The Gray Area with Sean Illing

Philosophy often feels like a disconnected discipline, obsessed with tedious and abstract problems. But MIT professor Kieran Setiya believes philosophical inquiry has a practical purpose outside the classroom — to help guide us through life’s most challenging circumstances. He joins Sean to talk about self-help, FOMO, and midlife crises.This episode originally aired in April 2024.Host: Sean Illing (@SeanIlling)Guest: Kieran Setiya, author of Life Is Hard: How Philosophy Can Help Us Find Our Way and Midlife: A Philosophical Guide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a thought-provoking conversation, political philosopher John Gray, author of The New Leviathans: Thoughts After Liberalism, challenges the long-held beliefs about the dominance of liberal democracy. He discusses the decline of liberalism, highlighting failures across nations like Russia and China. Gray also explores the complexities of political identity, the fragility of societal order, and the impacts of the 'woke movement.' Amidst a legitimacy crisis in America, he urges a deeper understanding of the historical forces shaping current political landscapes.

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Julia Longoria, Vox host and editorial director, dives deep into the complex world of artificial intelligence. She discusses the dichotomy of AI’s benefits versus its existential threats, influenced by industry leaders' ideologies. Longoria highlights the ethical concerns surrounding biased datasets and the philosophical dilemmas of AI development. The conversation also grapples with whether AI should be viewed as a tool or a god-like entity, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology with human values and maintaining a critical perspective on AI's role in society.

Jaron Lanier, a computer scientist, artist, and writer known for his insights on virtual reality and Silicon Valley, argues we should stop comparing AI to humans. He emphasizes that AI should be seen as a collaborative tool rather than a competitor. The conversation navigates the importance of ethical technology usage and encourages reframing AI's role for human benefit. Lanier also explores the dual nature of AI, touching on its addictive aspects and its potential to enhance creativity, while urging a humanistic perspective in our digital interactions.

Ezra Klein, co-founder of Vox and host of The Ezra Klein Show, offers sharp insights on the sluggishness in American governance, particularly among Democrats. He critiques the inefficiencies in their response to rapid changes under the Trump administration. Klein argues for a pivot towards embracing technology and resources to better address essential needs like housing and healthcare. He emphasizes the urgency of reform to better engage with working-class voters and imagines a future where innovation drives political narratives in a more inclusive direction.

Maggie Jackson, a writer and journalist and author of "Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure," shares her insights on the unexpected benefits of embracing uncertainty. She discusses how accepting ambiguity can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and mental well-being. Maggie highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating life's challenges, while also addressing the dangers of closed-mindedness in a polarized society. Her perspective encourages listeners to see uncertainty not as a barrier, but as a unique opportunity for growth and personal development.

Pico Iyer, an esteemed essayist and travel writer, discusses the transformative power of silence. He shares personal experiences from living in a Catholic monastery after losing his home, emphasizing how silence can rejuvenate amid life's chaos. Iyer explores the interplay between inner peace and nature, advocating for self-emptying practices over ego-driven distractions. He highlights the spiritual freedom found in solitude and community, offering insights on how to incorporate stillness into our busy lives for deeper fulfillment.

Olga Khazan, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "Me, But Better," dives into the fascinating realm of personality change. She shares insights from her journey exploring whether personality traits are fixed or can be transformed. The discussion unveils the intricate balance between genetics and life experiences, emphasizing mindfulness and self-awareness as keys to personal growth. Khazan also challenges the notion of inherent traits by revealing how intentional changes can lead to meaningful transformations.

Mark Lilla, a Professor of Humanities at Columbia University and author of "Ignorance and Bliss: On Wanting Not to Know," dives into the tug-of-war between knowledge and ignorance. He discusses when ignorance might serve us better, referencing Plato's allegory of the cave. Lilla explores how the comfort of not knowing can sometimes shield us from societal pressures and personal anxieties. The conversation reflects on the balance between curiosity and denial, revealing the psychological complexity of wanting both enlightenment and the bliss of ignorance.