

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

298 snips
Apr 15, 2024 • 45min
Episode #199 ... A conservative communist's take on global capitalism and desire. (Zizek, Marx, Lacan)
Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on the blurry lines between left and right ideologies, exploring Lacan's insights on desire and identity. Uncover the unusual perspective of a moderately conservative communist critiquing modern movements. Learn how capitalism manipulates our desires through the lenses of philosophers like Zizek and Schopenhauer. The conversation delves into the implications of therapy in personal growth and the challenges capitalism poses to meaningful change. Tune in for a blend of humor and philosophy!

214 snips
Mar 24, 2024 • 37min
Episode #198 ... The truth is in the process. - Zizek pt. 3 (ideology, dialectics)
Delve into the intriguing dynamics of ideology and dialectics, particularly through the lens of liberal democratic capitalism. Explore how educational institutions and government evolve alongside societal changes. Rethink the relationship between law and transgression and how historical contexts shape justice and morality. The tension between political correctness and exploitation narratives is critiqued, while the interplay between Western liberalism and fundamentalism is examined through historical crises, offering a complex view of societal change.

239 snips
Mar 10, 2024 • 39min
Episode #197 ... New Atheists and cosmic purpose without God - (Zizek, Goff, Nagel)
Explore the clash between New Atheism and Creationism as philosophical positions are steelmanned for clarity. Delve into the critiques of materialism through the insights of thinkers like Philip Goff and Thomas Nagel. Discover the limitations of scientific explanations and the nuanced debate on the purpose of the universe. Engage with Aristotle's concepts on existence, seeking a deeper meaning in a cosmos often viewed through a purely empirical lens. It's a thought-provoking journey through ideology, consciousness, and cosmic purpose.

275 snips
Feb 24, 2024 • 34min
Episode #196 ... The improbable Slavoj Zizek - Part 1
Delve into the intriguing mind of Slavoj Zizek as his complex philosophical ideas are unraveled. Discover how ideology shapes discourse and influences our perceptions of social progress. Explore the tensions between environmentalism and consumerism, questioning the motives behind seemingly eco-friendly choices. Embrace contradictions in belief systems as stepping stones to critical thinking and personal growth. Prepare to engage with thought-provoking concepts that challenge conventional views and spark deeper understanding.

84 snips
Feb 10, 2024 • 31min
Episode #195 ... Could Anarcho-Capitalism be the solution to our problems? - Anarchism pt. 4 (Rothbard, Friedman, Malice)
Explore the intriguing divide between anarcho-capitalism and anarcho-communism. Discover the role of consumer choice in creating decentralized power through voluntary exchanges. Reflect on the historical challenges anarchist movements faced while gaining modern acceptance. Delve into the philosophical discussions on societal transformation and the impact of individual agency. With contrasting views on hope and cynicism, the conversation questions whether challenging entrenched power structures can lead to meaningful change.

115 snips
Jan 27, 2024 • 32min
Episode #194 ... Do we really need the police? - Anarchism pt. 3 - (Gelderloos, Security)
Dive into the critique of contemporary narcissism and its impact on authentic connections. Explore how technology creates social isolation, questioning if we’re truly losing community bonds. Delve into anarchist perspectives on authority, examining policing's role in safety and social order. The shift in neighborhood dynamics reveals growing reliance on police over direct communication. Finally, consider the complexities of anarchism, weighing historical examples of crime and community safety without traditional law enforcement.

151 snips
Jan 9, 2024 • 32min
Episode #193 ...The chief export of the western world is trash. - Anarchism pt. 2 (Bookchin, Social Ecology)
Explore the recurring influence of anarchism and its connections to modern issues like environmental crises. Delve into critiques of superficial environmentalism and the disposable culture prevalent today. The discussion emphasizes a more profound responsibility towards nature and examines the tension between capitalism and sustainability. Thought-provoking insights on the role of therapy and the anxieties surrounding technology, including AI, prompt listeners to rethink societal structures and advocate for grassroots change.

164 snips
Dec 25, 2023 • 28min
Episode #192 ... Should we overthrow the government tomorrow? - Anarchism pt. 1 (Chomsky, Malatesta)
Discover the often-misunderstood concept of anarchism, framed as a challenge to authority rather than chaos. Explore the limitations of traditional governments and imagine societies free from hierarchies. Delve into the debate over whether governments promote peace or suppress freedoms. Uncover the core values of anarchism: liberty, equality, and solidarity, and see how they're interconnected. The conversation also touches on modern digital security and financial management tools, providing practical tips for listeners.

122 snips
Dec 5, 2023 • 29min
Episode #191 ... The modern day concentration camp and the failure of human rights. (Giorgio Agamben)
Explore the thought-provoking critiques of Giorgio Agamben on human rights and their historical failures in safeguarding dignity. Discover how these rights have been manipulated by regimes to justify military actions. Delve into a chilling spectrum of political control, from concentration camps to police brutality. The conversation also touches on the joys and connections found in cooking, alongside discussions on privacy and vulnerabilities in international travel, urging listeners to reconsider the role of government authority in our lives.

520 snips
Nov 27, 2023 • 32min
Episode #190 ... Are emotions a waste of time? - Neo-Stoicism (Martha Nussbaum)
Delve into the heart-wrenching tale of Hecuba, the Trojan queen, exploring themes of loss and betrayal. Discover how Stoic philosophers like Epictetus and Seneca argue that emotions play a crucial role in moral reasoning. Uncover Martha Nussbaum’s insights on integrating classical Stoicism with modern psychology, emphasizing compassion and emotional awareness. Reflect on the importance of emotions for personal growth and ethical development, while critiquing the limitations of traditional political philosophies. It’s a deep yet entertaining conversation about humanity!