
Philosophy for the People
Philosophy for the People’s mission is an educational program aimed at overcoming the paucity of serious, fair-minded, and accessible philosophical discourse available to a popular audience. Though we are ourselves dedicated to the Catholic intellectual tradition, we are likewise committed to exploring ideas from all rigorous traditions of philosophizing (scholastic, classical, analytic, and phenomenological). We pursue this mission by providing long-form guided readings of great texts, discussions with expert guests, our own open-ended philosophical discussions of issues and thinkers, live question and answer opportunities, in depth lecture courses, and our own articles and book-length writings. Philosophy for the People’s pedagogical materials will be provided either without charge or for minimal cost to assure provision of broad access to first-rate philosophical education.
Latest episodes

Oct 20, 2024 • 1h 21min
Ratzinger's Notion of Person: a Thomistic Response w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr
In this discussion, Dr. Gaven Kerr, an expert in Thomistic philosophy, dives deep into the notion of personhood through the lens of Ratzinger's theology. He distinguishes between divine relations and human identity, highlighting the complexities of the Trinity. The conversation critiques traditional metaphysical frameworks and emphasizes relationality in understanding personhood. Kerr also explores misconceptions around Thomism, the nature of action, and the enduring impact of various philosophical influences, all while advocating for a synthesis of these rich traditions.

Oct 2, 2024 • 1h 3min
Thomistic Metaphysics: an Introduction w/ Dr. Michael Gorman
Dr. Michael Gorman, an author renowned for his work on Thomistic metaphysics, shares fascinating insights into Aquinas's ideas about existence and the essence of things. He discusses the complex interplay between modern science and philosophical principles while diving deep into the concept of substances. Gorman contrasts Thomistic and Franciscan views, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive understanding of identity. The conversation also touches on realism vs. anti-realism in science and the nature of substantial forms, illuminating the significance of these philosophical explorations.

Sep 20, 2024 • 1h 11min
Contingency, Grounding, and God w/ Dr. Kenneth Pearce
Pat is joined by Dr. Kenneth Pearce to discuss some of his recent work related to metaphysical grounding, contingency, and the existence of God. Head to Pat's Substack for more philosophy content: https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Sep 19, 2024 • 52min
How God Knows He's Not a Brain In a Vat w/ Dr. Gaven Kerr
Pat and Gaven discuss cool things, like Aquinas's theory of existence and how God knows He's not a brain in a vat. More on Pat's Substack - https://journalofabsolutetruth.substack.com/

Aug 27, 2024 • 37min
Skeptical Theism w/ Dr. Perry Hendricks
Pat is joined by Perry to discuss his work on Skeptical Theism. https://www.perryhendricks.com/

Aug 26, 2024 • 1h 57min
The Best Arguments for God w/ Matthew Adelstein
Pat is joined by Matthew Adelstein to discuss some of their (current) favorite arguments for God.

Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 4min
Existential Inertia and Thomistic Esse w/ Jack Boczar
Pat is joined by Jack Boczar to discuss his forthcoming paper, Existential Inertia and Thomistic Esse. Jack has published on Aquinas and Augustine and is currently working on medieval metaphysics. His PhilPeople page can be accessed here: https://philpeople.org/profiles/jack-boczar

Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 26min
The NEW Philosophical Case for Theism w/ Dr. Joshua Sijuwade
Pat talks with Joshua Sijuwade about his new book Analytic Theism. If you like this conversation, please comment, share, and subscribe. For more philosophy content, check out Pat's Substack: https://chroniclesofstrength.substack.com/

Jul 3, 2024 • 1h 23min
The Problem of Animal Suffering w/ Dr. Kyle Keltz
Pat is joined by Dr. Kyle Keltz to discuss some of his recent work on the problem of evil with respect to animal suffering. Also, to announce a new volume on the problem of animal suffering that Dr. Keltz is editting and that Pat is contributing to.

May 4, 2024 • 60min
Discussing Divine Simplicity w/ Dr. Gavin Ortlund
Dr. Gavin Ortlund recently debated Dr. Ryan Mullins on divine simplicity. After, John DeRosa hosted Gavin and myself for a bit of a debrief and extended conversation on the topic. Here's the replay, from John's Classical Theism podcast.