The Socratic Sessions
The Socratic Sessions explores humanity’s biggest questions—delving into philosophy, theology, history, science, and the enduring mysteries of religion.
Latest episodes
May 27, 2025 • 6min
Why Christianity’s Idea of Love is Morally Wrong w/ Don Watkins
🔍 Overview: In this clip, Don Watkins explains why Christianity’s concept of unconditional love is unrealistic and immoral, and how Ayn Rand’s egoism offers a more authentic and selfish view of love.🤝 Support The Show 🤘LocalsPayPalBitcoin📚 Episode Resources (affiliate links where possible - thanks!)Effective Egoism by Don WatkinsWebsiteTwitterSubstackAtlas Shrugged by Ayn RandThe Fountainhead by Ayn RandAnthem by Ayn RandWe the Living by Ayn Rand🌐 ConnectLinktreeSubstackTwitterFacebook PageInstagramGoodreadsBlueskyThreadsLinkedIn Page📺 Subscribe - Video PlatformsYouTubeRumble📷 Gear (affiliate links - thanks!)Camera (Sony A6400)Lens (Sigma 16mm)Audio Interface (Focusrite Scarlett 4i4)Microphone Amplifier (Cloudlifter CL-1)Mic (RØDE PodMic)Lights (Elgato Key Light Air)Colour Back Lighting (Govee LED Floor Lamp)Recording Software (Riverside.FM)👍 Support: Like, subscribe, and share to fuel the quest for understanding.🔔 Stay Tuned: Tap the bell for instant notifications.📣 Join the Talk: Share your thoughts using #TheSocraticSessions.🚀 Thanks for Tuning In! Let's keep the conversation going.#objectivism #aynrand #ethics #egoism #christianity #morality #love #johngalt #rand #fountainhead #philosophy
May 23, 2025 • 8min
What Does a Truly Fulfilling Life Look Like? w/ Don Watkins
🔍 Overview: Don Watkins and Samuel discuss how Objectivism redefines happiness as a life of consistent, non-contradictory joy, challenging the shallow portrayals of happiness we often see on social media.🤝 Support The Show 🤘LocalsPayPalBitcoin📚 Episode Resources (affiliate links where possible - thanks!)Effective Egoism by Don WatkinsWebsiteTwitterSubstackAtlas Shrugged by Ayn RandThe Fountainhead by Ayn RandAnthem by Ayn RandWe the Living by Ayn Rand🌐 ConnectLinktreeSubstackTwitterFacebook PageInstagramGoodreadsBlueskyThreadsLinkedIn Page📺 Subscribe - Video PlatformsYouTubeRumble📷 Gear (affiliate links - thanks!)Camera (Sony A6400)Lens (Sigma 16mm)Audio Interface (Focusrite Scarlett 4i4)Microphone Amplifier (Cloudlifter CL-1)Mic (RØDE PodMic)Lights (Elgato Key Light Air)Colour Back Lighting (Govee LED Floor Lamp)Recording Software (Riverside.FM)👍 Support: Like, subscribe, and share to fuel the quest for understanding.🔔 Stay Tuned: Tap the bell for instant notifications.📣 Join the Talk: Share your thoughts using #TheSocraticSessions.🚀 Thanks for Tuning In! Let's keep the conversation going.#objectivism #aynrand #happiness #egoism #joy #objectivism #dagnytaggart #johngalt #rand #fountainhead #philosophy
May 20, 2025 • 5min
Is Ayn Rand Actually a Serious Philosopher? w/ Don Watkins
🔍 Overview: In this clip, Don Watkins and Samuel discuss why intellectuals like Sam Harris often dismiss Ayn Rand and how her philosophy challenges modern ideas.🤝 Support The Show 🤘LocalsPayPalBitcoin📚 Episode Resources (affiliate links where possible - thanks!)Effective Egoism by Don WatkinsWebsiteTwitterSubstackAtlas Shrugged by Ayn RandThe Fountainhead by Ayn RandAnthem by Ayn RandWe the Living by Ayn Rand🌐 ConnectLinktreeSubstackTwitterFacebook PageInstagramGoodreadsBlueskyThreadsLinkedIn Page📺 Subscribe - Video PlatformsYouTubeRumble📷 Gear (affiliate links - thanks!)Camera (Sony A6400)Lens (Sigma 16mm)Audio Interface (Focusrite Scarlett 4i4)Microphone Amplifier (Cloudlifter CL-1)Mic (RØDE PodMic)Lights (Elgato Key Light Air)Colour Back Lighting (Govee LED Floor Lamp)Recording Software (Riverside.FM)👍 Support: Like, subscribe, and share to fuel the quest for understanding.🔔 Stay Tuned: Tap the bell for instant notifications.📣 Join the Talk: Share your thoughts using #TheSocraticSessions.🚀 Thanks for Tuning In! Let's keep the conversation going.#objectivism #aynrand #ethics #egoism #harris #howardroark #dagnytaggart #johngalt #rand #fountainhead #philosophy
May 16, 2025 • 1h 49min
A Battle for Meaning: Truth vs. Ideology | Michael Huemer | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #34
🔍 Overview: Are progressive myths shaping belief more than truth? In this conversation, Michael Huemer and Samuel examine their impact on ideology, groupthink, and polarization—along with the role of academia, media, and institutional trust in modern discourse.🤝 Support The Show 🤘LocalsPayPalBitcoin🗣️ Highlights[Highlight 1]: Are ‘progressive myths’ shaping belief more than objective truth?[Highlight 2]: Does traditional religion offer a defence against ideological groupthink?[Highlight 3]: How do media and academia fuel polarisation in modern society?👀 Previous Conversations w/ Michael HuemerPhilosophy: An Introduction | Michael Huemer | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #7Epistemology: An Introduction | Michael Huemer | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #15Ethics and Animals: Navigating Veganism | Michael Huemer | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #27📚 Episode Resources (affiliate links where possible - thanks!)Substack (Fake Nous)WebsiteYouTube ChannelProgressive Myths by Michael HuemerKnowledge, Reality, and Value: A Mostly Common Sense Guide to Philosophy by Michael HuemerUnderstanding Knowledge by Michael HuemerDialogues on Ethical Vegetarianism by Michael HuemerWoke Racism by John McWhorter🌐 ConnectLinktreeSubstackTwitterFacebook PageInstagramGoodreadsBlueskyThreadsLinkedIn Page📺 Subscribe - Video PlatformsYouTubeRumble📷 Gear (affiliate links - thanks!)Camera (Sony A6400)Lens (Sigma 16mm)Audio Interface (Focusrite Scarlett 4i4)Microphone Amplifier (Cloudlifter CL-1)Mic (RØDE PodMic)Lights (Elgato Key Light Air)Colour Back Lighting (Govee LED Floor Lamp)Recording Software (Riverside.FM)👍 Support: Like, subscribe, and share to fuel the quest for understanding.🔔 Stay Tuned: Tap the bell for instant notifications.📣 Join the Talk: Share your thoughts using #TheSocraticSessions.🚀 Thanks for Tuning In! Let's keep the conversation going.#ideology #woke #wokeism #meaning #myths #ethics #stereotypes #gender #science #truth #reality #philosophy
May 13, 2025 • 7min
How Progressivism Overlooks Real Systemic Injustice w/ Michael Huemer
🔍 Overview: Has progressivism lost sight of real injustices? Michael Huemer and Samuel argue that progressive discourse often replaces tangible systemic issues with abstract meta-issues—stalling progress for many while benefiting only a few.🤝 Support The Show 🤘LocalsPayPalBitcoin👀 Previous Conversations w/ Michael HuemerPhilosophy: An Introduction | Michael Huemer | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #7Epistemology: An Introduction | Michael Huemer | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #15Ethics and Animals: Navigating Veganism | Michael Huemer | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #27📚 Episode Resources (affiliate links where possible - thanks!)Substack (Fake Nous)WebsiteYouTube ChannelProgressive Myths by Michael HuemerKnowledge, Reality, and Value: A Mostly Common Sense Guide to Philosophy by Michael HuemerUnderstanding Knowledge by Michael HuemerDialogues on Ethical Vegetarianism by Michael HuemerWoke Racism by John McWhorter🌐 ConnectLinktreeSubstackTwitterFacebook PageInstagramGoodreadsBlueskyThreadsLinkedIn Page📺 Subscribe - Video PlatformsYouTubeRumble📷 Gear (affiliate links - thanks!)Camera (Sony A6400)Lens (Sigma 16mm)Audio Interface (Focusrite Scarlett 4i4)Microphone Amplifier (Cloudlifter CL-1)Mic (RØDE PodMic)Lights (Elgato Key Light Air)Colour Back Lighting (Govee LED Floor Lamp)Recording Software (Riverside.FM)👍 Support: Like, subscribe, and share to fuel the quest for understanding.🔔 Stay Tuned: Tap the bell for instant notifications.📣 Join the Talk: Share your thoughts using #TheSocraticSessions.🚀 Thanks for Tuning In! Let's keep the conversation going.#injustice #woke #wokeism #meaning #progress #ethics #stereotypes #gender #science #truth #reality #philosophy
May 11, 2025 • 18min
Deterministic Propensities: On Choice and Causality 🧠🔗
✍️ Substack: If you'd rather read than listen, you can do so over on Substack!🔍 Overview: Does determinism leave room for real choice? In this episode, we explore the phenomenology of decision-making, the Principle of Alternative Possibilities, and whether randomness offers a genuine escape from causal closure.🤝 Support The Show 🤘LocalsPayPalBitcoin👀 Previous Videos Essays:YouTube Playlist🌐 ConnectLinktreeSubstackTwitterFacebook PageInstagramGoodreadsBlueskyThreadsLinkedIn Page📺 Subscribe - Video PlatformsYouTubeRumble📷 Gear (affiliate links - thanks!)Camera (Sony A6400)Lens (Sigma 16mm)Audio Interface (Focusrite Scarlett 4i4)Microphone Amplifier (Cloudlifter CL-1)Mic (RØDE PodMic)Lights (Elgato Key Light Air)Colour Back Lighting (Govee LED Floor Lamp)Recording Software (Riverside.FM)👍 Support: Like, subscribe, and share to fuel the quest for understanding.🔔 Stay Tuned: Tap the bell for instant notifications.📣 Join the Talk: Share your thoughts using #TheSocraticSessions.🚀 Thanks for Tuning In! Let's keep the conversation going.#freewill #determinism #fate #philosophy #compatibilism #determinism
May 9, 2025 • 7min
When Should We Trust the Experts? w/ Michael Huemer
🔍 Overview: Who can we trust in an era of institutional distrust? Michael Huemer and Samuel examine the public’s scepticism of academia, media, and government—exploring how individuals can navigate truth in an age of politicised information.🤝 Support The Show 🤘LocalsPayPalBitcoin👀 Previous Conversations w/ Michael HuemerPhilosophy: An Introduction | Michael Huemer | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #7Epistemology: An Introduction | Michael Huemer | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #15Ethics and Animals: Navigating Veganism | Michael Huemer | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #27📚 Episode Resources (affiliate links where possible - thanks!)Substack (Fake Nous)WebsiteYouTube ChannelProgressive Myths by Michael HuemerKnowledge, Reality, and Value: A Mostly Common Sense Guide to Philosophy by Michael HuemerUnderstanding Knowledge by Michael HuemerDialogues on Ethical Vegetarianism by Michael HuemerWoke Racism by John McWhorter🌐 ConnectLinktreeSubstackTwitterFacebook PageInstagramGoodreadsBlueskyThreadsLinkedIn Page📺 Subscribe - Video PlatformsYouTubeRumble📷 Gear (affiliate links - thanks!)Camera (Sony A6400)Lens (Sigma 16mm)Audio Interface (Focusrite Scarlett 4i4)Microphone Amplifier (Cloudlifter CL-1)Mic (RØDE PodMic)Lights (Elgato Key Light Air)Colour Back Lighting (Govee LED Floor Lamp)Recording Software (Riverside.FM)👍 Support: Like, subscribe, and share to fuel the quest for understanding.🔔 Stay Tuned: Tap the bell for instant notifications.📣 Join the Talk: Share your thoughts using #TheSocraticSessions.🚀 Thanks for Tuning In! Let's keep the conversation going.#experts #institutions #wokeism #academia #media #government #science #truth #reality #philosophy
May 6, 2025 • 10min
Is Progressivism the New Religion? w/ Michael Huemer
🔍 Overview: Does progressivism function like a religion? Michael Huemer and Samuel explore its moral codes, community, and creeds—alongside John McWhorter’s claim that wokeism is a religion. They also discuss the rise of conservative Christianity as a reaction.🤝 Support The Show 🤘LocalsPayPalBitcoin👀 Previous Conversations w/ Michael HuemerPhilosophy: An Introduction | Michael Huemer | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #7Epistemology: An Introduction | Michael Huemer | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #15Ethics and Animals: Navigating Veganism | Michael Huemer | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #27📚 Episode Resources (affiliate links where possible - thanks!)Substack (Fake Nous)WebsiteYouTube ChannelProgressive Myths by Michael HuemerKnowledge, Reality, and Value: A Mostly Common Sense Guide to Philosophy by Michael HuemerUnderstanding Knowledge by Michael HuemerDialogues on Ethical Vegetarianism by Michael HuemerWoke Racism by John McWhorter🌐 ConnectLinktreeSubstackTwitterFacebook PageInstagramGoodreadsBlueskyThreadsLinkedIn Page📺 Subscribe - Video PlatformsYouTubeRumble📷 Gear (affiliate links - thanks!)Camera (Sony A6400)Lens (Sigma 16mm)Audio Interface (Focusrite Scarlett 4i4)Microphone Amplifier (Cloudlifter CL-1)Mic (RØDE PodMic)Lights (Elgato Key Light Air)Colour Back Lighting (Govee LED Floor Lamp)Recording Software (Riverside.FM)👍 Support: Like, subscribe, and share to fuel the quest for understanding.🔔 Stay Tuned: Tap the bell for instant notifications.📣 Join the Talk: Share your thoughts using #TheSocraticSessions.🚀 Thanks for Tuning In! Let's keep the conversation going.#progressivism #woke #wokeism #religion #christianity #reality #philosophy
May 2, 2025 • 1h 41min
Paths Without Belief: Embracing the Divine | Carl-Johan Palmqvist | The Socratic Sessions | Ep #33
🔍 Overview: In semi-secular societies, people are engaging with religious traditions through practice rather than belief. In this conversation, Carl-Johan Palmqvist and Samuel explore religious fictionalism and non-doxasticism—examining how faith can function without firm conviction.🤝 Support The Show 🤘LocalsPayPalBitcoin🗣️Highlights[Highlight 1]: Can you engage with religion as if it’s real—without actually believing it?[Highlight 2]: Does role-playing in religious traditions create authenticity or mimicry?[Highlight 3]: How does non-doxasticism challenge traditional ideas of faith and belief?📚 Episode Resources (affiliate links where possible - thanks!)Lund UniversityPaper 1 (open access)Paper 2 (open access)Paper 3 (open access)🌐ConnectLinktreeSubstackTwitterFacebook PageInstagramGoodreadsBlueskyThreadsLinkedIn Page📺 Subscribe - Video PlatformsYouTubeRumble📷Gear (affiliate links - thanks!)Camera (Sony A6400)Lens (Sigma 16mm)Audio Interface (Focusrite Scarlett 4i4)Microphone Amplifier (Cloudlifter CL-1)Mic (RØDE PodMic)Lights (Elgato Key Light Air)Colour Back Lighting (Govee LED Floor Lamp)Recording Software (Riverside.FM)👍 Support: Like, subscribe, and share to fuel the quest for understanding.🔔 Stay Tuned: Tap the bell for instant notifications.📣 Join the Talk: Share your thoughts using #TheSocraticSessions.🚀 Thanks for Tuning In! Let's keep the conversation going.#belief #religion #nonbeliever #agnosticism #roleplay #games #perception #philosophy
Apr 29, 2025 • 16min
Semi-Secularity: Balancing Naturalism & Supernaturalism w/ Carl-Johan Palmqvist
🔍 Overview: Can you entertain religious ideas without believing them? Carl-Johan Palmqvist and Samuel discuss non-doxasticism—the practice of engaging with faith while staying rooted in naturalism.🤝 Support The Show 🤘LocalsPayPalBitcoin📚 Episode Resources (affiliate links where possible - thanks!)Lund UniversityPaper 1 (open access)Paper 2 (open access)Paper 3 (open access)🌐ConnectLinktreeSubstackTwitterFacebook PageInstagramGoodreadsBlueskyThreadsLinkedIn Page📺 Subscribe - Video PlatformsYouTubeRumble📷Gear (affiliate links - thanks!)Camera (Sony A6400)Lens (Sigma 16mm)Audio Interface (Focusrite Scarlett 4i4)Microphone Amplifier (Cloudlifter CL-1)Mic (RØDE PodMic)Lights (Elgato Key Light Air)Colour Back Lighting (Govee LED Floor Lamp)Recording Software (Riverside.FM)👍 Support: Like, subscribe, and share to fuel the quest for understanding.🔔 Stay Tuned: Tap the bell for instant notifications.📣 Join the Talk: Share your thoughts using #TheSocraticSessions.🚀 Thanks for Tuning In! Let's keep the conversation going.#naturalism #supernaturalism #nondoxasticism #agnosticism #roleplay #games #perception #philosophy
