

Philosophize This!
Stephen West
Beginner friendly if listened to in order! For anyone interested in an educational podcast about philosophy where you don't need to be a graduate-level philosopher to understand it. In chronological order, the thinkers and ideas that forged the world we live in are broken down and explained.
Episodes
Mentioned books

322 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 38min
Episode #214 ... Framing our Being in a completely different way. (Heidegger)
Dive into Heidegger's captivating critique of metaphysics as he challenges the traditional subject-object framing in philosophy. Discover the importance of Dasein, where lived experience takes precedence over mere theory. Explore the distinction between ontic and ontological concepts, rethinking free will and human agency through cultural lenses. Emphasizing embodiment, this discussion highlights our interconnectedness with the world. Plus, reflect on how temporality and death shape our understanding of existence. It's a thought-provoking journey!

275 snips
Oct 13, 2024 • 37min
Episode #213 ... Deleuze Interprets Nietzsche (Difference, Joy, Affirmation)
Explore how Deleuze reinterprets Nietzsche, advocating for a radical embrace of difference and joy over traditional dialectics. Challenging the rigidity of representational thinking, the conversation emphasizes creativity in understanding existence. Discover the concept of self-acceptance as a pathway to genuine living and how art serves as a catalyst for innovation. The dynamic interplay of active versus reactive forces reveals a playful approach to life, reminding us that true creativity transcends societal norms.

246 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 38min
Episode #212 ... Nietzsche and Critchley on the tragic perspective. (Amor Fati pt. 2)
Explore Nietzsche's life-affirming perspective, which challenges rational traditions in Western thought. Delve into Greek tragedy as a lens for appreciating life’s complexities, showcasing human suffering and moral ambiguities. Discover the shortcomings of reason when grappling with human conflict, while recognizing tragedy's vital role in understanding existence. The complexity of flawed characters in ancient narratives contrasts sharply with modern idealized tales, prompting a reflective journey through the fragility and ambiguity of life.

546 snips
Sep 22, 2024 • 41min
Episode #211 ... Nietzsche returns with a hammer!
Dive into Nietzsche's critical take on the decay of western society and his issues with Socratic rationality. Explore how he challenges notions of universal morality and egalitarianism, warning against mediocrity. Discover his idea of the Ubermensch and how it contrasts with contemporary views. Embrace the chaos of life as Nietzsche emphasizes the importance of authenticity and strength, arguing that true growth stems from facing life's struggles head-on.

138 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 39min
Episode #210 ... The Pedagogy of the Oppressed (Paulo Freire, Education)
Dive into Paulo Freire's radical thoughts on education as liberation versus oppression. Discover the pitfalls of the traditional banking model of learning and the significance of critical consciousness. Explore the dynamic dance between oppressors and the oppressed, and how dialogical education can spark true understanding. The podcast highlights Freire's engaging problem-posing model and examines his Marxist influences, revealing how education can be a powerful tool for both personal and societal transformation.

102 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 36min
Episode #209 ... Improving our world through applied ethics. (Peter Singer, Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek)
The podcast dives into Peter Singer's response to criticisms of capitalism and its ethical implications. Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek highlights the importance of correctly interpreting ethical terminology. The discussion also covers the role of philosophy in education and the need for creative activism. Innovative strategies, like meme warfare, are introduced to motivate ethical behavior. Lastly, the rise of the Effective Altruism movement emphasizes the necessity for engaging discussions about ethics to inspire positive societal change.

149 snips
Aug 18, 2024 • 44min
Episode #208 ... The moral evolution of a philosopher. (Peter Singer)
The discussion explores the evolution of Peter Singer's ethical views, starting from moral anti-realism to objective moral truths. It dives into non-cognitivism and critiques emotivism while highlighting the role of moral statements. The shift from hedonistic to preference utilitarianism is examined through thought experiments about happiness and authenticity. Additionally, the importance of aligning with individual preferences to enhance well-being is emphasized, illustrating the dynamic nature of ethical frameworks.

177 snips
Aug 1, 2024 • 36min
Episode #207 ... Fear is toxic to a democracy. (Martha Nussbaum)
Dive into the insights of Martha Nussbaum, exploring how emotions shape our societal interactions. Discover the stark differences between shame and guilt, and their implications on community dynamics. The discussion shifts to the toxic nature of fear in democracy, revealing how it disrupts discourse and fosters division. Hope emerges as a unifying force, essential for better communication among diverse groups. Finally, the episode champions active citizenship, promoting social justice and individual participation in governance.

315 snips
Jul 21, 2024 • 37min
Episode #206 ... Capitalism is dead. This is Technofeudalism. (Yanis Varoufakis)
Dive into the thought-provoking concept of Technofeudalism, where economic power mirrors feudal systems. Hear how Amazon transforms buyer-seller dynamics through algorithms and reshapes our understanding post-2008 crisis. Explore the surprising resilience of the stock market amidst economic decline, driven by central bank interventions. Reflect on how Technofeudalism affects living standards and the potential for a new, equitable corporate governance model that empowers employees. This deep analysis invites you to rethink capitalism and its future.

169 snips
Jul 1, 2024 • 32min
Episode #205 ... Why a meritocracy is corrosive to society. (Michael Sandel)
Dive into the dark side of meritocracy, where pride often overshadows humility. Discover how societal views on success are skewed by systemic inequalities, leaving many feeling undervalued. The conversation challenges the notion of individual merit, advocating for a broader understanding of responsibility and compassion. Engage with philosophical insights that question the moral foundations underpinning success. It's a thought-provoking exploration of how our beliefs shape society and the values we hold dear.