

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

103 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.

133 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.

159 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.

487 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!

555 snips
Oct 3, 2023 • 31min
Episode #189 ... Everything that connects us is slowly disappearing. - Byung Chul Han pt. 2
Delve into the alarming disappearance of rituals and community in our digitally dominated lives. Discover how technology fosters narcissism while eroding truth and shared values. Explore the anxiety produced by rapid information sharing and the rise of fake news. The conversation highlights the importance of diverse perspectives to uphold democracy. Finally, embrace the notion of being an 'idiot' as a resistance against the relentless pursuit of achievement, encouraging deeper contemplation and reconnection with what truly matters.

898 snips
Sep 7, 2023 • 33min
Episode #188 ... Achievement Society and the rise of narcissism, depression and anxiety - Byung-Chul Han
Explore the impact of neoliberalism on personal identity and well-being, revealing how individualism fuels narcissism and mental health issues. Discover the paradox of freedom in the digital age, where technology isolates us while promising connection. Learn about the commodification of authenticity and the anxiety that comes with the relentless pursuit of achievement. Additionally, find out why accessible mental health care is crucial in navigating these modern challenges and fostering genuine connections.

221 snips
Aug 31, 2023 • 37min
Episode #187 ... How much freedom would you trade for security? (Foucault, Hobbes, Mill, Agamben)
The discussion dives into the intriguing balance between freedom and security in society. Listeners are prompted to reflect on the implications of a surveillance state and the value of privacy. The episode highlights contrasting educational approaches regarding security and trust. It also touches on how technology impacts personal liberties and urges awareness of the trade-offs made for convenience. Key philosophical figures like Foucault and Mill are referenced, enriching the conversation around individual rights in a modern world.

242 snips
Aug 24, 2023 • 37min
Episode #186 ... Are we heading for a digital prison? - Panopticon (Foucault, Bentham, Cave)
Explore the thought-provoking concept of the Panopticon and its relevance to our digital age. Discover how constant surveillance can influence behavior, echoing Foucault's insights on power and knowledge. Delve into the historical role of intelligence in justifying dominance, and question whether technology is nudging us toward a digital prison. Uncover the implications for free will in a world increasingly monitored by AI, and consider the tension between personal agency and societal control.

180 snips
Aug 10, 2023 • 39min
Episode #185 ... Should we prepare for an AI revolution?
The discussion dives into the revolutionary impact of generative AI, revealing both its promise and peril. A hypothetical dystopia highlights the potential dangers of machine reliance and media addiction. The transformative effects of AI on the workforce are explored, showcasing how it can boost efficiency, particularly in healthcare and education. Philosophical questions about truth and identity in this tech-driven era are raised, prompting a thoughtful engagement with the rapid changes brought about by artificial intelligence.