Past Present Future

Political economist Helen Thompson discusses the rise and fall of the gold standard, its instability, and the transition to fiat money. Topics include why gold was chosen, the source of instability, and the impact of quantitative easing. Explore the evolution of the gold standard, political shifts in the 1930s, and the challenges of moving away from commodity-backed currency.

Adam Rutherford, a geneticist and science broadcaster, discusses the controversial topic of eugenics throughout history. They cover its origins, biases in data interpretation, the evolution of genetics, and modern reproductive technologies. They explore the complexities of genetic traits, the link between genetics and sports, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding eugenics.

Lea Ypi discusses liberation movements, from post-colonial to women's and gay liberation. They debate if liberation is about equality or difference and speculate on liberating children next. Bonus episode on AI and technology available. Next series: The History of Bad Ideas starting with eugenics.

Lea Ypi, a philosopher specializing in political theory, explores existentialism and psychoanalysis with David. They discuss free choice under despair, bad faith, and societal freedom lessons. Topics include contrasting existentialism with stoicism, individual agency shaping identity, societal conditioning, and the quest for authenticity in politics.

Political philosophy expert Lea Ypi discusses anarchist rejection of established order, historical anarchist initiatives, challenges of communal living in digital age, and the limitations of nihilism in offering constructive worldviews.

Lea Ypi discusses the free market's role in advancing human freedom, challenges, and failures. The podcast explores the impacts of free market capitalism on societies, the evolution of capitalism within democratic influence, and the dynamics of credit and debt relationships. It also delves into the complexities of trust in processes versus individuals, debates on private property models in Silicon Valley, and the interconnected dynamics of borrowing and exploitation.

Political philosopher Lea Ypi discusses Immanuel Kant's theories on freedom and peace. Topics include rational freedom, obstacles to peace, free speech in the age of the internet. Kant's views on history, human nature, and the potential for peace through international cooperation are explored. The podcast also delves into dissent, intellectual freedom, and the influence of technology on human reasoning.

Lea Ypi, an expert in the history of freedom and political philosophy, discusses Machiavelli, republicanism, and the protection of individuals from exploitation. They explore holding political elites accountable and strategies for escaping domination. The podcast delves into the concept of political freedom, civic virtues, and the evolution of Republican institutions in the United States, influenced by Machiavelli's principles. It also examines fear, personal independence, accountability in modern institutions, and Machiavelli's views on freedom and security.

Political theorist Lea Ypi discusses the ancient ideas of freedom from Socrates, Stoicism, and Christianity. They explore Socrates' approach of relentless questioning in pursuit of truth, the Stoic philosophy of personal liberation, and Christianity's unique concept of freedom tied to faith and salvation. The conversation delves into dissent, self-knowledge, and the intersection of philosophy and faith.

Lea Ypi, raised in communist Albania, discusses the history of freedom. Topics include childhood perceptions of freedom, the nexus of right and freedom, and the interplay of privilege and freedom.