Philosophy Bites

What is a hallucination? How does it differ from an illusion? Fiona Macpherson of Glasgow University discusses these questions with Nigel Warburton in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast. Philosophy Bites is made in association with the Institute of Philosophy.

Jeff McMahan argues against the private ownership of guns in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast. Philosophy Bites is made in association with the Institute of Philosophy.

Descartes believed that we can have knowledge that was independent of experience. In this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast Colin McGinn makes a case for there being some such knowledge. Philosophy Bites is made in association with the Institute of Philosophy.

Surveillance expert Tom Sorell discusses the problems of surveillance and the value of privacy. They explore the complexity of privacy and surveillance, the ethics of state surveillance in public places, the invasion of privacy through body scanners, and the connection between surveillance, power, and human rights.

John Campbell discusses the insights that schizophrenia provides for psychologists and philosophers, including thought insertion, immediate knowledge of thoughts, mechanisms of thoughts and speech, philosophical problems in schizophrenia, and the relationship between language and schizophrenia.

In this podcast, philosopher Kendall Walton discusses the unique characteristics of photography, such as its transparency and the impact of the photographic process on the final image. He also explores the invasion of privacy and evidential value in photography, as well as the challenges and advancements brought by digital technology.

Alan Ryan, a political philosopher, discusses the differences between ancient and modern concepts of freedom. Topics include slavery, autocracy, political participation, individual liberty, and the importance of political engagement. The podcast also explores different interpretations of freedom, including the absence of constraints and the mastery of one's own life. It concludes with an exploration of ancient liberty and the need for citizen involvement in decision-making processes.

Philosophy professors discuss their favorite philosophers such as David Hume, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Locke, Sartre, and Kant. They highlight their insights, contributions, and personal admiration for their work.

Avicenna's Flying Man thought experiment challenges our understanding of self-awareness and the immateriality of the soul; its contemporary relevance and implications for materialist philosophers; exploring the value of thought experiments and their impact on self-awareness and personal identity.

Philosopher of mind Tim Bayne discusses the different types of unity relations in consciousness, explores the unity of phenomenal consciousness, examines evidence from split brain syndrome, explores the significance of consciousness unity, and discusses the importance of understanding the structure of consciousness.