Philosophize This!

On this episode of the podcast, we discuss Middle Platonism and the Race to the Dark Ages. We learn how Philo of Alexandria reconciled Judaism with Plato's vision of God as a master craftsman, and find out how this relates to building an IKEA bookcase. We also discuss the important distinction Plutarch made between a flatterer and a friend, and why he would have absolutely hated Facebook. All this and more on the latest episode of Philosophize This!Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcastX: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwestFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of the podcast, we continue our study of the Hellenistic Age, this time focusing on Skepticism. We find out how Pyrrho used Skepticism to endure surgery without anesthesia, and learn why you can never really know if a pomegranate is a pomegranate. We also discover how winning the lottery could be the worst thing that ever happens to you, and compare Skepticism's key philosophers to their Smurf counterparts.Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcastX: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwestFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the world of Stoicism as we explore the compelling stories of a crippled slave, a statesman, and an emperor. Learn what insights angry sports fans and even a bulldog can gain from Stoic ethics. Discover the power of expecting the worst to navigate daily challenges and embrace emotional resilience. Delve into core Stoic principles like virtue over pleasure, and the importance of accepting fate, all while reflecting on the humorous side of life. Get ready for a philosophical journey that pairs deep insights with relatable anecdotes!

Dive into the intriguing world of Stoicism and meet Zeno, whose shipwreck sparked a philosophical journey. Discover how Stoics would navigate a zombie apocalypse. Meet the eccentric Diogenes, who lived in a tub and caught the attention of Alexander the Great. Explore foundational concepts of logic and ethics, and ponder thought-provoking scenarios like living without modern technology after an asteroid impact. It's an enlightening jaunt through ancient philosophy that connects past wisdom to modern dilemmas.

Discover the intriguing world of Epicureanism during the Hellenistic Age. Uncover why Diogenes was such a fan of Epicurus that he left behind graffitis of his ideas. Engage with Epicurus' fascinating notions about pleasure, especially the joys of eating ice cream and the surprising similarities between high-end and budget jackets. Explore the importance of friendship in achieving happiness and the practical ethics that emerged from a time of chaos. This conversation promises a delightful blend of philosophy and relatable insights!

Discover the fascinating journey of Siddhartha Gautama as he transforms into the Buddha. Hear about his drastic shift from luxury to a life of asceticism, driven by the Four Sights that reveal the harsh truths of existence. Dive into the Four Noble Truths and how desire fuels suffering, making these concepts relatable. Explore the path to enlightenment through the Eightfold Path, emphasizing meditation and personal responsibility. Lastly, reflect on the balance between family ties and the pursuit of spiritual truth.

Delve into the fascinating life of Confucius, from his challenging beginnings to his rise as a profound philosopher. Discover how he championed education as a path to societal improvement during a chaotic time in ancient China. Explore the timeless teachings on ethics and personal growth that still resonate today. Uncover his political ambitions, struggles with betrayal, and his quest to leave a legacy. Finally, reflect on the lasting impact of Confucianism on culture and the ever-relevant theme of tribalism in human history.

Dive into the intriguing world of Taoism, where historical context meets philosophical exploration. Discover how Lao Tzu and Zhuangzi shaped ideas about harmony, non-action, and the yin-yang balance, critiquing societal structures and governance along the way. The podcast humorously navigates Taoist principles while reflecting on their relevance today. It also contrasts Eastern and Western philosophies, encouraging listeners to rethink personal problem-solving and political beliefs. A delightful journey into a timeless wisdom!

Dive into the fascinating world of Aristotle's contributions, from pioneering biological classification to the foundations of logic and the scientific method. Explore his controversial views on women and slavery, examining how they reflect the norms of his time. Discover the philosophical tug-of-war between Aristotle and Plato, especially in defining what it means to truly 'be.' Plus, join a playful segment on beauty inspired by Aristotle—engaging listeners with a fun contest to capture its essence!

Explore Aristotle's wisdom as a modern self-help guide, bridging youthful spontaneity with the need for direction. Discover how mastering daily actions can reflect personal growth, using cooking scrambled eggs as a humorous example. Delve into Aristotle's blueprint for a meaningful life, emphasizing goal-setting and prioritization. Uncover his insights on happiness, focusing on natural versus acquired desires. Reflect on identity and legacy through the poignant exercise of crafting your own obituary, encouraging deep introspection on values and aspirations.