Philosophize This!

Stephen West
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396 snips
Apr 24, 2023 • 36min

Episode #179 ... Why is consciousness something worth talking about?

Dive into the captivating world of consciousness! The discussion explores its philosophical significance, touching on free will, identity, and moral dilemmas. Challenge your understanding with thought experiments like the philosophical zombie. Discover the fine line between human experiences and those of animals, examining functionalism and empathy. Unpack societal perceptions of consciousness and their profound impacts on ethics, including animal rights and more. It's a thought-provoking journey into what it means to be aware and the implications that follow!
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153 snips
Apr 5, 2023 • 37min

Episode #178 ... Susan Sontag - How Much Is Your View Of Everything Affected By Metaphors?

Explore how metaphors shape our perceptions of complex ideas, especially in sensitive areas like illness. Dive into the cultural lens surrounding tuberculosis and cancer, revealing how societal narratives can influence our understanding of disease. Discover the impact of metaphors on cancer treatment perceptions and the confusion stemming from them. Finally, see how comedians tackle social issues through metaphor, making profound topics accessible while urging us to critically analyze these cultural narratives.
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125 snips
Mar 22, 2023 • 33min

Episode #177 ... Susan Sontag - Do you speak the language of pictures and videos?

Explore the powerful insights of Susan Sontag on how images shape our reality. Discover the manipulation behind visuals and the illusion of truth they convey. Examine the disconnect between consuming images of suffering and meaningful action. Journey through the realm of commemoration and contemplation, as listeners are encouraged to engage more deeply with media to foster empathy and provoke change. Unpack the significance of critically digesting visual content in today’s society.
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191 snips
Mar 1, 2023 • 33min

Episode #176 ... Susan Sontag - Do you criticize yourself the way you criticize a movie?

Explore Susan Sontag's provocative ideas on art and critique. The discussion challenges the dominance of psychological analysis, urging listeners to rethink how they evaluate emotions and art. Delve into the importance of immediate experiences over theoretical interpretations. By focusing on form and style, discover how cultivating deeper emotional connections can enrich personal growth and appreciation for art.
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166 snips
Feb 2, 2023 • 28min

Episode #175 ... Simone Weil - Vessels of God

Dive into the compelling ideas of Simone Weil as they dissect the dynamic interplay between willpower and attention. Discover how this balance is key to self-transformation and personal growth. The discussion challenges conventional notions of strength while illuminating practical ways to enhance awareness and presence. Uncover the relationship between acts of goodness and universal truth in a thought-provoking exploration of self-improvement.
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121 snips
Feb 2, 2023 • 31min

Episode #174 ... Simone Weil - The Mathematician

Dive into Simone Weil's profound ideas as a mathematician facing the challenges of a truth-hostile society. Explore her thoughts on the costs of authenticity and the value of clear thinking against ideological extremes. Discover how shifting perspectives can transform our views of others, fostering joy and deeper connections. Embrace humility and curiosity as tools for understanding yourself and the world around you.
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247 snips
Jan 10, 2023 • 31min

Episode #173 ... Simone Weil - The Need for Roots

Dive into the life and philosophy of Simone Weil, where a simple coffee shop conversation unravels profound insights. Explore how her factory work transformed her understanding of ethics, emphasizing direct experience. Unearth the duality of human needs, as Weil critiques society’s neglect of the soul in favor of the physical. Delve into how historical patterns of colonialism have shaped this neglect, revealing a critical view of our modern world.
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430 snips
Nov 21, 2022 • 38min

Episode #172 ... Simone Weil - Attention

Explore the extraordinary life of philosopher Simone Weil and her unique perspective on attention and ethical integrity. Discover her commitment to open-mindedness versus rigid agendas, emphasizing the importance of focused engagement. Uncover her experiences during the Spanish Civil War and the critique of worker dehumanization. The discussion highlights the balance between political activism and spiritual growth in the face of human suffering.
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356 snips
Nov 1, 2022 • 41min

Episode #171 ... Guy Debord - The Society of the Spectacle

The discussion delves into Guy Debord's concept of 'The Society of the Spectacle,' highlighting how modern consumer culture mirrors religious beliefs. It critiques the transformation of commodities into objects of fetishism, showcasing how appearances often overshadow substance. The impact of social media on identity and performative activism is examined, raising questions about authenticity. Furthermore, the podcast explores how societal norms shape personal choices, emphasizing the shift from 'being' to 'having' and 'appearing' in today’s digital landscape.
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270 snips
Sep 23, 2022 • 39min

Episode #170 ... Albert Camus - The Fall

Dive into the existential themes of Albert Camus' work as the discussion navigates the quest for personal meaning in a chaotic world. The podcast reveals the dangers of self-deception through Jean-Baptiste Clamance's character, emphasizing the importance of genuine self-reflection. Further exploration of Clémence uncovers his moral duplicity and psychological flaws, providing insight into the complex fabric of human responsibility amidst the absurdity of life.

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