul, arguing for the importance of rational thought in achieving true fulfillment.
undefined
53 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 27min

The First 80 years of AI, and What Comes Next | Oxford’s Michael Wooldridge

In this fascinating discussion, Michael Wooldridge, a veteran AI researcher from Oxford, dives into the rich history of artificial intelligence and its transformative future. He highlights the cycles of AI enthusiasm, the existential risks of superintelligent agents, and the importance of aligning AI with human interests. Wooldridge critiques the dramatization of AI risks and emphasizes targeted regulation. He also explores the evolution from expert systems to behavioral AI, questioning the implications of AI on our understanding of consciousness and intelligence.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app