Dive into Max Scheler's intriguing exploration of sympathy and fellow feeling, unraveling their ethical implications. The discussion sets apart genuine sympathy from mere identification, emphasizing the necessity for individuality in ethical understanding. From critiquing emotional engagement to examining the pitfalls of total unity, the speakers navigate the intricate relationships between empathy and personal identity. They also tackle the biological roots of moral emotions, challenging us to rethink our connections while honoring our distinct selves.

Joining this discussion is Peter Holsapple, a renowned singer-songwriter celebrated for his work with The dB's and Continental Drifters, and collaborations with musical giants like R.E.M. Peter reflects on his extensive career since 1972, sharing insights about balancing creativity with nostalgia and personal loss. He highlights the emotional depth of songs like "Larger Than Life" and explores the power of music to connect with memories. The conversation culminates in a heartfelt tribute to artistry and the passage of time through the poignant track "Where Does the Time Go."

On Edmund Husserl's Ideas, Vol. 2 (1928), Section 3, "The Constitution of the Spiritual World," Ch. 1, "Opposition Between the Naturalistic and Personalistic Worlds." Given Husserl's method of "reduction" whereby he sets aside the metaphysical status of objects in the natural world (are they mind-independent or merely ideas?), we wanted to see how he accounts for our ability to directly perceive other people's minds. We don't just perceive their bodies and our own bodies and deduce that others must be like us mentally, but we perceive both our minds and those of others as strata (aspects) of physical bodies. Read along with us, starting on p. 183 (PDF p. 101). Sign up to support Closereads at patreon.com/closereadsphilosophy to get future parts of this discussion plus lots more content. Get all public Closereads episodes at closereadsphilosophy.com or on YouTube.

Dive into the moral philosophies of Franz Brentano, unpacking how we determine right from wrong. The conversation examines the relationship between emotional states and moral choices, questioning whether pleasure can truly be the ultimate moral guide. Delve into the complexities of moral love, exploring how societal norms shape our desires and judgments. The critique of utilitarianism highlights the balance between personal preferences and the common good, inviting reflection on virtues like love and self-sacrifice in ethical decision-making.

Mark and Bill introduce a new potential setting and some characters for ongoing use in future improvisations. We talk about techniques for doing that and wrap up by getting an update from Bill on his substitute teaching and talking about what makes for a good teacher. Hear more at philosophyimprov.com. Support the podcast and listen ad-free at philosophyimprov.com/support. Check out other Evergreen Podcast offerings.

Delve into Franz Brentano's fascinating insights on moral epistemology. Discover how he argues that certain preferences are innately good, beyond cultural influences. The discussion explores the origins of moral truths and critiques inherent moral principles. Unpack the complexities of moral intuitionism and the relationship between instinctual behavior and ethical reasoning. The hosts tackle the independence of moral truth from societal norms, encouraging a deeper understanding of ethics through phenomenology.

We acknowledge this hugely popular form of "entertainment" recently embodied by The Baldwins, but popularized by shows like The Osbournes and The Kardashians, wherein some celebrity and/or family just shows off their life, Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn and Al are joined by returning guest Kayla Dryesse to talk about why this kind of show exists, its variations, and its redeeming value (if any). Is The Baldwins basically just a lengthy Instagram post? For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear this ad-free with bonus content at patreon.com/prettymuchpop or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the Mark Lintertainment Channel.

Jesse Peterson, an author specializing in Ecclesiastes, dives deep into the philosophical musings of this ancient text. He explores the concept of life's absurdity and its parallels with Greek Skepticism and Stoicism. The conversation touches on the futility of human striving, the tension between wisdom and sorrow, and the quest for legacy. Peterson emphasizes finding joy amidst the vanity of life, arguing for a balance between individual desires and communal values while enjoying the small moments that make existence worthwhile.

Are we taking for granted this unique, talent-filled weekly nationally televised live comedy event that's been around for 50 years? (as in "What do we think this show is? Chopped liver?") Does its format even make sense at this time given YouTube and streaming? What will its legacy be? Mark, Lawrence, Sarahlyn, and Al discuss the casts, highlights, and the recent anniversary specials. For more, visit prettymuchpop.com. Hear this ad-free with bonus content at patreon.com/prettymuchpop or by subscribing via Apple Podcasts to the Mark Lintertainment Channel.

Jesse M. Peterson, an assistant professor specializing in biblical studies, dives into the philosophical depths of Ecclesiastes. He explores profound themes of meaning, futility, and the quest for recognition versus pleasure, raising questions about life's transience. The conversation highlights the tension between earthly existence 'under the sun' and potential eternal outcomes, examining how these ancient texts resonate with modern existential inquiries. Peterson's insights invite listeners to reflect on the complexities of wisdom and suffering in the search for significance.