Philosophy Bites
Edmonds and Warburton
David Edmonds (Uehiro Centre, Oxford University) and Nigel Warburton (freelance philosopher/writer) interview top philosophers on a wide range of topics. Two books based on the series have been published by Oxford University Press. We are currently self-funding - donations very welcome via our website http://www.philosophybites.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 8, 2009 • 13min
Julian Savulescu on the 'Yuk' Factor
Should we base our morality on our emotional reactions of disgust? We all have a sense of 'yuk' at some activities or situations. Julian Savulescu of Oxford University discusses the relevance of revulsion to our moral judgements in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast.
Feb 20, 2009 • 15min
Sebastian Gardner on Sartre on Bad Faith
Jean-Paul Sartre's notion of Bad Faith lies at the core of his existentialist classic Being and Nothingness. In this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast Sebastian Gardner explains what Sartre meant by Bad Faith.
Feb 6, 2009 • 17min
Keith Ward on Idealism in Eastern and Western Philosophy
Questions about the nature of reality are at the heart of all philosophy in both Western and Eastern traditions. Keith Ward gives an overview of the idealist tradition in some Indian philosophy and draws parallels between this tradition and some Western thinkers.
Jan 22, 2009 • 19min
David Papineau on Scientific Realism
Scientists talk about sub-atomic particles which are invisible to the eye. Do such particles really exist? Or are they simply convenient fictions that, for the moment at least, explain the observable phenomena? David Papineau discusses and defends scientific realism in this episode of Philosophy Bites.
Jan 11, 2009 • 15min
Kate Soper on Alternative Hedonism
Kate Soper believes that we need to rethink how we live in the light of impending environmental catastrophe. She maintains that alternative ways of living can be more enjoyable than consumerism.
Dec 29, 2008 • 16min
Chandran Kukathas on Genocide
Genocide is, at first glance, a straightforward term. We understand what it is and why it is such an evil. But, as Chandran Kukathas of the London School of Economics argues in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast, perhaps the received definition of this term needs refinement.
Dec 14, 2008 • 17min
M.M. McCabe on the Paradox of Inquiry
How do we learn anything? This isn't a puzzle until you start thinking hard about it. In his dialogue The Meno, Plato presented an apparent paradox about inquiry. M.M. McCabe discusses this paradox and its continuing relevance.
9 snips
Dec 7, 2008 • 15min
Raymond Tallis on Parmenides
Parmenides was one of the most important pre-Socratic philosophers. Raymond Tallis discusses his ideas and influence in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast.
Nov 30, 2008 • 15min
Don Cupitt on Non-Realism about God
Don Cupitt, a controversial theologian and philosopher, whose BBC television series and book The Sea of Faith was extremely influential, giving birth to a theological movement, believes that most religion is too anthropomorphic. In this interview for the Philosophy Bites podcast he explains his non-realist approach to God.
Nov 23, 2008 • 14min
Wendy Brown on Tolerance
Tolerance is usually thought of as the great virtue of democratic societies. Wendy Brown of UC Berkeley asks some sceptical questions about the concept of tolerance and how it can be used to express power relationships in this interview for Philosophy Bites.
