Philosophy Bites

Emily Herring, a biographer of the influential philosopher Henri Bergson, delves into his captivating life and groundbreaking ideas. She discusses Bergson's unique concept of 'durée', which challenges traditional views of time and emphasizes personal experience. Herring also explores the balance between Bergson's scientific approach and intuitive thinking, linking his philosophies to early 20th-century suffragette movements. The conversation highlights Bergson's ongoing relevance in today's discussions about technology and creativity.

In this engaging discussion, Lyndsey Stonebridge, an expert on Hannah Arendt, dives into Arendt’s life as an émigré and its impact on her philosophy. They explore her relationship with Martin Heidegger and how it influenced her thinking. The conversation also delves into Arendt's critiques of totalitarianism, her perspectives on civil rights exemplified by the Little Rock Nine, and the complexities surrounding her legacy as a female philosopher. Stonebridge provides rich insights that illuminate Arendt's enduring significance in the realm of political thought.

Ofra Magidor, an Oxford philosopher specializing in epistemicism and moral vagueness, dives deep into the intriguing complexities of moral reasoning. She discusses how vagueness in language impacts our understanding of morality, particularly with contentious issues like abortion. Magidor challenges the idea of definitive moral boundaries, highlighting the role of context and cultural differences. She also touches upon how varying interpretations of permissibility reveal the intricate nature of moral truths in our diverse communities.

Delve into the intriguing world of decision-making amidst indeterminacy. Discover how philosophical distinctions between determinacy and indeterminacy shape our understanding of truth and logic. Explore the challenges presented by moral dilemmas, particularly those involving personhood and end-of-life choices. The discussion reveals that truth may exist on a spectrum, complicating our moral reasoning. Engage with the complexities of navigating uncertainties that arise in both linguistic and ethical contexts.

Delve into the fascinating minds of octopuses as Peter Godfrey Smith shares insights from his underwater experiences. He champions a hands-on philosophical approach, emphasizing direct interactions with animals to understand cognition. The discussion highlights evolutionary connections, revealing how humans and octopuses share a complex relationship. Discover the unpredictable behaviors of wildlife and how they challenge conventional scientific narratives. Finally, explore the uniqueness of human language in shaping our comprehension of animal cognition.

Richard Bourke, a Professor at Cambridge and expert on Hegel, unravels the complexities of Hegel's philosophy of history. He contrasts Hegel's critical stance on the French Revolution with Kant's ideals of moral autonomy. Bourke also discusses how historical context shapes human consciousness and personhood, asserting that past societies were not simply reflections of the present. The conversation deepens with insights into normative justifications in Hegel’s thought and the relevance of his ideas in understanding freedom and moral agency throughout history.

Explore the fascinating world of animal sentience, revealing that species like lobsters and octopuses may feel pain and emotions. The discussion differentiates between sentience and consciousness, advocating for improved animal welfare laws. It emphasizes the moral responsibilities we hold towards sentient beings, even among invertebrates. The podcast challenges traditional views on intelligence and highlights the need for a precautionary approach in evaluating their welfare, especially in aquaculture. It's a deep dive into ethics and the emotional lives of animals.

Cheryl Misak, author of a compelling biography on Frank Ramsey, shares insights into the life of this brilliant Cambridge philosopher who died young at 26. They discuss how Ramsey's thoughts on pragmatism were shaped by mentor Charles K. Ogden and his formative education. Misak highlights Ramsey's struggle between mathematical brilliance and varying economic philosophies, particularly socialism. The conversation also touches on his human-centered perspective, emphasizing how his warmth and sociability influenced his views on probability and economics.

Elizabeth Harman, a philosopher known for her work on moral reasoning, discusses the concept of moral heroes, those who surpass obligatory actions. She explores the complexities of heroism versus moral obligations and the challenges of personal sacrifice. David Edmonds joins the conversation to navigate the ethics of charitable acts and the moral responsibilities we hold, particularly regarding global needs. They also touch on controversial topics like moral vegetarianism, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse moral perspectives.

Philosopher Walter Sinnott Armstrong and David Edmonds discuss AI's role in ethics, focusing on embedding human values, resolving ethical dilemmas in healthcare, and AI's potential in decision-making processes like kidney transplants and medical diagnoses.