The Wes Cecil Podcast

The History of Philosophy in 16 Questions - Q7: Where is the universe?Sign-up for Wes’s PATREON to get your questions answered by Wes!Plus, gain access to course materials, reading lists, peer discussions, bonus lectures, and Wes’s weekly diaries from France. Only $2 / month.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Art and Tools, Agriculture is clearly one of the most significant breakthroughs in the evolution of human culture. The changes both socially and intellectually necessary to enable a transition to sedentary cereal growing are likely still incomplete.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the habits essential for nurturing a philosophical mindset. Wes draws parallels between intellectual growth and athletic training, emphasizing the need for quiet reflection. He advocates for surrounding oneself with inspiring thinkers while highlighting the importance of creative outlets like writing and art. The discussion also critiques modern fast-paced schedules that hinder deep learning, urging a shift towards more focused commitments for true intellectual development.

The History of Philosophy in 16 Questions - Q6: What can we learn from nature?Sign-up for Wes’s PATREON to get your questions answered by Wes!Plus, gain access to course materials, reading lists, peer discussions, bonus lectures, and Wes’s weekly diaries from France. Only $2 / month.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Likely more important than tool use and necessary for the development of more sophisticated tools, the development and creation of art marks the fundamental development of the modern mind. Here we see the imagination put to work in ways that fundamentally altered both the world and how we understood and understand the world today. At the very dawn of the Upper Paleolithic the arts become central to human society. Sign-up for Wes’s PATREON to get your questions answered by Wes!Plus, gain access to course materials, reading lists, bonus lectures, and Wes’s weekly diaries from France. Only $2 / month.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a world that feels chaotic, there's a profound reevaluation of our political frameworks. Leaders are struggling to connect with disillusioned citizens as traditional narratives crumble. The discussion highlights the challenges of crafting compelling arguments that align ethical values with practical solutions. Despite the turmoil, there’s a glimmer of hope with emerging narratives that could pave the way for fresh ideas and positive change. Can new systems rise from the ashes of old beliefs? Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of our shifting political landscape.

The History of Philosophy in 16 Questions - Q5: Why was the past so great?Sign-up for Wes’s PATREON to get your questions answered by Wes!Plus, gain access to course materials, reading lists, bonus lectures, and Wes’s weekly diaries from France. Only $2 / month.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tool use has evolved more slowly and means something different than has generally been understood. Over three million years of practice with tools led, eventually, to a revolution not so much in tools as in the social structure and mental outlook of the primates we are. Sign-up for Wes’s PATREON to get your questions answered by Wes!Plus, gain access to course materials, reading lists, bonus lectures, and Wes’s weekly diaries from France. Only $2 / month.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dive into the philosophical realms of Henri Bergson as the discussion explores the clash between scientific and subjective conceptions of time. Discover how our obsession with rigid schedules often overshadows the richness of lived experiences. The talk encourages a shift towards a more qualitative approach to life, highlighting the significance of genuine human connections over mere task completion. This thought-provoking dialogue invites listeners to rethink their relationship with time and daily living.

The History of Philosophy in 16 Questions - Q4: How should we govern?Sign-up for Wes’s PATREON to get your questions answered by Wes!Plus, gain access to course materials, reading lists, bonus lectures, and Wes’s weekly diaries from France. Only $2 / month.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.